Frequently Asked Questions

What are the festival dates?
Festival Miami 2008 starts October 9, 2008 and runs through November 3, 2008.

Can I get directions to the concerts?
Yes, click here to go to the directions page.

What are the different venues for Festival Miami?
Located on the Coral Gables campus at 1314 Miller Drive, the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall houses a 600 seat concert hall, a professional recording studio, and the administrative offices of the Frost School of Music, which are located on the main floor. The concert hall is used for large performing forces, as well as smaller ensembles. Each year, over 300 concerts and events are presented in this hall.

Located on Lake Osceola in the center of the Coral Gables campus at 5501 San Amaro Drive, central to the Frost School of Music, the Victor E. Clarke Recital Hall in the L. Austin Weeks Center for Recording and Performance holds 147 seats. The Clarke Recital Hall is specifically designed to provide an intimate performance setting. Its acoustics are variable so that a wide range of music can be performed with optimal listening and recording conditions. Each year, many recitals and concerts are presented in this hall.

Located on Northeast 14th Street between Biscayne Boulevard and North Bayshore Drive in downtown Miami, the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County holds 2,200 seats. The Adrienne Arsht Center is a focal point of performing arts activity in South Florida, serving as both a showcase and laboratory, providing first class accessible facilities for smaller, emerging and developing organizations as well as resident companies.

Located on the Coral Gables campus at 1245 Dauer Drive, the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami has an area of 22,000 square feet and is capable of a maximum seating capacity of 7,792. The BankUnited Center is home to University of Miami's Hurricanes Men's and Women's basketball programs. In addition to hosting UM collegiate basketball, the BankUnited Center is host to concerts, trade shows, touring theater shows, student events, conventions and special events.

Are any concerts free of charge?
Yes, four concerts at Festival Miami 2008 are free: October 12, 2008 at 3 pm, Faculty Composers Concert, October 21, 2008 at 8 pm, Emerging Young Composers, October 22 at 8 pm, Songwriter's Showcase, and October 26 at 5 pm, History of Solo Jazz Piano are free of charge. All of our master classes are also free of charge. For a complete list of master classes click here.

Do concerts ever sell out?
Yes, concerts do sell out, so patrons are advised to buy tickets in advance.
Click here to purchase tickets online.

Can tickets be purchased the night of a concert?
Yes, as long as the concert is not sold out tickets can be purchased at the box office located in the lobby of the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall. On the day of a concert, tickets are available online until 2 hours before the scheduled show time and can only be held in "Will Call" in the box office.

Can I purchase tickets to future Festival Miami concerts in the box office the night of another performance?
Yes, there will be a dedicated window in the box office to purchase tickets for future concerts.

How can I purchase tickets?
Patrons can purchase tickets by calling the ticket office at 305-284-4940 between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm, Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday tickets can be purchased by calling 1-866-811-4111 or 305-284-4940, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Patrons can purchase tickets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online at www.festivalmiami.com.

Tickets can be also purchased at the box office located at 1314 Miller Drive, in the lobby of the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall. The box office opens 1 hour before the start of a concert and closes 30 minutes after intermission.

Festival Miami accepts payments in the form of cash, credit, or checks. All major credit cards are now accepted.

Where can I pick up tickets being held at "Will Call"?
The "Will Call" window is located in the box office and opens one hour before the start of a concert and closes 30 minutes after intermission.

Does Festival Miami offer group discounts?
A group discount is available for groups of 20 or more and receives 10% off the total order.

Does Festival Miami offer any discounts?
-Student discounts: Any student with a valid ID can receive a discount on general admission concerts only.
-Culture Shock Miami: A limited amount of tickets are available for high school and college students between the ages of 14 and 22 for $5 through Culture Shock. More information is available at http://www.cultureshockmiami.com.
-Golden Ticket:
Miami-Dade County senior residents ages 62 and over can receive free tickets through the Golden Ticket Arts Guide. More information is available at www.miamidadearts.org/goldenticket.aspx.

Where do I park for Festival Miami concerts?
Free parking is located at the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall parking lot and the Ponce de Leon Parking Garage. Free shuttle service is available for selected concerts.
Click here for a link to the parking locations and shuttle service map.

Can I volunteer for Festival Miami?
Yes, to volunteer to usher during Festival Miami, contact Jessica Taylor at 305-284-4940, or email her at fmtickets@miami.edu. You can also click on the "Volunteer" icon the left side of the Festival Miami homepage.

If selected, on the nights of ticketed concerts ushers are needed to collect ticket stubs, hand out Festival Miami program books, and insert program notes into program books. Volunteers should arrive at the concert hall one hour before the scheduled concert time and must usher until 30 minutes after intermission. Ushers should wear black pants and will be provided with a Festival Miami polo shirt on the day of the concert. For your participation and generous donation of your time, you are eligible to receive one complimentary ticket to a concert of your choice. Complimentary tickets are not available for sold our concerts, VIP receptions, and exclude any night that you have chosen to volunteer. Tickets will be given to volunteers after each concert they usher at.

Students can receive community service hours for their participation as a volunteer. Please be sure to notify a Festival Miami staff member on the night that you volunteer.

How can I get more information about Festival Miami?
For tickets and information call 305-284-4940.