As the traditional late-night club scene continues to evolve, a fresh wave of daytime-to-sunset hospitality experiences is redefining modern nightlife. Moving away from the after-hours circuit, these vibrant, open-air gatherings—exemplified by the success of “Bagatelle Sundays” in Miami—are successfully synthesizing fine dining, waterfront ambiance, and world-class musical curation. At the helm of this cultural shift is Ana Lucia Montelongo Flores, Head of Events at Mandala Group. Having quietly built one of the city’s most dynamic recurring music programs, Montelongo Flores has successfully navigated a traditionally male-dominated space to set a new standard for hospitality-driven entertainment. We sat down with her to explore why audiences are flocking to these daytime experiences, the art of talent curation, and where the entertainment scene is headed this summer.
1. Does Bagatelle Miami River the only event you handle booking for, or are there other Miami venues?
We [Mandala Group] manage bookings for a network of venues across destinations including Tulum, Madrid, Marbella, and others. We’re also excited to be opening our second project in Miami soon, so there’s a lot happening for us in the city and internationally.
2. There is a noticeable increase in interest for daytime events like pool parties and sunset parties. What is your data telling you about this?
We’re definitely seeing a shift in the way people want to experience hospitality and entertainment. Guests are looking for experiences that start earlier in the day and blend dining, music, and social connection in a more relaxed setting. Daytime events, whether it’s brunches, sunset sessions, or pool parties, allow people to enjoy incredible music and energy without waiting until late at night. It’s part of a broader lifestyle trend, and we expect it to continue growing.
3. Does Bagatelle intend to continue the party brunches like this all year?
Absolutely. We love our Sunday brunches, and they’ve become an important part of Miami’s social scene. The response has been incredible, and we’re committed to continuing to evolve the experience while keeping the signature Bagatelle energy that people have come to expect.
4. Any thoughts about expanding to Saturdays also?
It’s definitely something we’re considering. There are so many DJs, artists, and creative concepts we’d love to bring to life, and sometimes one day a week simply isn’t enough. We’ll continue introducing special Saturday editions when the right opportunity comes along.
5. Why do you think these meals combined with a party are a unique offering in the Miami space?
It’s about creating an experience rather than just serving a meal. At Bagatelle Miami River, the transition from lunch to celebration happens organically. Guests come for exceptional food and hospitality, but they stay for the music, the performances, and the atmosphere. That combination of fine dining, entertainment, and genuine social interaction creates something that feels authentic, energetic, and distinctly Bagatelle.
6. What else does Bagatelle and the rest of your venues have planned for the rest of 2026 and into 2027 that our readers should be on the lookout for?
The next 18 months are going to be very exciting. Alongside the opening of our second Miami venue [a Mandala Group concept], we’re continuing to expand our portfolio internationally while investing in new concepts, collaborations, and signature events across all of our destinations. Our focus is on creating memorable experiences that combine world-class hospitality, music, and culture. Guests can expect new residencies with internationally recognized DJs, exclusive partnerships, and immersive events that continue to redefine what lifestyle hospitality looks like.
