Don't miss out on these fun outdoor events in Palm Beach County for 2023-24
So it's finally cooled off and the humidity has dropped below Amazon rainforest levels, making it the perfect time to start posting and sending pics to all your friends and relatives stuck in the Northeast, Midwest or even California to make them jealous.
To make sure you take advantage of every envy-inducing opportunity — and every chance for you to actually enjoy all that Palm Beach County has to offer outdoors in the fall, winter and even spring — here's a rundown of events you shouldn't miss.
There are holiday and cultural celebrations, downtown festivals, beachside art shows, environmental awakenings, massive boat shows and so much more.
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Feast of Little Italy, Jupiter
This three-day celebration of Italian heritage, culture and music will be held at Abacoa Town Center and will feature national entertainment, authentic Italian food, festival rides, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, great shopping and more. With WRMF's KVJ Morning Show host Virginia Sinicki presiding as Mistress of Ceremonies, there will performances by Maria DeCrescenzo, Studio 54, Angelo Venuto, the Bon Jovi tribute band Livin On A Prayer, and many more.
The event is 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Abacoa Town Center, 1267 Main St., Jupiter. Free. Information: feastoflittleitaly.com
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LagoonFest, West Palm Beach
Enjoy wildlife presentations, participate in kayak clean-up tours, enjoy scientist-guided tours of the Lake Worth Lagoon aboard the Hakuna Matata catamaran and learn about this 20-mile long urban estuary, that touches 13 Palm Beach County cities. See the beauty of it in person and discover for yourself why it is worth protecting. There will be exhibitor booths, demonstrations, a Kids Zone with face painting, lawn games, crafts, a gopher tortoise burrow and more.
The event will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. Flagler Drive, downtown West Palm Beach. Free. Information: thepalmbeaches.com/lagoonfest; instagram.com/lagoonfestpbc
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21st annual Juno Beach Craft Festival on the Ocean
This much-anticipated event will feature some of the finest crafters from around the United States offering leather goods, paintings, photography, glassworks and much more. With crafts to suite every budget this is the perfect time to indulge yourself or even get a jump on that holiday shopping. Sponsored by the Jupiter-Tequesta Rotary Club.
The event will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. Just north of Donald Ross Road on A1A, Juno Beach.
Holiday in Paradise-West Palm Beach
Forget a few days of holiday festivities, downtown West Palm Beach will be going for a full month! Starting from the moment Sandi, the world’s only 700-ton holiday sand tree, is lit on Nov. 30 through Dec. 31 there will be synchronized nightly music and light shows from 6 to 10 p.m. The shows will be on the quarter hour except during special events. Within the one-month period there will also a holiday-themed Screen on the Green movie on Dec. 8, the Sandi and Santa Annual Pancake Breakfast on Dec. 16, Sunday on the Waterfront featuring the Aloha Islanders on Dec. 17 and much more.
West Palm Beach Holiday in Paradise will run from Nov. 30 to Dec. 31. Free. Information: wpb.org
The 29th annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and Toy Drive
The parade and toy drive, which benefits Toys for Tots and Little Smiles, will once again kick off the holiday season. Small boats, sailboats, and megayachts will be adorned with millions of holiday lights illuminating the waterways. Decked out in all their holiday glory with lights, dancers and more, there is a $500 cash prize for Best Boat of the Parade as well as a $500 cash prize for Fan Favorite boat. They are judged on lights, enthusiasm and themed décor. The procession will be led by a traveling Zambelli fireworks display as the boats will travel the Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
The event is 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Lighthouse. Information: marinepbc.org
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7th Annual Holiday Arts Festival, West Palm Beach
Attendees to this annual event on the Armory Art Center's historic campus can shop for artwork including paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more. There will also be live art demonstrations and kids activities along with live music performed by different musicians each day.
The event is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3. Armory Arts Center, 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach. Information: armoryart.org
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Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival
This year's festival will be held over the course of four days and will once again feature many of the culinary world's rock stars. Among them will be Maneet Chauhan, Tiffani Faison, Duff Goldman, Robert Irvine, Daniel Boulud, Lindsay Autry, Clay Conley, Tim Lipman and many, many more. There will be more than two dozen events held at different restaurants including Okeechobee Prime Event Hall, Buccan, Oceano Kitchen, The Breakers, Coolinary, Aioli and more.
The event will run Thursday, Dec. 7 to Sunday, Dec. 10. Multiple locations through the Palm Beaches. Information: pbfoodwinefest.com
Winterfest
Held at the Wellington Amphitheater this event will feature music icon, philanthropist, home renovator and actor "Vanilla Ice." It will have delicious food vendors, multiple lounges for adults, a snow globe photo booth, music and dance performances, a retail and holiday shopping area, a visit from Santa and much more.
The event will be 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8. 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Free. Information: wellingtonfl.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=1991
Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade
Held in partnership with the Town of Hypoluxo, Town of Lantana and the City of Delray Beach, this annual parade will feature dozens of boats decked out in dazzling lights, holiday décor, costumed captains and crews. Though there are many restaurants and parks from which to see the festive flotilla, the official watch location is the Boynton Harbor Marina at 735 Casa Loma Blvd.
Activities at the marina will include music, a special visit from Santa and food and beverages available at Two Georges. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
The event is 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8. Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana to C-15 Canal in Delray Beach. Information: boyntonbeachcra.com
2024 South Florida Fair
This year's theme will be "Dive Into The Fun" and it will celebrate the ocean and marine wildlife. In addition to amazing rides, wildly creative carnival foods, parades, musical performances, vendors and more, this year will feature the "Dueling Pirates-High Dive Show," the "Sea Lion Splash" show with actual sea lions, the "Ice in Paradise" featuring ice skating within an ocean-themed show and Mr. Alder & His Baby Sea Animals.
The 17-day event is Jan. 12 to 28, 2024. 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach. See website for ticket prices. Information: southfloridafair.com
South Florida Garlic Fest, Wellington
Honoring that perfectly pungent bulb, this two-day party will have nearly every conceivable food made from the gastronomic miracle known as garlic. There will be multiple music acts including Ryan Montgomery, the Fabulous Fleetwoods, the Bon Jovi tribute group Shot Through The Heart Band, Dirty Work, Mike Garulli, The Dave Matthews Tribute Band and the incredible, hard rocking group The Resilient, made up of mostly combat wounded veterans. There will also be rides, drinks, craft vendors and much more.
The event will be held 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Information: garlicfestfl.com
West Palm Beach Mardi Gras
Hosted by the West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District, in partnership with the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, this inaugural event will feature flamboyant costumes, vibrant colors and electric spirit of world-famous New Orleans festival. Expect live music and plenty of culinary treats inspired by the flavors of The Big Easy. Musical acts include Mister Trombone and MTE Band, Joey Gilmore, Bop Shop Brass and more.
The event is 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. 104 Datura St., West Palm Beach. Tickets start at $10. Information: downtownwpb.com
The Palm Beach Show, West Palm Beach
One of the most luxurious and sophisticated showcases of its kind in the United States, The Palm Beach Show is the area’s only high-end art, jewelry and antiques showcase offering items spanning every genre, juxtaposing many periods and movements.
The event is Thursday, Feb. 15 to 20, 2024. Palm Beach Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Information: palmbeachshow.com
ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, Palm Beach Gardens
Now in its 39th year, this outdoor arts event showcasing a juried exhibition of outstanding fine art and featuring activities which include live entertainment, artist demonstrations, interactive art activities for all ages and a youth art competition. Presented by Tampa General Hospital.
The event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 and Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. Gardens North County District Park, 5101 117th Court N., Palm Beach Gardens. Information: artigras.org
Delray Beach Open
This is an ATP World Tour 250 series men's professional tennis tournament and the world's only ATP Champions Tour and ATP 250 event featuring legends as well as top-ranked stars. Though the tennis is the draw, other activities are part of the open including a Ladies Luncheon; a Tacos, Tennis, Tequila event; a pairing event featuring unlimited sampling of best beer, wine, and spirits and much more.
The open is from Feb. 9 to 18, 2024. Delray Beach Stadium and Tennis Center, 201 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. See website for ticket prices. Information: yellowtennisball.com
The Classic in the Palm Beaches, Palm Beach Gardens
The Classic in the Palm Beaches, formerly The Honda Classic, will once again draw some of the top golfers in the world to Palm Beach Gardens. It will include a field of 144 with the winner claiming $1.62 million and 500 FedExCup Points. Along with some of the best golf on Earth, there will be fun events throughout the multi-day event.
The event will be held Monday, Feb. 26 to March 3, 2024. PGA National Resort and Spa, Champion Course, 3300 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. See website for ticket pricing. Information: theclassicinthepalmbeaches.com
Lake Worth Beach Street Painting Festival
The 30th anniversary of this amazing event will feature hundreds of pavement Picassos who will turn Lake and Lucerne Avenues in downtown Lake Worth Beach into a world-class gallery.
Details about the February event were still being worked out at press time. Information: spf.lakeworthbeachfl.gov
Festival of the Arts BOCA
Established in 2007, Festival of the Arts BOCA was designed to promote the cultural arts and to enrich the quality of life of the residents of Boca Raton, North Broward and Palm Beach County.
This multi-day event in Mizner Park attracts more than 15,000 guests who enjoy performances in music, dance and other arts, lectures by renowned authors, and a screening of a classic movie accompanied by a full orchestra.
This year's artists include Barcelona Flamenco Ballet, Renée Fleming, the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra, fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi and poet Richard Blanco. The featured film will be "Jaws."
The event is Friday, March 1 to March 9 at Mizner Park Amphitheatre, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Information: 561-757-4762, https://festivalboca.org
Palm Beach International Boat Show
Featuring hundreds of boats ranging 8-foot inflatables up to 300-foot mega yachts, this show has almost every type of watercraft one could want. In addition, there will be marine-related goods from hundreds of vendors, seminars, food, drink and more. This annual event attracts over 50,000 visitors each year.
The event is Thursday, March 21 to Sunday, March 24, 2024. Flagler Drive, downtown West Palm Beach. See website for ticket prices. Information: pbboatshow.com
Black Gold Jubilee, Belle Glade
This is a celebration of the area's rich soil, nicknamed "Black Gold" for its color and its ability to produce some of the finest crops in the state, nation or world. It began in 1978 and has become a top draw festival bringing in 1,000s of residents and visitors. It features a beauty pageant, fishing contest, a 5K and a 10K race/walk, games, rides, a parade, live music and food vendors with everything from Greek and Cajun to barbecue and soul food.
The event is Saturday, April 13, 2024. Torry Island Campground, 5000 W. Canal St., Belle Glade. Free. Information: blackgoldjubilee.org
Delray Affair
This year the event will celebrate its 62nd year and though it's now eligible for Social Security benefits, this rocking good time isn't slowing down a bit. Stretching 10 city blocks throughout downtown Delray Beach the "Greatest Show under the Sun" is a sprawling artistic wonderland renowned for its eclectic fusion of art, exquisite crafts, and funky products sourced from all corners of the globe. Prepare to be enchanted by a melting pot of creativity.
The event is Friday, April 12 to 14, 2024. Downtown Delray Beach. Information: delrayaffair.com
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SunFest, West Palm Beach
No. The official lineup has not yet been released, but unless you've been dwelling in a cave or stuck in some sort of biosphere-like experience for the last 40 years, you know SunFest organizers will not let you down. In addition to great music, there will be fantastic food, drinks and crafts and artwork to see and purchase.
The event will be Friday, May 3 to 5, 2024. Flagler Drive, downtown West Palm Beach. Information: sunfest.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County outdoor events, festivals from Jupiter to Boca Raton