The 17th Annual Miami Takeover culminated in a vibrant four-day celebration from July 25 to 28, 2025, spotlighting Black culture, the 50-year legacy of go-go music, visual art, culinary offerings, and community engagement on Miami Beach. As part of the Art of Black Miami series, co-presented by the Greater Miami Conventions & Visitors Bureau and the Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority, the festival extended beyond entertainment into experience and impact.
Organized by Miami Takeover LLC—a company led by Washington D.C.–based HBCU alumni Wylie Kynard, Antwoine McCoy, and Vincent Peden—the festival merged the cultural roots of Washington, D.C. with the soul of Miami. It attracted HBCU graduates, Black professionals, and cultural tastemakers from around the country.
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The weekend opened with the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures dental initiative, offering free screenings and cleanings for over 100 children under 12 in partnership with Colgate and the Miami Beach Police Athletic League. Later that day, attendees gathered at Z Ocean Hotel for the Miami Meet & Greet Splashdown, a poolside social featuring music, art, games, food, and networking opportunities. The night concluded with Miami Nights in White, an all-white soirée at The Urban that offered HBCU happy hour specials with Caribbean, Latin, and soul musical influences.
The centerpiece of the weekend was the Art of Go‑Go Culture Fest held at the historic Miami Beach Bandshell. The festival marked the 50th anniversary of go-go music, a genre that originated in Washington D.C. in 1975 under the godfather Chuck Brown. Headlining acts included the Junkyard Band, Black Passion Band, and Top5 Band, while visual artists Marcus Blake, Rod Royal, and Demont Pinder contributed live artworks and installations to enrich the event. Organizers focused on showcasing go-go’s rhythmic diversity and fostering cultural exchange between the DMV and South Florida creative scenes. That evening, the celebration continued with Can We Talk: The All Black R&B Party at Club M2, encouraging attendees to dress in elegant black attire and dance to a soundtrack of R&B favorites.
The final day included a community service initiative, the Miami Takeover Community Service Beach Sweep, where volunteers gathered behind the Marseilles Hotel to clean up the beach. The weekend closed with the Splash Daytime Pool Party at the Backyard Pool Club, offering a relaxed atmosphere for festivalgoers to unwind.
The 2025 Miami Takeover balanced celebration and social impact, blending concert-level performances with community service. For decades, go-go music has served as a cultural heartbeat of Washington, D.C., and this year’s festival honored those roots while introducing new audiences to the genre’s energy. Founders Kynard, McCoy, and Peden have said the event reflects their HBCU experience and commitment to cultivating cultural excellence and community care.
Festival attendees and local residents praised the warmth, creativity, and inclusivity of the weekend. From interactive art installations to DJ-curated soundscapes and electric performances, the event was widely recognized as both culturally affirming and socially enriching.
With its continued growth and strong community support, the Miami Takeover has solidified its place as a standout summer festival on Miami Beach, connecting music, art, heritage, and celebration across regions.