It’s the most wonderful time of the year—enjoy a curated selection of spirited events and performances across Florida’s Cultural Capital this holiday season.
Celebrate Kwanzaa at Spady Cultural Heritage Museum
Celebrate the cultural significance of Kwanzaa at the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum on December 26. This event honors African heritage and traditions through vibrant performances, educational activities, and engaging exhibits. Visitors can partake in ceremonies, explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa, and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of African-American culture during this joyous holiday celebration.
Dazzling holiday classic onstage at Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
For many, the holiday season isn’t complete without experiencing the enchanting tale of “The Nutcracker.” Ballet Palm Beach brings George Balanchine’s timeless choreography to life at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts from December 6–8. With its opulent sets, graceful dancers, and Tchaikovsky’s mesmerizing score, this performance captivates audiences of all ages, weaving a magical narrative that embodies the spirit of the season.
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.
Zoo Lights at Palm Beach Zoo
The Palm Beach Zoo‘s Zoo Lights is back! It’s a captivating event that will illuminate the Zoo with festive cheer and enchantment. Starting November 23 and running through January 5, this magical event will transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and seasonal delights. Take photos with Santa. Decorate cookies, and roast s’mores. Enjoy hourly light shows, music and “snow” in the fountain!
Enjoy a holiday evening tour of Whitehall
Step into the opulence of the Gilded Age with Holiday Evening Tours at the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum from December 19 to 23. Adorned with festive decorations, the museum takes visitors on a historical journey, offering a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the early 20th century. From elegantly adorned rooms to the stunning grounds aglow with holiday lights, this tour immerses guests in the timeless elegance of yesteryears.
As The Palm Beaches come alive with art, culture, and holiday cheer, these events promise to create lasting memories for locals and visitors alike. Embrace the spirit of the season by immersing yourself in the traditions that make this corner of Florida a unique and vibrant destination during the holidays. Whether you’re enchanted by ballet, captivated by theater, or drawn to cultural celebrations, The Palm Beaches have something special in store for everyone this holiday season.
The Armory Art Center invited artists statewide to submit up to three (3) artworks to our winter/fall juried show, which is held in conjunction with our 8th annual Arts + Crafts + Design Creative Market on November 9-10, 2024. All artwork is for sale and all proceeds benefit the submitting artists and the Armory Art Center school programs. Buy Local while supporting the Arts!
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF PALM BEACH was a call for artists to submit work that grabs our attention and provokes thought while addressing contemporary issues. Whether social, cultural, environmental, inspirational, spiritual, or personal. We encourage artists to delve into modern life’s realities, challenges, struggles, and joys and express them uniquely through their artistic creations. 43 Artists were selected to participate in the juried show.
Participating Artists: Ryan Toth, Cynthia Oakes, Mary Rosseland, Judy Flescher, Ellen Wilner, Kim Aikens, Enid Blechman, Riley Kroeker, Aya Bendat, Sherly Rivkind, Sharon Bastin, Debbie Ohara, Robbie Potter, Nadine Saitlin, Karen Keenan, Manon Sander, Lynn Kalber, R. Patrick Cochran, Lydia Dardi, Christine Knize, Claudia Jane Klein, Jerilyn Brown, Marcelle Zanetti, Karen H. Salup, Nancy Tilles, Susanne Stroh, Adrienne Walker, Terry Pesso, Chuck Bale, Hilary Pulitzer, David Charlowe, Jessica Mills, Evan Charney, David Cohen, Merry Renert, Abbe Kalman, Trish Kahn, Gretchen Pravaz
Free Admission for all ages
Join us on a guided walkthrough of our outdoor sea turtle hospital and meet our current patients.
Tour Hours: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Duration: 1 Hour
About Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Public Guided Tour allows visitors to get a guided experience of our outdoor sea turtle hospital and meet our patients. In this tour, you will gain a deep understanding of our patients stories from their rescue event to their diagnosis, rehabilitation process, and release plan.
Celebrating Juneteenth in The Palm Beaches
by Alisha Leben
Juneteenth—a holiday that in more recent years has been acknowledged on a more popular level than ever before in its history. This year marks the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the emancipation and symbolic end of slavery of African Americans in the United States. Although Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the last slaves in the United States were finally freed in Texas on June 19th, 1865. The blend of both words “June” and “nineteenth” birthed the term “Juneteenth.”
4th ANNUAL JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL: UNITY X BLACK EXCELLENCE
This year I am looking forward to the 4th annual Juneteenth: Unity x Black Excellence Festival hosted by Juneteenth of Palm Beach County Inc. The event represents the Black community and culture in The Palm Beaches and awareness of the history and current issues facing Black people.
For the fourth year, you can enjoy the festival at the Meyer Amphitheater in West Palm Beach. The entire event will be filled with Afrocentric vibes, delicious food, spectacular views, live music, games and activities for all ages, and an array of local Black-owned businesses. This free event will occur on Saturday, June 15 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Meyer Amphitheater located at 104 Datura Street West Palm Beach, FL.
JUNETEENTH COMMUNITY DAY AT NORTON MUSEUM OF ART
The Norton Museum of Art is hosting their fourth annual Juneteenth celebration! Celebrate this historic holiday with FREE museum admission for all, and special events throughout the day! There will be live music performances by musicians including South Florida’s very own international contemporary jazz singer Bianca Rosarrio, The Ebony Chorale, and Larry Johnson’s Essence of Motown. A dance performance by Soul Stage Dance Ensemble for Soul Movement, spoken word poetry by Terese “Chunky” Hill and friends, plus gallery talks on African American artists, art-making activities, vendors, and more! This event takes place on Saturday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Norton Museum of Art.
SPADY CULTURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM’S JUNETEENTH FATHER’S OF FREEDOM
Delray Beach is home to the well-known Spady Cultural Heritage Museum. This landmark is a Black history museum and cultural center highlighting the contributions of people of African descent, including the Afro-Caribbean culture. This Father’s Day, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum is hosting the Juneteenth Fathers of Freedom Evening of Dinner & Jazz event, offering our leading men dinner and a concert, featuring the Jesse Jones Jr. Quartet, which delivers jazzy sax vibes with a modern R&B feel. Celebrate the special men in your family and a nationally recognized day of emancipation of enslaved people with good food, good music, and good vibes.
Be sure to join in on this event, taking place Sunday, June 16 at The Fieldhouse at Old School Square. This year the event will be in the evening from 6 to 8 p.m., and tickets are $100 per person.
BOYNTON BEACH HOSTS “JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM”
If you’re looking for family fun in the sun, head over to Boynton Beach for a free Juneteenth event. Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom, will be filled with music, food trucks, vendors, a kid’s zone, live performances, and more! The Juneteenth Committee is hosting the “Who’s Bad” Bar B Que Cookoff Contest, to determine the best griller in the city. The event will also have activities for all ages, including children who can tap into their artistic side with coloring and drawing or play games like Connect Four or Jenga. The celebration is happening at Sara Sims Park in Boynton Beach on June 15 from 12 to 5 p.m.
CELEBRATE REDTEENTH IN WELLINGTON
One of my favorite destinations in South Florida is Wellington, a city nestled in the northwest corner of The Palm Beaches who is also joining the Juneteenth celebrations this year! The Sickle Cell Foundation of Palm Beach is hosting a Redteenth Cultural Festival honoring World Sickle Cell Day, which is acknowledged annually on Juneteenth. This outdoor experience will have musical & spoken word performances, arts & crafts for children, and special guest speakers who will share their stories and bring awareness to Sickle Cell Disease. The Redteenth Cultural Festival will be held on Saturday, June 15, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the gorgeous Village of Wellington Amphitheater.
JUNETEENTH AFTER DARK IN RIVIERA BEACH
The City of Riviera Beach is hosting Juneteenth After Dark, a FREE family-friendly event! Enjoy live musical performance by the Derek Mack Band, games, bounce houses, vendors, BBQ contest, plus Karaoke! The Juneteenth After Dark event will be held on Friday, June 14th, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Dan Calloway Amphitheater in Riviera Beach.
We hope you join us and celebrate Juneteenth in The Palm Beaches!
For more exciting events and celebrations in The Palm Beaches, visit our online events calendar.
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 25th 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 21st 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!
Fiesta De Pueblo, Inc. (Town Fest) a celebration of the Three Wise Men provides a unique, cross-cultural family event that engages the general-public in an educational experience that highlights the Hispanic culture through music, food, art, and commerce. Fiesta de Pueblo enables our Hispanic community to showcase its resources, products and services at our Business Expo.
We focus on Education, Community, Culture and Commerce. Fiesta de Pueblo features parades, games, arts, amusement park rides, regional food, business booths, and live entertainment.
For Business/Vendor Exhibition Booth call us at 561-889-6527.
UNDER THE RADAR: HIDDEN GEMS OF CULTURE IN THE PALM BEACHES
Posted by: Nick Murray
February 22, 2018
You’ve seen your fair share of fantastic museums, theaters, galleries and more here in The Palm Beaches, but for those who opt for the road less traveled…there’s still so much to explore! Here are just a few cultural organizations and events, chosen by our Cultural Concierge, to keep an eye on here in Florida’s Cultural Capital®.
Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts
Nestled in a former Florida East Coast Railroad train depot in the heart of Lake Worth, Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts is the rare hidden gem that actually produces “gems” in the form of glass, stone and metal. The center is composed of six separate sections dedicated to glassblowing, flameworking, fusing, welding and a gallery and gift shop for artists to show off and sell the creations they’ve made. Benzaiten also houses a metal foundry—where else can you see something like that?
Of course, you can take the plunge and sign up for any one of the dozens of classes that the center offers throughout the week, or if you just want to come by and see what the professionals are working on, all of the studios are open-air and available for the public to visit.
Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
Subtle sculptures amid gorgeous greenery—that’s the simple description of one of West Palm Beach’s more secluded cultural organizations, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. This “secret garden” of The Palm Beaches comprises a 1920s house and outdoor space originally owned by Ralph Norton (of Norton Museum of Art). His second wife, Ann Weaver Norton, was a noted sculptor and built an additional studio space to accommodate her work.
Now, Ann’s sculptures decorate the garden space and, along with the home and studio, are open for the public to visit and appreciate her incredible, large-scale pieces crafted from brick, clay and stone. It’s a can’t-miss opportunity for those eager to get lost in art!
Spady Cultural Heritage Museum
Eager to take a look through Palm Beach County’s past? Spady Cultural Heritage Museum celebrates African-American, Haitian-American and Caribbean-American history through annual heritage festivals, trolley tours of its neighborhood in Delray Beach and through its rotating art and photographic exhibitions on-site.
Every summer, the organization hosts its inspirational Juneteenth Celebration, which marks an important date in American and Floridian history—the day that slavery was abolished. When it comes to examining life in Palm Beach County, there’s no place quite like Spady Cultural Heritage Museum.
DKDC/DIY Projects
Breaking out from the mold of dedicated seasonal ballet and dance favorites (think “The Nutcracker,” “Swan Lake,” etc.), DKDC/DIY Projects of West Palm Beach dedicates all of its energy to site-specific modern dance projects and the creative process. Since 1986, dancer, choreographer and National Endowment for the Arts and Guggenheim Fellow, Demetrius Klein, has been teaching modern dance and bringing new choreography to the South Florida arts scene.
Now, he’s built his original organization Demetrius Klein Dance Company (DKDC) out to serve as a place to create new works, provide education to interested dance students and provide collaborative services to partner cultural organizations. Over the last few years, the organization has created site-specific modern dance installations across Palm Beach County, including an original adaptation of Handel’s “Messiah” (typically reserved for singers and musicians) and new works such as “Laurel,” which premiered in 2017.
Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum
Incorporated in 1925 at the behest of architect and Palm Beach socialite, Addison Mizner, Boca Raton remains Palm Beach County’s southernmost city with all manner of arts and culture for visitors to enjoy. The history of this intricate city can be explored in full at the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum, housed in the original 1927 Town Hall building. There, guests and history buffs can enjoy permanent collections from the city’s time as an Army Air Corps base during World War II and as a booming technology destination and home to one of IBM’s computer facilities in the 1970s and 1980s, among other eras.
Fun fact: the museum also owns the Boca Express Train Museum, where transportation enthusiasts and their families can tour a historic Florida East Coast Railway Depot and two 1947 Seaboard Air Line streamlined rail cars.
Looking for more to explore?
Consult our Cultural Concierge for custom arts-related itineraries to use during your trip to The Palm Beaches.
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.
While all of Clematis Street is LGBTQ friendly, I find the 500-block exudes the gayest aesthetic. Recently, the block welcomed 
Surrounding Lucky’s are eclectic spots to either peruse or grab a bite to eat before clubbing. 
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. 
If you’re interested in slightly lighter fare, check out the 