As Summer Heats Up, Cool Outdoor Music Experiences Abound in The Palm Beaches
Summer is off-season in South Florida, offering locals and visitors space to enjoy the rich array of arts and cultural attractions in The Palm Beaches. This includes diverse venues to experience live music outdoors. Whether it’s local tribute bands and food trucks under the stars, Japanese drumming in lush gardens, or a string quartet on a relaxing Sunday afternoon, here’s a sample of Palm Beach County’s best summer outdoor music experiences.
Summer in the City, Boca Raton
The City of Boca Raton radiates a vibe that is both sophisticated and accessible. The town’s free Summer in the City concert series takes place at the Mizner Park Amphitheater in the center of Boca’s high-end retail district. Concerts start at 8 p.m. on select Fridays, with doors opening at 7 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and the city encourages guests to bring chairs and blankets. Food and beverages are available for purchase inside the venue. No outside food, beverages or pets allowed. All shows are rain or shine.
Clematis by Night, Downtown West Palm Beach
Clematis Street is the center of nightlife in downtown West Palm Beach. Head east and you’ll encounter the city’s Centennial Square & Great Lawn, home to the free Clematis by Night concert series Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. Music genres include jazz, classic rock, reggae, R&B, Latin and country. Clematis by Night is only steps from the Intracoastal Waterway, offering a relaxed, waterfront vibe, and a great way to kick off your weekend early.
Live Music at CityPlace, Downtown West Palm Beach
As West Palm’s premier live, work, retail destination, CityPlace boasts over 30 restaurants and a growing array of shops and boutiques. The bustling metro hub is also a cultural destination, with live music starting Friday evenings and lasting throughout the weekend. A central plaza and lawn serve as a natural gathering spot to hear small classical ensembles, jazz bands, acoustic performers, and pop. Performances take place Fridays from 6 p.m.-10 p.m., and Saturdays from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Named for the historic neighborhood architectural landmark, the Harriet Himmel Music Series is Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Abacoa Tribute Concert Series, Jupiter
A large, master-planned development founded in 1997, Abacoa is in the Northern Palm Beach County town of Jupiter. Its amenities include an amphitheater that hosts a Tribute Band Concert Series presented by Legends Radio 100.3FM and Robinson Entertainment. Concerts take place on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 p.m. throughout the year. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, although limited, reserved, preferred seating is offered for $50 per ticket. Chairs, coolers, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, blankets, and friendly dogs are welcome!
Sunset Strolls at the Morikami Museum, Delray Beach
For an authentic Asian music experience, check out Sunset Strolls at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Along with themed cultural experiences and light bites, the event features taiko drum performances by Fushu Daiko, South Florida’s premier Japanese taiko drumming ensemble. A center for Japanese arts and culture, the Morikami Museum is located west of Delray Beach in Palm Beach County, and features six historical gardens, along with a world-class bonsai collection. Sunset Stroll general admission tickets are $12, $7 for children age 6-17, and free for children age 5 and under.
Food Truck & Music Series, Wellington Amphitheater
During season, the Village of Wellington is the Equestrian Capital of the World, serving as an international destination for polo, show jumping, and dressage. Come summer, the village’s 3,200 square foot, state-of-the-art Wellington Amphitheater hosts a Food Truck & Music Series on Thursday nights. Arrive at 5 p.m. and choose from up to 18 food trucks. Live performances by local tribute bands and other musical artists begin at 6:30 p.m. Be sure to bring your own blankets and chairs. For a list of each week’s food trucks and scheduled performers, visit the Wellington Amphitheater event calendar. If the weekend is more of your style, free concerts also take place on select Saturdays and Sundays. Check the amphitheater event calendar for the latest updates.
As the summer heats up, Palm Beach County offers several opportunities to kick back, relax, and enjoy the sweet sounds of summer outdoors. Grab your Adirondack chair and a blanket or two, throw a quick picnic together and experience an unforgettable summer soundtrack.
Ready to start planning your trip to The Palm Beaches this summer? Visit palmbeachculture.com/explore to get started. For even more cultural inspiration, download our destination guide.
About the Author
Rob Lucarelli is a West Palm Beach-based freelance writer, who collects ‘60s French pop vinyl, loves to laugh, and enjoys visiting and supporting the cultural treasures of The Palm Beaches.