Florida’s cultural scene really shines in winter. Beginning with Art Basel Miami Beach, the season brings a flurry of fairs, performances, exhibits and fundraisers like the YoungArts Miami Gala, where previous participants who have gone on to become stars of the stage, screen and visual arts and literary scenes return to show off their talents, on January 28. From South Florida’s answer to Spoleto to family-friendly festivals, here’s a guide for how to get out and see some wonderful work.
Boca Raton Arts
The Boca Raton Museum of Art hosts its 36th annual Museum Art Festival with 170 exhibitors for fiber to glass arts in Mizner Park (February 4-5). Festival of the Arts Boca encompasses music, dance, literature and more (March 3-12). Its 17th season features performances such as jazz chanteuse Nicole Henry, “Fantasia Live with Orchestra” and “A Night of Ballet.”
bocamuseum.org | festivalboca.org
Perhaps most famous for its destination mall and namesake luxury resort, Boca Raton also delights snowbirds and locals alike for its arts, entertainment venues and proximity to down-home Delray Beach. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Boca Raton
West Palm Beach Fairs
The Palm Beach Convention Center packs it in. Newly acquired by Palm Beach Show Group, Art Palm Beach + Contemporary (January 25-29) introduces DIVERSEartPB for social movement-themed works and a St. Jude’s charity affiliation. The same organizers host the Palm Beach Show for jewelry, art and antiques (February 16-21). Art Miami fair presents Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary (March 23-26).
artpalmbeach.com | palmbeachshow.com | artpbfair.com
West Palm Beach sits on the mainland directly across from the island of Palm Beach. The growing city has become a destination in its own right for convention and performing art centers, hip restaurants and shopping of all kinds from major brands to vintage wares. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
West Palm Beach
Ignite Broward Art & Light Festival
Immerse yourself in large-scale, light- and sound-based art installations and sculptures during Broward County’s Ignite Art & Light Festival (January 25-29). Complimentary for all to enjoy, the 2023 edition doubles in size to 11 interactive works by eight artists from North America, Europe and the U.K. View them at Esplanade Park and the Museum of Discovery & Science.
ignitebroward.com
Broward County spans the Atlantic Ocean and downtown Fort Lauderdale and its beaches to the Florida Everglades. The expansive area offers historic neighborhoods, luxury high rises and family-friendly gated communities with a choice of in-town and suburban lifestyles. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Rio Vista | Hollywood | Hallandale Beach
Sotheby’s Palm Beach
Located in the Royal Poinciana Plaza’s Slat House, Sotheby’s Palm Beach gallery exhibits two shows from January 28-February 12. “Marc Chagall: Rêve et mémoire” spans six decades of the Russian-French painter’s prolific career. As its name implies, group show “In Dialogue: 20th-Century Masters” features household names in the world of art including Picasso, Magritte, Pollock and others.
sothebys.com/en
The iconic luxury island of Palm Beach is shaking up its staid past. Young families who live here year-round and the next generation of snowbirds and visitors are inspiring a new wave of chic shops, restaurants and art galleries. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Palm Beach | West Palm Beach | Royal Palm Beach
Coconut Grove Arts Festival
Forever linked to Coconut Grove’s creative heritage, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival returns for its 59th edition over Presidents’ Day Weekend (February 18-20; 2700 South Bayshore Drive). In addition to browsing works by 280 artists, the family-friendly affair entertains all ages with activities, live mural painting, chef demonstrations and local dining vendors. Proceeds fund arts programs and scholarships.
cgaf.com
One of Miami’s most historic neighborhoods with bohemian and Bahamian roots, Coconut Grove continues its evolution as a walkable, tree-shaded destination for the work/live/play lifestyle. An exciting tenant turnover and new development and upgrades are drawing fresh faces. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Coconut Grove
ArtiGras
A Presidents’ Day Weekend tradition, ArtiGras draws 300 national and local artists and thousands of people (February 18-19). Having bounced around several venues, the 38th edition relocates to Gardens North County District Park. Along with plenty of food and drink options, kids are entertained with face painting to games. Entrance fees support local charities and youth art education.
artigras.org
A golfer’s mecca, Palm Beach Gardens is home to the PGA headquarters, the Honda Classic and luxury golf communities, many of which attract famous athletes. The community also shines for its conveniences such as the Gardens Mall and Downtown PBG, among well-tended retail centers. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Palm Beach Gardens
Art Fest Roundup
Winter’s peak time for art festivals throughout the state. The same company is behind many upcoming events. Some are 22nd annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts (February 4-5); 3rd annual Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival (February 18-19); 33rd annual Downtown Stuart Art Festival (February 25-26), and 35th annual Las Olas Art Fair Part II (March 4-5).
artfestival.com
Hobe Sound is a quiet, green paradise tucked between Tequesta/Jupiter and Stuart. The unincorporated area offers some of the nation’s most unspoiled beaches and preserves including Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, a key sea turtle nesting site.
