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Press Release

Delray Beach Celebrates Black History Month

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 4:13pm

Delray Beach, Florida (February 6, 2025): The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is proud to announce the many events and programs planned this month to celebrate Black History Month this February. Black History Month honors the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history. 

 

The featured events are: 

 

Lecture Series: Segregated Shorelines

Thursday, February 6 at 6 p.m.

Delray Beach Historical Society, 3 NE First Street, Delray Beach

 

Exhibition Opening at Cornell Art Museum Featuring Student Artwork 

Friday, February 7, 2025 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Cornell Art Museum, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach

The Cornell Art Museum is showcasing a vibrant collection of artwork from the Multicultural Youth Arts Festival in its upper gallery. This inspiring exhibit features creations by elementary, middle, and high school students from schools across the region. The exhibit will debut during the First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Delray Beach and will remain on display for two months. Admission to the Cornell Art Museum is always free, with donations warmly welcomed. Learn more at https://delrayoldschoolsquare.com/cornell. 

 

Stories in the Set: Haitian Culture

Monday, February 10 at 6 p.m.

The Hive, 34 SW 5th Avenue, Delray Beach

 

Building Better Businesses Workshop

Wednesday, February 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Pompey Park, 1101 NW Second Street, Delray Beach

 

2025 Annual Multicultural Youth Arts Festival

February 21, 2025 from 4 to 9 p.m. 

Old School Square Amphitheatre, 51 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach

In honor of Black History Month, join Cape Universal at Old School Square for the 2nd Annual Multicultural Youth Arts Festival. The event will feature live performances including live bands, dancing, singing, drumming and spoken word presentations. There will be prizes awarded to K-12 students who submitted their works of art, as well as students who submitted a business plan as part of the entrepreneurship competition. Learn more at https://capeuniversal.org. 

 

Fashion in the Set: African Attire and More

Friday, February 21 at 6 p.m.

Pompey Park, 1101 NW Second Street, Delray Beach

 

Black History Gospel Concert

Sunday, February 23 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Pompey Park, 1101 NW Second Street, Delray Beach

 

Art & Jazz on the Avenue

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. 

West Atlantic Avenue (NW 3rd Ave to NW 6th Ave), Delray Beach

The DDA, in partnership with the Downtown Merchant and Business Association, has announced their next signature street event Art & Jazz will take in in the SET neighborhood on West Atlantic Avenue (NW 3rd Ave to NW 6th Ave). Art & Jazz on the Avenue is a free event and open to the community. The event will honor Black History Month by highlighting both the history of Delray Beach and today’s local businesses. Featuring two stages of live entertainment, including jazz, blues and soul music, attendees can also enjoy live mural art activations, a kids’ zone, and open house events with local business in the SET neighborhood. Learn more at https://downtowndelraybeach.com/artandjazz. 

 

Friday Night Lights Kickball “North vs. South”

Friday, February 28, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Pompey Park, 1101 NW Second Street, Delray Beach

 
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The Holidays Kick Off in Downtown Delray with the Famous 100ft Tree Lighting

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 4:09pm

Delray Beach, Florida (November 18, 2024): The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is excited to share the upcoming Holiday Season’s schedule of events in Downtown Delray Beach. From festive celebrations to live music – and, of course, the lighting of the famous 100ft Christmas tree – there will be no shortage of activities and events for all ages in Downtown Delray Beach for the rest of 2024. 

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 

 

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

100ft Christmas Tree Lighting & Yuletide Street Festival

Old School Square and East Atlantic Avenue

Yuletide Street Festival: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

100-Foot Christmas Tree Lighting: 7 p.m. 

 

The City of Delray Beach welcomes in the holiday season with the lighting of the 100ft Christmas Tree at Old School Square, along with a Yuletide Street Festival featuring live music, Holiday Carolers, and more than 60 vendors offering food, crafts and games. Santa will light up the tree right at 7pm, then you can go inside the tree and explore the history of our Village by the Sea with animated scenes. Enjoy Santa’s Holiday Village with ice skating, a carousel, mini golf, and visit with Santa inside his house! Be sure to take a moment to explore Atlantic Ave from Swinton Avenue all the way to NE 5th Avenue (Federal Hwy), which will be closed all night to vehicle traffic for holiday pop ups and fun activities. This is one holiday event you don’t want to miss! Produced by: The City of Delray Beach

 

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 7 p.m. through January 1, 2025 at 11 p.m.

Holiday Village

Old School Square

Old School Square Park turns into a magical Holiday Village during the month of December featuring a carousel, ice skating rink, mini golf, and Santa’s House. Visit https://www.delraybeachfl.gov/our-city/things-to-do/100-ft-christmas-tree for the hours of operation, ticket prices, and Santa’s schedule. Produced by: The City of Delray Beach 

 

Friday, December 6, 2024 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Holiday Edition of First Friday Art Walk

Downtown Delray Art Galleries, Artist Studios and Cultural Arts Centers

Discover our vibrant art scene in Downtown Delray during a special First Friday Art Walk with a festive holiday twist! First Friday Art Walk is a self-guided tour of our art galleries, artist studios and cultural arts centers with pop-up live music around town. Don’t miss the Yuletide Carolers as they spread holiday cheer from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. starting at the Cornell Art Museum and finishing at the 100ft Christmas Tree. Produced by: Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

 

Friday, December 13, 2024 | 6:30 p.m.

Boat Parade

Intracoastal Waterway from Ocean Avenue in Lantana to Linton Blvd in Delray Beach

The Boynton/Delray Holiday Boat Parade features a variety of privately owned and commercial vessels decked out with dazzling lights, holiday décor, and costumed captains competing in the wildly popular flotilla from Lantana to Linton. Deck84 is a popular location to watch the festive flotilla as it passes through Downtown Delray Beach. Produced by: Boynton Beach CRA

 

Parade Route: At 6:30 PM, the parade will form at the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana (near Old Key Lime House) and travel south to the C-15 Canal in Delray Beach (south of Linton Boulevard). 

 

Learn more at https://www.boyntonbeachcra.com/business-promotions-events/business-promotional-events/holiday-boat-parade. 

 

Saturday, December 14, 2024 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Holiday Parade

Atlantic Ave from the Intracoastal to NW 5th Avenue

More than 70 floats, marching bands, dance teams and other groups will march along Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach for the annual Holiday Parade. Parade route is Atlantic Avenue from the Intracoastal Bridge to NW 5th Avenue. Produced by: The City of Delray Beach

 

Tuesday, December 12, 2024 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Cocoa, Cookies & Crafts

Old School Square

Cocoa, Cookies & Crafts at Old School Square in Delray Beach is a festive holiday event. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, shop for unique crafts, and join in craft workshops while soaking in the holiday spirit. This event is perfect for families and friends seeking a cozy and creative holiday experience. Produced by: The City of Delray Beach 

 

Thursday, December 19, 2024 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Twilight Tribute Concert Series: No Doubt/Blondie Tribute

Amphitheatre at Old School Square

Join us at the Amphitheatre (rain or shine) for our Twilight Concert Series events! December 19th’s Twilight Tribute Concert Main Act is Subliminal Doubt and Heart of Glass, No Doubt and Blondie tribute bands. Produced by: Old School Square

 

General Admission: $10 (kids 12 and under are free) Bring your own seat. 

VIP Ticket Option: Enjoy our VIP experience with access to our exclusive VIP lounge area with seating, a dedicated bar and one drink ticket. VIP Tickets: $50 (includes access to our exclusive VIP lounge with seating and a dedicated bar + one free drink)

Purchase tickets: tickets.delrayoldschoolsquare.com 

 

Saturday, December 21, 2024 | 7 a.m.

Jingle Bell Jog 5k 2024

Anchor Park

The Delray Beach Jingle Bell Jog 5K is an annual event that champions all things associated with the festive winter holidays! All participants will receive a Santa Suit costume and a holiday themed medal. Event starts and finishes at Anchor Park, 340 South Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach. For more information, visit https://jinglebelljog.net/event-info-delray-beach/. 

 

Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | 6 p.m.

Christmas Eve Service

Amphitheatre at Old School Square

Join the Avenue Church for a candlelight Christmas Eve Service at Old School Square. This beautiful evening will include heartwarming music, an inspiring message, and a time of reflection. Music starts at 6:00pm. The Candlelight Service begins at 6:30pm. Produced by: The Avenue Church

 

Thursday, December 26, 2024 | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Kwanzaa Celebration

Spady Cultural Heritage Museum

The Kwanzaa Celebration is a vibrant community event. Families will come together to make gifts, enjoy live music, engage in art activities, and participate in storytelling. Produced by: The Spady Museum

 

Saturday, December 28, 2024 | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Deck the Square: A Disney Holiday Tribute Concert

Amphitheatre at Old School Square

Join us for the return of The Little Mermen at “Deck the Square: A Disney Tribute Concert!” Experience the enchantment of Disney like never before with the ultimate Disney tribute band! Dive into a winter wonderland with music from Frozen, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Home Alone, Muppet Christmas Carol, and more timeless classics. Sing along with your favorite characters and celebrate the season with an unforgettable, family-friendly show full of holiday cheer. Produced by: Old School Square 

 

VIP Ticket Option: $60 includes entry to the show, access to VIP seating near the stage, and meet and greet with the band 

General Admission $20 includes entry to the show. Bring your own seat! Kids 2 and under are FREE

 

Sunday, December 29, 2024 | 6 p.m. – 8p.m. 

Grand Delray Beach Chanukah Festival

Old School Square

Join the City of Delray Beach at Old School Square for the lighting of the Menorah! Attendees can enjoy Latkes & Donuts, Fresh Pizza by The Gifted Crust, Face Painting, Crafts, Games, Live Music and Bounce Houses. This is a free event. Produced by: Chabad of East Delray and The City of Delray Beach 

 

 

For a full list of events, activities and more information: 

Delray Old School Square: https://delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events. 

Downtown Delray Beach: https://downtowndelraybeach.com/events/holiday-events-downtown-delray.

 
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Delray’s Highly Anticipated ‘Savor the Avenue’ Dining Event Returns Monday, March 24

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 4:03pm

WHAT: Savor the Avenue returns to Downtown Delray Beach Monday, March 24, 2025. Savor the Avenue is a world-renowned culinary experience featuring downtown Delray Beach restaurants serving four-course meals at the Nation’s Longest Dining Table while raising funds for a local nonprofit organization. Reservations went on sale back in February; there are limited seats still available! 

 

WHEN: Monday, March 24, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

 

WHERE: Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach. Event spans five city blocks from Swinton Ave. to East Fifth Ave. (Atlantic Ave is closed to traffic during the event.) 

 

WHO: Participating restaurants include Avalon Beach House & Campi Italian, Caffe Luna Rosa, City Oyster, Elisabetta’s, Le Colonial, Lemongrass, Lulu’s, Rocco’s Tacos, Rose’s Daughter and Brulé, Table 165 and Vic and Angelo’s. 

 

DETAILS: The prestigious culinary event, hosted by the Delray Beach DDA, continues to be recognized around the country as one of the most fun and sought-after experiences. The event is reservation-only and typically sells out within 24 hours. It attracts about 1,000 guests each year and thousands more come downtown to stroll the Avenue and see the beautiful tablescapes created by each of the participating restaurants. The restaurants compete for the “Best in Show” table. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and walk the Avenue to view the beautifully decorated tables. 

 

A portion of the proceeds this year will be donated to CROS Ministries, which provides food for the homeless and food insecure in Delray Beach through food pantries and its Caring Kitchen. More than $80,000 has been donated to local charities since the event started 15 years ago.

 

Thank you to our DDA Partners and Savor the Avenue Sponsors who make this event possible: Rothman Health Solutions, Champion Porsche, Los Linderos Tequila, Grimes Events and Party Tents, International Materials, Gelato & Co, Sundy Village/Pebb Capital, Pineapple Carts, and Living FLA.

 

For photos of 2024 Savor the Avenue, go to: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/h7n6i29a5oy292ohkso08/AFtBSMUxVkocyJM_EcRy6j0?rlkey=18bjfvo73bouox048pzj0kvqc&st=sa6cz0ei&dl=0 

 

To learn more about Savor the Avenue, go to https://downtowndelraybeach.com/savortheave

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Delray Beach Named Best Beach in Florida by USA TODAY for Second Year in a Row

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 3:57pm

Delray Beach, Florida (May 28, 2025): The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce are proud that Delray Beach has once again been named the Best Beach in Florida in USA TODAY’s 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This marks the second consecutive year that the city has claimed the top spot on the prestigious list.

To determine the winner, an expert panel selected a shortlist of Florida’s finest beaches. The public was then invited to vote daily for their favorite destination, with voting concluding on May 19.

The top 10 winners for Best Beach in Florida are ranked as follows:

  1. Delray Beach
  2. Clearwater Beach
  3. Treasure Island Beach
  4. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
  5. Stuart Beach
  6. Bowman's Beach
  7. St. Pete Beach
  8. Siesta Beach
  9. Destin
  10. Anastasia State Park

“We’re thrilled—but not surprised—that Delray Beach has earned this recognition again,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director of the Delray Beach DDA. “USA TODAY’s readers are simply confirming what we already know: Delray Beach isn’t just the best in Florida—it’s one of the best in the world.”

Stephanie Immelman, CEO of the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, added: “In Delray Beach, the beach is just the beginning. Our internationally recognized Blue Flag beach is complemented by a walkable downtown full of unique restaurants, local boutiques, and inspiring art galleries. With year-round events and a welcoming, engaged community, Delray Beach is the kind of place people fall in love with—and keep coming back to.”

Learn more at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-beach-in-florida-2025/.

 
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Delray Beach Nominated for "Best Beach in Florida” Again and Ready to Defend its Title!

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 3:46pm

Delray Beach, FL – April 21, 2025: Delray Beach has once again been nominated for Best Beach in Florida by the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards! After taking home the title in 2024, Delray is back in the spotlight—selected by USA TODAY editors and a panel of travel experts as a top contender for this year’s award.

Voting is now open!

  • Cast your vote daily starting today, Monday, April 21 at 12 p.m. through Monday, May 19 at 11:59 a.m.
  • The winner will be revealed on May 28.

The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the best of the best, spotlighting standout destinations and attractions across the country.

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), in partnership with the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, is calling on the community to help Delray Beach bring home the title once more! 

Delray Beach has also been recognized with the prestigious Blue Flag two years in a row! Delray’s Municipal Beach is one of only two Blue Flag destinations in the continental United States. The international designation is awarded to beaches that meet a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria. 

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