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 120+ events each season. The cultures of Miami converge at the Bandshell, and audiences can enjoy music, arts and culture year-round, by world class artists in an intimate setting. Miami New Times’ Best of Miami named us ‘Best Live Music Venue‘ 2023!

bandshell

Your Visit

FOOD AND BEVERAGE: A full bar at all events offers speciality cocktails, craft beers, soft drinks. Most events also feature the Bandshell Cafe, with fresh-baked Yeti Pizza and other options. See individual show listings for more details. Questions?

 

CLUB BOXES offer an elevated experience for patrons.  These boxes are on an platform encircling the rear of the venue and include comfortable couches and chairs. At select events, Club Box patrons enjoy VIP hospitality and a dedicated entrance on Collins Avenue. Purchasing a club box includes admission for up to six people; the boxes can hold up to 10 people. Questions?

 

F.A.Q. answers many questions, including What Happens If It Rains (the Bandshell is covered with a canopy, and shows are rain or shine), can we bring our kids? (yes), parking info and others. F.A.Q.

Bandshell Bar

Club Boxes

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.

 

In 2017, the City of Miami Beach named the stage for Clark Douglas Burris. Mr. Burris, the beloved music teacher at Miami Beach High for more than 35 years, founded the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble in 1972 – the first-ever high school rock band (take that, School of Rock!). Despite living with MS as a quadriplegic for most of his career, he inspired generations of young musicians in our community. Enjoy Carry That Weight [LINK], the documentary about Mr. Burris and the Rock Ensemble made after he passed away in 2016. The Miami Beach Rock Ensemble continues to hold an annual tribute at the Bandshell each winter.

 

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.

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Sustainability

  • “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!