Events and Things to Do in Delray Beach and Boca Raton

Boca Raton and Delray Beach are among the most vibrant communities you’ll ever find.

Both cities feature a vast array of events year-round that are sure to interest people of all ages and interests. From arts festivals and music events to a vibrant food scene and cultural landscape Boca-Delray has it all.

At YourDelrayBoca.com we strive to curate the best events and give you insider’s tips to make your experience the best it can be.

1 November, 2013 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bets: Strings, Tomcats and Waxing For A Cause

November 1, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

String Theory plays tonight at the Delray Center for the Arts

String Theory Gives Free Concert at Delray Center for the Arts

The Friday night concert series continues this evening with a performance by “String Theory”, a South Florida band that plays favorites from the 60s through today.

The four piece band is known for its guitar work and has been a local favorite since 2007.

The music starts at 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy gourmet food trucks and a cash bar. Limited chair rental is available or bring your lawn chairs, but please no pets or outside food/beverage.

Tomcat Blake brings his fretwork to The Arts Garage

Tomcat Blake rocks the Arts Garage

With a name like Tomcat Blake you gotta be cool. You just gotta be.

Tomcat will rock The Arts Garage, Saturday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m.

If you like blues, country, rockabilly and soul, you’ll like Tomcat, who performs original music.

He’s renowned for his guitar work and showmanship.

Check it out at www.artsgarage.org

Mention Bethesda not Kelly Clarkson and make a difference

Make a Difference Monday

We know Monday is technically not part of the weekend, but we couldn’t resist this item as a best bet.
Monday, Nov. 4 is MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONDAY!

European Wax Center (1000 N Congress in Boynton Beach) will donate $10 to Bethesda Health Foundation for every new guest that mentions Bethesda.

New guests (with a valid FL ID) are entitled to a FREE WAX! Ladies: eyebrow, underarm or bikini wax. Men: eyebrow, nose or ear wax. You know who you are.

Call 561-734-4200 for more information.

31 October, 2013 0 Comments

Follow These Tips So Halloween Doesn’t Become Scary

October 31, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

In Delray Lakes, even the dogs dress up.

Halloween is a big deal in these parts.

My neighborhood, Delray Lakes, goes all out with a Halloween parade as do many others in Boca/Delray.

We put together these handy tips to make sure it’s a safe Halloween for everyone. Enjoy and be careful out there.

Here are a few suggestions from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention:

For the kids…

* Avoid trick or treating alone. Walk in groups, accompanied by trusted adults.

* Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags so you’re visible to drivers.

* Examine all treats to avoid choking and tampering.

* Carry a flashlight at all times.

* Walk, don’t run, from house to house, so as to keep small children close by.

* Remove make-up before children go to sleep to prevent possible eye and skin irritation.

* Use established crosswalks when possible.

* Walk only on sidewalks.

* Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, tripping, and falls.

* Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

* Children should only enter homes with trusted adults, and be familiar with the hosts.

* Only approach well-lit homes.

* Always wear flame resistant costumes.

For additional information on Halloween safety visit https://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/

For the adults…

Head to Buddha Sky Bar on bustling Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, for their 1st Annual Halloween Buddha Ball on Thursday, October 31, from 10 pm – 2 am.

There is no cover charge for the event, but a costume is required for ALL entries. The first 100 guests will receive VIP access to the Tanteo Tequila VIP lounge and a special goody bag.

In addition, there are some serious prizes:

1st Place Winner: $2,500 gift card courtesy of East Coast Jewelry

2nd Place Winner: $1,500 gift card courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

3rd Place Winner: Gift basket valued at $1,000 courtesy of Tanteo Tequila

Have a great Halloween!

24 October, 2013 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bets: Brews, Wine, Music, Costumes, Jazz and Parades

October 24, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Crane’s Tiki Bar samples six fall brews tonight

Things are starting to heat up in Boca/Delray this weekend. Here’s our picks for your best bets.

Start your weekend early at Crane’s
Go to Crane’s Beach House in Delray and find your new favorite fall brew Thursday, October 24th from 6-8:30pm.
The Tiki Bar at Crane’s Beach House Hotel, 82 Gleason Street, and Boston Brewing Company present six fall craft beers for your tasting pleasure.
Enjoy Taps and Tapas while you sample the Fall Brews, and create your own pairing with delectable and savory bites from area restaurants.
Samuel Adams Oktoberfest, Harvest Pumpkin, White Lantern, AO Cinnful Cider, Double Agent IPL, and Whitewater IPA are the fall brews.
Cost is $25 for entry. Brew specials all night.

Fine Wine Soiree in Boca
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation & The Fresh Market are hosting a “fine wine soiree” benefiting JDRF and Diabetes Research Thursday, October 24 from 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the The Fresh Market, 100 W. Camino Real, Boca Raton.
Delight your palate with some 50 wine varieties; enjoy crab cakes, shrimp cocktail other delightful hors d’oeuvres and distinctive cheeses at this exclusive tasting event.
100% of proceeds benefit JDRF and diabetes research.
Tickets: $25 per person.
Online Purchases: https://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/event/fmboca/
Tickets are limited, so RSVP today! And support a great cause.
Questions? Call JDRF at 561.686.7701

Halloween in Delray can’t be beat, trust us on that one.

Halloween Downtown
If you haven’t been to downtown Delray for Halloween, you really want to make it a point to do so.
Hundreds of kids, their parents and even their pets will converge on Atlantic Avenue Saturday , Oct. 26 from 1 to 2 p.m. for the annual Halloween parade and trick or treating tradition.
Merchants will have candy and treats for the kids and its fun to watch the little ones parade down the street as super heroes and more.
During the parade, the following road closures will be in effect:

NE 2nd Avenue will be closed from Old School Square Park to Atlantic Avenue on Saturday, October 26th, between 12:30 pm until approximately 2:00 pm. Detour signage will be posted to assist motorists.

Atlantic Avenue will be closed from NE 2nd Avenue to the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) on Saturday, October 26th, from 12:30 pm until approximately 2:00 pm. Eastbound traffic on Atlantic Avenue will be detoured at Swinton Avenue to SE 1st Street to Palm Square. Beach area traffic traveling westbound across the Atlantic Avenue Bridge will be detoured at Ocean Blvd/A1A to George Bush Boulevard or Linton Boulevard.

NOTE: Roads will reopen to vehicular traffic as the parade completes that section of the route.
While road closures are in effect, the Downtown Roundabout will operate on a modified route on Saturday, October 26th from 12:30 pm until approximately 2:00 pm, providing free roundtrip service from the Tri-Rail Station on Congress Avenue to NE 6th Avenue (Northbound Federal Highway) via the NE and SE 1st Street by-passes. Eastbound trolleys will use SE 1st Street with westbound trolleys using NE 1st Street. Normal service will resume when road closures are no longer in effect. NO SERVICE will be provided east of the ICW during road closures. Due to anticipated traffic, please expect scheduling delays during the event.

Kidsfest

Immediately following the Halloween Parade, all children are invited to attend Kidsfest!

Kidsfest is a free family event in Veterans Park, 802 NE 1st Street, that features live entertainment, a bounce house, food vendors, a make-and-take craft area and much, much more. In addition, local children’s services/organizations that target health, safety and fun will be featured to provide additional information to parents. Kidsfest, which is sponsored by the City of Delray Beach Parks and Recreation, will run until 4:00 pm.

Delray needs you

Volunteer Delray
Have you ever wondered how you can give back to your community?
Wonder no more.
Volunteer Delray is an event that seeks to match “missions to interested volunteers.” The event is set for Friday, Oct. 25 from 5-7 p.m. at Delray Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave., just prior to the Friday Concert Series. (see below).
About 30 local non-profits will be in attendance and will be offering volunteer opportunities.
The event is the brain child of Leeanne Griffith, who works at the Delray Center for the Arts. This is the second year for the event which was a great success last year.
Come and find out how you too can give back.
If you still want to volunteer but can’t make the event, send an email to volunteer@delraybeachcenterforthearts.org

Brings the funk

Free Friday concert series continues
If you love funk, blues and R&B bop on down to Delray Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. for a free concert at the pavilion.
This week’s performer is the high energy South Florida based funk band “Pocket Change”.
The Friday concert series features food trucks, lawn chairs and an energetic crowd. It has become a great place to see a ton of friends, enjoy beer and wine and dance. Make sure to check it out.
Union Hosts Down For Whatever Halloween Party
After the Friday night concert series you may want to walk over to Union Delray, 8 E. Atlantic Ave., for what promises to be a memorable “Down For Whatever” Halloween Party from 9:30-11 p.m. Friday night.
No themes. Just costumes. And $1,000 in prizes will be awarded for the best, including the sexiest costume.
Visit www.uniondelray.com for more info. Say hello to owner Scott Kennedy while your there.

Australian sensation Troy Roberts

Sax in the City
The Jazz Times says Troy Roberts is “… a force to be reckoned with… He is more than one to watch, he is one to follow closely.”
And you can follow him closely this Saturday night at 8 p.m. when he takes the stage of The Arts Garage.
Roberts comes to Delray with music from his new release Nu Jive 5. From Perth, West Australia, he has won four Downbeat Jazz Soloist Awards, two West Australian Music Industry Awards, Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition finalist, and a Grammy Nomination Medal.

Tickets range from $25-$35 visit www.artsgarage.org for more information and to purchase reserve seats.

17 October, 2013 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bet: Green Market Returns & Other Fun Stuff

October 17, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Delray’s GreenMarket is a local tradition

You know “season” is around the corner when the choices for your weekend expand exponentially.

Here’s our recommendations for the best bets this weekend:

The GreenMarket Returns

The Delray GreenMarket will begin its 18th season on Saturday, October 19th, returning to the Old School Square Park for the second year. The Market will take place every Saturday morning through May 10, 2014, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The Delray GreenMarket is a favorite weekend destination for many local residents and visitors, offering fresh produce, plants, baked goods, gourmet food items, and other unique fare from local vendors in an open-air setting. With free live entertainment each week, playground equipment, and a variety of special events, the Delray GreenMarket is a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

Thanks to a collaboration with the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, there will be more kids activities at the Market this season. The nonprofit will debut its “Budding Artists” booth, offering fun, meaningful crafts each weekend using natural and recycled materials. Crafts will be led by art teachers from the Center for the Arts, assisted by volunteers from Atlantic High School. “We’ve always wanted to offer more quality kids activities at the Market,” said GreenMarket Manager Lori Nolan. “The Delray Beach Center for the Arts is the perfect partner, and we’re glad to have them on board this season.”

Many new vendors are also joining the market this season – offering products such as paella, Thai tacos, fresh baked fruit pies, pet products, and tropical fruit trees – while many familiar vendors return. With space for more than 60 vendors, the Delray GreenMarket will offer shoppers a wide variety of products.

The Old School Square Park is located on NE 2nd Avenue, a half block north of Atlantic Avenue. Free public parking is available immediately north of the park, in the Old School Square Parking Garage, at the southwest corner of NE 2nd Avenue and NE 1st Street. Valet service is available at the garage after 10:00 am, with a fee of $2/hour.

The Delray GreenMarket is a project of the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency.

Elvis is in the Building (or park)

Scott Ringersen is the King

Start your weekend early with a dose of The King.

Scott Ringersen, one of the best Elvis impersonators you’ll ever likely to see, will perform a free concert Friday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at the outdoor pavilion at the Delray Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave.

Scott has been thrilling audiences with his electrifying tribute show “The Elvis Experience” for 10 years now. Known for his outstanding vocal range, energy and charisma, he has amassed an extensive and extremely loyal following. With his indisputable showmanship, stage presence and authentic costumes, Scott’s show completely captures the look, sound, moves, style and excitement of the greatest entertainer and pop icon of our time.

Enjoy gourmet food trucks, and they are truly fabulous. A cash bar and limited chair rentals are available. Bring your lawn chairs and bring the family, but PLEASE no pets or outside food/beverage.

P.S. Little known fact: Scott Ringersen was once a Delray Beach Police Officer.

Tommy Can You See Me? (Yes, at the Crest Theatre)

While you’re visiting the Delray Center for the Arts you may want to check out a guest production of The Who’s classic “Tommy”, featuring the music and vision of Pete Townshend.

The show runs Oct. 17-27 at the Crest Theatre.

For tickets and information, please visit entractetheatrix.org

Shows are Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $20, children 12 and under $10 and group rates are available.

The Legendary Duffy Jackson

Jazz legend to give master class this weekend

This weekend only, jazz great Duffy Jackson will play Delray’s famed Arts Garage (www.artsgarage.org).

By his 18th birthday, drummer Jackson was touring the country with Lena Horne.

At 20, he was performing in concert with Sammy Davis, Jr., and appearing on the popular weekly TV show, “Sammy & Company”.

Since then, Jackson’s powerful, swinging style has driven such big name bands as Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Lionel Hampton and Illinois Jacquet. He’s also performed with such Jazz legends as Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Eckstine, Stan Getz, Buddy Rich and Harry “Sweets” Edison to name a few.

This weekend, he will perform alongside vocalist Michelle Amato, best known for her work with Yanni and Cirque Du Soleil.

Performances are Friday at 8 p.m. a master class($10) Saturday at 2 p.m. featuring a lesson on “how to swing” with a question and answer session and autographs and photos, followed by a Saturday evening performance at 8 p.m. and a Sunday evening performance at 7 p.m. For tickets please visit artsgarage.org.

Have a great weekend!

10 October, 2013 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bet: Look No Further Than the Delray Center For The Arts

October 10, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Music, Elvis and Oktoberfest. What more do you need?

Looking for something to do this weekend?
Well look no further than the Delray Center for the Arts in downtown Delray Beach for a weekend full of suds, music, nostalgia and Elvis!

The weekend kicks off early with an Oktoberfest concert tonight, Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at the outdoor pavilion.

The American German Club of the Palm Beaches kicks off their 40th Annual Lantana Oktoberfest with a free concert in Delray Beach.

Bring your lawn chairs, settle in with some Hofbrau Bier and German Brats, and get ready for an evening of Bavarian Music and sing-a-long rock played by the 10-piece band, HELDENSTEINER, direct from the Munich Oktoberfest. It just doesn’t get any more authentic than that.

On Friday evening, head back to the Delray Center for the Arts for the season kick off of the popular (and free) Friday night concert series.

Taking it to the Limit

The Eagles tribute Band “The Long Run” kicks off the concert series at 7:30 p.m.

The Long Run boasts some of South Florida’s finest and most respected musicians. The band has reproduced the sound that made the Eagles one of the most successful bands in Rock and Roll history.

They capture the energy, melodies and vibe of one of America’s most successful bands. With five voices filling the harmonic vocals, they undoubtedly will please even the most discerning of Eagles fans.

The band claims, “…you won’t hear a Tribute Band this great till Hell Freezes Over.” They’ve performed with acts like Herb Reed and The Platters, The Flamingos, The Shirelles, The Coasters, The Tokens, Trisha Yearwood , Gary “U.S.” Bonds, The Dixie Cups, Bobby Lewis, Epcot’s British Invasion, Roger McGuinn of the Byrds, Mike Pinera from Blues Image, John Stewart’s Legends in Concert, The Romantics, Julio Iglesias Jr., Pattie Loveless and Louise Mandrell.

Bring your appetite, 15 food trucks will be on the grounds of the center. No outside food or beverage is permitted.

Also opening Friday, Oct. 10 at the Delray Center for the Arts is the new exhibit “Elvis: Grace and Grit” featuring fine art photography from the CBS Photo Archive.

Elvis on the brink

The exhibit, at the center’s Cornell Museum, 51 N. Swinton Ave., captures the 21-year-old Elvis on the brink of stardom. It’s magnificent.

Also at the museum is an exhibit called “Flashback: A Retro Look at the 60s and 70s” featuring artifacts on loan to the museum by the community. From political posters and old albums to photos and fashions, the exhibit captures the era through the eyes and experiences of locals. A must see!

3 October, 2013 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bet: Get Down At The Irishmen in Boca

October 3, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

The Boogie Brothers rock

See South Florida’s home grown oldies group – the Boogie Brothers – Saturday, October 5 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Irishmen at 1745 NW 2^nd Avenue in Boca Raton.

These guys can do it all – oldies, rock ‘n roll, even do-wop.

Trust us, this a show you won’t want to miss.

The performance will feature special guests Kevin Toley and Steven B on bass.

They’ll get you dancin’ in the aisles with all of your favorites.

If you haven’t been to The Irishmen, you are in for a treat.

This beautifully designed sports pub and eatery is just what the doctor ordered after a tough week at work–friendly people, attentive staff, bangers and mash, their famous Irishmen curry and of course plenty of fish and chips.

Tell the bartender, we sent you.

26 September, 2013 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bet: Dig Deep for Dogs at Dig Restaurant

September 26, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Beau is up for adoption

Dogs are a man’s (and woman’s) best friend.

If you love dogs and we sure do, you’ll want to drop by DIG restaurant in downtown Delray Beach this Saturday, Sept. 28 for a fundraiser to benefit the 100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida.

“Dig Deep for Dogs” will run from 3-8 p.m. at the DIG restaurant 777 E. Atlantic Ave.

The cost is a modest $20 per person and includes music, raffles, a live and silent auction, games, give aways, a free buffett and a cash bar.

Proceeds will help dogs that have been abandoned in the Everglades. The event will feature opportunities to foster and or adopt the dogs.

Visitors are encouraged to bring donations, food, toys, crates, beds and doggie gates. The supplies are needed to care for the abandoned dogs.

The event benefits an organization formed to care for the scores of dogs and cats being abandoned in the Everglades, Florida City, Redlands, Homestead areas by irresponsible owners. Some of the dogs are also abandoned in rural areas of Broward and Palm Beach counties.

The animals are left to fend for themselves in harsh and dangerous conditions.

When found they are often starving, sick, injured and struggling to survive.

An army of angels make regular pilgrimages to the Everglades to find these dogs and cats and bring them back to health. The ultimate goal is to find loving and caring homes for them.

We encourage you to visit the organization’s website at www.100plusabandoneddogsofevergladesflorida.com/

The site includes touching footage of actual rescue missions in which dogs are coaxed to come out of the brush to safety. They are often skin and bones and covered with fleas.

Once rescued, the dogs and cats receive expert veterinary care and are ultimately placed in carefully screened adopted homes. The adoption fee is $150. The fee covers the cost of food, health care, shots, neutering etc.

Most of the rescued dogs are boarded at Imperial Point Animal Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. Some are hosted at Camp Canine locations in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. A few are hosted by foster families, also in South Florida. To meet any of the dogs, please call 561-860-3783.

All donations are tax deductible. Hope to see you at Dig Deep for Dogs this Saturday.

24 September, 2013 0 Comments

‘Jeans and Jewels’ Event To Benefit Place of Hope at Haven

September 24, 2013 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

On Friday, November 8, The Haven, a local foster home care facility, will enter a new phase of serving the community with the “Jeans and Jewels” event at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

Earlier this year, The Haven, Inc., donated it’s assets to the Place of Hope, the largest provider of faith-based foster care and services for children in the dependency system, pregnant teens, victims of domestic minor sex trafficking, and those who have “aged out” of the foster care system.

The Haven, located on Boca Rio Road, is now part of this system and will re-open later this year as “Place of Hope at The Haven Campus.”

The Haven has a rich history in Boca Raton, first opening in 1976 to serve the needs of runaway children. For the next 36 years the Haven served over 1,000 children ages 9-17. In February, The Haven’s directors voted to have Place of Hope continue the mission and maintain ownership over the 14 acre campus.

“Jeans and Jewels” is a chance to support this terrific charity.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and will include a silent auction followed by dinner, a live auction, and dancing in the Royal Ballroom.

Executive Director Charles Bender is excited about the future.

“At Place of Hope at The Haven Campus, we plan to provide faith-based, family-style foster care for sibling groups and other special needs foster children,” Bender said. “We’ll also provide case management, therapy, tutoring and mentoring, life-skills training, and community involvement.”

For more information on the “Jeans and Jewels” event, visit www.hopeatthehaven.org.

19 September, 2013 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bet: Barrelhouse Chuck

September 19, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Eddie Kendricks says Barrelhouse Chuck has soul.

With a name like Barrelhouse Chuck, you have to be good.

This weekend, we recommend you boogie on down to The Arts Garage to catch Barrelhouse Chuck in concert, Saturday, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $25-$35 in advance, $5 extra at the door. Visit www.artsgarage.org and reserve your tickets asap, the Arts Garage sells out frequently.

Barrelhouse Chuck is a piano player in the Chicago Blues tradition. He’s the only Chicago pianist to have studied under Sunnyland Slim, Pinetop Perkins, Blind John Davis, Detroit Junior and Little Brother Montgomery.

Barrelhouse is what they call a “musician’s musician.” In other words, the legends love him.

Consider these testimonials:

“Who’s playin’ that piano? You play my *#@& good!”  - Muddy Waters.

“You got soul, man!”  - Eddie Kendricks, former lead singer of The Temptations.

“Can you leave tomorrow? I want you to join my band.”  - Albert King.

Barrelhouse Chuck has played all over the world and has played and recorded with legends ranging from Otis Rush and Buddy Guy to Eddie Taylor and Hubert Sumlin.

If you love Chicago piano based blues hit the Arts Garage in Pineapple Grove this Saturday.

13 September, 2013 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bet: Wolfepak at Jazziz Nightlife

September 13, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Covers your favorite tunes

If you love the music of Boz Scaggs, Steely Dan, Toto, The Eagles, Jackson Browne, Stevie Wonder and others from the golden age of the 70s and beyond, you’ll definitely want to catch The Wolfepak Saturday night at Jazziz in Boca Raton.

The group performs Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Jazziz Nightlife, 201 Plaza Real in Boca’s Mizner Park.

Wolfepak features five singers backed by some of South Florida’s best club musicians, giving the band the ability to cover a wide range of musical styles and sounds from Michael McDonald to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

There is a $10 cover charge at Jazziz.

If you want reserved seating, there is a $25 per person minimum for seating in the Live Room, Bar Booths and Stage Left Lounge. Table reservations are intended for 90 minutes After this time, particularly in the Live Room, to accommodate guests with later reservations, you may be invited to continue enjoying the music and ambience in another JAZZIZ room.

If you’re around tonight, catch South Florida legend Valerie Tyson, one of the local area’s top talents. If you love R&B, you’ll love Valerie. She takes the stage at 10 p.m.

For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.jazziznightlife.com/

Jazziz features great food and is located in a spacious 12,000 square foot facility.