Grab your besties or best bros, pack your swimwear and your shorts for an ultimate summer escape to The Palm Beaches. Located along Florida’s stunning Atlantic coast, complete with glimmering seascapes, impressive resorts, cultural complexes and wide-open spaces, the destination invites event enthusiasts and sunseekers to enjoy an event-packed getaway.

Not only is summer the best time for an affordable stay in the region known for its glamor and timeless appeal – it bustles with activities that exude summertime fun and complement a beach getaway. Below is a sampling of performances, exhibits and events that will make you want to pack your bags for Southeast Florida.

Outdoor Events

Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament – April 4-6 – Wellington, FL

The Gay Polo League (GPL) is the only LGBTQ+ polo organization in the world, and it is dedicated to producing high-end LGBTQ+ polo events and experiences. Amongst their signature events is The International Gay Polo Tournament, which brings together polo players, fans and supporters of LGBTQ+ pride. The Gay Polo event will take place in a new location this year: Patagones Polo Club in Wellington, Florida.

For those who may not yet be familiar with the region, Wellington is recognized as the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World. The event festivities include a by-invitation-only VIP Sponsor’s Reception; a Polotini Charity Party to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which invites attendees to wear their best wigs, enjoy music, dancing, open bar, delectable hors’ d’oeuvres, and entertainment; and the Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament – presented by Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

This year the tournament brings together 16 LGBTQ+ polo players from around the world to compete. The four polo teams will compete for two GPL Perpetual Trophies: The Senator’s Cup & The Founder’s Cup. Tickets start at $50 per person for general admission.

Cruiser Palooza Music & Arts Festival – April 6 – Delray Beach, FL

Enjoy live music acts by reggae bands Ballyhoo, The Resolvers and Spread the Dub on the historic grounds of Old School Square in the charming and pedestrian-friendly city. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., attendees can enjoy live music, drinks, food trucks, a silent auction, live artwork, a cornhole tournament, and more.

Cruiser Palooza Music & Arts Festival, which also serves as a fundraiser, was started by Cruise Bogle. Fifteen years ago, Cruise went skim-boarding with his friends and sustained a C4 spinal cord injury, paralyzing him from the neck down. The annual event raises funds to support those struggling to live a healthy and fulfilling life with a spinal cord injury. With an abundance of restaurants, cultural activities and lodging options within walking distance, attendees will have plenty to keep them occupied pre- or post-event.  

Barrett Jackson Auto Auction Palm Beach – April 18-20 – West Palm Beach, FL

Taking place each year at the South Florida Fairgrounds, this is a dream event for car collectors. Recognized as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction,” the Barrett Jackson Auto Auction allows guests to view the finest and rarest cars, alongside typical automobiles up for auctions, and they can even purchase the car of their dreams on site.

Thrill rides from top automakers, an exhibitor marketplace, automobile displays, food and more take place during the event. The action plays out in front of hundreds of thousands of visitors and more than six million television and digital viewers worldwide. Gates open from 8 a.m. to the auction close, and tickets start at $29 for adult general admission. The Palm Beach event is one of only four in the nation.

The Delray Affair – April 12-14 – Delray Beach, FL

Experience one of the largest arts & craft festivals in the Southeast United States this April in downtown Delray Beach. Celebrating its 62nd year, the Delray Affair highlights an eclectic mix of fine art, crafts and funky products by nearly 500 artists and crafters from around the world. Live music, a beer garden and great food are additional aspects of this street fair, which stretches 10 city blocks.

The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Parking for the event is available in municipal parking garages for $5 per day.

SunFest – May 3-5 – West Palm Beach, FL

Celebrating its 40^th year and held annually in downtown West Palm Beach during the first week of May, SunFest is Florida’s largest waterfront music festival. The three-day festival attracts more than 85,000 visitors each year, and it will feature performances by globally-recognized artists, including Billy Idol, Dashboard Confessional, Nelly, Matisyahu, Shaggy, Third Eye Blind and more as this year’s lineup.

Children five and under are free, and festival tickets start at $60 for a one-day pass, with prices expected to increase as the event grows closer on the calendar.

iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre – May 3-September 28 – West Palm Beach, FL

As a Live Nation venue, iTHINK Financial Amphitheater brings some of the best musical acts and performers to Southeast Florida. This season, concertgoers can choose from a lengthy list of top acts, including Brooks and Dunn, Chris Stapleton, Hozier, Dave Matthews Band, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, 21 Savage, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alanis Morissette, Janet Jackson, New Kids on The Block with Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff, Train and REO Speedwagon, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Luke Bryan and Creed, among others.

Additional non-musical acts include Bert Kreischer’s Fully Loaded Comedy Festival. As the event venue is centrally located, eventgoers can experience rural attractions, the beach, or the city within 30 minutes east or west of the Amphitheatre.

The Pink Retreat, presented by The Palm Beaches – June 20-23 – West Palm Beach, FL

Known as “The most colorful girls’ getaway in Palm Beach,” The Pink Retreat features tours, shopping, and more for women of all ages who share a common bond and a very colorful closet.

Founded in 2017, The Pink Retreat was created by Mompreneur, Tosha Williams. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, Tosha was an Art Therapist working in a hospital setting. Patients would regularly comment on her bright, cheerful and colorful fashion choices, which lifted their spirits. She then launched the annual Pink Retreat weekend for an inspiring, welcoming weekend that brings women together.

This year, there will be a plethora of fun activity options, such as a special shopping experience at the Lilly Pulitzer store on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach that is exclusive to attendees of The Pink Retreat. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy making shift dress-shaped cookies at a local bakery class, sailing on the Intracoastal Waterway in a catamaran cruise, experiencing a Gratitude Art Journaling class, partaking in a Gilded Age-style high tea service, learning croquet in lessons at the National Croquet Center, creating an artistic Mermaid Mosaic, and shaking it up at a Latin Dance Class – plus much more. This year’s host hotel will be and the newly refreshed Hilton West Palm Beach.

The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival – July 11-14; July 18-21 – Jupiter, FL

“Shakespeare by the Sea” returns to the historic seaside town of Jupiter with live performances of Shakespeare from July 11-14 and July 18-21. The event welcomes 10,000 attendees over each four-day run. In its 34^th year, the festival will present its premier live theater production of “King Lear.” Visitors to Jupiter’s Carlin Park can enjoy the show at 8 p.m. The park is within walking distance of the beach as well as several popular local restaurants.

Additional “Shakespeare by the Palms” performances in western Palm Beach County will be available at The Village of Royal Palm Beach’s Commons Park from July 25-28. The events are open to the public, free of charge and are family-friendly.

Cultural Venue Offerings & Exhibits

The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum – April 11-May 5 – Boca Raton, FL

“Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” is the critically acclaimed show which opened in London in 1989 and ran for 12 years, before opening on Broadway. With foot-stomping “Holly Hits” like “Everyday,” “Peggy Sue,” and “That’ll Be The Day,” this show truly depicts the man who was indeed a legend in rock-roll history.

A music-filled performance for music highlights the American artists’ impact on the music industry, especially during the 1950s Rock and Roll era with timeless classics. While there, make sure to ask if the Museum Club-portion of The Wick Theatre, which offers an impressive costume collection and is open during your visit. Guided tours of the Broadway show costume collections are offered on select days. As part of the Museum Club’s offerings, through the end of May, guests can enjoy a glorious new immersive exhibition “Dancing Feet. The Experience, 42nd Street: Celebrating the Art of Dance.”

A stunning 360-degree video presentation will showcase numerous dazzling moments of skill from Broadway’s greatest musicals. The video will emphasize the multi-Tony Award-winning smash hit 42nd Street, featuring commentary from the original star, the legendary Lee Roy Reams. On display throughout the Museum Club will be costumes from both the original 1980 production and the 2001 revival. For $153, guests can experience the immersive virtual experience, original Broadway and Revival wardrobes, three-course luncheon, cabaret performance and mainstage production.

MOSAIC (Month of Shows, Art, Ideas and Culture) – May 1-31 – Throughout The Palm Beaches

MOSAIC is an annual month-long celebration of The Palm Beaches’ art and cultural scene. Visitors can take advantage of special offers on admission to museums, theaters, and botanical gardens throughout the culturally rich region.

Deals range from buy one, get one free offerings, to percentages off admission. Last year’s participating institutions included Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, and nearly 20 others. This year’s participating venues will be announced soon.

Endless Summer: Palm Beach Resort Wear – Now through May 25, 2024 – West Palm Beach, FL

The Palm Beaches have long been synonymous with fashion and style. This season, The Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum presents “Endless Summer: Palm Beach Resort Wear,” an exhibit that explores the impact Palm Beach made on resort fashion over the last 129 years.

Through the display, visitors can see how top fashion brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Philip Hulitar and St. John, as well as fashion icons such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Lilly Pulitzer, and others, adopted fresh new looks and a philanthropic spirit. The museum is located within steps of West Palm Beach’s artistic downtown.

The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts – April 10-June 30 – West Palm Beach, FL

For those who particularly enjoy air-conditioned spaces, The Kravis Center showcases award-winning productions, including Hamilton, The Kite Runner and Mamma Mia this season. Additional musical performances, plays, ballets and more will also take the stage and are visible on their website.

Palm Beach Dramaworks – April 5-June 9 – West Palm Beach, FL

Additional theatre productions are available at West Palm Beach’s local black box theatre, Palm Beach Dramaworks. The quaint but impressive theatre has two productions this season: “Death of a Salesman” and “Trying.” This venue is located on one of the city’s most popular streets in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, making it an ideal evening activity for those looking to check out a popular attraction amidst the lively downtown energy.