The Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) will present the 39th Annual Art Deco Weekend on January 15-17, 2016.

In its 39th year, the Miami Beach festival is the premier event of the Miami Design Preservation League – A free community cultural experience for everyone to enjoy from morning until night.

This year the Miami Design Preservation League welcomes friends AIA Miami, Bass Museum of Art, Fantasy Theatre Factory, HistoryMiami, Life Is Art, Miami Center of Architecture and Design, North Shore Historic District Neighborhood Association, Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association, Perez Art Museum Miami, South Florida Lindy Collective, South Florida Region Antique Automobile Club of America, The Original Miami Beach Antique Show, Viernes Culturales, Wolfsonian/FIU and more to Art Deco Weekend.

With friends like these, you can expect over-the-top everything at what’s become, over almost two generations, South Florida’s dazzling annual kickoff. It’s Art Deco Weekend (ADW), the January 15–17 festival of art and architecture on Ocean Drive between 5th and 13th streets—and, like a party hosted by your favorite friends, it’s not to be missed.

39 years ago, the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) made history by calling attention to the Art Deco buildings that lined Ocean Drive and filled much of South Beach by spotlighting them during a weekend festival.

It didn’t happen overnight, but it happened. The city’s beloved Art Deco architecture has not only been saved, it’s put Miami Beach on the worldwide map as a glamorous, tropical holiday destination and a dream-come-true place to live and do business. But historic preservation, like sand castles and barrier islands, requires constant vigilance to survive. Today, the MDPL, founded to save the Art Deco neighborhood, throws this community cultural festival to celebrate architecture, preservation, education, history, advocacy, art, entertainment and the Miami culture we all love.

In 2016, MDPL and friends provide more excitement and innovation than ever before. That promises festival goers (you!) more antiques, more art, more artisan vendors, more jazz, more dance, more libations, more history, lectures and education, more kid friendly interactive fun, more sightings of Deco-era characters and sexy vintage cars—MORE MAGIC – more everything you’ve come to love about ADW. Take a peek:

The Original Miami Beach Antique Show brings the Antique Design Pavilion and Speakeasy Lounge to the beach, showcasing and selling the finest, funnest antique, and retro Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern furniture and accessories.

South Florida Region Antique Automobile Club of America celebrates 60 years by hosting more cars (and more memories) at the popular Classic Car Show on Saturday and Sunday.

Life Is Art curates the Art Park at Art Deco Weekend. Don’t miss the live painting demonstrations and performance pop-ups at the Art Bar in Lummas park.

South Florida Lindy Collective is committed to spreading the gospel of swing dancing. Dress the part, put on your dance shoes and join them on the beachside dance floor for 30 hours of live music and livelier swing under the palms or enjoy the show from the “ Starlight” Lounge.

HistoryMiami, Miami Center of Architecture and Design and AIA Miami are a few of MDPL’s lecture partners, bringing to life the theme “The Art of Architecture” during lectures and forums in the Art Deco Museum.

Bass Museum of Art, HistoryMiami and Fantasy Theatre Factory team up to educate kids so creatively they won’t know it’s happening. Speaking of happening, look for live performance, arts & crafts, music and tours.

North Shore Historic District Neighborhood Association, showcases MiMo architecture and ongoing preservation efforts with tours, talks, education and displays. Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association will showcase a public art happening in historic Flamingo Park.

Viernes Culturales uses live Cuban Afro music Friday night to draw attention to Little Havana’s historic buildings.

A highlight of the weekend will be the Barbara Baer Capitman memorial dedication on Saturday afternoon. Join local dignitaries to honor the founder of the Miami Design Preservation League and the mother of the Art Deco District!

And there’s so much more: ‘The Art of Architecture “ photo exhibit, pet parade, a retro fashion show, street vendors, specialty tours, live music,history and surprises at every turn. The festival, virtually a non-stop weekend of events for all ages, is free and open to the public:

• Friday, January 15, 2016: Noon – 11PM
• Saturday, January 16, 2016: 10AM – 11PM
• Sunday, January 17, 2016: 10AM – 8PM

Stay informed with ADW updates: Art Deco Weekend