Coconut Grove Arts Festival returns with a vibrant celebration of creativity (includes video story)

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is back, with art afficionados and new creatives lining the neighborhood’s streets. This year’s long-standing tradition of showcasing diverse talent continues, featuring over 280 artists displaying everything from paintings and sculptures to 3D animation and interactive exhibits. 

Organized by the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association, a nonprofit dedicated to arts education, the festival provides money for year-round programs and scholarships for students pursuing the fine arts. 

The event has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1963, when it started as a small outdoor exhibition for the Coconut Grove Playhouse. Today, it is one of Miami’s largest outdoor events, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. 

Media artist Carla Bank, an exhibitor since 2023, shared her experience of participating in the festival, while chair-elect Pamela Mayer highlighted new additions and what visitors can expect this year.

“This year there are over 100 artists that have never appeared in the festival before, and that’s exciting,” said Mayer.

Brenda Miranda is a junior at Florida International University majoring in digital broadcasting & journalism. She’s passionate about reporting truth that inspires positive change and aims to report news through grassroot media platforms while connecting with major outlets like CNN and NBC. Miranda is committed to using her storytelling skills to highlight important issues and give a voice to underrepresented communities.