Festivals and Special Events (FEST) Grants Program

Festivals and Special Events (FEST) Grants Program is sponsored by Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. The FEST Grants Program supports festivals and special events that contribute to the cultural landscape of Miami-Dade County.

Festivals and Special Events (FEST) Grants Program | Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Festivals and Special Events (FEST) Grants Program Contact: Adriana S. Pérez | (305) 375-5019 | adriana. perez@miamidade.

gov Deadline: Monday, March 9, 2026, 11:59 PM Cultural Organizations Category : Division A – up to $145,000 Division B - up to $105,000 Division C - up to $80,000 Community Organizations Category: Division A – up to $125,000 Division B - up to $95,000 Division C - up to $70,000 FY 2026-2027 Festivals and Special Events (FEST) Grants Program Guidelines The Festivals and Special Events (FEST) Grants Program is designed to support major annual festivals and special events taking place during the fiscal year between October 1 and September 30.

The program provides significant funding in two categories and three divisions to organizations which have an established reputation for excellence and credibility, are capable of attracting visitors on regional, national and/or international levels, and have a significant and positive impact on the perception of Miami-Dade County as a dynamic cultural community.

DIVISION A (INTERNATIONAL IMPACT): Applicant organizations must have: a total average annual project budget of at least $1,000,000 for the festival/special event (including in-kind services support not to exceed 25% of total cash project budget) based on the last completed two fiscal years; a minimum consecutive 3-year track record of producing the festival or special event; at least one paid professional full-time administrator; effective marketing strategies for regional, national and international markets, having a significant and positive impact on the perception of Miami-Dade County as a dynamic community and tourism destination; a reputation for excellence and credibility, and be capable of attracting visitors on regional, national and international levels; and matching funds from the private sector in a ratio of at least 3-to-1.

DIVISION B (NATIONAL IMPACT): Applicant organizations must have: a total average annual project budget of at least $400,000 for the festival/special event (including in-kind services support not to exceed 25% of total cash project budget) based on the last completed two fiscal years; a minimum 3-year consecutive history of producing the festival or special event; at least one paid professional full-time administrator; effective marketing strategies for regional and national markets, having a significant and positive impact on the perception of Miami-Dade County as a dynamic community and tourism destination; a reputation for excellence and credibility, and be capable of attracting visitors on regional and national or international levels; and matching funds from the private sector in a ratio of at least 2-to-1.

DIVISION C (REGIONAL IMPACT): Applicant organizations must have: a total annual project budget between $150,000 and $400,000 for the festival/special event (including in-kind services support not to exceed 25% of total cash project budget) based on the last completed two fiscal years; a minimum 2-year consecutive history of producing the festival or special event; at least one paid professional part-time administrator; effective marketing strategies for regional markets, having a significant and positive impact on the perception of Miami-Dade County as a dynamic community and tourism destination; a reputation for excellence and credibility, and be capable of attracting visitors on regional levels; and matching funds from the private sector in a ratio of at least 1-to-1.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RETURNING APPLICANTS: Returning applicants will have the option to submit a completed application, including all required support materials, no later than one full calendar week in advance of the grant program’s published application deadline for a thorough “Courtesy Review” by the Program Administrator .

Returning applicants who waive their option for a Courtesy Review and submit their applications by the grant program’s published deadline will receive a technical sufficiency review only . Applications received from first-time applicants by the grant program’s published application deadline will be reviewed by the Program Administrator and are exempt of meeting the program’s Courtesy Review deadline.

For more information about the Courtesy Review policy, please refer to the DEADLINES section of the grant program guidelines.

FEST Grants Program Timeline* October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027 Consultation Period with Department Staff February 2, 2026 - February 23, 2026 Application Comments / Corrections Issued Revised / Final Application Due Cultural Affairs Council Approval Board of County Commissioners Approval Award Notifications Issued Availability of Grant Funds No earlier than January 2027 *Dates/time subject to change.