Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Art Basel 2018: Top Parties NOT to Miss in Miami This Year


Miami has long been a party destination for music and art lovers so of course Art Basel is no different. The week long event has grown larger than life, spawning several unofficial parties for weeks before and after the actual event. Becoming akin to the large networking music, tech and film giant South By South West in Austin, Miami serves up all of the sparkling nightlife vibes that other large scale events simply lack. So to keep up, we’ve designed a guide for you to hit the best parties and enjoy your unofficial Basel.

 You Had To Be There with Adidas | 12/7

The popularity of banning phones during dance parties is nothing new, but it’s safe to say it has definitely taken off for solid reason. Forcing attendees to ‘live in the moment’ without the constant distraction of social media, You Had To Be There promises to be the party of the year. Like their successful parties in L.A. and Brooklyn, this one is sure to leave Miami buzzing weeks after – trust us when we say, YOU HAD TO BE THERE! Find out how to RSVP and buy tickets here.

Secret Walls | 12/8

We’ve previously experienced Secret Walls illustration battles in Denver during the CRUSH graffiti outdoor event, and it always promises to be a dope time. Within all of the contemporary and otherworldly art that will dominate Art Basel, the participants of Crush will undoubtedly satisfy graffiti fans with their extreme dexterity and skill. Viewers will have a difficult time taking their eyes away from the battle once it’s begun – make sure to save your cheers for the end so you can root for your favorite artist. Grab tickets for you and the crew here.

 Artechouse | 12/8 until mid January

Contemporary art and tech heads will have met their magnum opus at Artechouse – XYZT: Abstract Landscapes. Running from December 8th until mid January, Artechouse is the hottest ticket in Miami during Art Basel. Implementing shadows, light, time and space, this immersive installation drops you into a multisensory world that you aren’t likely to find anywhere else in the world. Initially unveiled in Washington D.C. back  in June 2017, the exhibit has also moved been shown in New York, but this will be its Miami debut.  Artechouse promises a virtual playground consisting of 10 digital landscapes, making it a one of a kind experience you have to see for yourself. We highly encourage you to grab tickets online for the select dates that are still available.

 Rakastella | 12/8

Taking over Virginia Key Beach on Saturday, December 8th, Rakastella invites you to seek what sets your soul on fire with an epically curated lineup for all dance heads to indulge. Among DJ Tennis, Virgil Abloh, Seth Troxler, Red Axes Live and more, an extra special appearance by Amê b2b Dixon is what truly makes this event unique. This will be their second most coveted performance of the year, following their b2b sets in LA’s Factory 93 Secret Project party earlier this year. Rakastella also promises a vinyl pop-up shop, several environmentally conscious installations and an unmatched focus on stage productions and visual art. Grab tickets here before you’re left out of the party!

Scope Miami Beach 2018 | 12/4-12/9

In its 18th edition, the critically acclaimed Scope Art Show will be in Miami Beach from December 4th-9th, and we’re beyond ecstatic to take in the massive collections they’re bringing in. Street art collective Hi-Fructose will also be hosting an array of artists such as Okuda, HOTTEA, and more. Hosting panels with Mastercard and giveaways with Bombay Sapphire, there is a lot to take in this year at Scope.

This is without a doubt one of our must attend parties of Art Basel week,  obviously with good reason. Scope are truly leading the way in the emergence of contemporary art, and you’ll want to be there. Featuring over 140 international exhibitors from 25 countries and 60 cities, there will be more than 60,000 attendees over six days. If those staggering figures say anything, it should tell you to secure your tickets to claim your part in the madness.

Art Plug Power House | 12/7 + 12/8

Perhaps the most looked forward to party of Art Basel week goes to Art Plug House, where some bizarre shenanigans are shaping into formation. This is definitely the first time we’ve been looking forward to hitting up an impound lot, and will probably be the last time a location like this will bring excitement rather than the disappointment that comes along with one being towed. Art buyer and show curator Marcel Katz is executing the most buzzed about party in Miami – and did we mention he’s also hosting a truck demolition to boot? We’re looking forward to catching some freshies from artists such as Robin Velghe, Ahol Sniffs Glue, Joel Alvarez, Ketnipz, CB Hoyo, and more. A musical showcase by Atlantic Records and appearances from super special guests are enlisted for the affair as well. We’ve also heard of a mechanical Unicorn that’ll be roaming the grounds… Art Plug House will be one of the top exhibitions to hit, so we advise you to snag tickets and arrive EARLY!

 Elrow | 12/6

As the #1 globally rated event in the world, elrow are finally making their Miami debut during Art Basel 2018. Known for their over-the-top theatrics, interactive stage performances and unmatched production, you can be sure that elrow has several tricks up their sleeves. El Triangulo De Las Rowmudas presents ‘The Party of Eternal Happiness’ and with a theme like that we’re already dreaming up what the night will be like. Join us on December 6th at Story Nightclub, where an underwater rager is awaiting you. With the music lineup dropping tomorrow, we can’t wait to see who will be gracing this once in a lifetime party. Tickets are available here – see you inside the Craken!

Boom Basel, presented by III Points + Fader | 12/6

It’s only expected to see a Basel party coming from hometown Miami festival III Points, and they’ve handpicked the perfect producers for the evening. Flying Lotus and Virgil Abloh will create the soundscape for attendees before the fest unveils a yet to be named special guest. With all of the big names in town, there’s really no telling who could be joining the double headline, but you can bet we plan to be around to find out. Join us and secure tickets.

 Juxtapoz Clubhouse | 12/5 – 12/9

Renovating 7 storefronts in downtown Wynwood, this will mark the largest takeover by mega popular collective Juxtapoz Magazine by far, and that’s why it’s been marked high on our agenda. Celebrating 25 years of spreading art from all walks to the masses, Juxtapoz are bringing pop-up vintage clothing shops, immersive group shows, and bizarre film screenings. Sealing the deal for us are pop ups from Rabbit Eye Movement and Superchief Gallery, two of our favorite artist collectives. Juxtapoz is a no-brainer – we promise you won’t regret arriving early to get in for this one. Tickets are here.

House of Yes X Pink Mammoth X ZERO | 12/8

Revered party planners House of Yes are coming down from Brooklyn to throw what is sure to be the most talked about party of Basel. Placing an importance on cultivating safe and fun environments where attendees are encouraged to express themselves, House of Yes have spawned an inspiring movement in the party circuit and beyond. When it comes to hosting the best vibes, House of Yes are tough to beat. Join us at the Nautilus Hotel for a must attend day party featuring special guest performances. Bring your suit! The event is free, so RSVP here.

Raw Art Pop Up | 12/5 – 12/9

Converting an abandoned department store into an immersive free-for-all for the week, RAW are determined to bend one of the golden rules in the art world – look, but don’t touch. This ‘choose your own adventure’ party lets you explore each part of the venue as another world designed by another artist. Over 80 creatives from across the globe will join in transforming this unique space, and there are even hints of a dystopian nightclub for those ready to unleash their inner Mad Max. RAW is a strange party dressed in a dark and sexy enigma, and we can’t wait to find out what’s in store. Check out the creepy teaser vid to get a glimpse of what RAW is about – get tickets while they’re still available here.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *