For most, Art Basel is not about belonging: it’s about snagging free champagne and mingling with those who do belong at one of the many parties accompanying the art fest. So let’s get this out the way: the parties are the best thing about Art Basel. Sure, there’s art. Great art. But it’s art that, to most of us, is intangible, by way of “oh I don’t have an extra $400,000 lying around.” So spend money where it matters: the parties and satellite fairs. To help you navigate the madness that is Art Basel, we’ve compiled a shortlist of some of the most (in our opinion) noteworthy events, shows and galleries you should consider checking out. Enjoy.
Look Alive Fest: Royal Trux + Wolf Eyes + Ono + Drew McDowall + The Siamese Pearl + Wasteland
Purveyors of all things cool, the Poplife collective has been responsible for bringing some of the best live acts to the Miami masses for the last… let’s just say it’s been quite a few years. They are onto it again during Art Basel, with no less than four shows: here, we highlight the most singular among them—Look Alive, a mini-festival headlined by Royal Trux and Wolf Eyes which takes place on December 8 at Churchill’s pub. And if European techno-punk is more your thing, scroll down for another Poplife event on the same night.
Friday, December 8, at Churchill’s Pub, 5501 NE 2nd Ave. Tickets: $25 at eventbrite.com.
Boys Noize at 1-800-Lucky
Poplife believes in the notion that there should be something for everyone—or there just wasn’t enough time during the tight Art Basel calendar to spread out these shows—so they did’s shy away from booking Boys Noize just two miles up the road to play at the same time as their other show, Look Alive Fest, is under way. And they aren’t offering up just music: the show take place at new Miami eat spot 1-800-Lucky, a food court which serves up fresh Asian eats from seven different vendors in a communal atmosphere.
Friday, December 8, at 1-800-Lucky, 143 NW 23rd St, Miami. RSVP at https://boysnoizefriends.splashthat.com.
Assouline x Surf Lodge: Andy Warhol’s Factory Party
Montauk hideaway the Surf Lodge is teaming up with Assouline to throw an Andy Warhol-themed party (whatever that means) in celebration of the release of Andy Warhol: The Impossible Collection, a photo catalog of celebrated and rare Warhol works, curated by former Warhol Museum director, Eric Shiner.
Thursday, December 7, at W South Beach, 2201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach. Admission: Guestlist only.
Bareback Follies by Susanne Bartsch
Nightlife impresario Susanne Bartsch brings her circus of oddities—drag queens and kings, burlesque performers, artists and children of the night—to Miami for a night of performances and inclusive partying. With performances by Brent Fraser, Amanda Lepore, Joey Arias, Julie Atlas Muz, Aquaria, Leonid The Magnificent, Brandon Olson, Shana Vaughan-Gabor and Juleisy & Karla.
Thursday, December 7, at El Tucán, 1111 SW 1st Ave, Miami. Tickets: $50 at eltucan.ticketleap.com/the-bareback-follies/details.
Catwalk: A Night of Vogue
If you think you’ve got it, why not prove it on the dance floor and get in on a chance to win a sweet $250 prize when Catwalk: A Night of Vogue, the now-legendary NYC party, relocates to Miami for another fierce competition as part of Satellite Art Fair? Music will be provided by headliner Cupcakke alongside MikeQ, Quest?onmarc, Jsport, Gooddroid, and Bonnie Beats.
Friday, December 8, at the Ocean Terrace Hotel, 7450 Ocean Ter., Miami Beach. Admission: $9 via residentadvisor.net.
Useful Info
Art Basel Hours
Thursday, December 7, 2017, 3pm to 8pm
Friday, December 8, 2017, 12 noon to 8pm
Saturday, December 9, 2017, 12 noon to 8pm
Sunday, December 10, 2017, 12 noon to 6pm
