Heiva Miami is set to turn Miami Marine Stadium into a full-on Polynesian waterfront takeover, adding a high-energy splash to South Florida’s spring calendar. The two-day festival packs in Ori Tahiti and hula performances, ancestral strength games, a vaʻa paddling challenge on the bay, plus island food, craft vendors and plenty of family-friendly activities.
According to Heiva Miami, the festival runs Saturday and Sunday, April 18–19, 2026, at Miami Marine Stadium with free public admission and doors opening at 9 a.m. each day. Organizers note that sport competitions kick off at different times throughout the weekend and that some contests require advance registration or an entry fee.
As reported by WSVN, performers are coming in from French Polynesia and beyond, including Tahitian reggae artist Aremiti, and local teachers will be on hand to lead free hula and Ori Tahiti lessons. Organizer Andre Sosa told WSVN, “The meaning of Heiva is this big party where we celebrate life and we celebrate the culture.” Food vendors will serve island dishes such as Tonga’s lupulu alongside poke, shrimp rice plates and shaved ice.
Ancestral games and paddling
The program lines up traditional Polynesian-style competitions on the sand, including coconut tree climbing, fruit-carrying events, stone-lifting and beach wrestling, while the Black Belt Paddler Challenge unfolds on the water. According to WLRN, race categories span multiple crafts. Athletes must register in advance, according to Heiva Miami.
What to know before you go
Heiva Miami is free and family-friendly, and free admission tickets are available through Eventbrite. The festival is scheduled as a full-day program on both days. Expect waterfront traffic and limited parking at the venue, which local tourism authorities list at 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne. Greater Miami & The Beaches provides visitor details and maps to help plan your trip.
