EVENTS DECEMBER Miami Art Week If there’s any time for art lovers to be in South Florida, this is it. Check out more than 20 international fairs showcasing thought-provoking work from masters of modern and contemporary art. Don’t miss the parties that take place before, during and after the legendary Art Basel Miami Beach (see sidebar for Art Basel details). When: Early December Where: Miami Beach Convention Center and other locations in Miami-Dade County Web: miamiartweek.art blast off ! By Kate Bradshaw Few events signify human ingenuity and the absolute wonder of space exploration more than the moon landing. On July 16, 1969, the astronauts of the legendary Apollo 11 mission launched their flight to the moon from Florida, at Kennedy Space Center in Titusville on the Atlantic coast. In honor of that monumental event’s 50th anniversary, Kennedy Space Center is celebrating all year with special events and exhibits highlighting the importance of space travel and the technological marvels that make it possible. The “Year of Apollo” culminates in July with the opening of a new exhibit commemorating the milestone. Year-round, the visitor complex here offers exhibits that will amaze you. Wander the halls of the Apollo/Saturn V Center and Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame™. Want to know what it’s like to be on another planet? Take one small step with the Astronaut Training Experience Center, an immersive program where guests train to live and work on Mars through simulation technology. Learn about the past, present and future of spaceflight, watch a rocket launch and have lunch with an astronaut. Go behind the scenes with a bus tour of the center, which takes you past otherwise publicly inaccessible areas like launch pads and vehicle assembly facilities. Kennedy Space Center is also the closest publicly accessible place you can witness the rare phenomenon of a rocket launch. In April, a crew is set to embark on a SpaceX mission , and in June, a crewed Boeing Flight Test mission will launch from the center (launch dates vary; visit kennedyspacecenter.com for more information). Regardless of the time of year you plan your visit, Kennedy Space Center is bound to leave you and your crew in awe. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER CELEBRATES ‘YEAR OF APOLLO’ Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade There are many Florida holiday boat parades, but this one (known as “The greatest show on H20”) is the leader of the pack. The event gets bigger and better each year as South Florida’s famously lavish yachts, bedecked to the hilt with countless strings of sparkling lights, show off their holiday cheer along Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway. When: Early December Where: Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach Web: winterfestparade.com New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop This uniquely Florida event starts with a kid-friendly celebration that involves 10,000 beach balls falling from nets above Pier Park, live entertainment, fireworks and more. As the stroke of midnight approaches, the party culminates with the drop of a massive, LED-lit beach ball and a second fireworks display. When: Dec. 31 Where: Pier Park, Panama City Beach Web: visitpanamacitybeach.com TaxSlayer Gator Bowl One of the longest-running college bowl games in the country, this New Year’s Eve tradition is a faceoff between two top college football teams. Get into the spirit with team pep rallies and a New Year’s Eve celebration after the game. When: Dec. 31 Where: Jacksonville Web: taxslayergatorbowl.com OFFICIAL FLORIDA VACATION GUIDE ✹ 59
Visit Florida Visit Florida 2019: Page 58
