Other Fun Stuff

SWWIM Reading Series at The Betsy Writer's Room presents eight celebrated women poets in residence, September 2025-April 2026. Each visiting poet pairs with Miami's vibrant literary voices for intimate readings, fostering cross-generational dialogue and celebrating contemporary women's poetry. This series offers audiences rare access to emerging and established poets in an intimate setting, fostering meaningful connections between writers, readers, and Miami's thriving arts community. Presented with support from the Jorge M. Perez Family Foundation CreARTE. ABOUT THE POETS Dr. Taylor Byas, Ph.D. (she/her) is a Black Chicago native who lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she is a Features Editor for The Rumpus, a Poetry Acquisitions Editor for Variant Literature, an Editorial Board Member for Beloit Poetry Journal, and an Editorial Advisor for Jackleg Press. She is the author of two chapbooks, her debut full-length, I Done Clicked My Heels Three Times, from Soft Skull Press, which won the 2023 Maya Angelou Book Award, the 2023 Chicago Review of Books Award in Poetry, and the 2024 Ohio Book Award for Poetry, and Resting Bitch Face, forthcoming in August 2025. She is also a co-editor of The Southern Poetry Anthology, Vol X: Alabama from Texas Review Press, and of Poemhood: Our Black Revival, a YA anthology on Black folklore from HarperCollins.  Rosa Sophia Godshall is the author of Many Miles (Harbor Editions). Her work has been published in Philadelphia Stories Magazine, Sentience Literary Journal, SoFloPoJo, SWWIM Every Day, Islandia Journal, Thimble Literary Magazine, Limp Wrist, and others. She was the recipient of the 2023 Christopher F. Kelly Award for Poetry, sponsored by the Academy of American Poets, through Florida International University. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and a degree in automotive technology. She is also the managing editor of Mobile Electronics magazine, a publication for the aftermarket car audio industry. Rosa lives in Palm Bay, Florida, where she enjoys working on her 1960 Jeep CJ5, repairing typewriters and writing typewriter poetry on demand. Visit her website to learn more: www.torquesgarage.com

Families can celebrate the holiday season with festive treats, games and coastal charm at one of Miami’s most historic beachfront parks. Presented by the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust, the Cookies & Cocoa event takes place Saturday, December 13 at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. Guests can enjoy amusement rides, kid-friendly games and a Santa photo experience in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

The Coalition to Empower our Future (CEF) will host a Youth Mental Health Roundtable on Wednesday, October 8. Moderated by former U.S. Congressman Carlos Curbelo and CEF Executive Director Glen Weiner, the discussion will examine the complex factors driving the youth mental health crisis and explore comprehensive, collaborative solutions.

Join us for a virtual discussion with Cuban economist Carmelo Mesa-Lago to celebrate the publication of his new comparative study of economic reform programs implemented across three socialist economies in recent decades. “Comparing Socialist Approaches: Economics and Social Security in Cuba, China, and Vietnam” represents the 95th monograph of Mesa-Lago’s distinguished career, and it illuminates the consequences of Cuba’s inconsistent, tentative approach to economic liberalization. Mesa-Lago will give a short presentation followed by commentary from Mauricio de Miranda Parrondo and a Q&A with the audience. Presentations will be delivered in both English and Spanish.

The Deering Estate, in collaboration with the Antique Automotive Club of America – South Florida Region, will host the 13th annual Vintage Auto Show on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests from the Miami area can enjoy a relaxing day outdoors as they stroll down memory lane. Car show enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy a variety of vintage cars, from 1965 and older, displayed on the historic grounds of the Deering Estate for Miami’s most exciting car show. As a salute to Charles Deering, first chairman of the International Harvester Company, our 1950 International Harvester Truck will also be on display. The Harvester Truck, which was donated to the Deering Estate Foundation, was purchased brand new in Chicago by Marion Deering McCormick, Charles Deering’s daughter. After Mrs. McCormick passed away in 1965, the truck passed to her son and was maintained by the McCormick family until they donated it to the Deering Estate Foundation. Please note that the historic house museums will be closed and not accessible at the car show.

Get ready for a night of family-friendly Halloween fun! This year, we're putting a spooky twist on our beloved campfires. After your spine-tingling journey, gather around a crackling campfire. Wear your most creative, spooky, or silly attire and sign up for our costume contest upon arrival at the park for a chance to win awesome prizes! Buy your experience online or call us at 305.247.5727 to purchase your ticket. No large coolers or pets allowed. Location: Fruit & Spice Park

Enjoy a night under the moon and stars in the Garden cozied up by a bonfire. Bring your telescopes to explore the night stars away from city lights. S'more kits and an assortment of drinks will be available while supplies last. Blankets, lawn chairs and small coolers are welcome. No large coolers or pets are allowed. Location: Fruit & Spice Park

Celebrate the magic of Fall with the whole family at Fruit & Spice Park! Enjoy a day filled with festive activities, from kids’ crafts and seasonal scavenger hunts to guided tours of what’s growing in the garden. Capture the season with cozy fall photo backdrops and make memories that will last all year! Special Highlights: The Homestead Cybrarium brings the joy of storytelling! Alan the Bubble Man fills the air with bubbly fun! Step inside SK Butterflies’ enchanting butterfly tent! Visit the Girl Scouts’ station to create your own binary bracelet! And of course, no fall celebration is complete without delicious bites—treat yourself to tasty food truck fare and savor a family picnic in the gardens!

The teachings on cultivating inner peace and serving others are heightened in the serene, one-of-a-kind atmosphere of Fruit & Spice Park. Surrounded by the energy of its rare and vibrant plant collection, meditation here is enriched by the park's tranquil character and its deep connection to the natural world. In collaboration with Kriya Yoga Institute, this session is guided by practitioners dedicated to love, compassion, cooperation, and service. Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this event offers a unique opportunity to let the park's calming presence and the timeless practice of meditation support your journey —nurturing your body and soul while awakening your spirit. In the company of a welcoming community, you'll explore a deeper stillness within an inspiring setting unlike anywhere else. Bring comfortable clothing, a yoga mat, and an open heart for a day of discovery, peace, and spiritual growth in South Florida's most exotic garden. Meditation is open to all levels, with a special focus on beginners. Includes admission to Park. Location: Fruit and Spice Park