What to Do in Miami for Art Basel & Art Week

Miami becomes the heart of the art world during the first week of December as Art Basel and Miami Art Week take over the city. Throughout Miami, Miami Beach, Wynwood, and the Design District, luxury brands, globally renowned artists, celebrities, and corporate sponsors converge. The 2025 lineup of events is more curated and lively than ever.

Keep reading for an Art Basel and Miami Art Week guide that spans nightlife, community events, and high-end art activations. We have lined up events for every budget so that everyone gets a chance to experience the flurry that is Miami during the first week of December.

What is Art Basel and Art Week?

Art Basel is the premier art fair that originated in Basel, Switzerland, and found a home in Miami in 2002 for the first time. The event has grown to become one of Miami’s most anticipated annual gatherings, attracting art lovers and partygoers from across the world. Its main attractions include satellite fairs like SCOPE and Context, and for the first time in 2025, the Art Basel Awards will crown its inaugural Gold Medalists during the Miami edition, honoring excellence across nine categories of visual culture. 

During the same week, Miami Art Week has been taking place since 2017, seeking to expand access, opportunity, and visibility for the global arts and culture community. Widely regarded as the world’s largest celebration of art and culture, Miami Art Week (December 1–7, 2025) attracts an international audience of collectors, curators, cultural leaders, and art lovers. The convergence of fashion, music, performance, and design shines a light on South Florida during December. With its global reach and local energy, Miami Art Week continues to be the destination for arts and culture each year.

Dejare’s Picks

Scope Art Show

• Dates: December 2–7, 2025

• Ticket Price: General Admission $60 | Get Tickets

SCOPE Art Show is a critically acclaimed platform for emerging contemporary galleries and artists, transforming a parking lot in Miami Beach into a dynamic hub of innovation and discovery. Attendees can explore curated booths, artist talks, and immersive installations that spotlight underrepresented voices in the art world. It's a must-visit for those seeking fresh perspectives beyond the main fair.

Context Art Fair

• Dates: December 2–7, 2025

• Ticket Price: One Day $68 | Get Tickets

Context Art Miami spotlights emerging and mid-career artists through leading international galleries, fostering thoughtful dialogues on contemporary themes at One Herald Plaza in downtown Miami. The fair features special exhibitions, artist projects, and VIP previews that benefit local institutions like the Perez Art Museum Miami. It's an intimate alternative to larger fairs, ideal for discovering boundary-pushing works.

Kaytranada at Citizen’s Lounge

• Dates: December 5, 2025

• Ticket Price: Starting at $75 | Get Tickets

This electrifying night at the Rubell Museum transforms the space into a pulsing lounge with sets from DJs Goldie Harris and DJ Trauma, building to a headlining performance by Grammy-winning artist Kaytranada. Blending house, hip-hop, and electronic vibes, the event captures Miami Art Week's fusion of art and music under the theme "The Living Originals." Expect high-energy dancing amid museum surroundings for a nightlife highlight.

Vacation Holiday Party at Gramps Wynwood

• Dates: December 5, 2025 (8 p.m.–2 a.m.)

• Ticket Price: Free | RSVP

Hosted by Vacation® and Poolsuite at the iconic Gramps bar in Wynwood, this festive holiday bash kicks off with tropical cocktails, live DJs, and a playful office-party vibe tailored for Art Week revelers. It's a laid-back escape from the fair circuit, featuring surprise performances and photo ops that embody Miami's irreverent spirit. Perfect for mingling with locals and visitors without spending a dime.

Patrica’s Picks

Design Miami

• Dates: December 2–7, 2025

• Ticket Price: General Day Ticket $47 | Get Tickets

Design Miami serves as the global forum for collectible design, uniting galleries, collectors, and institutions to showcase cutting-edge works in furniture, lighting, and installations at Mana Wynwood. Highlights include curated sectors like "Satellite" for emerging talents and talks with industry leaders on sustainability and innovation. In its 21st edition, it's a sleek complement to Art Basel, emphasizing design's role in contemporary culture.

Faena Art - Miami Art Week 2025

• Dates: December 1–7, 2025

• Ticket Price: Free | More Information

Faena Art marks a decade in Miami Beach with immersive programs, including Es Devlin's monumental "Illuminated Library of Us"—a 50-foot revolving installation inviting visitors to reflect on collective stories through light and literature. Additional activations feature artist talks, performances, and site-specific works across the Faena District. This free series blends theater, sculpture, and community engagement for an accessible entry into Art Week's theatrical side.

LVMH The Studio Miami

• Dates: December 3–7, 2025 (10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily)

• Ticket Price: Free | More Information

LVMH The Studio returns for its fifth anniversary as an immersive pop-up gallery in the Miami Design District, celebrating craftsmanship through collaborations with artists and maisons like Louis Vuitton and Dior. Expect interactive installations, limited-edition pieces, and panels on creativity's intersections with luxury. Open to the public, it's a polished oasis where high fashion meets contemporary art.

Lucid - Chroma 2025 Exhibition

• Dates: December 3, 2025 (starting at 4 p.m.)

• Ticket Price: Free | RSVP

Curated by Graciela Montich at Lucid Design District, Chroma 2025 gathers 22 international artists to explore resilience, sustainability, and human connection via paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. The opening features live painting by Kevin M. Fletcher, a DJ-percussion set by Dholi Ram, wine tastings, and artist meet-and-greets. This vibrant group show offers a thoughtful, inclusive lens on global themes during the week's frenzy.