04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Reggaeton star Jay Wheeler is king of Miami's Calle Ocho street festival
All bow down to Jay Wheeler.
This year's Carnaval King is also headlining the popular Calle Ocho festival that runs through the streets of Miami's Little Havana on Sunday.
Is Wheeler worthy of all this 305 love? No doubt.
The Latin music phenom born José Ángel López Martínez hit it big at the ripe age of 16 with his breakup anthem 'Ahora Estoy Mejor.' The track went way viral, generating more than 500,000 views in practically no time. Wheeler's already earned two Latin Grammys in 2021 for 'Best Reggaeton Performance' and 'Best Urban Song' for 'La Curiosidad.'
And just last month, the Puerto Rican native's collab 'Extrañándote.' — with wife Zhamira Zambrano — was nominated for Pop Collaboration of the Year at Premio Lo Nuestro. OK, so the couple lost out to Shakira and Cardi B for 'Punteria,' but still, mad props to this rising star.
'To join the ranks of so many legendary artists who have represented Miami Carnaval as kings and queens is a privilege beyond words,' the trap sensation said at a presser last month at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. 'This is a special moment in my career and I am proud to represent our vibrant heritage as part of this amazing annual celebration of culture, music and community.'
As for the fest itself, this year expect an all day blowout, like always.
Expect Latin food stations, folkloric dancers, artisanal crafts, family friendly activities and of course, music, from merengue and salsa to hip-hop, R&B and more. Eight stages set up throughout the fair will feature big-name musical acts; past performers include Ricky Martin, Luis Fonsi, Pitbull, Daddy Yankee and Maluma.
For those 21 and up, there's a new alcoholic treat this year: A giant cement truck filled with Monkey Shoulder whiskey. You won't be able to miss this behemoth on wheels. The 27 foot long, 13 foot tall mixer carries the equivalent of 12,000 bottles of booze. They'll be giving out free samples of such cocktails as the Guava Lemonade and Mango Monkey, made with — you guessed it — the actual fruit.
CALLE OCHO 2025
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Eighth Street in Miami from SW 12th to 27th Avenues
Admission: Free to all. VIP access is $135 via with special reservec parking, VIP lounge, merch and more.
More info:
