Fun Stuff in Delray Beach
Clink on the links below to find out about all the FUN things happening in Delray. Festivals, Parades, Art Walks, Tastings and more!
The Arts
The Andre Design District in Delray is emerging as a vibrant hub for dining, shopping, and innovation. Located on Congress Avenue near Atlantic Avenue, it offers a mix of retail and office space without the high prices and pretension of busier areas. Formerly an industrial park, it is now attracting entrepreneurs and creatives, transforming into a go-to destination for locals seeking great food, unique shopping, and wellness services. The Andre is quickly becoming a beloved spot for those in the know.
Arts Garage connects the South Florida community to the world through the arts by showcasing global and emerging artists across diverse music genres and disciplines. Committed to accessibility for all, it fosters inclusivity through programs, outreach, and community collaborations, welcoming people of all backgrounds to share in the love of the arts.
Arts Warehouse, a rehabilitated space by the Delray Beach CRA, is a 15,000 sq. ft. arts hub in the Pineapple Grove district. Opened in 2017, it features rotating exhibitions, workshops, and special events, fostering community engagement and economic growth. Free and open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, it supports local artists and residents.
The Cornell Art Museum, located in the restored 1913 Delray Elementary School in Old School Square, showcases historic “Masonry Vernacular” architecture. Opened in 1990 and named after Harriet W. and George D. Cornell, it features preserved Dade County Pine floors, tall windows, and an open atrium. A $1 million renovation, funded by arts patron Margaret Blume in 2017, enhanced the interior while maintaining its historic charm.
Family-Friendly Hotspots
Sandoway Discovery Center, established in 1998, offers hands-on learning experiences about South Florida’s marine and freshwater environments. Housed in a historic beachfront home, the center features live animal exhibits, a 15,000-gallon reef pool, Florida’s largest shell collection, and a butterfly garden. Visitors can enjoy shark feedings, nature programs, and special events like beach clean-ups. Operated by a non-profit, Sandoway is dedicated to educating the public about Delray’s coastal ecosystems and natural history for future generations.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a cultural landmark in Palm Beach County, showcasing Japanese art, history, and garden design. The original Yamato-kan building, modeled after a Japanese villa, highlights the Yamato Colony’s history, while the main museum, opened in 1993, features galleries, a theater, a tea house, and an extensive collection of over 7,000 Japanese artifacts. Spanning 16 acres, the gardens include strolling paths, a bonsai collection, and koi-filled lakes, reflecting centuries of Japanese garden design. Set in a tranquil natural environment, Morikami offers a unique connection between Florida and Japan.
History & Culture
Founded in 1964, the Delray Beach Historical Society, believes that a sense of history is fundamental to understanding human experiences. The mission is to collect, preserve and share materials from Delray Beach’s past, so that present and future generations can comprehend more fully their predecessors, their communities and themselves. The society encourages and assists people of all backgrounds and interests to learn more about Delray Beach’s diverse history.
The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum is dedicated to discovering, collecting, and sharing the Black history and heritage of Palm Beach County. Located at 170 NW Fifth Avenue in Delray Beach, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum is the only museum of its kind in Palm Beach County dedicated to showcasing the contributions of members of the African Diaspora in Florida and the U.S.
Businesses
The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is an dependent taxing authority, within the City of Delray Beach, which was established in 1971 by way state statute – House Bill 1250, which was reviewed and codified in 2003 to update as House Bill 2003-314. The DDA is funded by a special tax levy on properties within its district boundaries. The authority is governed by a 7-member board of directors, which includes downtown property owners, business owners, and/or residents. The board sets policy direction, which is implemented by a multi-disciplinary team under the oversight of the executive director.
The Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce has been the business hub of Delray for nearly a century, embracing modern tools like social media, email marketing, and video to support its members. Strongly connected with local institutions, including City Hall and cultural organizations, the Chamber plays a central role in both the business community and the city as a whole.
