About Toe Jam Backlot
Toe Jam Backlot is a distinctive indoor/outdoor event venue in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. Once a 1990s film production studio (305 Films), owner Judd Allison transformed it into a “Miami museum” of movie memorabilia (wsvn.com). Today it spans roughly 22,000 sq. ft. of creative space (grayarea.co), complete with colorful artwork, arcades, and vintage games. Time Out calls it a “quirky Wynwood gem” – part film set, part party paradise (wsvn.com). Notable signature features include a hollowed-out old school bus repurposed for seating and a roof-mounted airplane over the stage, underscoring its playful, edgy vibe (www.timeout.com) (wsvn.com). The venue’s capacity is about 1,000 people under its main structure (www.uahot.com), expandable up to ~1,800 with an added outdoor overhang (wsvn.com). In short, Toe Jam Backlot matters for fusing Miami’s art-industrial history with nightlife – it’s a fun house of pop-culture relics and a hotspot for ambitious events.
Events and Programming
Toe Jam Backlot hosts a wide mix of live events, with an emphasis on music and culture. Its programming skews heavily to electronic music – house, techno, and DJ dance parties – but also includes occasional hip-hop, reggae and Latin acts. During Miami Music Week 2025, for example, promoters launched “Toe Jam XL,” a three-night block party series featuring international DJs like Skepta and Zamna acts (edm.com). Similarly, Miami Art Week and Art Basel often see the space booked for multi-day club events and art/music fusion parties. Over the years the stage has attracted big names: artists from Green Velvet and Richie Hawtin to KRS-One and Bad Bunny have performed inside Toe Jam Backlot (www.mixonline.com) (www.uahot.com). Beyond concerts and club nights, the venue also accommodates private activities (corporate launches, weddings, workshops) and even serves as a photo/video studio. Its fully equipped production office can support TV commercials and music video shoots (www.uahot.com).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Toe Jam Backlot events are generally sold online through the show’s official promoter or ticket portal. There is no public box office at the venue, so plan to purchase in advance. For popular shows (especially during Art Basel or Miami Music Week), tickets often sell out – it’s wise to track release dates and sign up for any email alerts or social media presales. Ticket prices vary widely by event; for DJ nights you might see general admission in the $$ range ($30–$60 average), with higher tiers (VIP or table packages) for premium viewing. Note that secondary market prices can exceed face value for sold-out events. At the door, availability depends on the promoter – some nights allow limited walk-up sales, but arriving late is risky. In short: buy early from official sources, check with each event’s info for age restrictions, and keep your ticket (printed or digital) handy at entry.
Seating and Layout
The layout of Toe Jam Backlot is an open “man cave” style space with two main stages. The larger indoor main room holds the primary stage, sound booth and dance floor. It features a speaker-wall stage, classic pinball and jukebox machines, and even a VIP “man cave” lounge with retro posters (www.uahot.com) (grayarea.co). Glass garage doors often open the building up to the outside. Just outside is the covered “Shanty Town” beer garden, complete with its own Boom Shack Stage and a Tiki-style bar (www.uahot.com). The combined design means there are effectively two performance areas – an indoor stage and an outdoor stage – so attendees can move between an interior club feeling and an al fresco area. Seating is mostly informal: you’ll find a few picnic benches or standing tables, but no fixed audience seats. Most concerts are general admission (standing) on the floor, with a raised platform VIP section or balcony for bottle service. Acoustically, the venue is tuned for live dance parties, using a professional Funktion-One sound system (flown VX arrays and horn-loaded subs) for rich, club-quality audio (www.mixonline.com). Sightlines are open and flat, so if the crowd is dense you may need to inch forward or grab a corner spot to see over the crowd (especially near the main stage).
Getting There and Parking
Toe Jam Backlot is located at 150 NW 21st Street in Wynwood (between NW 1st Place and NW 1st Avenue) (www.timeout.com). It’s a block or two north of the main Wynwood Art District. By car, major access is via I-95 to NW 20th St/NE 36th St exits or from Miami Beach via the Julia Tuttle Causeway. Rideshares and taxis tend to drop off out front on NW 21st. There is no dedicated private lot attached to the venue, so driving attendees rely on street parking and nearby garages. Metered street parking is available on surrounding blocks (often enforced in evenings), but can fill up quickly on event nights. For guaranteed parking, consider paid lots a few blocks away: for example, Wynwood Garage at 321 NW 26th St offers about 428 spaces (roughly $20 for 2 hours in 2024) (en.parkopedia.com). Other nearby garages (ParkWhiz rentals on NW 24th/26th St) can be booked in advance. If you arrive late, allow extra time to hunt for a space or use pay-by-plate lots. Public transit is limited; the nearest Metrorail stop is Downtown (about 2 miles south). However, Metrobus line 2 (and #20) run along nearby NW 2nd Avenue, and the City of Miami operates a free Wynwood trolley (route “MIAWYNW”) on weekends (moovitapp.com). If you take Uber/Lyft, drop-offs on NW 21st St near the venue entrance are typical.
Inside the Venue
On the inside, expect an energetic, casual nightclub atmosphere with industrial flair. At entry you’ll pass security and a ticket check. (Bring a valid ID – 21+ is usual for late-night events.) The decor is immersive and eclectic: walls and containers are covered in graffiti art, and every corner has eye-catching props. You’ll see vintage arcade games, foosball tables, a pinball machine and even an old jukebox. One unforgettable feature is a real light aircraft mounted atop the shipping-container ceiling above the main floor (wsvn.com). The covered “overhang” here boosts capacity and shelter during large shows. There are four full bars on site (two indoors, two in the outdoor Shanty Town area) (grayarea.co), serving beer, cocktails and basic mixed drinks. Besides the Tiki bar outside, indoors you’ll find bartop service near the stage and at the VIP lounge. Keep in mind food service is minimal – some events invite food trucks outside, but the venue itself is not a full kitchen restaurant. Restrooms and hand-wash sinks are located near the back. In terms of rules: large bags are discouraged (likely subject to check), and outside drinks/food are not permitted (vendors handle concessions). Photography with phones is allowed and helps capture the venue’s artful vibe, but professional camera setups may be restricted at some club shows.
Nearby Amenities
Wynwood is rich with food, drink and lodging options a short walk away. For pre-show dining or drinks, popular nearby spots include Kush (American diner fare) and Panther Coffee on NW 24th St, as well as Wynwood Kitchen & Bar (eclectic New American) and Coyo Taco (casual Mexican) in Wynwood’s core. A brewpub (Wynwood Brewing) and cocktail bars abound on 2nd Avenue a few blocks east. If you need to kill time or avoid traffic, the Wynwood Walls art park is just three blocks south and is free to stroll. As for lodging: Wynwood itself has a few boutique hotels and creative stays, but many visitors stay in adjacent Midtown/Edgewater (e.g. Moxy Wynwood, Freehand Miami) or downtown Miami (Brickell, Downtown) about 10-15 minutes away by car. After late shows, note that rideshare pickup can be congested – allow extra time or arrange a meeting spot.
What Makes This Venue Special
Toe Jam Backlot’s personality comes from its one-of-a-kind fusion of Miami film history and underground party culture. The owner curates the space like a living prop collection, calling it a “Miami museum” of movie memorabilia (wsvn.com). For example, the actual car used in Spring Breakers (James Franco’s pink convertible) sits on display, along with pieces like the bar from Tom Cruise’s Rock of Ages shoot (wsvn.com). Even Lil Wayne’s throne from DJ Khaled’s music video is mounted here (wsvn.com). Time Out and local press emphasize the venue’s “weirdness” and charm – characterizing it as part art exhibit, part concert hall (wsvn.com) (www.timeout.com). The massive Bose-like Funktion-One sound rig and new trussing work allow breathtaking production quality for DJs and bands (www.mixonline.com). Its open-floor warehouse design, party murals and roaring car engine art pieces create a vivid, gritty backdrop that artists and audiences rave about. Whether you’re exploring graphic nooks, posing with a movie prop, or dancing underneath the Boeing fuselage, Toe Jam Backlot offers an immersive, funhouse experience unlike any other Miami venue.
Visitor Tips and Information
**Accessibility:** The main areas are ground-level, but some surfaces can be uneven (especially outdoors). The venue has an accessible parking garage option nearby and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, though guests should verify ADA accommodations in advance if needed.
**Arrive Early:** Doors typically open 1–2 hours before showtime. Parking and entry lines can grow quickly for popular events, so arriving well before the headliner ensures a smoother entry and better viewing position.
**Age & Dress:** Many events are 21+ (especially evening shows) so carry valid ID. Dress is casual and fashion-forward – Miami club style. Comfortable shoes are a must if you plan to dance or explore.
**What to Bring:** Bring a government ID, phone, sneakers or easy shoes, and your ticket (printed or electronic). Expect limited coat check (if any), so minimize bulky bags. Outside food/drink and weapons are not allowed. Earplugs can be helpful – the sound can get loud.
**Food and Drink:** The indoor and outdoor bars serve standard club beverages, but no full kitchen exists. Consider grabbing a quick bite before the show (tacos or pizza nearby) or checking if any food trucks are announced for the night.
**Special Features:** Don’t miss the hidden details: take a spin on the vintage arcade machines, pose by the flight simulator plane-turned-decoration, and peek into the VIP lounge to soak up the retro décor. Staff are friendly and can flag bar specials.
**Connectivity:** There is no venue Wi-Fi. Cell service in Wynwood is usually adequate for texting or mobile ordering. Plan rideshare pick-up in advance, as central Wynwood traffic can be slow, especially late at night.
**Local Etiquette:** Wynwood events are lively but respectful. Queue calmly, tip bartenders, and wear ear-safe attire. Enjoy the immersive art around you – Toe Jam’s quirks are meant to be explored throughout your visit!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Toe Jam Backlot?
The venue can normally accommodate about 1,000 people on its main floor (www.uahot.com). For very large events, a recent expansion (a cover over the outdoor area) raises capacity to roughly 1,800 users (wsvn.com). In practice, most club nights are capped near 1,000 when not using the added outdoor stage space.
What kinds of shows happen at Toe Jam Backlot?
Toe Jam Backlot’s calendar is full of concerts and parties. Expect electronic dance music (house, techno, DJs) as the core, but you’ll also find hip-hop, reggae, Latin acts and live bands. It’s a popular Miami Music Week and Art Basel spot – for example, it hosted the three-night “Toe Jam XL” festival during Miami Music Week 2025 (edm.com). The venue is versatile and also makes room for private parties, corporate launches, and even film shoots when it’s not on party mode.
Where do I buy tickets for shows at Toe Jam Backlot?
Tickets are sold online through each event’s official promoter or on the venue’s website. There is no public ticket office at the venue. Look for announcements on social media or the promoters’ mailing lists. For popular acts (especially during festivals), presales sell out fast. It’s best to buy well in advance at face value rather than risk expensive resale. Some events also offer a limited number of tickets at the door if not sold out.
Does Toe Jam Backlot have a box office for ticket sales?
No – there is no traditional walk-up box office. Purchases are made through external ticketing sites or directly from the event promoter’s website. If you need help, you may contact the promoter for the event you’re interested in. In-person ticket sales on the night of the show depend on the promoter’s policy and how quickly advance tickets sell.
What is the exact address of Toe Jam Backlot?
The venue is at 150 NW 21st Street, Miami, FL 33127 (in Wynwood). The official cross streets are NW 1st Place and NW 1st Avenue (www.timeout.com). You can plug this address into Google Maps or a GPS to navigate right to the doors.
How can I get to Toe Jam Backlot by public transit?
There is no rail option directly to Wynwood, so the main public transit choices are buses. Metrobus lines 2 and 20 run north-south a few blocks east on NW 2nd Avenue. Additionally, the City of Miami runs a free Wynwood Shuttle (route MIAWYNW) that stops near there on weekends (moovitapp.com). If you use rail, the closest Metrorail station is Government Center in downtown Miami (about 2 miles away), so you’d then need a bus or ride-share for the last leg.
Where is the best place to park near Toe Jam Backlot?
Street parking is scarce and metered in Wynwood, especially on event nights. A recommended option is the Wynwood Garage at 321 NW 26th St (0.4 mile away) – it has ~428 spots and was charging ~$20 for 2 hours (en.parkopedia.com) in 2024. Other pay lots are sprinkled around the corner at NW 24th-26th streets, many bookable via apps. We suggest arriving early to claim a space, or reserving a spot online in advance.
Can I be dropped off by Uber/Lyft?
Yes. Rideshare drop-offs are common on NW 21st Street near NW 1st Avenue (right outside the venue entrance (www.timeout.com)). After the show, pickup can be tricky because the street is narrow and events let out late. We recommend setting a specific intersection with your driver (such as NW 21st & 1st Ave) or walking a block to a wider street for pickup to avoid congestion.
Is the space indoor or outdoor?
Toe Jam Backlot is a hybrid venue. Its main floor and primary stage are inside a warehouse-style building, but large garage doors open onto an adjoining covered patio. The outdoor area (called Shanty Town) features a second stage (the Boom Shack Stage) and a bar, all under a roof (www.uahot.com). During good weather you can flow between the climate-controlled interior and the breezy outdoor space. During rain the overhang keeps the outdoor bar and stage mostly dry; however, you should plan for some weather exposure if events are outdoors.
Does Toe Jam Backlot have assigned seating or is it general admission?
Almost all shows are standing-room general admission. The venue does not have reserved theater-style seats. Instead, you may find a few scattered benches, high-top tables or an outer balcony for VIP ticket holders. Most people stand on the floor by the stage or in the gathering areas. There is usually one raised VIP/lounge section with its own tables and peripheral view. If you have a seated ticket (rare for club shows), it will likely be in the VIP area.
Does Toe Jam Backlot have a VIP area?
Yes, there is a dedicated VIP lounge inside the building (grayarea.co). Events typically sell premium or table tickets that include access to a small mezzanine or enclosed lounge behind the main floor. VIP areas have private seating, bottle service, and a great overlook of the stage. There are also special private lounges for private events, but for most public shows a VIP/raised area exists just off the central dance floor.
What is the Boom Shack Stage?
The Boom Shack Stage is simply ToeJam Backlot’s name for the outdoor stage in the beer-garden area. It’s part of the “Shanty Town” outside, and it allows the venue to run two stages at once (indoor and outdoor) (grayarea.co). When a night has multiple acts, one DJ or band may play inside while another performs on the Boom Shack stage outside. It adds variety to shows and can accommodate different music genres or crowds simultaneously.
What kind of sound system and lighting does the venue use?
Toe Jam Backlot has a professional-grade live sound setup. For example, big electronic music events often deploy a Funktion-One line-array system (Vero VX speakers with several flown towers and F121 horn bass subs) (www.mixonline.com). A permanent trussing structure was recently installed to allow these powerful flown rigs. The house lighting is club-style (moving heads, LEDs, lasers) that sync to the music. In short, expect immersive concert speakers and a nightclub dance-floor light show – the venue is built for high-energy live performance with high quality audio/visual gear.
Is Toe Jam Backlot wheelchair accessible?
The main indoor floor is at ground level and wide open, which is generally wheelchair-accessible. The venue also notes having an accessible parking area nearby. However, the outdoor Shanty Town area has gravel or uneven ground, so it may be challenging for wheels. If accessibility is a concern, it’s best to contact the venue or promoter ahead of your visit to confirm accommodations.
Are outside food or drinks allowed?
No. Like most Milwaukee concert venues, Toe Jam Backlot does not allow outside alcohol, branded beverages, or food inside. There are multiple concession bars on site (beer, cocktails, soft drinks) for items you can purchase. Some events may have food trucks in the parking area or courtyard; otherwise plan to eat beforehand or take-out from one of the Wynwood eateries.
Are cameras or cell phones permitted?
Cell phones and casual photography are generally fine for personal use. Guests often snap photos of the graffiti and props as souvenirs. However, professional photography (DSLR cameras, video cameras, tripods) is typically not allowed without venue permission, especially during ticketed performances. If you want to bring a camera, check with the promoter first. In short: phone cameras are okay; big pro gear will likely be turned away.
Is there a coat check?
Generally no. Toe Jam Backlot is a casual event space and usually does not have a staffed coat check service. We recommend bringing as little as possible – a small clutch or wallet – and leaving large coats or bags stored at home or in your car. If it’s cold, you may need to juggle a coat on your shoulder or rent a locker if available (if any).
Is smoking allowed inside?
No. Florida law prohibits smoking tobacco indoors at public venues. There is no sanctioned smoking area inside Toe Jam Backlot. If you smoke, please do so well outside away from the entrance. Some bars may have patio access where it is tolerated, but generally you must step outside the building and keep a safe distance from doors free of pedestrian traffic.
What is the name origin of Toe Jam Backlot?
The venue’s quirky name actually comes from its history as a film backlot. It was originally called “Toe Jam Inc” when it served as a production warehouse in the 90s, and was later rebranded as Toe Jam Backlot (www.miami-theater.com). “ToeJam” has become a unique brand in itself, reflecting its laid-back, offbeat vibe. (Local legend says one of the downtown beach clubs was called “Toe Jam” decades ago, but here it’s really all about the backlot feel.)
What famous movie or music props can I see at Toe Jam Backlot?
Toe Jam Backlot is like a pop-culture treasure chest. You can spot James Franco’s car from the film Spring Breakers and even a bar from Tom Cruise’s movie Rock of Ages on display (wsvn.com). On top of that, the owner has collected music video props like Lil Wayne’s chair from DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over” video (wsvn.com). Throughout the venue you’ll also find rows of movie prop guns, vintage TVs, and other set pieces – every corner has a story. It truly feels like a mini Hollywood backlot mixed with a party hall.