Looking for fun things to do this weekend Jan. 12-14? Top 5 events in Palm Beach County

Eddie Ritz, Palm Beach Post
Updated ·3 min read

It's officially wintertime in South Florida and though you won't be building snowmen or hitting the slopes, you will be able to enjoy outdoor activities without having to layer up or even wear a jacket most of the time. This is the time to venture outside enjoy festivals, greenmarkets and the area's incredible entertainment. Get out and take in the 112th South Florida Fair with rides, deliciously-creative food and more, enjoy live music at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens or shop works by nearly 300 artists at the 35th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts. Whatever it is, just go out and take advantage of this great area and this amazing thing we call life. It doesn't happen on your phone.

In addition to the top five events listed there's always something great happening at places like The Norton Museum of Art or the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. On top of that you could always just enjoy a great meal with an equally great view at one of Palm Beach County's waterfront restaurants from Jupiter to Boca Raton. Plus, we've curated a list of the best things to do all year in the county, and here it is: your bucket list of 55 fun must-try things to do in Palm Beach County.

1. 2024 South Florida Fair kickoff

The South Florida Fair's theme this year is "Dive Into The Fun" and it will have many ocean and marine life-themed shows and events. The fair runs from Jan. 12 to 28.
The South Florida Fair's theme this year is "Dive Into The Fun" and it will have many ocean and marine life-themed shows and events. The fair runs from Jan. 12 to 28.

This year's theme is "Dive into the Fun" and in terms of diving and fun, there will more than enough to perform the "triple Lindy" without even thinking about it. In addition to rides, games and incredibly creative and delicious foods, there will be a live shark show, sea lions, an immersive underwater experience and much more.

Experience new rides, new food: 7 things to know about the 2024 South Florida Fair

The fair opens Friday, Jan. 12 and runs through Jan. 28. 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach. See website for ticket prices. Information: southfloridafair.com

2. Sculpture Gardens Jazz and Gospel

The Stephanie Nakasian quartet will perform Sunday, Jan. 14 at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens near downtown West Palm Beach.
The Stephanie Nakasian quartet will perform Sunday, Jan. 14 at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens near downtown West Palm Beach.

Held at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens near downtown West Palm Beach, this concert will feature the Stephanie Nakassian quartet. This annual series treats visitors to great music from world-class artists among the monumental works of the gardens.

The event is 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14. 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach. $30, ANSG members and seniors $25, children $12. Reservations required. Information: ansg.org

3. Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts

The 35th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts will be held Saturday and Sunday along West Atlantic Avenue.
The 35th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts will be held Saturday and Sunday along West Atlantic Avenue.

Winner of the Sunshine Artists’ 2023 Top 100 Fine Art & Design Show Awards, the 35th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts will celebrate 35 years on Atlantic Avenue this weekend. Nearly 300 artists will be offering life-sized sculptures, handcrafted jewelry, wearable art, paintings, music and more during this free, two-day art experience.

The event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 and Sunday, Jan. 14. 104 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Free. Information: artfestival.com; downtowndelraybeach.com

4. Mat Pilates at Mounts Botanical Garden

Stephanie Pierce will lead the Mat Pilates class on Friday, Jan. 12 at Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach.
Stephanie Pierce will lead the Mat Pilates class on Friday, Jan. 12 at Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach.

Let instructor Stephanie Pierce guide you as you build strength, increase flexibility and reduce stress. The exercises are low impact and excellent for enhancing mind-body connection. All levels are welcome, and modifications will be offered to ensure a pain-free experience.

The class is 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12. 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. $25, members $20. Registration required. Information: mounts.org/event/mat-pilates

5. Plein Air painting at The Gardens GreenMarket

Plein air artist Patricia Maguire, along with several other artists, will be painting live Sunday, Jan. 14 at the The Gardens GreenMarket.
Plein air artist Patricia Maguire, along with several other artists, will be painting live Sunday, Jan. 14 at the The Gardens GreenMarket.

See top local plein air artists paint throughout this weekly event and watch how they capture the vibrant mood and rich colors of morning and early afternoons. It will feature works by Patricia Maguire, Nancy Tilles and Carl Stoveland.

The event is 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14. 10500 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. Free. Information: pbgfl.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: Things to do this weekend in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach.