Food, music, and culture are set to collide in a major way this fall as Eater announces its first-ever partnership with Billboard for an exclusive event during Latin Music Week. Titled "El Pre Party," the high-profile gathering is designed to serve as the ultimate pregame experience leading directly into the Billboard En Vivo concert series. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Miami’s culinary and arts scene, the event promises an unforgettable evening featuring bespoke bites and drinks from some of the city’s most talked-about restaurants, alongside live musical performances and unique cultural activations.
The collaboration brings together two powerhouses in their respective fields: Eater, the preeminent authority on dining and food culture, and Billboard, the global authority on music and the entertainment industry. For this milestone debut, the organizers have curated an immersive experience that celebrates the deep cultural ties between Miami’s booming culinary landscape and the global phenomenon of Latin music. Attendees will have the opportunity to eat their way through a carefully selected roster of Miami’s top-tier culinary talent before transitioning to the main stage for a blockbuster concert lineup.
At the heart of El Pre Party is a diverse and exciting showcase of Miami’s dynamic food scene. Curated by expert Eater editors, the culinary lineup highlights the most innovative and exciting restaurants currently shaping the city’s gastronomic identity. Guests can expect exclusive dish drops, dynamic chef collaborations, handcrafted cocktails, and a series of interactive food experiences throughout the venue. Among the culinary highlights is a special featured dish created in direct collaboration with retail giant Walmart, adding a unique, collaborative element to the evening’s menu. The integration of high-end local dining with accessible, community-driven partnerships highlights the multifaceted nature of contemporary food culture, bridging the gap between everyday ingredients and elite culinary execution.
While the food serves as a primary anchor for the early part of the evening, the energy is designed to build seamlessly toward a night of high-octane live entertainment. El Pre Party will feature continuous live programming intended to keep the crowd engaged from the moment doors open. The entertainment lineup includes curated DJ sets, dynamic showcases featuring emerging musical artists, surprise guest appearances, and other exclusive, one-night-only moments that can only be experienced at El Pre Party. These activations are intentionally structured to build anticipation and momentum, serving as a natural bridge into the night’s main event: the Billboard En Vivo performances.
Following the pregame festivities, attendees will direct their attention and energy toward the main stage for a heavily anticipated slate of live music. The evening’s headlining performances feature major Latin music stars Jay Wheeler and Zhamira, alongside a special guest appearance by Conep. Known for their chart-topping hits, emotional delivery, and magnetic stage presence, Wheeler and Zhamira are expected to deliver one of the most memorable and can’t-miss sets of the entire Latin Music Week schedule. The combination of intimate, festival-style dining and a world-class concert experience creates a unified cultural ecosystem where attendees can celebrate both their culinary and auditory passions in a single night.
The inaugural El Pre Party is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 21, at the Wynwood Marketplace, one of Miami’s premier open-air cultural and entertainment venues located in the heart of the city’s famed arts district. Known for its eclectic atmosphere, street art, and community-centric events, Wynwood serves as an ideal setting for a celebration that marries urban food culture with modern Latin music.
Tickets for the event are priced at $75 and are currently available to the public. Admission includes comprehensive access to all of the evening’s food offerings, culinary samples, and interactive experiences. Additionally, the ticket purchase grants general admission access to the Billboard En Vivo performances featuring Jay Wheeler, Zhamira, and special guest Conep, alongside all other exclusive activations planned for the night. As Latin Music Week continues to expand its footprint and cultural influence, the partnership between Eater and Billboard introduces a fresh, experiential dimension to the festivities, offering fans a comprehensive celebration of the senses that honors the vibrant spirit of Miami.
