The Palm Beach events guide (2026)

West Palm Beach and Palm Beach together host one of the most culturally rich event calendars of any area their size in the United States. From the exceptional polo season that transforms Wellington's equestrian fields into a global sporting destination, to SunFest's waterfront concerts, to international art fairs, charity galas, and the beloved Clematis by Night weekly street festival, there is almost never a weekend in Palm Beach County without something worth experiencing. This complete 2026 guide helps you align your StaySouth vacation rental booking with the events that matter most.

The Palm Beach Polo Season (January through April)

The polo season at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington is the defining seasonal event of Palm Beach County. exceptional polo players and their extraordinary horses compete every Sunday from January through April, with the season culminating in the US Open Polo Championship, one of the most prestigious polo tournaments in the world. General admission to Sunday matches is free, which makes this one of the most accessible luxury sporting events in the United States. Grandstand and VIP seating is available for a fee. The social scene surrounding the matches, with elaborate tailgate setups, the champagne divot-stomping tradition at halftime, and the style-conscious crowd, is itself a spectacular event. Local Tip: Arrive early for parking and the best lawn positions. The halftime divot-stomping tradition (guests walk onto the field to press divots back into the ground) is mandatory participation.

SunFest Music Festival (May)

Florida's largest waterfront music and art festival takes place along West Palm Beach's Intracoastal Waterway waterfront each May. Four days of performances by major national headliners on multiple stages draw 50,000+ visitors to West Palm Beach in what becomes the most energetic weekend of the city's year. The combination of exceptional music, the spectacular waterfront setting, and West Palm Beach's warm May weather creates one of Florida's most genuinely enjoyable outdoor festival experiences. Local Tip: Purchase tickets early, general admission and VIP packages sell out well in advance. Book accommodation simultaneously.

Art Palm Beach (January)

Held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, Art Palm Beach is a significant international contemporary art fair featuring galleries from across the United States and internationally. The fair attracts serious collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts to Palm Beach County during the height of the social season. Local Tip: Tickets available online. VIP opening evening previews are the peak of the social experience. Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead.

Palm Beach International Antiques Show (February)

One of the most prestigious antiques fairs in the United States, the Palm Beach International Antiques Show attracts leading dealers from across the country and internationally with exceptional inventory spanning 18th-century furniture, fine silver, jewelry, art, and decorative objects. The vetting process ensures authenticity. For serious collectors, this fair is among the year's most important. Local Tip: The preview opening on the first day offers the best selection before the weekend crowds arrive. Clematis by Night (Weekly, Thursday Evenings) Every Thursday evening, Clematis Street comes alive with West Palm Beach's most beloved free weekly event. Live music at multiple stages, vendors, food trucks, and the festive energy of a genuinely community-centered street festival create one of the finest free regular events in South Florida.

Local Tip: Running year-round, Clematis by Night is at its most vibrant during the season (October-April) when the snowbird community has returned.

US Open Polo Championship (April)

The climax of the Palm Beach polo season and one of the most prestigious polo tournaments in the world. The world's finest polo players compete over multiple weekends in April at the International Polo Club, with the final match drawing the most spectacular crowds and social pageantry of the entire season. Local Tip: Grandstand tickets sell out, purchase online when they become available in January. The final match weekend requires accommodation booked months in advance.

Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival (December)

A growing culinary event held during the opening of Palm Beach's season, featuring chef demonstrations, wine tastings, and special dinners at Palm Beach's finest restaurants. An increasing roster of nationally recognized chefs participate each year. Local Tip: Individual event tickets are more affordable than full festival passes. The chef demonstration events are excellent value.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Events (June-July)

The Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach organizes organized nighttime turtle walks during the June-July peak of sea turtle nesting season. Participants observe loggerhead sea turtles emerging from the ocean to nest on the beach, one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences available in South Florida. Local Tip: Turtle walk reservations open months in advance and sell out almost immediately. Book on the opening date of reservations.

Norton Museum Exhibitions (Year-Round)

The Norton Museum of Art maintains a year-round calendar of major traveling exhibitions that bring internationally significant art to West Palm Beach. The museum's exhibition calendar should be checked when planning any trip, specific shows have drawn visitors from across the country.

Local Tip: Check norton.org for the current exhibition calendar. Major shows during the season draw significant visitor interest.

The GreenMarket West Palm Beach (Saturdays, October-April)

One of Florida's finest weekly farmers markets, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket operates every Saturday morning on Clematis Street from October through April. Local produce, artisan food products, prepared foods, plants, and crafts from Palm Beach County's agricultural community create a genuinely excellent Saturday morning experience. Local Tip: Arrive by 9am for the freshest produce and least crowded experience. The market runs from approximately 8am to 1pm. Event Booking Tips for West Palm Beach The polo season (January-April) is West Palm Beach's primary draw, book. accommodation before purchasing event tickets SunFest weekend fills accommodation across Palm Beach County, book 3-4 months in. advance Brightline rail from Fort Lauderdale (30 min) and Miami (60 min) makes West Palm Beach. easily accessible for event-centered day trips The Palm Beach island social season events (galas, charity events) require invitations, focus on public events like polo and art fairs. Many of the finest West Palm Beach events are free, polo general admission, Clematis by. Night, the GreenMarket StaySouth vacation rentals offer more flexibility than hotels for event-weekend bookings, direct booking allows better communication about specific needs.

For more local insight, see our seasonal guide for Palm Beach and the things to do. When you are ready, browse vacation rentals in Palm Beach or check available stays on Casago.

Plan your stay

Browse vacation rentals in Palm Beach.

Direct booking through the Casago network. Real homes, real prices, real people on the ground.

Browse on Casago

For property owners

Own a Palm Beach property?

Talk to Ricardo about hands-on, local management with full transparency.

Talk to us about management

Frequently Asked Questions