Your Guide to the 2026 International Ballet Festival of Miami: Events for Families, Ballet Fans, & Art Lovers
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 11 minutes ago
The 31st International Ballet Festival of Miami runs July 25th through August 16th, 2026, bringing three weeks of family-friendly events, dance performances, art exhibits, and films to Miami this summer. These exciting experiences will take place at the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center and venues across Miami and Miami Beach.
This festival is one of the best photo-worthy, kid-friendly cultural events in Miami! If you are searching for things to do in Miami with kids, ballet events near you, or simply a beautiful place to take pictures while supporting the arts, this guide has you covered.
📖 Don't Miss: A Children's Ballerina Story Time with Author Olivia Gabrielle
Ballerina Story Time
On August 12, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center, Olivia Gabrielle, the author of 10 Ballet Stories, will be presenting a special chapter from her book. The author will read the story of Don Quixote aloud, bringing the classic tale to life for young audiences and ballet lovers of every age.
Afterward, there will be an author Q&A, books available for purchase and signing, and freebies to take home. The author is also a classically trained ballerina and will be dressed as Kitri from Don Quixote, pointe shoes and all - so don't miss your chance to take photos and chat with a real ballerina!
10 Ballet Stories is a beautifully illustrated retelling of the world's most beloved classical ballets; it is published with Barnes & Noble and available online and at the festival. This is a free, family-friendly event that involves costumes, storytelling, and a historic venue.
What Else Is Happening at the Festival
Family-Friendly Events in Miami
This year's festival features tons of exciting ballet-related events, including performances, workshops, and daily art exhibits. Below are some stand-out experiences that are perfect for families:
Rising Stars Open Stage — Friday, July 31, 8:00 PM, on Lincoln Road at Euclid Circle.
Young Medalists Performance — Saturday, August 1, 7:30 PM, at Manuel Artime Theater.
Dance Marathon — Sunday, August 2, 3:00 PM, at Bayfront Park's Tina Hills Pavilion.
Photo-Worthy Art Exhibits
Art lovers and anyone looking for a beautiful backdrop should not miss the daily art exhibits at the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center, on view throughout the festival from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The standout is "Frida, un Sueño Caribeño," a tribute to Frida Kahlo by Cuban artist Estevan Machado Diaz, presented in collaboration with Roselle Gallery, on view August 8 at Moss Cultural Arts Center, August 9 at Amaturo Theater, and August 15 through 16 at Fillmore Miami Beach.
Also on view: "Magical Dance" by Carlos Guzman and "Convite a la Danza," a collective ballet pointe shoe exhibit, both running July 25 through August 16 at the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center.
Ballet Films, Free and Open to the Public
The IBFM Film Series brings four documentary screenings, all free and shown both in person and streamed live on the IBFM Facebook page:
Ballets Russes — Tuesday, July 28, 8:00 PM A look at the revolutionary early 20th-century ballet company founded in Paris, whose bold artistry reshaped the world of dance forever.
Primera Danza — Monday, August 3, 8:00 PM A tribute to Dominican Republic ballet mistress Miriam Bello, celebrating her legacy as a dancer, choreographer, and educator.
Cuban Dancer — Wednesday, August 5, 8:00 PM A passionate coming-of-age story following a young dancer's journey between Cuba and the United States in pursuit of his art.
Los Pasos del Tiempo — Friday, August 14, 8:00 PM An homage to three visionary women who brought ballet to the Dominican Republic, laying the foundation for a legacy that endures today.
Inspiring Conversations
"Dance and Dialogue," featuring Ballet Iberoamericano 50 Plus, an inspiring look at how passion for dance knows no age limit — Wednesday, August 12, 8:00 PM.
Discussions for Self-Improvement
"Dance, Movement and Personal Growth" with Paula Notarnicola, founder of Danza+ — Tuesday, August 4, 8:00 PM.
Galas and Classical Performances
The festival closes with two signature evenings at Fillmore Miami Beach: the Étoiles Classical Gala on Saturday, August 15, honoring a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and the Closing Gala on Sunday, August 16, presenting the Criticism and Culture of Ballet Award.
Bloch Pop-Up Shop: Two Chances to Shop, Fit, & Find Your Perfect Pair
As part of the International Ballet Festival of Miami, Bloch is bringing not one but two pop-up shop experiences to the festival, and dancers and dance lovers alike won't want to miss either one. Both pop-ups take place at the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center as part of the festival's third week of programming. Follow along for updates on the sign-up sheet and more festival happenings!
Contemporary Activewear & Accessories — Thursday, August 6, 2:00–6:00 PM
Shop Bloch's contemporary activewear and accessories collection in person, from studio-to-street pieces to the little dance-inspired details that make an outfit feel complete. Whether you're building your dance bag essentials or just love the aesthetic, this is the perfect chance to browse and shop in one place.
Pointe Shoe Fitting — Sunday, August 16, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
For dancers ready for (or due for) a proper pointe shoe fitting, Bloch's team will be on-site offering professional fittings throughout the day. A proper fitting makes all the difference in comfort, support, and technique, so this is a rare opportunity to get expert guidance in person. Sign-up sheet for fitting times coming soon, stay tuned!
Follow Along for More
Want to know about every ballet event, art opening, and photo-worthy Miami happening before it sells out or fills up? Check out the @internationalballetfestmiami account for official festival news and updates, and follow @swanlakelifestyle for full festival coverage, behind-the-scenes moments, and more free arts events across Miami.
Author bio: Olivia Gabrielle is the founder of Swan Lake Lifestyle, a Miami based media brand covering ballet, arts, culture, and lifestyle. She is the Official Press Partner of the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami and author of 10 Ballet Stories, published with Barnes & Noble.
