Monday September 28 β™Ώ Miami-Dade Disability & Autism Newsletter 🧩 Monday September 28


β™Ώ Miami-Dade Disability & Autism Newsletter 🧩

Good morning, my fellow Miamians 🦩

The Arc of South Florida opens its Beyond Barriers online auction today, and you have until Friday night to bid on getaways, experiences, and gift cards from wherever you happen to be sitting. Then the calendar flips to October and the first weekend arrives loaded: a full day Symposium on Key Biscayne for families planning their child's future, free 1st Saturday museums, and a Sunday made for costumes without the scary.

Special Olympics Florida wants your help. Their fall competition season needs volunteers, and this edition shows you where to sign up. And when you finally get a minute on the couch, Andy Garcia's 'All Access' show keeps turning its cameras on the special needs community.

Victor Antunez | 305.401.6224

Real Estate Professional πŸ”‘ Autism Dadvocate


Today's Edition Includes

  1. Special Olympics Florida: Volunteer Opportunities
  2. This Week’s Events Calendar
  3. October's Events Calendar
  4. Ongoing Weekly & Monthly Events Calendar
  5. Events Further Out to Plan Ahead For
  6. All Access with Andy Garcia: the series regularly turns its camera on the special needs community

🫢🏼 This Week's Events

MONDAY

​Today - Friday, Beyond Barriers Online Auction, closes Friday at 8pm: The Arc of South Florida hosts an online auction of items, experiences, gift cards, and getaways, with proceeds benefiting its programs. Bid anytime from anywhere. Registration required.


WEDNESDAY

​Ability Allies: Fun Without Limits, 5-6pm: Social meetup for special needs teens ages 16+ and their families, with sensory-friendly activities and creative play. Caregiver participation encouraged. Coral Reef Branch Library, 9211 Coral Reef Dr

​My Squad, 6-9pm: Social gathering for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd


THURSDAY

​Ghost Tour at Deering Estate, 7:30pm - 9:30pm: Guided night tour of the estate's history and the paranormal activity reported by visitors and staff. Ghost-hunting equipment welcome. $45. Recommended for ages 9+. 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Palmetto Bay

​Veterans Adaptive Fishing at Shake-A-Leg Miami: 2620 S Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove


FRIDAY

​FREE, Coral Gables Museum Gallery Night, 6-10pm: 285 Aragon Ave


SATURDAY

​Key Biscayne Inclusion & Disability Symposium, 9am-3:15pm: For families raising children with disabilities, from early intervention and school supports to planning for adulthood and long-term security. Key Biscayne Community Center, 10 Green Way

​FREE, The Home Depot Kids Workshop, 9am: Activities & crafts

​FREE, Music and Movement at Main Library, 10am: Workshop for kids ages 1-3 using songs, rhythm, and play to build early literacy skills. 101 West Flagler Street

​Fresh A.I.R. Messy Paint, 10am - 12 noon: Monthly series for neurodiverse families to explore accessibility in nature. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd. Questions: PlayForAll@CoralGables.com

​Gold Coast Railroad Museum, 10am-4pm: Free admission with train rides available for purchase. 12450 SW 152 St, next to Zoo Miami

​We Can Sail at Shake-A-Leg Miami, 10am-2pm: Ages 6-22, inclusive sailing and waterfront activities. No experience needed. $50 per session. 2620 S Bayshore Dr


SUNDAY

​Dog Dates at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 8am-10am: Bring your dog to explore the garden's tropical grounds. Enter through the Lowlands gate. Tickets required. 10901 Old Cutler Road

​Chuck E. Cheese, 9-11am: Opens early exclusively for Sensory Sensitive Sunday (Kendall, Hialeah, Aventura)

​LEGO Club, 10am: All supplies provided. Designed for people with disabilities, all welcome. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd

​Sensory Skate at Miami Roller Rink, 10am-12 noon: Sensory-friendly roller skating with low music, still lights, and a quiet area. Skate rentals & trainers included. Reduced capacity. All ages. 12265 SW 112th Street

​Not So Scary Halloween Bash at Miami Children's Museum, 1pm-5pm: Halloween with trick-or-treating through the museum, pumpkin decorating, spooky arts & crafts. 980 MacArthur Causeway

​Social Program at Shake-A-Leg Miami, 10am-2pm: Water activities, socialization, and professional training for students & young adults with IDD in a safe and supportive environment. 2620 S Bayshore Dr


​Now through October 31st, Bugtopia at Zoo Miami: Giant animatronic insects, with bug-detective stations where kids earn a junior entomologist certificate.

​Now through Sunday November 8th, Pinto's Farm Pumpkin Patch: Pumpkin patch with animal encounters. Rides close at 7pm. 14890 SW 216th St

​Now through November 15th, Harvest Festival at The Berry Farm, 10am: Corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and farm animals. 13720 SW 216th St, Redlands

​Now through November 29th, Fall at the Farm at Tinez Farms: Pony rides, horse rides, train rides, and animal feeding. Live music every weekend. Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 6pm. 16405 SW 177th Ave


Days & Times May Change πŸ”¦ Confirm Before Going

πŸ“Œ Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them ✏️

πŸ—“ October's Events Calendar

​Monday October 5th, Ludlam Trail Public Meeting at South Miami Senior High School, 6pm - 7:30pm: Meeting on the Ludlam Trail, with the latest updates and a chance to ask questions and give input. Attend in person or virtually. 6856 SW 53rd Street

​Tuesday October 6th, Ghost Tour at Deering Estate, 7:30pm - 9:30pm: Guided night tour of the estate's history and the paranormal activity reported by visitors and staff. Ghost-hunting equipment welcome. $45. Recommended for ages 9+. 16701 SW 72nd Ave

​Thursday October 8th, Ghost Tour at Deering Estate, 7:30pm - 9:30pm: Guided night tour of the estate's history and the paranormal activity reported by visitors and staff. Ghost-hunting equipment welcome. $45. Recommended for ages 9+. 16701 SW 72nd Ave

Saturday October 10th, Harvest & Wellness Family Festival at Tropical Park Westchester Cultural Arts Center, 10am - 3pm, FREE: Fall festival with a pumpkin patch, music, arts, crafts, adapted sports, adult activities, rides, concessions, a Little Artisan Market, and a kid's costume contest (no masks). 7930 SW 40 Street

​Saturday October 10th, Parading in Pink and Purple, 8am - 1pm: Walk honoring breast cancer and lupus survivors and remembering those lost. Come dressed in shades of pink and purple. Survivors can register to be recognized. 3000 NW 199th Street, Miami Gardens

​Saturday October 10th, Miami Loop Summit at Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, 8:30am - 1pm: Summit on the 225-mile trail network planned around Miami-Dade, presented by Commissioner Ralph Rosado and Rails to Trails Conservancy. Building 3, Chapman Room. Questions: d4@miami.gov or 305-250-5420. 300 NE 2nd Avenue

​FREE, Sunday October 11th, Fairy Garden at Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 10am - 12 noon: Halloween garden adventure with special guest Christina Pettersson. Reserve in advance. 2000 Convention Center Drive

​FREE, Sunday October 11th, Little Monster Tales at Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 12 noon - 1pm: Fantasy Theater Factory brings children's monster stories to life with puppets, music, and a monster dance. Reserve in advance. 2000 Convention Center Drive

Tuesday October 13th, CARD Just for Moms Support Group, 6:30pm: For Moms raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Daniela Chaparro at dchaparro@miami.edu

​Tuesday October 13th, Ghost Tour at Deering Estate, 7:30pm - 9:30pm: Guided night tour of the estate's history and the paranormal activity reported by visitors and staff. Ghost-hunting equipment welcome. $45. Recommended for ages 9+. 16701 SW 72nd Ave

​FREE, Wednesday October 14th, Run and Walk with a Cop at BOXR Gym, 6:30pm: 5K run and walk with Miami Police Department officers, with a DJ spinning from the BOXR truck. 1310 NE 1st Avenue

​Wednesday October 14th, Autism Moms' Night Off: Halloween Party at No Limits Coffee Shop, 7:30pm - 11pm: Halloween-themed night off for moms of autistic and neurodivergent children, with karaoke, refreshments, and drinks. $20; RSVP required. 13920 SW 47th Street

​Thursday October 15th, Miami Lighthouse White Cane Day Walk, 8:30am: Fundraiser. Blind and visually impaired participants walk from the Miami Lighthouse campus down SW 8th St and back, escorted by City of Miami police and fire. 601 SW 8th Ave

​Thursday October 15th, Woody Golf Classic at Topgolf Miami Doral, 3:30pm - 7pm: Fundraiser benefiting Shake-A-Leg Miami, serving people living with paralysis. No golf experience needed, practice, tournament play, awards, and an open bar. Registration from $300 per player, plus team and sponsorship levels. 11850 NW 22nd Street

​Thursday October 15th, Ghost Tour at Deering Estate, 7:30pm - 9:30pm: Guided night tour of the estate's history and the paranormal activity reported by visitors and staff. Ghost-hunting equipment welcome. $45. Recommended for ages 9+. 16701 SW 72nd Ave

​Thursday October 15th, Breathwork & Sound Healing at Superblue Miami, 7pm: Breathwork and movement session led by Michelle, closing with gong, bowls, and handpan. Ticket includes general admission to Superblue's immersive art experiences; arrive early. 1101 NW 23rd Street

​Friday October 16th, Great Heights Academy's Fall Harvest Festival, 5pm: Games, hay rides, face painting, food, a mechanical bull, petting zoo, bounce house, and a pie eating contest. Admission $15. 13920 SW 47 Street

​Friday October 16th - Sunday October 18th, Redland International Orchid Festival at Fruit & Spice Park, 9am - 5pm: Orchids, expert growers, local vendors, and tropical gardens. See festival website for ticket information. 24801 SW 187th Avenue, Homestead

​Friday October 16th - Saturday October 17th, Best Buddies Family Forever Conference: For parents and caregivers of individuals with IDD. Workshops, wellness sessions, expo, and a welcome reception to help families connect, learn, and recharge. $249 registration covers meals, workshops, and materials. Columbus, Ohio

​Saturday October 17th, Breakfast Club at No Limits Coffee Shop, 9:30am - 11:30am, FREE: Samantha's Purpose hosts a morning of breakfast, games, arts & crafts, and making new friends for kids with special needs. Registration required. 13450 SW 128th Street.

​Saturday October 17th, Susan G. Komen Miami MORE THAN PINK Walk: Walk supporting breast cancer research, patient support, and access to screening and treatment. Walk begins 9am. Registration required.

​Saturday October 17th, Sensory Friendly Session at Superblue Miami, 9am - 10am: Quiet morning for neurodiverse guests and those with sensory sensitivities, or other physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. Created in partnership with UM-NSU CARD. Advance ticket purchase required. 1101 NW 23rd Street

​Saturday October 17th, ​Parents & Educators​ Conference for 2E GT Neurodiversity, 9am - 1pm: With experts from The Association for the Gifted Council for Exceptional Children. Continental breakfast included. $5 parent tickets, $10 educator tickets. Hotel Miami Dadeland, 7695 N Kendall Drive

​Sunday October 18th, Dog Dates at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 8am - 10am: Bring your dog to explore the garden's tropical grounds. Enter through the Lowlands gate. Tickets required. 10901 Old Cutler Road

Tuesday October 20th, CARD Just for Dads Support Group, 6:30pm: For Dads raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Dr. Alessandri at malessandri@miami.edu

​Tuesday October 20th, Ghost Tour at Deering Estate, 7:30pm - 9:30pm: Guided night tour of the estate's history and the paranormal activity reported by visitors and staff. Ghost-hunting equipment welcome. $45. Recommended for ages 9+. 16701 SW 72nd Ave

​Thursday October 22nd, Ghost Tour at Deering Estate, 7:30pm - 9:30pm: Guided night tour of the estate's history and the paranormal activity reported by visitors and staff. Ghost-hunting equipment welcome. $45. Recommended for ages 9+. 16701 SW 72nd Ave

​Friday October 23rd, Employment Pathways for Adults with IDD, 9am - noon, FREE: Connecting businesses with employers that create job opportunities for adults with IDD. Meet employment-service organizations, learn about job coaching and supports, explore federal and state tax incentives, and access paid training programs. 2801 Salzedo Street

​FREE, Saturday October 24th, Gentle Trick-or-Treat at Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 1pm - 3pm: Sensory-friendly Halloween for children with sensory needs, with trick-or-treating. Nothing scary, no masked adults. Registration required; capacity limited. 3940 Granada Boulevard, Coral Gables

​Saturday October 24th, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Miami-Dade, 7am: Walk celebrating survivors and raising funds for breast cancer research and patient services. All participants register for the walk. Registration required. loanDepot park West Plaza, 501 Marlins Way

​Saturday October 24th, Stargazing Night - Hunter's Moon at Fruit & Spice Park, 7:30pm - 10:30pm: Under the moon and stars in the Garden by a bonfire. Children 5 and under free, members free. 24801 SW 187 Ave

​Saturday October 24th, Zoo Boo at Zoo Miami, 10am - 3pm: Kid-friendly trick-or-treating, costume contest, inflatables, live DJ, and magic shows. Included with zoo admission. 12400 SW 152nd Street

​Sunday October 25th, Zoo Boo at Zoo Miami, 10am - 3pm: Kid-friendly trick-or-treating, costume contest, inflatables, live DJ, and magic shows. Included with zoo admission. 12400 SW 152nd Street

​Sunday October 25th, Dog Dates at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 8am - 10am: Bring your dog to explore the garden's tropical grounds. Enter through the Lowlands gate. Tickets required. 10901 Old Cutler Road

​Tuesday October 27th, Ghost Tour at Deering Estate, 7:30pm - 9:30pm: Guided night tour of the estate's history and the paranormal activity reported by visitors and staff. Ghost-hunting equipment welcome. $45. Recommended for ages 9+. 16701 SW 72nd Ave

​FREE, Wednesday October 28th, Food and Meals at Pinecrest Community Center, 10:30am: Parenting Workshop on food and mealtime for kids ages 1-3. 5855 Killian Drive, Pinecrest

​Thursday October 29th, Ghost Tour at Deering Estate, 7:30pm - 9:30pm: Guided night tour of the estate's history and the paranormal activity reported by visitors and staff. Ghost-hunting equipment welcome. $45. Recommended for ages 9+. 16701 SW 72nd Ave

​Friday October 30th, Halloween Party at No Limits Coffee Shop, 7pm - 10pm: Halloween party for the neurodivergent community ages 15+, DJ, dancing, and food. $25. 13920 SW 47th St

​Saturday October 31st, Spooky Science Monster Mash at Frost Museum of Science, 11am - 3pm: Halloween science day with chemistry reactions, experiments in the Mad Science Lab, and scientists from local universities celebrating National Chemistry Week. Included with regular admission. 1101 Biscayne Boulevard

​Saturday October 31st, Moving Day Miami at Tropical Park, 9am - 12pm, FREE: 1-mile walk for the Parkinson's Foundation. Activities start at 9am and the walk begins at 10:30am. 7900 SW 40th Street

​Saturday October 31st, Boo in Bloom at Fruit & Spice Park, 10am - 5pm: Halloween celebration. Come in costume and receive a free seed pack while supplies last; costume contest at 2pm. $15 adults ages 12+, $8 children ages 6-11, children 5 and under free, members free. 24801 SW 187th Avenue, Homestead


Days & Times May Change πŸ”¦ Confirm Before Going

πŸ“Œ Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them ✏️

Ongoing Weekly & Monthly Events ✈️

EVERY WEDNESDAY

​Ability Allies: Fun Without Limits, 5-6pm: Social meetup for special needs teens ages 16+ and their families, with sensory-friendly activities and creative play. Caregiver participation encouraged. Coral Reef Branch Library, 9211 Coral Reef Dr

​My Squad, 6-9pm: Social gathering for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd

2nd & 4th WEDNESDAY

​AMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: Adult audiences at participating locations


EVERY THURSDAY

​Veterans Adaptive Fishing at Shake-A-Leg Miami: 2620 S Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove

3rd THURSDAY

​FREE, The Bass Museum, 6-9pm: 2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach


1st FRIDAY

​FREE, Coral Gables Museum Gallery Night, 6-10pm: 285 Aragon Ave

3rd FRIDAY

​FREE, Miami Children's Museum, 3pm - 8pm: Free admission on the third Friday of the month. 980 MacArthur Causeway


EVERY SATURDAY

​We Can Sail at Shake-A-Leg Miami, 10am-2pm: Ages 6-22, inclusive sailing and waterfront activities. No experience needed. $50 per session. 2620 S Bayshore Dr

1st SATURDAY

​Gold Coast Railroad Museum, 10am-4pm: Free admission with train rides available for purchase. 12450 SW 152 St, next to Zoo Miami

​FREE, The Home Depot Kids Workshop 9am: Activities & crafts

2nd SATURDAY

​AMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations

​FREE with RSVP, Miami Children’s Museum, 9-11am: Sensory Friendly Activities for Kids, 980 MacArthur Cswy

​Museum of Miami 12-5pm: FREE Family Fun Day, 101 W Flagler Street

​FREE, Perez Art Museum (PAMM) 11am-3pm: Activities for children and adults, guided tours, guest artists, films, and performances. 1103 Biscayne Blvd

​FREE, The Sensory Lab: Ages 3-12, for details text Elton: 305.878.9654, 5825 SW 68 Street, Suite 2

​Paradox Museum Sensory Friendly Sessions, 9 - 11am: $10 per person with 50% of proceeds benefiting The Dan Marino Foundation, 2301 N Miami Ave

3rd SATURDAY

​FREE, Coral Gables Museum Family Day 10am-6pm: Family Day, 285 Aragon Ave

​FREE, Frost Museum of Science 'JUST FOR ME' ​10am-11:30am: Sensory-friendly experience for kids with disabilities, 1101 Biscayne Blvd (limited number of FREE admissions)

​Miami-Dade Tax Collector Neuro-Inclusive Service Day 8:30am - 4:30pm: Connect with county services: disability parking permit and autism decal, Florida ID cards, voter registration, disability tax exemption assistance, and disabilities sunflower lanyards, 200 NW 2 Ave

4th SATURDAY

​AMC Sensory-Friendly Screenings: At participating locations


EVERY SUNDAY

​​Social Program at Shake-A-Leg Miami, 10am - 2pm: Water activities, socialization, and professional training for students & young adults with IDD in a safe and supportive environment, 2620 S Bayshore Dr

1st SUNDAY

​Chuck E. Cheese, 9-11am: Opens early exclusively for Sensory Sensitive Sunday (Kendall, Hialeah, Aventura)

​LEGO Club, 10am: All supplies provided. Designed for people with disabilities, all welcome. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd

LAST SUNDAY

​The Bass Museum Family Day, 12-5pm, FREE: Hands-on art making from 2-4pm, a scavenger-hunt art explorer guide through the galleries. 2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach


MONTHLY, DATES VARY

​Miami-Dade Public Library Inclusive Programs: For kids & teens with IDD, featuring movies, crafts, and gaming in an environment where jumping, dancing, singing, and shouting are welcome, plus inclusive social meetup groups for special needs children and teens with their families.

​The Social Cog: Social club that helps independently functioning adults with autism and other developmental and social challenges build friendships through an accepting peer group, one-on-one coaching from trained clinicians, and monthly group outings. 305-501-2333


Days & Times May Change πŸ”¦ Confirm Before Going

πŸ“Œ Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them ✏️

⏳ Events Further Out to Plan Ahead For

​Sunday November 1st, Autism Society of Miami-Dade 5K Run/Walk at Zoo Miami: Check-in opens at 6:30am, race begins at 8am

​Sunday November 1st, Dog Dates at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 8am - 10am: Bring your dog to explore the garden's tropical grounds. Enter through the Lowlands gate. Tickets required. 10901 Old Cutler Road

​Sunday November 1st, Spooky Symphony at New World Center, 11:30am: Family concert of Halloween classics by the New World Symphony for ages 4 - 9. Come in costume and arrive early for hands-on activities and a spooky soiree. Ticketed. 500 17th Street, Miami Beach

​Saturday November 7th, A Night in Paradise 2026 Journey of Dreams Gala, ​7pm: Hosted by Parent to Parent of Miami at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, fundraiser supporting families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. 255 Biscayne Blvd Way

​Saturday November 7th, Amigos Night 2026, 8pm-1am: Programs empowering families through after-school enrichment, parent education, and wrap-around support. The Hangar at Regatta Harbour, 3385 Pan American Drive

​Sunday November 8th, Miracle Walk & 5K Run for the Down Syndrome Association of Miami: 1-mile Miracle Walk and a 5K Miracle Run supporting its programs for the Down syndrome community. Registration required​

Tuesday November 10th, CARD Just for Moms Support Group, 6:30pm: For Moms raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Daniela Chaparro at dchaparro@miami.edu

​Saturday November 14th, Fresh A.I.R. Slime, 3 - 5pm: Monthly series for neurodiverse families to explore nature. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd. Questions: PlayForAll@CoralGables.com

​Saturday November 14th, Jelly & Jam Making Class at Fruit & Spice Park, 11am - 12:30pm: Learn to transform tropical fruits into preserves. $35 adults 12+ and $28 children (both include park admission), members $10. 24801 SW 187th Avenue, Homestead

​FREE, Saturday November 14th, Downtown Doral Arts Festival, 10am - 6pm: 2-day arts festival with 60+ artists, food, drinks, family activities, and shopping. Pet friendly. Northwest 53rd Street, Doral

​FREE, Saturday November 14th, Out of the Darkness Walk Miami at Tropical Park, 9am: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's walk supporting suicide prevention and mental health. Check-in opens at 8am. 7900 SW 40th Street

​FREE, Sunday November 15th, Downtown Doral Arts Festival, 10am - 6pm: 2-day arts festival with 60+ artists, food, drinks, family activities, and shopping. Pet friendly. Northwest 53rd Street, Doral

​Sunday November 15th, Give Miami 5K Race, 8am: 100% of registration fee goes to the Give Miami Day nonprofit of your choice. Post-race Festival celebration with live entertainment, activities, food, wellness, prizes, and a 305-meter Kids' Dash. Maurice A. FerrΓ© Park, 1075 Biscayne Blvd

​Sunday November 15th, Join Team Casa Familia at Give Miami 5K, 8am: Every dollar raised goes to Casa Familia to build Exceptional Housing for Exceptional People, supporting adults with IDD. Runners and walkers welcome. 1075 Biscayne Blvd

​Sunday November 15th, Dog Dates at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 8am - 10am: Bring your dog to explore the garden's tropical grounds. Enter through the Lowlands gate. Tickets required. 10901 Old Cutler Road

Tuesday November 17th, CARD Just for Dads Support Group, 6:30pm: For Dads raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Dr. Alessandri at malessandri@miami.edu

​Thursday November 19th, Give Miami Day: The Miami Foundation's largest annual initiative, a 24-hour online fundraising event powering over 1,400 nonprofits across Miami-Dade. Early Giving opens November 14.

​Saturday November 21st, Walk to End Alzheimer's at loanDepot park, 8am - 11am, FREE: Event opens 8am, ceremony 9am, walk 9:30am. Free to register, fundraising encouraged. 501 Marlins Way

​Saturday November 21st, Miami Book Fair at Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, 10am: Author talks, book sales and appraisals, kids & teen programming, art, and entertainment. All ages. 300 NE 2nd Ave

​Sunday November 22nd, ​Miami Book Fair at Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, 10am: Author presentations, book sales and appraisals, kids & teen programming, art, and entertainment. All ages. 300 NE 2nd Ave

​Sunday November 22nd, Dog Dates at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 8am - 10am: Bring your dog to explore the garden's tropical grounds. Enter through the Lowlands gate. Tickets required. 10901 Old Cutler Road

​Saturday November 28th, Fireside Nights at Fruit & Spice Park, 6pm - 10pm: Fireside evening as the garden transforms into a holiday wonderland with Christmas cheer. Adults $10, kids 6-11 $5, children 5 and under free. 24801 SW 187th Avenue, Homestead

​Sunday November 29th, Dog Dates at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 8am - 10am: Bring your dog to explore the garden's tropical grounds. Enter through the Lowlands gate. Tickets required. 10901 Old Cutler Road

​Wednesday December 2nd, Parent Club: Storytelling at Pinecrest Community Center, 10:30am, FREE: Workshop for parents and caregivers of children ages 3-5, focused on early literacy through storytelling. 5855 Killian Drive

​Saturday December 5th, Spectrum Stars Autism Talent Show, 3pm: FREE all-ages autism talent show. Cash prizes and every performer receives a trophy. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach

​Saturday December 5th, Fireside Nights at Fruit & Spice Park, 6pm - 10pm: Fireside evening as the garden transforms into a holiday wonderland with Christmas cheer. Adults $10, kids 6-11 $5, children 5 and under free. 24801 SW 187th Avenue, Homestead

​Sunday December 6th, Dog Dates at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 8am - 10am: Bring your dog to explore the garden's tropical grounds. Enter through the Lowlands gate. Tickets required. 10901 Old Cutler Road

Tuesday December 8th, CARD Just for Moms Support Group, 6:30pm: For Moms raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Daniela Chaparro at dchaparro@miami.edu

​Saturday December 12th, 5K Race for Champions at Maurice A. FerrΓ© Park, 9am: Benefiting Special Olympics Florida athletes, with music, booths, special guests, and giveaways. 1075 Biscayne Boulevard

​Saturday December 12th, Fresh A.I.R. Snow Magical, 2 - 4pm: Monthly series for neurodiverse families to explore nature. Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd. Questions: PlayForAll@CoralGables.com

​Saturday December 12th, Fireside Nights at Fruit & Spice Park, 6pm - 10pm: Fireside evening as the garden transforms into a holiday wonderland with Christmas cheer. Adults $10, kids 6-11 $5, children 5 and under free. 24801 SW 187th Avenue, Homestead

​Sunday December 13th, Dog Dates at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 8am - 10am: Bring your dog to explore the garden's tropical grounds. Enter through the Lowlands gate. Tickets required. 10901 Old Cutler Road

Tuesday December 15th, CARD Just for Dads Support Group, 6:30pm: For Dads raising children with autism and related disabilities. Must be registered with CARD. 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Room 502. RSVP Dr. Alessandri at malessandri@miami.edu

​Saturday December 19th, Fireside Nights at Fruit & Spice Park, 6pm - 10pm: Fireside evening as the garden transforms into a holiday wonderland with Christmas cheer. Adults $10, kids 6-11 $5, children 5 and under free. 24801 SW 187th Avenue, Homestead

​Sunday December 20th, Dog Dates at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 8am - 10am: Bring your dog to explore the garden's tropical grounds. Enter through the Lowlands gate. Tickets required. 10901 Old Cutler Road

​Saturday December 26th, Fireside Nights at Fruit & Spice Park, 6pm - 10pm: Fireside evening as the garden transforms into a holiday wonderland with Christmas cheer. Adults $10, kids 6-11 $5, children 5 and under free. 24801 SW 187th Avenue, Homestead

​Sunday December 27th, Dog Dates at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 8am - 10am: Bring your dog to explore the garden's tropical grounds. Enter through the Lowlands gate. Tickets required. 10901 Old Cutler Road


Days & Times May Change πŸ”¦ Confirm Before Going

πŸ“Œ Do you know of events or programs in Miami-Dade that belong here? Hit reply and I'll add them ✏️

All Access with Andy Garcia

Hosted by the actor Andy Garcia, the show regularly covers the special needs community: recent episodes went inside a school serving autistic students, followed a program helping young adults with disabilities build independence, and profiled centers supporting people with intellectual and developmental differences.

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Victor Antunez

This weekly newsletter is for parents, advocates, educators, and anyone serious about better outcomes for special needs kids.

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