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MERCHANT HANDBOOK

Chapter 6: Marketing & Events – Get Involved, Get Noticed

Marketing and events are at the heart of downtown Delray Beach’s vibrancy. Participating actively not only boosts your business visibility but also strengthens the community as a whole. From seasonal festivals to collaborative campaigns, there are countless opportunities to showcase your brand and connect with customers.

Why It Matters

  • Downtown thrives on experiences – events draw foot traffic, media attention, and repeat visitors
  • Marketing helps your business stand out in a competitive landscape
  • Collaboration amplifies reach, reduces costs, and builds goodwill with neighbors and city partners

Marketing Opportunities through the DDA

Business Listing on DowntownDelrayBeach.com

Your business is featured on the official Downtown website with:

  • Storefront photo, business description, social media links, contact info, along with any planned events or promotions
  • Keep info updated by emailing the DDA

Merchant & Business Meetings

Stay informed and collaborate with fellow businesses.

  • Monthly gatherings with upcoming events, promotions, Downtown updates, marketing tips, partnership opportunities and networking
  • Team up with neighboring businesses for joint campaigns, shared advertising, or cross-promotions

When: Monthly (dates vary, check with DDA and B2B emails from the DDA)

Where: Various downtown locations

Opportunity: Have a space fairly large with seating? Consider hosting a Merchant meeting to spotlight your business.

Signature Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Downtown Events

These events attract thousands of visitors and locals – plan ahead to maximize business exposure. Plan promotions tied to event dates to encourage traffic to your store. Participation is key for beneficial results.

Event: First Friday Art Walk
Monthly
Extended hours, demos, art exhibits

Event: Savor the Avenue
March
Fine dining event on Atlantic Ave.

Event: Mother’s Day Orchid Giveaway
May
Promotion driven by retail sales

Event: Restaurant Month
September
Restaurant promotions & Prix fixe menus

Event: Shop Small Business Saturday
Nov
Participate in the national small biz movement

Event: Art and Jazz on the Avenue
4 times/yr.
Brings art and music into the street. Locations vary throughout the downtown.

Event: Love Delray Summer Campaign
June – Aug
Businesses offer summer promotions/events

Sponsorship

Become a Sponsor and Make Meaningful Connections

Sponsoring local Delray events has proven to boost brand visibility and build community trust. Partner with us and gain exclusive marketing opportunities, direct customer engagement, and valuable networking with local downtown Delray Beach businesses, visitors and locals alike.

Sponsor now and watch your business grow!

Social Media Exposure

Tag and follow the official Downtown Delray Beach social media channels to be featured:

  • Instagram: @downtowndelray
  • Facebook: /downtowndelraybeach
  • Hashtags: #downtowndelray #lovedelray (tag as often as possible)
  • Maintain updated business information on the DDA website, Google Maps, and review platforms

Tag your content and share behind the scenes photos, product launches, or special events. Encourage customers to tag your business in their posts to amplify reach.

Email Marketing

The DDA sends regular newsletters to a large subscriber base. This includes B2B and B2C. emails. You can submit:

  • Promotions
  • Event info
  • Announcements

Visitors Information Center

The Downtown Delray Beach Visitors Information Center is located at 2 S. Ocean Blvd. (corner of Atlantic Ave. & A1A).

  • Welcomes thousands of visitors annually
  • Provides brochures, menus, maps, and guides.
  • Promotes participating businesses directly to tourists
  • Offers a curated business directory and local highlights board
  • Consists of volunteers of whom have a great love and appreciation for our downtown. They enjoy sharing information from all of our businesses. Make certain they have your information.

Want your business featured at the Visitors Center?

Bring:

  • Menus, rack cards, or brochures (standard size preferred)
  • Restock monthly or as needed. Please contact the Visitors Center on a regular basis to see if additional stock is needed
  • Ask about becoming a monthly “Spotlight” business
  • Drop off at the Visitors Center

Signature Downtown Events – City & Produced

Downtown Delray Beach benefits from a mix of City-produced events, which highlight community traditions and civic pride, and produced events, which draw regional audiences and boost visibility for downtown businesses. Both types of events bring significant opportunities for merchants—staying open and participating is key to maximizing the benefits.

Event: St. Patrick’s Day Parade (City)
March
Mid-day parade with street closures. Great for themed promotions, grab-and-go specials, and festive storefront displays.

Event: Delray Affair (Chamber of Commerce partner Produced)
April
Major regional street closure event activating Atlantic Avenue. Opportunity for extended hours, sidewalk activations, and cross-promotions.

Howard Alan Art Show (Produced)
January
High-quality juried art festival attracting regional visitors. Strong foot traffic for browsing; opportunity for sidewalk visibility, in-store tie-ins, and art-inspired promotions.

Event: 4th of July (City)
July 4
Extremely high foot traffic. Ideal for patriotic-themed promos, food & beverage specials, and visibility for new products.

Event: Holiday Tree Lighting & Parade (City)
Nov/Dec
Draws thousands of families. Extended hours, holiday displays, and in-store specials work well. Street closures—plan ahead.

Event Participation Guidelines

  • If you would like to participate in an event:
  • Submit event application (permits/insurance as needed)
  • Coordinate with DDA for cross-promotion
  • Prepare staff, signage, specials
  • Promote early (social, flyers, e-blasts)
  • Follow up after the event (photos, thank-you, evaluate results)

Street Closures & Setups

Some events involve temporary street closures. Your business may be affected in terms of employee and customer access, deliveries, and parking.

Check the following for updates:

Notify loyal clients ahead of time and suggest alternate parking

Hosting Your Own Event?

If your business is hosting a sidewalk sale, product launch, celebrations, or gallery night:

  • Contact the DDA to help promote it
  • Permits may be required if it extends onto public property
  • Collaborate with neighbors for stronger impact

Partner with Local Organizations:

Boost your reach by teaming up with:

These groups host events, sponsor programs, and love to support local businesses.

Marketing Checklist

  • Update business listing online
  • Attend Merchant Roundtables
  • Submit specials/promos for DDA marketing
  • Tag @DowntownDelray on social media
  • Stock Visitors Center with materials
  • Check calendars for events & closures
  • Collaborate with neighbors on promos
  • Plan early for major events
  • Evaluate results

Key Contacts

  • Downtown Development Authority (DDA): dda@downtowndelraybeach.com
  • Chamber of Commerce: delraybeach.com / 561-278-0424
  • City Events Office: delraybeachfl.gov / 561-243-7357
  • Visitors Info Center: 2 S. Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach
  • Event Calendar: downtowndelraybeach.com/events

    By engaging in Downtown Delray’s marketing & event ecosystem, your business gains visibility, stronger ties, and long-term success. Let your storefront shine — and let the DDA help tell your story.