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NEWS

Delray DDA Wins Coveted International Award for Old School Square

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 2:13pm

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has been recognized with a top industry award from the International Downtown Association (IDA) for its revitalization of Delray Beach’s Old School Square. As the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts, the IDA recognizes outstanding projects each year as winners of the Downtown Achievement Awards which identify improvements to urban centers by dedicated organizations around the globe.

The DDA has been responsible for operating, maintaining, and programming activities, exhibitions and special events on the Old School Square Campus, which includes the Cornell Art Museum, Ampitheatre and Vintage Gym, since December 2022 when the organization first entered into an interlocal agreement with the City of Delray Beach. The DDA’s revitalization efforts since then, which are referenced in their award-winning entry, include the following:

·       Brought life to the Cornell Art Museum with 15 rotating art exhibitions featuring more than 300 regional artists in addition to reopening the Museum Store.

·       Activated the entire Old School Square Campus with 150+ events, including innovative and interactive art displays for all ages, concerts, festivals and markets.

·       Attracted approximately 350,000 individuals to the downtown Delray Beach campus.

·       Managed and operated all private events.

·       Launched a new brand identity for the campus and brought it to life with purposeful public relations, digital marketing, social media, and street signage.

·       Delivered an economic impact on Downtown Delray of more than $8 million.

“Receiving top industry honors from the International Downtown Association is a huge honor for our team, the Downtown Delray Beach district and the entire City of Delray Beach,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director of the DDA. “The revitalization of Old School Square was a huge undertaking for the DDA and we are proud to have our efforts and results recognized by the International Downtown Association (IDA), which is the absolute leading organization in our industry.”

 According to the IDA, urban place management organizations are on the front lines of solving challenges related to placemaking, economic development, urban planning and branding. These organizations activate public spaces and make cities vibrant, healthy places for everyone. IDA’s members have a proven track record of creating collaborative public-private partnerships to tackle weighty issues.

Cornell Art Museum Unveils New Nature Exhibition

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 2:11pm

The Cornell Art Museum’s newest art exhibition: “Nature’s Palette: Art Inspired by the Earth.” is now on display at Old School Square. The curated group exhibition, which is on view from September 6, 2024, through February 2, 2025, takes over the entire upper level of the museum, located on the Old School Square campus (51 N. Swinton Ave. Delray Beach, FL 33444). The Cornell Art Museum is free and open to the public.

 

“Nature’s Palette: Art Inspired by the Earth” features innovative transportive installations from regional artists showcasing various mediums, including 2D paintings, 3D sculpture, glass works, and more. The exhibition hosts 42 regional artists showcasing over 90 works of art – with special features from notable artists Jill Hotchkiss, Ernesto Kunde, Marleen DeWaele, Ana Tomayo, Carin Wagner, Milena Arango, Nicolee Galluccio, Isabel Gouveia and more, curated by the Delray Beach DDA’s Cultural Arts Director, Marusca Gatto. The exhibition opened in conjunction with First Friday Art Walk, on September 6, to a crowd of 500 attendees and featured live music, light refreshments and special presentations from the artists along with Meet & Greets.

 

“The exhibition includes captivating creative expressions that draw inspiration from the beauty of the natural world,” said Gatto. “In this exploration, artists dive into various techniques to uncover the profound impact art has on our connection with nature. It will showcase the vibrant world surrounding us with a nod to environmental concerns.”

 

The Cornell Art Museum is free and open to the public. Hours are: Wednesday 12 to 5 p.m.; Thursday & Friday 12 to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.

Tickets Now On Sale For Party In Paradise: Delray’s Tribute to Jimmy Buffett

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 2:08pm

Delray Beach, Florida (July 31, 2024): The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is celebrating Florida’s Official Jimmy Buffett Day with a “Party In Paradise: Delray’s Tribute to Jimmy Buffett.” The concert takes place August 30, 2024 at Old School Square (51 N. Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444) and will feature the Caribbean Chillers – The Official Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band. Tickets are now on sale here.

 

The Caribbean Chillers Show, considered Florida's Favorite Jimmy Buffett Tribute Act, is described as an "AUTHENTIC" recreation of what you will hear and experience at a Jimmy Buffett Concert. The Opening Act, which begins at 6 p.m., features Jerry Leeman and BiG MEDiZEN, an eclectic ensemble of artists and musicians dedicated to preserving the joy and experience of a live performance and festival atmosphere at all their shows.

 

Food and beverages are available for purchase on site.

 

WHEN: Friday, August 30, 2024. Gates open at 5 p.m. Opening Act begins at 6 p.m. Main Act starts at 8 p.m.

 

WHERE: The Amphitheatre at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444. Parking available in Old School Square garage.

 

COST: General Admission tickets are $20, kids 12 and under are $5, kids 1 and under are free. VIP Admission is $60 and includes access to an exclusive VIP lounge, seating, dedicated bar and one free drink ticket. Food and beverage vendors will be on site. No outside alcohol is allowed in the venue.

 

Learn more about the Party In Paradise here: https://delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events/caribbean-chillers-jimmy-buffett-tribute

 

For a full list of Downtown Delray Beach events, please visit: https://delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events.

 

'Summer at the Square' Returns with Free Sunset Concerts, Music Festivals and MORE!

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 2:05pm

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced “Summer at the Square” has returned to downtown Delray Beach’s Old School Square. Summer at the Square, which launched last year, is a summer-long series of exciting events including concerts, festivals, art exhibitions, and more – all happening at Old School Square (51 N Swinton Ave) in downtown Delray Beach throughout the summer. Summer at the Square continues through September.



“Summer at the Square was such a huge success last year that we are thrilled to invite our City of Delray Beach residents and visitors to join us once again for concerts, art festivals, and much more,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director of the Delray Beach DDA. “We have an exciting agenda of events and activities planned that continue to make our Old School Square campus the place to be in South Palm Beach County.”



Save the dates for these special Summer at the Square events:

 

  • Delray Walls Mural Fest: The two-day festival will take over the Old School Square campus on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27, 2024 and feature top Reggae and street artists from South Florida. Street artists will paint large murals in the park while live music performances – including Reggae artists Spred the Dub and Johnny Dread – take place at the Amphitheatre. There will also be a night market with curated vendors, art activities, and food and beverage offerings.

     

  • Free Sunset Concert Featuring Journey Tribute Band: Never Stop Believin’ comes to Old School Square on August 23. Concert is free; VIP tickets available.



    Party in Paradise: Delray’s Tribute to Jimmy Buffet on August 30 will honor Florida’s official Jimmy Buffet Day with the Caribbean Chillers, the official Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band.



    Free Sunset Concert Featuring The Resolvers: Reggae band, The Resolvers, returns to Delray Beach on September 27 for a Free Sunset Concert. Concert is free; VIP tickets available.

The DDA invites everyone – rain or shine – to enjoy the entertainment. Guests are encouraged to bring takeout meals and snacks from a local restaurant or purchase food and drinks from the local restaurant vendors featured onsite. There are no coolers or outside alcohol allowed.



The Sunset Concert Series at the Square is presented by the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority and the City of Delray Beach.



Summer at the Square will also include:

  • First Friday Art Walk: Join the Cornell Art Museum on the first Friday of every month for a stop on Downtown Delray’s First Friday Art Walk (Friday, July 5, August 2, September 6) from 6 to 9 p.m. Exhibits change every few months. Enjoy art, music and light bites.

    Wellness Wednesday: Take a break in the middle of your day to connect with community, quiet your mind and move your body during the $5 Wellness Wednesday healing classes (11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Cornell Art Museum). Registration required.

    Summer GreenMarket: Delray Beach’s open-air market returns to the Old School Square grounds Saturdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm during June and July.

    Coco Market: Join our growing wellness community at Coco Market, a special monthly community event featuring free yoga classes, meditation, reiki, drum circle, south bath, plus shop local, curated wellness vendors and enjoy healthy gourmet food, including vegan options. Summer dates include Sunday, July 7, August 4, September 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    OLLI – FAU Lecture Series: The monthly lecture series, created by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at FAU, continues at the Vintage Gym at Old School Square this summer with classes on Tuesday, July 9 and August 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tickets available for purchase.



    For more information and to see a full list of events at Old School Square, please visit: https://delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events.



    Summer at the Square includes both free and ticketed events. Tickets available HERE.

International Reggae Artist Headlines Delray Walls Mural Fest in Downtown Delray

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 2:00pm

Delray Beach, Florida (June 13, 2024): The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has announced International Reggae Artist Johnny Dread will headline the two-day Delray Walls Mural Fest in Downtown Delray Beach. Delray Walls Mural Fest will take over the Old School Square campus on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27, 2024 and feature top Reggae and street artists from South Florida.

 

In collaboration with Galera Collective and Old School Square, street artists will paint large murals in the park at Old School Square while live music performances take place at the Amphitheatre. There will also be a night market with curated vendors, art activities and food and beverage offerings available for purchase on site. Friday night will feature a free concert with South Florida’s favorite “Feel Good” Reggae band, Spred the Dub. Saturday is ticketed ($10 for general admission) and will feature live mural painting and headline performer, international Reggae artist Johnny Dread.

 

WHEN:

Friday, July 26, 2024 from 4 to 10 p.m. (COST: FREE or $50 VIP option)

·       Opening Act.: Steel Drum Reggae with Brian Haddis

·       Opening Act: Bad Apples Brass Band (New Orleans-style jazz band)

·       Headliner: Spred the Dub (Reggae)

Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 4 to 10 p.m. (COST: $10 general admission)

·       Opening Act: DJ

·       Opening Act: Band to be announced

·       Headliner: Johnny Dread

WHERE: The Amphitheatre and Park at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444. Parking available in Old School Square garage.

 

COST: Friday night entry is FREE. There is a VIP ticket option for Friday night for $50. General admission tickets for Saturday night are $10, Kids 12 and Under: $5, 1 and Under: FREE or VIP for $50. Tickets can be purchased at https://tickets.delrayoldschoolsquare.com/. Food and beverage vendors will be on site. No outside alcohol is allowed in the venue.

 

For a full list of Downtown Delray Beach events, please visit: https://delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events.

 

PHOTOS courtesy of Delray Beach DDA: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/c4fv35a5ekszk2odslc9m/ADHhT2Q06nxNqd2g5fKeG1s?rlkey=mnaayldb4z6qnec3c120jjhre&st=124wh938&dl=0