January

Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts   With the sparkling Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, art lovers converge on this much-anticipated juried art festival that features hundreds of local and international artists. Produced by Jupiter-based Howard Alan Events, this festival is consistently ranked as one of the top fine art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist™ Magazine. Discover artistic treasures in a variety of mediums, including glass, fiber, wood, jewelry, paintings, photography, mixed media and pottery.   The outdoor gallery spans one mile, with booths lining both sides of Atlantic Avenue from U.S. 1, passing over the Intracoastal Waterway all the way to A1A. Plenty of food vendors are interspersed among the art booths, so you can partake of festival fare like hearty Polish sausages, Greek gyros, kettle corn, funnel cakes, and refreshing frozen lemonades. Celebrate the start of the new year with a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork!   Delray Beach Fashion Week   Couture is part of downtown Delray Beach culture, and never more so than during this international, award-winning event. The glamorous multiday production shines a spotlight on the designs, collections and coiffures of downtown boutiques, designers, hairstylists and makeup artists. Models strut Atlantic Avenue on catwalks around downtown, showcasing resort wear, evening wear, swim and surf fashions from names like Glavidia Alexis, Bill DeBilzan, Arianne Brown, Lizzie Lambert, Sam Delaney and Amanda Perna (who appeared on “Project Runway” twice!). In addition to the fabulous fashion on display, attendees enjoy live entertainment, beach games, shopping events and chances to win fabulous prizes.  

February

Delray Beach Open   Get a thrill when you witness the world’s only 10-day ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Champions Tour and ATP 250 event. Compete in amateur tennis tournaments or watch legends and top-ranked ATP stars hit the Delray Beach courts during action-packed days of matches. Past star-filled lineups of this international tennis tournament have included Tommy Haas, Andy Roddick, John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, James Blake and “Delpo” Juan Martin Del Potro.  

  In addition to all the exciting match play, enjoy delectable dining options, live music and clinics coached by ATP Champion tour players. And throughout the 10-day event, the on-site Hospitality Pavilion hosts social gatherings like a ladies’ luncheon; beer, wine and food pairing; and VIP receptions. Special events sell out early, so reserve your space today.  

March

Savor the Avenue   Make your reservations for a memorable night of dining under South Florida starlight during this annual outdoor culinary event on renowned Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. Make reservations directly with the restaurant of your choice. And on the night of the event, take your seat at Florida’s longest dining table (more than five blocks long!) to relish a specially designed four-course dinner with beverage pairings. Past participating restaurants have included Cabana El Rey, L’Acqua, Rocco’s Tacos, Salt7, Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen, The Office Delray, City Oyster and Sushi Bar, Vic & Angelo’s, Caffe Luna Rosa, Che!!!, 50 Ocean, Death or Glory, and Lemongrass Asian Bistro.  

Sip complimentary cocktails as you browse beautifully decorated table settings ranging from elegant to eclectic, with each restaurant staging a theme in a bid to win the coveted Best in Show title. And don’t forget to vote on the People’s Choice Award for your favorite “tablescape.”  

April

Delray Affair   Stroll along the palm tree-lined downtown streets of Delray Beach while witnessing the diverse mix of fine art, crafts and funky products found at the oldest and largest arts-and-crafts festival in the southeastern United States. Take your time as make your way along 12 city blocks, viewing handcrafted wares, listening to live music and chatting with artisans who come from around the country and across the globe.  

When the sun begins to sink and the tents shut down for the day, head over to Atlantic Avenue to socialize and explore its art galleries, retails shops and restaurants during Delray Affair After Dark. Put on your dancing shoes and take part in the True Oldies Twist Competition, sponsored by Boynton Beach Fred Astaire Dance Studio and True Oldies radio station. You’ll treasure the opportunity to dance with professionals, plus earn a chance to win exciting prizes.  

July

Delray Beach July 4th Celebration   Celebrate Independence Day Delray-style—with barbecue, beaches, family fun and, of course, fireworks. This free event along A1A and Atlantic Avenue is perfect for all ages, with a kids’ zone, teen activities, an adrenaline-pumping obstacle course and live music all evening long. It all ends with a fireworks show that illuminates the Atlantic Ocean.  

August

Dine Out Downtown Delray Restaurant Week   Foodies unite in downtown Delray Beach to tuck into the diverse dining scene and wide array of culinary experiences available during this annual event. Simply select your choice from the list of participating restaurants and make reservations directly through the restaurant. No passes, tickets or coupons required. Dine from multicourse prix fixe lunch or dinner menus.   The weeklong event not only allows you to sample the delicious fare of downtown restaurants but enjoy lots of foodie-oriented fun as well. Take craft food tours, savor special food-pairing dinners, and try your hand at doughnut decorating—then eat the results! Or have you ever wanted to know how to craft the perfect summer cocktail? Master the art of juicing? Or just hone your cooking skills? Choose from a variety of cool classes and culinary events.  

December

100-ft. Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Festivities   Celebrate the start of the holiday season by watching Santa Claus light Delray Beach’s famous 100-foot-tall Christmas tree in Old School Square Park on NE 2nd Avenue. Take a walk through the enormous tree to view magical scenes, including a reindeer barn, Santa’s workshop, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas House, and a favorite with kids, the Train House.   Immediately following the tree lighting, get a photo with the jolly old elf himself before strapping on your ice skates, taking a spin on the carousel or swinging your clubs on the Putt’n Around Mini Golf Course. Visit with Santa in his Key West-style house next door to the tree, or delight in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cruise with him on the Intracoastal Waterway during a Cookie Cruise with Santa.  

  Get in the holiday spirit by participating in a Menorah Lighting or singing carols by candlelight at the Pavilion. And wander through the festive window displays of the downtown businesses as they compete for prizes like Most Creative, Most Festive and Best Overall. You can vote, too, by sharing a photo of your favorite holiday window display on Facebook or Instagram using #DelrayHoliday.