Looking for fun things to do this weekend March 15-17? Top 5 events in Palm Beach County
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 dig into great seafood at the 8th Annual Royal Palm Beach Seafood Festival, listen up at Northwood Jazz and Blues Festival or go all in at Grassy Waters Preserve during the Swamp Tromp hike.
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.
Best St. Patrick's Day events:Top parties, parades, Irish food deals, in Palm Beach County
1. Royal Palm Beach Seafood Festival
This two-day festival will feature live music, arts & crafts and plenty of seafood including lobster, shrimp, oysters, crabs, fresh fish, calamari, conch and more. Not a seafood fan? (Are you feeling OK? Just kidding!) No worries: there will be plenty of options for landlubbers as well. The bands performing include the Lucky to Be, Making Faces, Keith Anthony Barbrie, Sweet Justice, Bamboo and the Van Halen tribute group-Completely Unchained on Saturday; and Jupiter Trailer Trash, Bobby G & Paulie, the Aerosmith tribute group-Aerosmith Rocks, Scott Benge and the Foreigner tribute group-The Foreigner Experience on Sunday. There will also be pirates and mermaids and a free Kids' Fun Zone.
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The event is 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 16 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 17. Commons Park, 11600 Poinciana Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. Free admission and parking. Information: pottcevents.com
2. The Northwood Jazz and Blues Festival
Calling all music lovers to this two-day event featuring a blend of the finest jazz bands and some of the best nationally touring artists in blues/rock. Bands hitting the event's courtyard stage will include Albert Castiglia, Paul Nelson, Alex Lopez, Earth code and T's Express Jazz band on Saturday and Memphis Lightning, JP Soars and the Redhots, Cleveland Jazz Band and Delray Jazz Collective on Sunday. There will also be food trucks on site and beverages including beers from Noble Brewing Company, LaBelle Brewing Company, Persimmon Hollow and more available at the venue. Audiences encouraged to bring appropriate lawn/outdoor seating when possible.
The event is 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 16 and 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 17. Northwood Art & Music, 933 28th St., West Palm Beach. Advance one day $25, at door $30; two-day $40. Information: 360-878-3474; northwoodartandmusic.com
3. Sunday on the Waterfront (St. Patrick's Day) featuring Tracy Sands
Hailing from County Down in Ireland, Tracy Sands is a traditional Irish and contemporary vocalist who infuses rock and folk with her voice and music. Concertgoers will be transported to all things Ireland when they see and hear her in person. The festive event will also feature face painters and roving Irish performers.
The event is 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 17. Centennial Square, 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Free. Information: wpb.org
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4. Swamp Tromp at Grassy Waters Preserve
Find your inner Rambo, Tarzan or Jane and take a walk on the wild side during this guided wet hiking tour through the preserve. Get up close and personal with the environment and learn why wild Florida is so worth preserving for future generations.
The event is 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16. 8264 Northlake Blvd., West Palm Beach. Adults $10, children $5. Reservations required. Information: 561-804-4985; wpb.org
5. The Symphonia 'Journey to Discovery' series 'Europe's Shores'
South Florida’s premier chamber orchestra will present the fourth concert of its "Journey to Discover" earth- and environment-themed season with "Europe’s Shores." The performance will feature artists Alexander Platt and Less Roettges. Platt is music director of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra, and the Wisconsin Philharmonic. Roettges has been the principal flute for the Jacksonville Symphony since 1986 and he is a member of the six-time Emmy award-winning All-Star Orchestra.
The concert is 3 p.m. Sunday, March 17. Roberts Theater, Saint Andrew’s School, 3900 Jog Road, Boca Raton. Tickets start at $55. Information: 561-376-3848; thesymphonia.org
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.