Ok, winter is officially over. Don’t panic. It’s only spring, not summer and we’ve still got plenty of non-sauna-like days to enjoy all that South Florida has to offer. Now get out and hear dozens of live music act during the 561 Music Festival in downtown West Palm Beach, check out the Surfing Florida Museum’s grand opening, listen to cool jazz and check out works of art during Coastal Notes and Brushstrokes in Juno Beach and more.
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 60 fun must-try things to do in Palm Beach County.
1. “Bodega Birk.,” West Palm Beach
Held at 1500 Elizabeth Ave, this three-day immersive presentation by contemporary artist Cayla Birk will transform the venue into vibrant corner store, Bodega Birk. that will blend fine art with the everyday rituals of a neighborhood bodega. It will feature over 30 works from Birk.’s “Take the Lot” and “Birktone” series. Guests can expect nods to classic bodega culture: breakfast sandwiches, scratch-off tickets, lighters, and other familiar staples—presented within an art-driven setting. The event will feature culinary creations by Tropical Smokehouse, Pumphouse Coffee, Altima Caviar, Art Gourmet, and Celis Produce.
The event is VIP preview (invitation only) 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 1; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 2; and Bodega Brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3. 1500 Elizabeth Ave., West Palm Beach. Free. Information: caylabirk.com
2. Surfing Florida Museum grand opening, West Palm Beach
Originally opened in 2014 in Delray Beach, the museum features historic surfboards, memorabilia, photos, film, a library, recorded oral histories, and much more. Since 2014, the museum has been a bit of a vagabond and has moved to Lake Park, down to West Palm Beach’s warehouse district and now a new location at the Shoppes at Palm Coast Plaza off of South Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach.
The event is 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 2. 7623 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. Free. Information: surfingfloridamuseum.org
3. “Rodney Demps: The Surrealist of the Highwaymen,” Delray Beach
The opening of this exhibit (which will then run through Sept. 27) will feature the imaginative oil landscapes of Rodney Demps, one of the most distinctive artists connected to the legendary Florida Highwaymen movement. While rooted in familiar Highwaymen imagery — palm trees, glowing sunsets, coastal waves, and tropical landscapes — Demps pushes the tradition into dreamlike territory through vivid color, dramatic cloud formations, and fluid brushwork. Opening night will feature live music, refreshments, and a meet-and-greet with James Knill and Amanda Johnson of Amanda James Gallery and more.
The event is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 1. Cornell Art Museum, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Free. Information: amandajamesgallery.com
4. Coastal Notes and Brushstrokes, Loggerhead Marinelife Center
The center’s event space, The Eleanor, will be transformed into an art gallery showcasing more than 60 pieces by artists from The Artists Studio and Gallery of Tequesta, Sarah Houglum, Bianca’s Corner Studio, Renee Simler Fine Art, and Anthony Burks Sr. There will be live music from award-winning jazz vocalist Yvette Norwood-Tiger. Drinks and small bites will be available for purchase by SandyJames Food & Production.
The event is 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 1. 14200 US 1, Juno Beach. Advance $15, at door $20. Information: marinelife.org/special-events
5. 561 Music Festival, West Palm Beach
Held at the Meyer Amphitheatre in downtown West Palm Beach, this festival will feature over two dozen music acts performing on three separate stages. Artists will include Heidi Merrill, The Holidazed, Rogue Theory, ALYK, Turbo Kid, Butch and the Fat Doobs, Brett Staska, Snake Lounge, Shy Blossum and more. There will also be vendors offering unique artwork and merchandise along with a variety of food trucks and beverage options.
The event is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 2. 104 Datura St., West Palm Beach. Free. Information: 561musicfestival.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Top 5 Things to Do this weekend (May 1-3) in Palm Beach County
Reporting by Eddie Ritz, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
