Posts

Delray Beach Events for January 2019!

in ,

January brings so many not-to-miss events to downtown Delray Beach! Here are some of our picks:

First Night in Downtown Delray Beach (Dec 31 into Jan 1)

Kick off January in Delray Beach with The Annual First Night event. It’s open to everyone, and taking place primarily at Old School Square.

This festive event centers around (and even in!) Delray’s Famous 100 Foot Holiday Tree. It will feature games, food trucks, music, shows, crafts for the kids – plus the fun attractions of both the merry go round and the ice skating rink. So much fun for the whole family!

We’ll bid farewell to 2018 and welcome 2019 at the close of the evening with fireworks atop the parking garage located in the heart of downtown.

 

Continuing throughout the month are several newsworthy shows and concerts at Old School Square and The Arts Garage. A few that we plan to attend include:

First Friday Bites and Art Walk (Jan 4th)

This happening starts with a stop at The Arts Warehouse, where there will be food trucks and plenty of art to enjoy throughout the warehouse, Artist’s Alley & Pineapple Grove.

 

The Capitol Steps at Old School Square (Jan 5th)

A Washington-based troupe of Congressional staffers-turned songwriters presents this hilarious night of music and political satire.

 

The Spring Arts Open House at The Arts Garage (Jan 12)

Be sure to check out this one out! It’s an opportunity to learn about all the Arts Garage workshops, shows/concerts and events planned for the year.

 

Towards the end of January, we are looking forward to:

The 6th Annual Delray Beach Fashion Week (Jan 23 – Jan 27)

Featuring local fashion designers and retailers – and showcasing private shopping events, trunk shows, and several runway fashion shows along Atlantic Ave & Old School Square – it’s a must in Delray!

 

There is always so much to do in Delray Beach, our Village by the Sea! These are just a few of the many events to enjoy during the month of January. For additional information or to find other events be sure to visit The Delray Beach Community Calendar online OR stop into The Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce for more details on these and several other happenings.

 
 

Delray Beach Holiday Events – 2018!

in ,

Welcome to the December Holidays – a month long celebration in Delray Beach! This is just one of countless reasons why we LOVE living, working and playing in Delray – our unique Village by the Sea.  

 

Delray Beach 100-foot Christmas Tree Lighting

Thursday, November 29th

 

Delray Beach is widely known for the 100 Ft Christmas tree, which is the crown jewel of the entire season!  The holidays start with a city-wide celebration of the lighting of the tree – which is impressive, for sure, standing 100 feet tall! And, it actually houses a gorgeous display of vignettes inside.

The tree is positioned on the grounds of Old School Square in the center of downtown, where kids of all ages can enjoy the tree, plus a visit with Santa, ice skating on the skating rink, putt putt golf, or a ride on the antique merry go round! It’s truly enchanting, so we recommend you earmark some serious family time to enjoy it all!

 

Delray Beach Menorah Lighting

Sunday, December 2nd


The fun continues after the Christmas tree lighting, with the lighting of the Menorah to kick off Hanukkah.

 

 

Holiday Market at The Arts Warehouse in Artists Alley, Delray Beach

Weekend of December 7th

 

Did I mention the shopping events??  Another new “not to miss” this season is the Holiday Market at The Arts Warehouse in Artists Alley, happening the weekend of December 7th! Local artisans will be showcasing one of a kind gifts – great for those hard to buy for on your list.

 

The Delray Beach Holiday Parade

Saturday, December 8th

After these lighting events, we then look forward to the Holiday Parade, this year taking place on Saturday, December 8th along Atlantic Avenue. You’ll see carolers, elves, ballerinas, nutcrackers, dancing teddy bears, Santa on the fire truck… You name the holiday icon, and they walk, dance or ride along in the parade.

 

The Boynton & Delray Holiday Boat Parade  

Friday, December 14th

 

Local restaurants and private homes along the intracoastal play host to those of us that really do enjoy celebrating the season with this event. Boat owners go all out and decorate/light up their boats of all shapes and sizes and parade along the water way. What a sight to admire!  

 

Heads up!
Various events, various dates in Delray


Mixed into the month of December are celebrations are all the opportunities to socialize with our neighbors while supporting some our key local non-profits.  

Carols by Candlelight Concert, Empty Bowls, Mix & Mingle at The Sandoway House, Christmas at Cason Cottage and new this year is the Jingle Mingle Drum with Food Trucks, Caroling… These are all events to look up, attend, and enjoy!  

 

Delray Beach New Year’ Eve Celebration of First Night

Monday, December 31st


The Grand Finale of the Holiday Festivities is The New Year’ Eve Celebration of First Night. This is a true tradition for many of us!  Music out on the Ave… shows, activities for the kiddos… all ending with the spectacular fireworks from the top of the parking deck.


The month of December flies by in Delray Beach, but the memories made during the season last a lifetime!

Live Music in East Delray
in

Did you know that research has actually shown that enjoying live music events is good for you? Yes! There are significant stress-reduction benefits to attending concerts or enjoying live music.

Here in Delray Beach we have so many opportunities to partake, and because maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to many residents, you’ll find most of us frequent live music venues.

Of course, we all have different favorites. Here are some of mine!

 

Johnnie Browns on Atlantic Ave is surely among the most popular among locals. Acts play every night of the week. Check out this fun lineup!

Monday: Live Elvis Night! A Popular local Elvis impersonator performs two shows at 7:30 & 9:30.

Tuesday: Hot Rod Show with a Rod Stewart look alike (!) starts at 8:00.

Wednesday: Classic Rock with The Flyers, an energetic trio that plays your favorites starting at 8:00.

Thursday: Thirsty Thursdays features a variety of bands that perform at 8:00 each evening.

Friday & Saturday: Rock n Roll n Ribs. (Yes, really! Enjoy ribs and live music every weekend from 9:00 -1:00AM.

Sunday: Rockin’ Sunday with Shaun Schumann runs from 4:00-7:00.

 

Other awesome local places to enjoy music, plus food and spirits, include:

Bostons on the Beach (known for Reggae night on Mondays!)
Deck 84
Blue Anchor
3rd & 3rd
Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub

 

But why stick to restaurants and pubs only?

Old School Square offers three diverse venues for music. Check out the outdoor pavilion for Free Friday night concerts during season and special performances in and around the area. Indoors you’ll find the Crest Theater and The Field House. Look for special concerts here too.

The Arts Garage offers fantastic opportunities in many genres ranging from Jazz, latin, hip hop, rock & roll, instrumental, classic, opera, and more. There are always exciting performances at this special “bring your own picnic basket” venue.

Downtown Delray Beach offers something for all ages. Comment to let us know your favorite passtimes here. Bonus points if yours support the value of living healthfully!

February Happenings in Delray Beach

in

After the holidays, our high season is in full swing and continues during the month of February in Delray Beach.

We all continue to explore the weekly Green Market every Saturday 9:00-2:00 at Old School Square, and here are a few other events residents, snowbirds and visitors can enjoy this month:

Laugh with The Library

Friday, February 2nd, 7:30-10:30PM

Now in it’s 12th year, this event takes place at The Delray Beach Marriott Hotel. Gather your friends together and purchase a table for 10 or grab individual tickets.  Enjoy this year’s headliner, Comedian Don Gavin, who will be hosting a “laugh-out-loud night of comedy.” Proceeds from this cocktail party and evening of lively entertainment will benefit the Delray Beach Public Library’s outreach programs.

For more information: https://www.delraylibrary.org/laugh/

 

Artists in the Park

Weekend of February 3rd-4th, 10-4:30 PM.

This fantastic arts event is hosted by The Delray Art League in Veterans Park along the Intracoastal water way off Atlantic Ave.  Enjoy art in a lovely outdoor setting where you can visit with master artists and their pieces – paintings, prints, sculptures, and other mixed media.

For more information: https://delrayartleague.com/artists-in-the-park/

 

The Delray Beach Open

February 16th-25th

The highlight of the month is certainly The Delray Beach Tennis Open at The Delray Beach Tennis Center. This exciting tennis event attracts 55,000 spectators annually and is touted as the world’s only 10-day ATP Champions Tour and ATP World Tour event.  The Open consists of tough tennis competitions/matches between the top athletes on the circuit today. It also brings back the legends. There are also multiple dining and networking events that take place in the on-site Hospitality Pavilion (ie VIP Reception, Box Series Holders’ Reception, Chamber Bash, Ladies Luncheons). Tennis enthusiasts can also take advantage of unique and competitive amateur tennis opportunities held on the grounds of the event (ie Legends Clinic, ATP Doubles Pro-Am, Tennis on Campus Collegiate Challenge, Mega-Mixer, College Matches, USPTA Fast 4 Event & Woman’s Round-Robin).

For more details: https://yellowtennisball.com/

 

Paint and Sip to support The Milagro Center

Monday February 19th 7:00-9:00 PM

This lovely affair is hosted by Painting with a Twist located at 2288 N Congress Ave.  A mere $45 donation helps support after school arts and education for local at-risk kids in the Delray Beach community via The Milagro Center.

For more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/198576877364953/

 

In addition to this sampling of February fun, you can enjoy ongoing events aplenty.  Look for music, shows, art at Old School Square, the Arts Garage, The Arts Warehouse, The Delray Beach Playhouse or Morikami Park.  There is always plenty to do for everyone in Delray Beach, our Village by the Sea.

Vince Canning Shoes Hosts Delray’s High Heel “Stiletto” Race

in

Yes, you read that right!  It’s a High Heel Race and it’s taking place during Delray Fashion Week on Friday, January 26th from 5:30-7:30 at Old School Square. This is just prior to the Friday night Free Concert Series.

Vince Canning Shoes – (the fabulous shoe store that has been delighting Atlantic Avenue shoppers fir 60 years this year!) – is host to this annual race to benefit The Achievement Center for Children and Families. The Stiletto Race was created by Vince Canning’s niece LaRonda Denkler to honor Canning’s legacy of giving back – and to celebrate the store’s 60th year on Atlantic Avenue.

This fun lively event/fundraiser benefits at risk children within the Delray Beach Community.  Whether a lone racer or a team of 4 for the relay races, participants are encouraged to get creative with themes. Favorite characters, costumes… if you can think it, create it then bring it!

The categories include:

  • 75 meter dash for women
  • 75 meter dash for men
  • 4 member team relays
  • Runaway Bride
  • Silver Sneaker
  • Sexy Strut

Racers are awarded not only for performance in races but also for most creative shoe. Speaking of awards, the trophies alone are worth the $25 registration fee!

This year promises to be the best event yet with a major venue change to Old School Square where the Friday Free Concert will follow the race.

Pre-Registration is going on now OR come register the evening of Friday, January 19th when Vince Canning will host a pre-registration shoe shopping bonanza in their store. Mark and LaRonda also have a selection of larger sizes for men to borrow for for the race. If you can’t make the in store pre-registration, or online, be sure to register onsite the evening of the 26th beginning at 5:30.

Who’s ready for a crazy fun fundraiser?  If you are not racing, please come cheer the participants on and show your support for a beloved Delray Beach retail icon for 60 years, Vince Canning Shoes as they give back to the kids!For more details, visit: http://delraystilettorace.com/

Delray Goes to the Dogs! Spots that are Dog-friendly in Delray

in

Delray Beach is known for being very “fur baby” friendly. So, if you love your pooch like we do – and want to take him or her on your daily adventures – this is the town to do it in! There is so much that is dog-friendly in Delray!

Something for Everyone at the Lake Ida Dog Park

We are fortunate to have several dog parks throughout the East Delray Beach area, the most well-known being The Lake Ida Dog Park. This is one of the best spots that is dog-friendly in Delray and it’s quite massive! While it’s called a dog park, it also offers something for every member of the family! You’ll enjoy jungle gyms for those energetic kids, walking trails for active folks, and picnic tables and pavilions that are perfect for family gatherings or a quick lunch break in between activities.

The highlight, of course, of Lake Ida Dog Park, is its beautiful lake. On any given Saturday, it’s fun to see people with their dogs in tow enjoying the lake. They will be fishing, boating, or even kayaking – with Fido along and enjoying it all.

The dog park itself is divided into separate areas by size. There’s a space just for the little ones, and a separate area for the larger breeds. Dog bathing facilities are on the premises as well, so your fur baby won’t leave covered in mud and end up banned from the house!

Going for a Stroll and a Bite on Atlantic Avenue

If you are more apt to walk your dog, as opposed to going to dog parks, there are plenty of options. We occasionally walk our own dog along the Ave downtown. You’ll know Fido is welcome, because throughout town, retail owners keep fresh water bowls out on the sidewalks.

If you get hungry and want to grab a bite, there are several restaurants that are very dog-friendly in Delray, as well. We are fans of local favorite Deck 84, where you’ll find plenty of outside seating, live music and friendly staff who will supply a water dish for your dog. And, if she’s extra good, they will even bring a treat!

A few other Downtown Delray places that will welcome your pooch:

Boston’s on the Beach (You can enjoy the beach area from here, and they offer live music and scrumptious seafood dishes!)

Mellow Mushroom Pizza (a chain, but a good one!)

Dada (a local favorite off The Ave.)

Bru’s Room (perfect place to catch a game and give your furry friend an outing!)

 

Shopping and Sniffing at The Delray Beach Green Market

If you enjoy festivals and markets, well then, you may know Delray has plenty of opportunities to partake! Did you know the Delray Beach Green Market is a hub for dog family activity? Come out to browse prepared foods, shop for fresh ingredients for tonights’ dinner, or just walk around and be social.

You’ll be able to interact with plenty of other dog families, and many green market vendors sell items for your pets! From handmade leashes and accessories to locally-made dog treats… you and your furry friend will find it here! We like to seek out Tweetle Pet Products for their natural and organic treats for pets.

 

Frolicking at Beach Areas that are Dog-Friendly in Delray

What’s better than time on the beach with your puppy? It sure is fun to eat sand and romp in the waves! Some areas of the incredible sandy beaches in Delray are dog-friendly. The exact areas that are good for Fido are sometimes changing, so ask other dog parents at the green market or the Lake Ida Dog Park to tell you where they gather. (Beach access is being negotiated North of Anchor Park off A1A. Local city officials are currently doing a trial run, and the overall idea is to restrict access to pets early in the morning and again from 3-5…. check back for details!).

When headed to the beach, we suggest you bring lots of extra fresh water to rinse out sandy and salty mouths (it’s hard to remember not to drink the briny water!). Also, don’t leave your leash behind in the car. Tote it with you, because – even if you will allow your pup to go off-leash – it’s expected among beach-goers that you will have the ability to re-leash if needed).

 

There are so many options for friendly activities in East Delray near Lake Ida and Lake Eden. The variety of ways to have fun encourages a healthy lifestyle for the entire family – including the four-legged kids. Be sure to check out just the few mentioned here, and let us know about your favorites, too.

Holidays in Delray Beach: Tree Lighting & More

in

Holidays in Delray Beach

Holidays in Delray Beach are magical! The month of December brings a record number of visitors to the area each year. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the season and participate in local festivities and traditions:

Christmas Tree Lighting

The month-long Holiday Celebration kicks off with the lighting of the marvelous 100-foot tree located at Old School Square Park (50 NE 2nd Ave) on the Thursday following Thanksgiving.

We like to get downtown early for Happy Hour or an early dinner, so we can get to scoping out the perfect location from which to watch the lighting.

A brand new 100-foot tree was unveiled this year and it is spectacular! Visitors here to enjoy the holidays in Delray are welcome to go inside the tree. There, you can admire the various Christmas scenes and displays that are set up there.

Post-lighting Marvels

After Santa lights the tree, we enjoy walking along Atlantic Avenue. It’s closed to cars fort he evening, allowing for entertainment and activities for all ages along The Ave. The entertainment on the main Old School Square stage starts at 5:00 with the actual lighting (by Santa himself!) is around 7:00 PM. Surrounding the tree are activities for kids of every age: Enjoy Santa’s House, an antique carousel, ice skating rink, mini golf area, a holiday gift shop, and so much more!

Vignettes showcase Santa’s elves in the workshop along with an elaborate model train display… and one or two other surprises.. The Tree is open daily during the day into the evening, however seeing the tree all lit up inside and out is a treat not to miss, so go at night! It’s truly one of the most joyful ways to experience the holidays in Delray.

Holiday Fun All Month Long

The Celebration of the Holidays in Delray continues throughout the month with The Holiday Boat Parade, Breakfast with Santa, The Parade, outdoor movies and concerts, and more. It all culminates with the finale of New Year’s Eve, another awesome outdoor event that we look forward to every year!

Share Your Experiences with the Holidays in Delray

If you get to enjoy any of these events we’d love to hear about your experience too!