Growing up in Miami, I got accustomed to the idea that everything ceased to exist in South Florida during the summer. The tourists disappeared, the arts scene went into hibernation and just about everyone stayed inside their air-conditioned homes and watched reruns of “Three’s Company” while they waited for the next hurricane. But, that was 20 (or more) years ago.

Today, the cultural arts scene in South Florida is 24/7, and that’s despite the occasional hurricane. Fortunately for South Floridians, there’s so much going on that it’s tough to decide where to go. Well, it’s not that tough. In fact, this week there are two must-see local events that cost almost nothing to attend: Big Night in Little Haiti and the on-going XXVI International Hispanic Theatre Festival of Miami.

Big Night in Little Haiti returns this Friday, July 15 to the absolutely gorgeous Little Haiti Cultural Center. If you haven’t seen the space yet, this event is a great way to get familiar with what this center has to offer. Plus, the July event features legendary Racine Mizik and Boukan Ginen performing in the open-air plaza.

In the gallery space, an art exhibit featuring art works from summer campers is on display. One of the best things about the event is the hands-on art activities for children, which run from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Between sets, enjoy DJ music from Haitian radio station Mizikpam.com and DJ Moses.

For more information about Big Night in Little Haiti at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, visit http://www.facebook.com/LittleHaitiCulturalCenter

In addition to Big Night, be sure to catch a performance or three at the XXVI International Hispanic Theatre Festival of Miami, which is currently running through July 24. This year’s festival is a tribute to Chile and features some the most innovative theatre companies from Latin America and around the world. This Tuesday, July 12 at 8:30 p.m. see Carolina,a subversive soul-searching comedy running at the Prometeo Theatre at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus. Plus, the show is free. Information for “Carolina:” Location: Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Ave., Miami http://www.teatroavante.com/.