Eddie Ritz
It's officially winter in South Florida and though you won't be building snowmen or hitting the slopes, you will be able to enjoy outdoor activities without having to layer up or even wear a jacket most of the time. This is the time to venture outside enjoy festivals, greenmarkets and the area's incredible entertainment. This weekend watch, listen and learn at the 18th Annual Festival of the Arts BOCA, get your grunge fix at Royal Palm Beach's Winter Concert Nights, and maybe do something good for your body at District Yoga with Maki.
In addition to the top five events listed there's always something great happening at places like The Norton Museum of Art or the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. On top of that you could always just enjoy a great meal with an equally great view at one of Palm Beach County's waterfront restaurants from Jupiter to Boca Raton. Plus, we've curated a list of the best things to do all year in the county, and here it is: your bucket list of 55 fun must-try things to do in Palm Beach County.
1. Festival of the Arts BOCA
Kicking off Friday, March 1, and running through March 10, this year's event is all about the "M." Be immersed in the magic of Henry Mancini, the Marvelous Mr. Mizrahi, memorable melodies, movies, “Music and the Mind,” and more. On Friday, hear the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra with Monica Mancini (Henry’s daughter) on vocals. On Saturday, see a screening of "Jaws" with a live score by the Festival Orchestra Boca perfectly synchronized to the film. On Sunday, listen to reigning queen of sopranos, Renee Fleming, as she delivers an incredible performance.
The festival runs March 1 through March 10. Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. See website for exact times, schedule and ticket prices. Information: festivalboca.org
2. Winter Concert Nights featuring Nirvanna
Held at Commons Park in Royal Palm Beach, this event will feature this Nirvana tribute band belting out one great song after another. Get your grunge on with "Smells Like Teen Spirit," "Come As You Are," "Lithium" and many more. Grab those flannel shirts and Doc Martens and rock the night away! There will be food trucks on site to satisfy those food and beverage needs.
The show is 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 1. 11600 Poinciana Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. Free. Information: royalpalmbeachfl.gov/parksrec/page/winter-concert-nights
3. Que Bacano! Latin Dance Contest in downtown West Palm Beach
Dust off those dancing shoes and kick up your heels for this Friday night dance contest in downtown West Palm Beach. Experience the electrifying rhythms, sizzling moves and passion of salsa and bachata while showing the world you can cut a mean rug!
The event is 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 1. City Hall Courtyard, 407 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Free. RSVP required. Information: downtownwpb.com/event/dancecontest
4. Acclaimed landscape designer at Mounts Botanical
Pamela Crawford, the award-winning author of "Butterfly Gardening for Containers and Landscapes," will discuss creating butterfly-friendly gardens in both patio containers and yards. “The butterfly population has been dwindling in Palm Beach County since the 1920s because of habitat loss. Experts say that home gardens are the hope to increase their population," Crawford said.
The event will take place 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 2. Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. $35, Mounts members $15. Information: mounts.org
5. District Yoga with Maki at Grandview Public Market
Whether you're feeling a little rough from the night before or are just staying healthy, feel good with this revitalizing yoga session led by Maki Criscaut. With a focus on alignment and breath work, this class is suitable for all levels, with modifications to meet individual needs.
The event is 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday, March 3. 1401 Clare Ave., West Palm Beach. Free. Information: grandviewpublic.com/event/district-yoga-with-maki
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.