I often get asked what makes Downtown West Palm Beach so unique, it’s a good question, and one best answered by looking at what is going to go on a day like Saturday.
Our schedule for Saturday is packed, but it’s also very unique in that each of the events that I’m going to highlight are not being thrown by big event organizations, but by young locals. People that have found our downtown, been inspired by the potential it holds, and then poured their energy into activating the potential and using it as a backdrop for their work.
I’m just highlighting these four events, but there’s always a LOT more going on, so feel free to make your own schedule. Take some time to go to the Green Market, wander through the streets of downtown and visit all the cool little stores that are opening up on the side streets. Do a spin class at Velocity Cycling, go to the Gym at Ultima, get a massage at Ncognito, grab a paddle board from Visit Palm Beach visitors center and explore our natural coves. Visit the Norton Museum, have a culinary experience at EMKO, see what’s going on in Northwood Village. There is so much to do!
So let’s get started!
Hear Bill Aulet, Head of MIT Entrepreneurship speak
Saturday, Oct 24 at 9:30 am
Flagler Gallery at West Palm Beach City Hall
We’re going to start at 9:30 at City Hall, where downtown startup enthusiast Chris Callahan has organized a discussion with West Palm Beach’s Economic Director & downtowner, Chris Roog and the head of MIT’s Entrepreneurship Program, Bill Aulet. The program will start at 9:30 with a meet & greet, will have the keynote and time for discussion. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here.
This event is a pre-cursor to Global Entrepreneurship week, which Chris Calahan & Startup Palm Beach is putting together for November 16th – 22nd.
Vivid Arts Hunt
Saturday, Oct. 24 at 1 pm
Wine Scene Courtyard (501 Fern St. 33401)
At 1pm we can walk over to the Wine Scene for Vivid Arts Hunt – which was organized by Eddy Garcia, a local technologist who has a love for the arts, and has worked for the last year on an App which will highlight the local artists. Here’s what what vivid arts’ content manager, Esteban Garcia, has to say:
How many times have you passed by the murals of your city? Too many to count I’m sure. They’re eye-catching in both scale and beauty, sure, but do you know what the murals are about? What is that mural trying to say about its environment and your city? There are so many breath-taking walls, but unless you know the artist or follow their work, it’s hard to figure out its meaning.
After interviewing most of the artists who gave West Palm Beach life, the meaning behind each piece is definitely worth digging deeper. For example, Chris Ian Macfarlane’s “Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing” mural outside of Respectables on Clematis. I mean those wolves, disguised as sheep, are doing damage to that canvas. You gain a deeper connection and appreciation behind the inspiration of pieces like Anthony Hernandez’s “JFK” outside of Camelot. The mural tells the story of Kennedy’s deep ties to the city of West Palm Beach, in addition to the establishment. There’s a reason it’s Kennedy in the mural and not Reagan. There’s a reason he’s looking in the direction he’s looking in.
Not only do you notice the 90s style cartoon wolves and Kennedy’s face because they’re visually striking and ooze character, but now you know why they’re there, and the process and inspiration behind driving the artist. It puts the piece of art on an entirely different scale. You gain a different perspective.
Telling that story and building that connection is what the Vivid Arts app is about, which is where the upcoming Vivid Arts Hunt and Cocktail fits in.
Feast of the Sea
Saturday, Oct. 24 at 11 am – 7 pm
West Palm Beach Waterfront
By now you should have wrapped up your business for the day… and be ready to head out to the Waterfront and enjoy Feast of the Seas!
The 2nd Annual Feast of the Sea returns to the waterfront of downtown West Palm Beach. On October 24th at 11am your favorite Palm Beach County restaurants and chefs will be showcasing their best seafood recipes and cuisines for you to enjoy!
This is a very fun event which showcases our waterfront beautifully. The event is free and there is music, food, sponsors, drinks and everything that you’d want for your Saturday afternoon.
The driving force behind Feast of the Sea is the group of individuals that is dedicated to providing unique and memorable action sports experiences for children with special needs or that are currently in at risk situations. Feast of the Sea benefits Future 6 Helping Hand, a community based 501c3 that host free action sports camps for children throughout South & Central Florida.
New Brew Fest
Saturday, Oct. 24 at 3pm – 8pm
Wine Scene Courtyard (501 Fern St. 33401)
Once you’re done feasting, head back on over to the Wine Scene for New Brew Fest. This locally organized event is free to attend. There will be live local music, food trucks, and of course beer from the local south florida breweries — some of whom aren’t event open yet!
The VIP area features three plates from Dixie Grill paired with three spectacular homebrews from BX Beer Depot. We have 21 different beers on tap from 11 different breweries. There will also be wine available from Wine Scene available.
Portions of the event proceeds will benefit Girls Pint Out, a 501(3)(c), that supports women in the craft beer world. We are also putting on a raffle, $1 per ticket, to benefit the group as well.VIP tickets and more information here.
So there you have it. Your Saturday schedule in downtown West Palm Beach planned out for you. Enjoy!