Miramar will mark Jamaica’s independence with two city-sponsored events at the end of July and the start of August, giving residents opportunities to celebrate Jamaican culture close to home.
The city will stage a Jamaican-style fete Friday, July 31, followed by an Ole Time Fair on Saturday, Aug. 1. Both gatherings are open to the public and designed for families and visitors who want to sample music, food and market stalls inspired by Jamaica.
What changes for residents
Attendance for the Friday fete at the Vernon E. Hargray Youth Enrichment Center is free and parking will not be charged. The event runs from 7 to 11 p.m. and includes a best-dressed competition encouraging patrons to wear Jamaica’s national colors.
The Saturday celebration at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater runs from 3 to 11 p.m. and will feature live performances, a recreated Coronation Farmers’ Market from Kingston and multiple vendors selling goods and food.
- Friday, July 31 — Jamaica 64th Independence Day Fete, 7–11 p.m., Vernon E. Hargray Youth Enrichment Center; free admission and parking.
- Saturday, Aug. 1 — Ole Time Fair, 3–11 p.m., Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater; live music and farmer’s market-style vendors.
Lineup and hosts
The Friday night fete is hosted by Vice Mayor Carson “Eddy” Edwards, who is originally from Jamaica. The musical lineup highlights the island’s sound system tradition with sets from DJs King Waggy Tee, DJ Rocksteadyy and DJ Richie D. King Waggy Tee has been active in South Florida for decades and has been recognized in the local community.
Attendees are encouraged to wear black, green and gold to compete in the best male and female outfit contest.
Mayor Wayne H. Messam will host the Ole Time Fair on Saturday. The headline act for the amphitheater event is Ky‑Mani Marley, a Grammy Award–nominated artist and one of Bob Marley’s children. Also scheduled to perform is the Warrior Love Band, which will present a tribute to legendary Jamaican musicians.
Local context and impact
These events are part of Miramar’s calendar of cultural programming and reflect the city’s ties to Caribbean communities. Free admission for at least the Friday event lowers the barrier for participation, and the recreated Coronation Farmers’ Market is intended to provide a taste of Kingston’s vendor culture.
Residents should expect increased activity at two city venues over the holiday weekend and should plan for event-related traffic and parking at Miramar Regional Park and the Vernon E. Hargray Youth Enrichment Center.
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamaica 64th Independence Day Fete | July 31 | 7–11 p.m. | Vernon E. Hargray Youth Enrichment Center |
| Ole Time Fair | Aug. 1 | 3–11 p.m. | Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater |
City officials are presenting the events as inclusive cultural celebrations. Residents who plan to attend should monitor city communications for any updates regarding lineup changes, vendor lists or special traffic arrangements.
These Miramar-hosted events offer a local way to observe Jamaica’s Independence Day on Aug. 6 while showcasing island music, market traditions and community engagement.
