MIAMI — It’s that time of year when the art world converges on the most Latin big city in America, Miami, for the annual art pilgrimage that attracts tens of thousands of art fiends. And today it symbolically begins with the opening of the Art Basel Miami Beach, the mothership of Florida art fairs.

Now, we’re going to keep this short, because there is so much to do, see, and experience in the Magic City, yes, that supposedly is the nickname for this place.

Our advice is don’t overplan your trip, try to take your time, and if you experience FOMO (fear of missing out) then take advice from an expert.

Here’s a list of very useful links:

And here are some events worth a look:
  • In lieu of their annual party, MoMA PS1 and Volkswagen are hosting a charity event on Friday at South Beach’s Delano for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Tickets range from $100 tickets to $1,000 and the event benefits the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance. (1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach)
  • Tumblr & Paddle8 have teamed up for a GIF show titled Moving The Still. While we understand why Tumblr would be doing this, we have no idea why Paddle8 would be involved in such a show. Either way, it could be fun or a failure, but either way we’re totally there. (Friday, December 7, 8pm–midnight, 318 NW 23rd Street, Wynwood, Miami)
  • Artist Jonathan Horowitz has collaborated with the online fashion service Net-a-Porter and high-fashion publication Visionaire to present a Free Store, likely to be the only thing in Miami you don’t actually have to pay for. Visitors bring in something to the bazaar and take something in return — but you might come out with more than you bargained for. Personal objects from artists like Rob Pruitt, Maurizio Cattelan, and Marilyn Minter will be included in the mix for discerning traders. RSVP necessary, but we’re not entirely sure how to do that … guess everything isn’t “free.” Thursday December 6, 9 pm to 11 pm (SLS Hotel South beach, 1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach)
  • Alone Together opens this week at the Rubell Family Collection in Miami’s Wynwood district. This blue-chip collection is a must-see every year, if only to gawk at what Miami’s 1% is buying (expect bigness!). This year’s show features 31 artists, including Maurizio Cattelan, Raoul De Keyser, Thomas Houseago, Yoshitomo Nara, Neo Rauch, Ryan Trecartin, and Franz West. (95 NW 29th Street, Wynwood, Miami)
  • Street artist Invader is hosting the premiere of his 45-minute documentary, Art4Space, in Miami on Thursday, December 6, at the Colony Theatre. We’re not sure how you’ll get  into this but then again street art fans aren’t always following the rules. (1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach)
  • There is a very interesting sounding panel at Miami Basel this year titled “Street Art in the Middle East: Alternative Forms of Political Expression.” Taking place on Friday, December 7 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the conversation is sure to be engaging. (1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach)
  • The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami is opening an exhibition of Bill Viola this week. You’ll probably need a car to trek to their location, but it’s worth it. It is Viola after all. (770 Northeast 125th Street, North Miami)
  • The Blogger’s Guide to Art Miami on Saturday, December 8, at 11am will be hosted by longtime blogger Joanne Mattera of the Joanne Mattera Art Blog and David Cohen of artcritical. The event is sponsored by Hyperallergic, and it will take place at the longest running Miami art fair, Art Miami. (3101 NE 1st Avenue, Wynwood, Miami)
  • Want to see lots of Banksy? Then Art Miami is your tickets. While many, including Marc & Sara Schiller of Wooster Collective, have already expressed their disdain for the Banksy show of art ripped off the streets, if you have no qualms about that sort of thing then check this out. (3101 NE 1st Avenue, Wynwood, Miami)

Stay tuned for our coverage all week.

Hrag Vartanian is editor-in-chief and co-founder of Hyperallergic.