Take the white sands and lofty palm trees of Miami Beach, the cloud-brushing height of a rooftop venue and a big screen showing all your favourite flicks; throw it all together and you get Backyard Cinema Miami Beach. Washing ashore on the rooftop of Depot Mayfield on July 5, you’ll be transported to an 80’s beach oasis in the sky, complete with delicious street food, irresistible photo ops and exotic cocktails. Even better, there’ll be singalongs, drag shows, Pride celebrations, parties and – break out your hot pink jumpsuits – screenings of the upcoming Barbie film, because, you know She’s Everything.
It’s all the sun-soaked fun of Miami without the pricey plane ticket, instead, you’ll be able to slip on your retro RayBans, roll up the sleeves on your oversized white suits (a la Miami Vice) and get your beach fix at a historic former railway station-turned sprawling cultural venue. Go up to the roof of Depot Mayfield and you’ll discover the pastel-dunked Miami Beach Hotel, inviting you into a vibrant space decked out with all the Miami Beach staples – jet skis, flamingos, surfboards, lifeguard shacks, a fiery pink sunset…you name it.
As well as the immersive sets and unique venue, there’s a lineup of special nights to look forward to over the summer. Those partial to singing their heart out will be pleased to know they can do exactly that at one of the singalong nights (Grease, Mamma Mia and The Greatest Showman are all on the agenda). Looking to celebrate Pride in cinematic style? There’s a Big Drag Takeover where drag artists will light up the sands after select performances. Plus, with school holidays around the corner, there’ll be special matinee shows for all the family to enjoy beachy bliss – there are even mocktails and snack packs for the kids so they won’t miss out on the authentic Miami vibes.
Of course, watching films can be thirsty and hungry work so Backyard Cinema knows to keep you well fed and watered. Inside, you’ll find a beach bar and a variety of street food vendors. So, in no time, you’ll be sipping your themed cocktail through the palm tree-shaped straw and inhaling the tasty aromas of your favourite cinema snack as you make your way to the pillowy bean bags in front of the screen. In the inimitable words of Bad Boy Will Smith, “Welcome to Miami”.