The Monthly Dish January 2026: From Musical Nights to Themed Bites

The new year is a time for a fresh start in Miami, and that means setting goals to step outside your comfort zone to visit new places and do out-of-the-box things to truly celebrate all that makes the Magic City sparkle. From music-infused nights to a slew of themed bites, here are nine January events to kickstart the year with your best foot forward.

Get Immersed in Musimelange’s 12th Season at “The Art of Three”

The ultimate convergence of music, food and art—if you add anything new to your culture calendar to inspire 2026, make it Musimelange. Entering its 12th season, the intimate gathering invites attendees on a multisensory journey where classical music serves as a catalyst for connection, accompanied by delicious bites and liquid courage (vino) to foster conversation.

The evening is broken into three acts: Act I: The Prelude, which includes gourmet bites and hand-selected wines to complement the musical theme; Act II: The Concert, a close-knit performance showcasing the timeless beauty of baroque laced with the vibrant rhythms of jazz; and Act III: The Finale, a decadent conclusion paired with bubbly, fine cheeses, elegant macarons and gelato.

“What makes Musimelange unique is that no prior knowledge of classical music is required to feel at home; yet those who are experts will never be disappointed by the level of performance,” shares Anne Chicheportiche, violinist and founder. “The atmosphere and the stageless setting break down the traditional barriers between artists and audience, allowing curiosity, conversation and connection to take center stage.”

The first show of the 2026 season is “The Art of Three,” which was selected to uphold Musimelange’s three core pillars: music, food and connection. “‘The Art of Three’ brings these ideas together beautifully, making it the perfect way to launch the season,” says Chicheportiche, who will be joined by Christie Julien (piano) and Ashley Garritson (cello).

Another first is host venue Casa Nube, which was chosen for its representation as a blank canvas ready for creation, where visual artists Isa Zapata and Loïc Ercolessi will present their work. “It invites experimentation and will push us to evolve once again,” says Chicheportiche. “Musimelange is not just a concert, it is an experience.”

Monday, January 26 at 7 p.m.

Casa Nube is located at 2060 NW 1st Ave., Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit the event website.

Get Quacked Out at Duck Week

If you’re looking for an excuse to splurge on Komodo Miami’s peking duck (like you really need one), it has arrived. Enter: Duck Week, a limited-time dining experience of duck-driven dishes like duck salad, duck spring rolls, duck croquetas, duck fried rice and, of course, a half-serving of peking duck—plus, save room for rubber ducky flan. It all culminates this Sunday with Peking Duck Day, and you’ll get initiated into the Duck Club with a custom hat.

Now through Sunday, January 18; the limited-time menu costs $145 per person.

Komodo Miami is located at 801 Brickell Ave., Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.

Make Pasta Bolognese at Donna Mare Italian Chophouse

If your New Year’s resolution isn’t learning how to make more of your favorite Miami dishes at home, maybe it should be. Start by taking a beginner-friendly pasta-making class at Donna Mare Italian Chophouse, where you’ll join executive chef Luigi Iannuario for a prosecco toast before rolling up your sleeves. Get your hands dirty while crafting fresh tagliatelle from scratch using traditional Italian techniques, then mix the pasta ribbons with a hearty bolognese. After class, indulge in a seasonal charcuterie board before enjoying your starring entrée, followed by decadent tiramisu for dessert. BYO wine or beer as an additional pairing.

Various classes are scheduled through Thursday, January 29 at 6:30 p.m., and tickets cost $116.15.

Donna Mare Italian Chophouse is located at the Cadillac Hotel and Beach Club, Autograph Collection at 3925 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140. For more information, visit the event website.

Get into the Canes Spirit at the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live at Lummus Park

Whether you’re a UM grad or a diehard 305-born-and-bred Canes fan, it’s officially time to get into the championship spirit. Not since 1992 have the Miami Hurricanes had a chance to claim the title on home turf (RIP, Orange Bowl). So get ready to kick the festivities off SoBe style on the sands of Lummus Park with a two-night, free-and-open-to-the-public musical extravaganza ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship, where the Hoosiers undoubtedly have their work cut out for them. Night one gets lit with EDM from Calvin Harris, John Summit and XANDRA, and night two brings Latin flavor and global pop with Peso Pluma, Latin Mafia and Greeicy.

Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18 at 6 p.m.

Lummus Park is located at 1130 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit the event website.

Kiki in Paris Brunch Launch at Kiki on the River

Already boasting signature flair along the Miami River, Kiki on the River’s brunch will get steeped in Parisian charm, adding all things French to its funky Mediterranean open-air mecca. Think: pistachio croissants and macarons, along with new brunch items like Kiki lobster benedicts, classic shakshuka and Aegean French toast. Big Drop NYC adds a fashionable element showcasing its exclusive Kiki Collection, Taja Drip will offer luxury IV service and DJ Kune Tautou will spin into the late afternoon. And yes, there’s a dress code—get glammed up and pretty in pink for the fête, and don’t forget to say santé with free-flowing Whispering Angel rosé.

Sunday, January 18 from 1–5 p.m.

Kiki on the River is located at 450 NW N. River Dr., Miami, FL 33128. For more information, visit their official website.

Celebrate Ariete’s 10th Anniversary Bash

Chef-owner Michael Beltran’s Michelin-starred Coconut Grove outpost is turning 10 this month. Toast to a full decade of influential dining with a one-night-only milestone bash. Dive into a multi-course culinary journey honoring the Cuban-American mainstay’s history, which will include collaborations with former chefs, live local graffiti art and a high-energy after-hours bash at The Taurus. If you can’t make it, grab a curated keepsake on the Ariete website.

Sunday, January 18 starting at 5:30 p.m. The menu costs $125 per person.

Ariete is located at 3540 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove, FL 33133. For more information, visit their official website.

Set Your 2026 Intentions at the Ritual Dry January Workshop at Wyn Wyn

Getting back into the swing of things following a much-needed, well-deserved holiday break can be tough. That’s why the team at Ritual is giving you some grace. Still looking to set your 2026 intentions? Arlo Wynwood‘s got you. Enjoy a guilt-free clink to the new year with the hotel’s fresh roster of zero-proof cocktails crafted with Ritual (like the sober margarita, Mary’s mule and espress-no martini), and then spark creativity and set some goals in a guided vision board session.

Tuesday, January 20 from 7–9 p.m.; tickets cost $26.

Wyn Wyn is located inside the Arlo Wynwood Hotel at 2217 NW Miami Ct., Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit the event website.

ICON Live Launch at InterContinental Miami

A new monthly music series is making noise at InterContinental this month. Set to take over the Picante Terrace with breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay, the debut features Miami native and NBC’s The Voice Season 22 contestant Orlando Mendez, who will bring his own Cuban brand of country flair. The event is free and open to guests 21 and over, and KISS Country 99.9 will be on hand with swag and giveaways. Cocktail service via cash bar is available for those who fancy a pour. ICON Live will take place every third Thursday of the month.

Thursday, January 22 at 7 p.m.

InterContinental Miami is located at 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit the event website.

The Chef’s Garden Dinner Collaboration at Ford’s Farm

On the heels of its successful late 2025 launch, 5.5-acre organic Ford’s Farm in Homestead’s 2026 sustainable dinner plans are in full bloom. The largest collaboration yet, Michelin-starred chef Jeremy Ford will open his barn gate for guests while farmer Lee Jones (The Chef’s Garden) and chefs Jamie Simpson, Brad Kilgore and Seth Blumenthal, along with Joe Mizzoni, cook together in the field and over the nearby open fire. This farm-to-table experience is unlike any other in Miami; expect seasonal, homegrown ingredients to drive a veggie-forward feast, which starts with welcome cocktails and canapés as the sun sets (gush!), followed by a multi-course dinner with cocktails and wine pairings. Trust us: You’re going to want a seat at this table.

Saturday, January 24 starting at 5 p.m. sharp; tickets cost $200.

Ford’s Farm is located at 24605 SW 197th Ave., Homestead, FL 33031. For more information, visit the event website.