Chanukah Celebration at CityPlace in West Palm Beach

Embrace the Chanukah Celebration with Palm Beach Synagogue at CityPlace in West Palm Beach on December 28, when the Festival of Lights will illuminate the community. This festive gathering features live music, face painting, menorah lighting, latkes and donuts, gelt and more. It’s a joyous occasion that brings together people of all backgrounds to celebrate the values of unity and hope.

Part of the appeal of museums and cultural organizations is the sense of wellbeing they provide and the wonder they inspire—and in some cases, that gratitude-inspiring experience is curated and very much intentional. If you’re planning to attend Eudēmonia from Nov. 1-3 in West Palm Beach or just looking for a little peace of mind, try one of these wellness experiences at four favorite local institutions, from waterfront sunset yoga to watercoloring in a lush tropical garden.

Yoga at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum

Every Monday evening, beginners and experienced yogis alike gather with local yoga studio owner Mary Veal on the ground-level deck of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum to participate in a serene sunset yoga session.

Photo by Captain Kimo

The waterfront setting, plus yoga mats arranged beneath the twinkling lights of sprawling banyan trees, invokes a sense of awe at the wondrous nature surrounding you and invites you on a journey into yourself. There’s a reason this weekly yoga offering is popular among locals and visitors alike.

The class is open to all levels and requires only a yoga mat and a flashlight. The class begins at 7 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time and 6 p.m. the rest of the year.

Of course, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is worth a visit during the day, too. The most popular activity, of course, is climbing the 105 steps of the lighthouse’s spiral staircase to reach the viewing deck at the top, where you can get a 360-degree view of the scenic Jupiter Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

Mindful Moments at the Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach

To further their mission of helping people experience the transformative power of art through intimate and creative encounters with wide-ranging collections, the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach launched a program called Mindful Moments.

While marveling at all the art is a given on any visit to the Norton—their collection includes more than 8,200 works of European, American, and Chinese art plus contemporary art and photography—this particular program invites visitors to participate in a mindfulness meditation practice using a specific work of art in the museum as the object of attention. Participants experience an instructor-led meditation session then reflect and discuss the work of art.

According to the museum, “The awareness of one’s thoughts, bodily sensations, and emotions during the reflection can often lead to a greater understanding of the self and ultimately a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, practicing together in community and hearing about other people’s experiences help participants to develop a greater sense of connectedness and understanding of humanity.”

Slowing down to experience the power of visual arts—and to notice one’s thoughts, feelings, and motivations along the way—increases one’s sense of presence and clarity, and can hopefully inspire gratitude, empathy, and increased self-awareness.

During Summer at the Norton, visitors can also take free tai chi classes, a form of moving meditation, to involve their physical bodies as well.

Sado Tea Ceremony at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach

Meditative walks at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach are a favorite pastime among locals, but participating in a sado tea ceremony, which takes place in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House, will further deepen visitors’ appreciation for this cultural gem.

A word meaning “the way of tea,” sado is the term for Japan’s traditional and highly ritualized tea ceremony, or a way of serving and drinking green matcha tea that involves a host and guests. The practice, with its series of very precise movements, is considered a moving meditation and can be highly beneficial to mental and emotional health when used as a way to slow down in today’s frenetic world.

During the Morikami’s guided sado workshops, guests are asked to sit on the floor of the tatami room in the seiza position (with knees bent and folded beneath the thighs) to fully appreciate the aesthetics and traditions of the ceremony. Those who take the workshop learn how to participate as a guest as well as the appropriate way to prepare and serve a bowl of tea. If you go, make sure to wear white socks and long pants or a long skirt.

Different experiences are available for beginner and intermediate tea lovers. In addition to Japanese tea ceremonies, the Morikami offers a wide variety of workshops, classes, and experiences, including calligraphy, gift presentation, ramen spoon carving, kintsugi (mending broken pottery with gold), shibori indigo dyeing, and more.

Watercolor at Mounts Botanical Garden, West Palm Beach

It’s hard not to feel inspired on a stroll through the 20-acre Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach; luckily, you can channel that into painting if you take a watercolor class with local artist and photographer Carl Stoveland.

Mounts offers adult watercolor classes for novices and experienced painters alike. Time is split between demos by Carl and supervised painting time. During the beginners’ class, students start with the basics and learn a new technique each week, over time creating simple paintings and progressing one’s skills.

While you can always drop in, signing up for a weekly painting class is the best way to reap the benefits of this calming hobby—and increase your confidence over time! Watercolor classes are a way to combine an interest in art and nature, relax, express yourself creatively, and produce simple but beautiful pieces of art you can feel proud of.

If you sign up, equip yourself with a basic set of pencils, pens, paints, sketchpad, watercolor pad, or journal plus a way to take photos (like a cell phone camera or tablet).

In addition to the lush grounds—which offer plenty to enjoy on their own—tai chi classes, cacao ceremonies, sound baths, orchid potting workshops, honey tastings, and other mindful events are also on the Mounts calendar.

Tickets are now on sale for Eudēmonia in The Palm Beaches, a 3-day summit from November 1–3, 2024 in West Palm Beach for your good health, wellbeing, and longevity. 

One of the things I love about living in The Palm Beaches is the access to art. When my kids were younger, we’d spend rainy days at the Norton Museum of Art or the Boca Raton Museum of Art. When the weather was a bit cooler, we enjoyed the outdoor art at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and explored the murals around Lake Worth Beach.

Kx2, Waves Shelf Break, courtesy of The Sponder Gallery

However, as an avid hotel-goer, one of my favorite ways to experience art in Palm Beach County is at the various hotels and resorts nearby. From Boca Raton to Palm Beach, here are three of my favorite hotels in Palm Beach County where you can see art in the wild.

The Boca Raton

The largest resort in Boca Raton, The Boca Raton, is a sprawling property with nearly a century of history. Established in 1926, the resort has five different hotel properties and a popular beach club. Another unique amenity is the hotel’s on-site gallery, The Sponder Gallery at The Boca Raton, which opened in 2009. The gallery is available to hotel guests from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day and is also open to the public by appointment.

Jane Manus, Speaker of the House, courtesy of The Sponder Gallery

The hotel gallery includes the works of several South Florida artists, including Ruth Avra and Dana Kleinman, who go by Kx2. This sister duo creates stunning three-dimensional art installations using a unique blend of metal and paint that resembles colorful sets of paint pots. To raise awareness of environmental concerns, their art often incorporates recycled and salvaged materials,

Guests can also see the work of Jane Manus, a West Palm Beach-based artist specializing in abstract geometric metal sculptures. Manus uses aluminum to create striking pieces (often painted in saturated colors like red, blue, and orange) that seem to move as you walk around them.

Hilton West Palm Beach

Galley Restaurant, Hilton West Palm Beach

The Hilton West Palm Beach is popular with travelers and locals who want to stay close to everything. The hotel is adjacent to the Palm Beach County Convention Center, across the street from the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, and just steps from the shopping and dining at CityPlace. The hotel’s casual grill house and bar, Galley, is one of my favorite places for weekend brunch, and on Sundays, the hotel hosts daytime entertainment on the pool deck for hotel guests.

The Hilton West Palm Beach is also a haven for art. The artwork in the hotel’s Galley restaurant includes prints from iconic artist Ellsworth Kelly, known for his bold, abstract shapes. In the shared spaces like the lobby and hallways, guests can also find photography from Florida photographer Christina Cernick, whose work includes local Florida beachscapes.

Several more Florida artists are featured inside the hotel suites. Valerie Perreault’s relief prints of local plants adorn the walls, and Molly Aubry’s vivid abstract paintings complement the hotel’s sleek, contemporary look. The hotel’s collection of art represents the diverse landscapes of Florida while also making the hotel feel warm and welcoming.

The Colony Hotel

One of Palm Beach’s most treasured hotels, The Colony Hotel, is right around the corner from the iconic Worth Ave. The charming pink hotel dates back to 1947 and has hosted American presidents (including John F. Kennedy), international royalty, and business tycoons. When friends and family come into town, we make a beeline to the hotel’s poolside restaurant, Swifty’s, which is also a favorite of mine for date nights.

The Colony Hotel Gator Pool, Nick Mele.

Inside the hotel, the guestrooms feature retro decor, whimsical artwork, and bold patterned wallpaper. The painted ceilings and customized window shades match the bed linens, adding a touch of playful decadence. The hotel also partners with local artists, and in 2022, it welcomed Nick Mele, a Palm Beach-based lifestyle photographer, to showcase his fine photography.

Mele’s exhibition, Please Sign in All Guests, is an ode to Palm Beach’s glamorous but eccentric vibe. The photos were shot in collaboration with the hotel and include shots of a woman hanging poolside with an alligator and sunbathers in straw hats. You can see Mele’s photographs on display in some of the hotel’s guest rooms, which were recently redesigned in 2022 for the hotel’s 75th anniversary.

Plan your trip to The Palm Beaches today. Discover convenient travel options, places to stay, and download a free cultural travel guide.

Tapestry of Nature: Exploring The Palm Beaches’ Outdoor Cultural Offerings

by Hannah Deadman-Arnst

As an avid traveler, I’ve explored so many facets of the U.S. Still, I keep coming back to The Palm Beaches. It’s no secret Florida’s Cultural Capital is one of the best places to get outside. Whether walking through unique arts districts, dining outside, or blazing a trail, the region gives me endless things to do. But there’s more to these outdoor adventures than meets the eye. With a rich history, curated sculpture gardens, and a dynamic lineup of cultural programs, The Palm Beaches offer the perfect mix of nature and art.

If you love maritime history like me, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is a must-see. Constructed in 1860, the beacon has a longstanding history of helping ships avoid the dangerous shoals off Jupiter’s coast. Housed in a World War II U.S. naval building, the museum details the area’s intricate history over the past 5,000 years, including early Native Americans and pioneers, lighthouse keepers, and the Seminole Wars of Resistance.

After wandering the museum, stroll the grounds or nature trails that wind through Florida scrub, hammock, and rare sand pine forest. Or climb the lighthouse for unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean, Jupiter Inlet, and Indian and Loxahatchee Rivers. It’s a cool 105 steps to the top, but the view is worth it. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum even offers programs for the whole family. Every April, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival celebrates environmental short films by filmmakers from across the globe.

About 10 miles south of the lighthouse is John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Situated in North Palm Beach, this is a great place to explore South Florida’s coastal wilderness. It’s also The Palm Beaches’ only state park! Be sure to rent a kayak and paddle yourself over to historic Munyon Island. Named after Dr. James Munyon, who purchased it and opened Hotel Hygeia in 1903—which later burned down—the island is now a serene place to explore.

The park also has two hiking trails, but if you’re ready to relax with that beach read, walk (or hop on a tram) across the boardwalk for one of the county’s most pristine beaches. Then, cool down inside the nature center, with interactive exhibits that dive into the area’s coastal ecosystems, or browse the gift store for coastal keepsakes and artworks.

Crave solitude but prefer a manicured experience? Visit The Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach for a dynamic collection of art, literature, music, and drama programs. With special lectures, film screenings, children’s programs, two libraries, and traveling art exhibitions, this is a place you’ll return to again and again. A popular experience is the live performances, which welcome renowned classical artists.

The Society also boasts two gorgeous botanical gardens with sculptures and themed spaces, including a fragrant moonlight garden, a Chinese garden, and other unique assemblages. It’s a must-see for my out-of-town friends and family!

Another horticultural haven is Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, the historic home and outdoor oasis of sculptor Ann Weaver Norton. Situated in West Palm Beach’s El Cid neighborhood adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway, the two-acre property has a collection of 250 rare tropical palms and cycads. It also features 100 unique works by Norton—including nine modern large-scale sculptures that complement the mysterious gardens in which they’re nestled.

Capehart Photography

The best part? This destination is a true urban refuge. The gardens are so lush, you don’t feel like you’re in the city. Check out the artist studio displaying Norton’s studies, armatures, and works in bronze, stone, and wood that inspired the monumental sculptures outside. Don’t forget to explore the historic home to see rotating art exhibitions showcasing visual artists—from the masters to contemporaries—from around the world.

For one of The Palm Beaches’ most unique cultural organizations, head to Delray Beach for Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. With six individual gardens inspired by those found in Japan, every plant and element is intended as a source of hope, renewal, and thoughtfulness. You can also learn about the historic Yamato Colony, an innovative 20th-century Japanese agricultural community that pioneered the Delray Beach/Boca Raton area and cultivated several crops, including pineapples.

Inside, the museum’s 7,000+ piece permanent collection and seasonal exhibitions enable guests to view works by Japanese artists and pieces inspired by the Land of the Rising Sun. Morikami also offers an array of special ongoing programs, including taiko performances and traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. No visit is complete without a stop at Cornell Cafe for Pan-Asian fare.

Want to engage your mind while spending time outside? Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton blends art, science, and outdoor adventure. In addition to a community center and sports and recreation facilities, the park features a theatre with professional performances, a science center, and a full-size carousel.

Designed with kids in mind, Sugar Sand’s Science Explorium is a free science center for inquisitive minds to learn about the world around them. Just outside is the Science Playground. Inspired by physical science, the accessible playground reinforces the concepts children learn inside the explorium.

Sugar Sand Park isn’t just for little ones. Everyone can enjoy the park’s 150+ seat Willow Theatre, which hosts music, dance, and theatrical performances throughout the year. The 132-acre park also has two nature trails that meander through Florida scrub and pine flat ecosystems.

Ready to plan your arts-inspired outdoor adventure? Visit our events calendar to get started.

Get Your Pride On:
Arts & Culture Abound for LGBTQ Community

by Rob Lucarelli

Beige. That was my first impression of South Florida when I moved here six-and-a-half years ago. But over time, I’ve discovered a kaleidoscope of arts and culture, especially in Palm Beach County. Here I’ve highlighted the best through my own quirky LGBTQ lens.

Where to Hang – Clematis 500 Block

Clematis Street is the bustling center of downtown West Palm Beach. Tables line the sidewalks filled with diners enjoying its trendy restaurants and make for great people-watching.

While all of Clematis Street is LGBTQ friendly, I find the 500-block exudes the gayest aesthetic. Recently, the block welcomed Lucky’s Gay Bar. This small, friendly pub opened in spring 2024 filling the void left since 2020 when fire destroyed Roosters, West Palm’s long-time historic gay bar. Although Roosters is due to reopen, Lucky’s is West Palm’s current flagship queer watering hole. I was thrilled to learn that on Fridays and Saturdays, the bar becomes Club Lucky’s with a DJ spinning high energy dance mixes between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. When I recently checked it out, the crowd was a decent mix of ages, and as the night went on it skewed younger.

Surrounding Lucky’s are eclectic spots to either peruse or grab a bite to eat before clubbing. Hullabaloo features Italian fare, cocktails, and brews, along with a vintage Airstream camper on its patio! As a music fan, I love their slate of specialty cocktails with clever names honoring rock stars both past and present. Kapow Asian Noodle Bar offers small plates, ramen, and cocktails. If you just want to sit and chill, or read, Subculture Coffee is a hip spot for craft coffee drinks, beer, and wine with light breakfast and lunch fare.

The Peach on Georgia Ave: A Unique Creative Space

The Peach packs a punch as Palm Beach County’s newest art collective. Located on Georgia Ave, a semi-industrial corridor, adjacent to railroad tracks, this rustic artists’ enclave offers six studio spaces, galleries, and performance areas.

Home to a variety of artists and creatives, The Peach hosts monthly events, classes, and workshops. For example, the first Saturday of the month features an evening Art Walk with live music, local vendors, with both artists working and with their work on display. New restaurant El Segundo is located on site, serving up its unique fusion of street tacos and Texas barbecue, in a fun and funky 1970s carriage house. Definitely try the brisket burnt ends taco!

Everyone Needs A Little Drama

Live theatre holds a special place in my heart. I started my career at The Cleveland Play House, America’s first regional, professional theatre. The regional theatre movement gained momentum in the 1960s. Today, you’re bound to find one in most major U.S. metropolitan areas. Typically, nonprofit, and mission-driven, these theatres produce a season of plays relevant to its community, while also nurturing and developing new work. Palm Beach Dramaworks is West Palm’s regional theatre and will celebrate its 25^th Anniversary during the 2024-2025 season.

Located on the eastern edge of Clematis Street, Dramaworks is committed to “producing classic, contemporary, and world premiere plays that entertain, enlighten, stimulate discussion, and illuminate our shared humanity,” according to its website. The performance space is intimate which means you’re never far from the action on stage. Dedicated to a welcoming and inclusive environment, the theatre hosts Outstage performances on Fridays, where the LGBTQ community can gather and enjoy receptions pre- and post-show. Given its prime location on Clematis, the theatre is convenient to several restaurants, cafes, and eateries. In addition, it’s only a short walk from the intracoastal water way, perfect for a night-time stroll to ponder and discuss the play you just experienced.

If you’re interested in slightly lighter fare, check out the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Originally the Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre, the Maltz has completely transformed itself over the last 25 years into a large non-profit regional professional theatre, producing both classic and contemporary Broadway musicals, in addition to comedies and reviews. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Andrew Kato, the Maltz has expanded its commitment to developing and workshopping new musicals and plays, and its Goldner Conservatory houses a robust performing arts education program for all ages.

Art After Dark at The Norton Museum

Located on the southern edge of downtown West Palm Beach, the Norton Museum of Art boasts a collection of more than 8,200 works in five curatorial departments: European, American, Chinese, Contemporary, and Photography.  Founded in 1941, the museum recently expanded its footprint with 12,000 square feet of new gallery space, classrooms, a state-of-the-art auditorium, plus a new store, restaurant, and great hall.

Art After Dark is the crown jewel of the museum’s community programs, transforming it into a vibrant social scene from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. For $10, you can join docent-led tours, create your own art, and enjoy music live or curated by a local DJ. Boasting a new experience each Friday, the evening can also film screenings, along with talkback discussions. First Fridays feature jazz, and on third Fridays local artists give informal talks discussing the Norton’s collection. The June 21^st edition of Art After Dark will celebrate Pride Month.

An appealing array of arts and cultural opportunities await LGBTQ visitors to Palm Beach County. Now get your Pride on!

For arts and culture lovers, there’s never a bad time to visit The Palm Beaches. But if you want to optimize how many horizon-expanding experiences you can fit into one month, there’s no better month than MOSAIC, our annual Month of Shows, Art, Ideas, and Culture, which takes place every May.

While MOSAIC’s 25-plus limited-time offers span the whole county and include everything from BOGO deals to steep discounts on admission tickets, retail purchases, and more, we’ve selected seven standout offers that will get you moving, grooving, and maybe even up close and personal with wild dolphins.

To take advantage of all MOSAIC offers, visit mosaicpbc.com.

Norton Museum of Art

For the first time ever, the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach is offering a MOSAIC special: Visit during the month of May and enjoy buy-one-get-one-free general admission. Make sure to bring an art aficionado, because the museum’s collection includes more than 8,000 works, with a concentration in European, American, and Chinese art as well as in contemporary art and photography. Note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays.

SunFest

West Palm Beach will turn up the volume again this year from May 3 to 5 for SunFest, the city’s annual weekend of nonstop music, art, good eats, and island vibes. For the ultimate in tropical chill, make sure to catch Matisyahu’s set on Sunday evening, but the lineup has something for everyone: other highlights include Nelly, Billy Idol, Yung Gravy, Elle King, Shaggy, Dashboard Confessional, Boys Like Girls, Third Eye Blind, and local stars Brett Staska & The Souvenirs and The Lubben Brothers. MOSAIC visitors can save up to $15 off tickets to SunFest 2024! 

Taras Oceanographic Foundation

If you’ve ever wanted to be a dolphin trainer or squealed in delight at the sighting of a playful fin breaking the surface of the sea, this MOSAIC experience should be at the top of your list. Based in Jupiter, Taras Oceanographic Foundation exists to advocate for the conservation of dolphins and the marine environment, and they offer dolphin watch tours so guests can encounter these amazing creatures in the wild and experience ocean conservation research in action. The foundation is offering 15% off tickets to educational Dolphin Expedition Tours this May. 

The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum

History buffs and Boca Raton residents alike will be fascinated by The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, where a variety of immersive exhibits tell the story of Boca Raton’s history from native ancestry through 2005. A perfect high-humidity or rainy-day activity, the museum has exhibits to educate visitors on the Pioneer Era, the 1920s and Addison Mizner, World War II and the Boca Raton Army Air Field, and the invention and production of the PC computer by a little local company called IBM. During the month of May, the museum is offering $5 off admission.

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

If you’ve never been to the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, or to its new and improved location in rural northwestern Jupiter, there’s never been a better time. With an intimate environment of a nature center and trails and an unwavering focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation, it’s one of the most unique animal-centric experiences in the country. On Sundays in May, visitors can save $125 off a personalized sanctuary tour for up to 6 people.

Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts

If you’ve ever watched Blown Away on Netflix, visited the island of Murano in Italy, or marveled at a work by Chihuly, you know how captivating glass—these delicate, breathtaking masterpieces—can be. Talk about date night done right: During the month of May, you can receive $50 off a glass-blowing class for two at the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts in Lake Worth Beach. Each student works one-on-one with a glass artist to make their own creation, and you have a choice of several items to make, including a floppy bowl, vase, drinking glass, paperweight, or flower.

Arts Warehouse

Whether you’re interested in painting, ceramics, drawing, or mixed media, Arts Warehouse in Delray Beach has a workshop for you—plus a gallery, studios, and a full docket of events to entertain, too. This Pineapple Grove incubator space and art haven inspires budding artists and creative types alike to release their creativity and discover their artistic potential. 

To take advantage of all MOSAIC offers, visit mosaicpbc.com.

If you’re dreaming of a cultural destination with ocean breezes, sunshine, and a thriving arts scene, look no further than The Palm Beaches: a place where year-round arts and cultural festivals abound. A place where you can stroll along tree-lined downtown streets and watch artisans refining their craft, sway to music by a famous band at a waterfront amphitheater or admire masterpieces created with chalk at a renowned street-painting festival.

Aptly named Florida’s Cultural Capital, The Palm Beaches offer visitors a dynamic vacation experience that can’t be found anywhere else. In addition to theaters, museums, botanical gardens and eco-tourism adventures, we’ve chosen eight top picks for stunning festivals throughout the year. Visit soon and enjoy every minute of fun!

Lake Worth Beach Street Painting Festival

Photo courtesy of the City of Lake Worth Beach

The largest festival of its kind in the country, the Lake Worth Beach Street Painting Festival draws more than 100,000 art lovers each February to walk the seaside municipality’s downtown streets and marvel as more than 600 artists put chalk to asphalt to create expansive temporary works of art. A dazzling display of outdoor living galleries, the works feature everything from replicas of famous paintings to three-dimensional illusions that create mesmerizing spaces and places. Presented by the City of Lake Worth Beach, this annual free public festival also features a mainstage with lively music performances, a food court, eclectic vendors, family activity areas and more.

Festival of the Arts BOCA

Photo by Zsolt Meszaros

A 10-day open-air celebration of exciting performances and author events, Festival of the Arts BOCA’s annual gathering at Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton each March is renowned for its diverse cultural offerings and intellectual fare. Since its inaugural year, the festival has been heralded as an unprecedented cultural arts festival for The Palm Beaches, attracting more than 15,000 attendees each year and drawing world-class artists and speakers to the region. With a commitment to education, the festival also offers an array of master classes, school visits, lectures and open rehearsals for young people. Come experience the magic of this extraordinary tradition in the heart of Boca Raton.

SunFest

Celebrating 40 years under the sun, the iconic annual arts and music festival SunFest takes place at the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront the first week in May. The event features national music performances on two main stages, a community stage for local acts and an Art Village made up of tented booths where artists sell their work. Attracting more than 85,000 visitors per year, the festival features beloved food vendors, interactive art, and has become synonymous with the start of summer in The Palm Beaches. Slated for May 3 – 5, this year’s festival will feature musical acts Nelly, Cole Swindell, Rebelution, Third Eye Blind, Billy Idol, and more.

TurtleFest

Each February, more than 10,000 guests flock to Juno Beach’s Loggerhead Marinelife Center for TurtleFest. This free, family-friendly event promotes ocean conservation through interactive educational exhibits about marine life, as well as music, art, games and other family-friendly activities. Guests can get an up-close view of the sea turtles currently being treated in the center’s hospital, nosh on festival food and drinks, listen to music and shop for artwork created by Palm Beach County-based professional artists. For future scientists, the Junior Veterinary Lab offers the chance to learn how to rescue, treat and release an injured sea turtle.

Fiesta de Pueblo

Photo by Aladberto Boyer

The largest annual Hispanic multicultural and art festival in The Palm Beaches, Fiesta de Pueblo takes place each January and celebrates Three Kings Day, or the Three Wise Men. Drawing thousands of visitors to Samuel J. Ferreri Community Park in Greenacres, this free event provides a unique, cross-cultural celebration of Hispanic culture through music, food, art and commerce. The event includes representation from more than 21 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. With parades, games, amusement park rides, regional cuisine and live entertainment, attendees can shop for artwork and goods from Palm Beach County-based artisans at the event’s business expo. Join the fun at this annual cultural event!

ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival

Photo courtesy of Tracey Benson Photography

In four decades, ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival has grown from a small, local art show to a nationally recognized fine arts festival attracting tens of thousands of art lovers and collectors. The festival takes place each February over President’s Day weekend in Palm Beach Gardens. Produced by the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, ArtiGras has been named one of the top 70 fine art festivals in the country and showcases a juried exhibition of gallery-quality art from 300 artists. ArtiGras also features a youth art competition, kids zone and live entertainment. A portion of the proceeds from the festival go to benefit art education in schools throughout Palm Beach County.

Delray Affair

One of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the southeast United States, Delray Beach’s Delray Affair takes place each April along seven city blocks of the waterfront town’s vibrant Atlantic Avenue. Produced by the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce and currently celebrating its 62nd year, the show has received numerous state and international awards for its impressive mixture of art, crafts and unique goods from around the world. The three-day event features live craftsmanship demonstrations, engaging workshops, performances by musicians and interactive experiences. It’s easy to see why this festival has earned the nickname “the greatest art and craft show under the sun.”

Black Gold Jubilee

Courtesy of the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce

Perfect for families, Belle Glade’s annual Black Gold Jubilee is an annual harvest festival that celebrates the area’s rich soil, dubbed “black gold” for its ability to produce bountiful harvests year after year. With multiple events leading up to the big day each April, the festival starts with 5K and 10K races and a parade on Main Street, followed by a full day of fun, food, and entertainment on Torry Island. The event includes free games and rides for children and the opportunity to shop for handmade goods from artisans. In the evening, the amphitheater stage offers a spectacular lineup of musical entertainment followed by fireworks over the lake.

Looking for more arts and culture to explore in The Palm Beaches? Download our cultural travel guide today.

Sunrises are beautiful anywhere, but there’s something special about seeing them over the ocean at a beach I can reach 10 minutes by bike.

Lake Worth Beach Pier

Growing up in Pittsburgh, I did not like the winters. I moved to South Florida in 1988 after graduating from journalism school and taking a newspaper job. Eventually, I found my way to Lake Worth Beach, a funky little town with a whimsical motto that spoke to me: “Keep Lake Worth Weird.’’ I fit right in.

And it wasn’t long before I discovered and embraced its many wonderful and quirky treasures, from the natural to the cultural to the culinary.

After watching the sun rise at the Lake Worth Beach Casino Complex, I’m ready for coffee and eggs at a table above the ocean — literally — at Benny’s on the Beach, a popular eatery on the Lake Worth Pier.

If the waves are big, I’ll pay $1 to walk out on the 1,000-foot pier east of Benny’s and watch the surfers. There’s action on the pier, too, where large pelicans gather on the railings in hopes of stealing the catches from morning anglers.

Nothing beats the scenery at the pier, but my two favorite breakfast spots are across the Lake Worth Bridge: The Pelican Restaurant on Lake Avenue, known for Indian fusion, and Farmer Girl Restaurant, an old-school eatery on U.S. 1 in my College Park neighborhood.

Snook Islands Natural Area

After breakfast, I explore the Snook Islands Natural Area, with its boardwalk winding around mangroves and wading birds at the northwest end of the Lake Worth Bridge. If the wind is calm, I’ll head north to the Lake Worth Beach Golf Club to rent a kayak and paddle south in the Lake Worth Lagoon.

For an added treat, I paddle under the bridge for an up-close view of a breathtaking mural, on the wall of the bridge’s main support, of a woman rising from the Intracoastal Waterway. Painted in 2017 by the artist Hula during Canvas Art Festival, the lady in the mural always turns heads whether you’re on water or on land strolling the walkways to the southeast in Bryant Park.

Lake Worth Beach is known around South Florida for hosting large annual events – the Street Painting Festival each February; the Palm Beach Pride festival and parade in March; the Midnight Sun Festival paying homage to the town’s century-old Finnish heritage with music, food and the amusing Wife Carrying Contest; and Dia de Los Muertos in October.

Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts

But there are plenty of year-round options, like the city’s vibrant arts offerings. I always enjoy the galleries on the ground floor of the beautiful art deco Cultural Council of Palm Beach County building, which spotlights the work of local artists like painter Serge Strosberg and ceramic artist Heather Couch. Admission is free. Be sure to walk outside and check out the larger-than-life Martin Luther King Jr. mural on the building’s south wall.

I always find something inspiring on the walls of mtn space gallery on Lake Avenue and at the funky Flamingo Clay Studio artists’ coop on South J Street.

An even more eclectic treat can be found just west of U.S. 1 at the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts. The transformed historic FEC train depot houses working spaces for emerging and established artists and offers workshops in glassblowing, welding and jewelry.

Café Tecun

By now, I’m ready for lunch. If it’s Wednesday, I’ll stop by L-Dub Subs (slang for the city’s initials) on South J Street for their weekly special — the Mama Gizza Meatball Sub, made by a local gourmet pasta maker. Other days, I’ll grab a burrito and a cold Corona at Cafe Tecun, where the only thing better than the food is the friendly staff.

In the afternoon, I’ll take Lucy and Ginger, my friendly dogs, to Bryant Park or Spillway Park on the city’s north end and watch them chase squirrels.

During football season, there’s no better place for transplanted Pittsburghers to watch their Steelers than Dave’s Last Resort and Raw Bar in the heart of downtown. If the place is too packed, I’ll walk across the street to the roomier Irish Brigade with its multiple screens.

Lake Worth Playhouse

One recent Saturday afternoon I caught a matinee of “Oklahoma!” at the Lake Worth Playhouse, celebrating its 100th birthday this year in the heart of downtown. A few weeks before that, my wife and I stopped at the playhouse’s Stonzek Theater, home to great independent movies, and watched a music documentary called “The Stones and Brian Jones.’’

By the time the movie ended, we were primed for live music. But first, dinner at our favorite restaurant, Lilo’s Streetfood and Bar. The sidewalk tables were all taken — a testament to the great food — so we sidled up to the bar and ordered our usual yummy shrimp tacos.

Harry’s Banana Farm

By 8 p.m., we grabbed a table at Rudy’s Pub on South J Street and watched the Cedric Talton Experience. “No grouchy people allowed,’’ says the sign inside Rudy’s, where great live music can be seen all week, often with no cover charge.

On certain Friday nights during the year, weather permitting, we head back to the beach to meet up with friends and neighbors at the city-sponsored beach bonfires, featuring live music from bands like The Killbillies and The People Upstairs.

My day isn’t complete without a nightcap at Harry’s Banana Farm, a bar known for cheap cold beer and a rich sense of humor: Whimsical messages on the bar’s marquee – such as “Retirement: it’s like high school but your parents r never home”  – have been stopping traffic on U.S. 1 for years.

Finally, I’m off to bed, dreaming of another beach sunrise.

For more to do and see in Lake Worth Beach and across Florida’s Cultural Capital, visit our events calendar.