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Look Up! Giralda Sky Series Kicks Off this Friday

The City of Coral Gables kicks off the 2026 Giralda Sky Series on Friday, May 1, on Giralda Plaza. The ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place at 6 p.m. This new two-part series will feature vibrant overhead installations designed to enhance the pedestrian experience while supporting the city’s downtown business district.

Running from May through October, the series will introduce displays to draw residents and visitors to explore nearby restaurants, shops and cultural venues. That evening Giralda Live will close out their season and Coral Gables Gallery Night returns, filling downtown with live music and open galleries.

The first installation, Cielo Tejido: A Woven Sky, will be on view through July featuring colorful, handwoven textiles crafted by women artisans from Etzatlán, Mexico. Presented by the city and Ciudad Maderas and in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico, the installation celebrates traditional craftsmanship and cultural exchange.

A second installation, Giralda in Bloom: A Floral Canopy, will debut in August, featuring hundreds of floral-patterned umbrellas suspended overhead. Together, the installations build on the success of previous activations, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the summer and early fall while supporting local businesses.

Literacy Festival Approaching

The fifth annual Gables Family Literacy Festival will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. under the War Memorial Youth Center's tree canopy at 405 University Drive. This daylong celebration, featuring a Scholastic Book Fair, promotes summer reading and literary arts.

The following street closure will be in effect Saturday, May 16, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Riviera Drive between Segovia Street and University Drive. 

The Chinese Village Milestones

The Historic Association of Coral Gables celebrates the centennial anniversary of the Chinese Village and the organization's 35th anniversary on Sunday, May 3, from 3 to 5 p.m., with a champagne soirée at a private home in the Chinese Village.

Guests will enjoy a rare private tour and lecture at one of Coral Gables’ most distinctive historic enclaves, led by Boyuon Zhang, AIA, senior associate at Robert A.M. Stern Architects and a leading scholar on Henry Killam Murphy.

For details and tickets, email info@historiccoralgables.org. 

Coral Gables Turns 101

The City Beautiful was incorporated on April 29, 1925. Founded by George Merrick, the city was developed as a planned Mediterranean Revival community, blending architectural beauty with a strong sense of place and identity. Merrick’s vision emphasized not only aesthetics but also harmony between nature and urban life, a principle that continues to define the city’s character today. Happy 101st birthday, Coral Gables!

Sip & Shop on the Mile

The Spring Sip & Shop event returns to Miracle Mile on Thursday, May 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. Participants will sample curated Mexican wines, tequilas and mezcals while shopping at local boutiques for gifts and unique finds. This event highlights the city’s continued efforts to support small businesses while creating engaging, experience-driven downtown activations. 

Celebrating Preservation Month in the City Beautiful

This May, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preservation Month takes on added significance as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. In Coral Gables, this observance reflects a long-standing commitment to preserving the character and history that define our community. 

From its Mediterranean Revival architecture to its iconic landmarks, the city continues to invest in protecting its heritage. Recent efforts include the restoration of the Venetian Pool, funded in part by the State of Florida historic preservation grant, and the upcoming comprehensive restoration of Coral Gables City Hall and the Alhambra Water Tower. 

Throughout May, the city will highlight historic properties that tell the story of Coral Gables, connecting past and present while reflecting an ongoing commitment to preservation for generations to come.