The Miami Beach Bandshell is an iconic example of MiMo (mid-century Miami Modern) architecture, in the heart of the MiMo Historic District in the city’s North Beach neighborhood. Managed by the Rhythm Foundation for the City of Miami Beach since 2015, the open-air venue now hosts more than 100 events each season. Bandshell visitors can experience music, arts and culture year-round, with a diverse mix of genres. We are looking ahead to our best year yet – with even more events and upgraded amenities.

Bandshell History

The Bandshell was designed in 1961 by architect Norman Giller. A leading figure in the MiMo style, his work is now featured on the National Register of Historic Places (an honor also bestowed on the Bandshell in 2022!). Historians Randall Robinson and Eric Nash described the Bandshell as ”a futurist take on a Roman Amphitheater.”

In the 1960s and 1970s, many events took place at the Bandshell, including filming of special winter editions of Mike Douglas’s televised talk show, and weekly ballroom dance nights popular with local seniors. During the 1980s and 1990s, the oceanfront ballroom became a rental facility used by various promoters – including the Rhythm Foundation, who began presenting shows here in 1999. Miami Beach children also remember rollerskating and movie nights at the Bandshell during this era.

The City of Miami Beach’s Planning and Parks Departments, with the involvement of the Mayor’s North Beach Blue Ribbon Panel, undertook a series of major facility renovations in 2009. In addition to the renovations, which also included the installation of a customized sound system, the Panel recommended that the City seek a professional management company via an RFQ – by which the Rhythm Foundation was awarded this contract.

The Rhythm Foundation’s management contract was renewed by the City in 2019, which also coincided with additional capital improvements – most notably the installation of canopy! This unique architectural addition, designed by Ira Giller (son of Norman Giller), retains the outdoor feel while protecting patrons from the weather.

History of shows since 2015

• “Sustainable Venue of the Year” – Time Out Miami, “The venue is managed by the Rhythm Foundation who is a founding member of the City’s PlasticFreeMB business certification program. The Bandshell has eliminated straws, plastic cups, and has free water bottle refill stations that make it easy for concertgoers to eliminate their own plastic footprint.”
• Water sold at the bar comes in aluminum cans, which can easily be refilled. We also recycle all aluminum through the Replenish program [link].
• Our canopy is made from a special photovoltaic fabric that uses solar power to generate its lights!

The Miami Beach Bandshell is a charter member of NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association. The organization was launched in April 2020 to provide support to small and mid-sized venues during the pandemic and beyond. Learn more.