Memorial Day is a special time to spend with family and honor those who have lost their lives serving the country, and there are a variety of things to do in West Palm Beach during the holiday.
West Palm certainly offers fantastic beaches to visit, but there are also activities centered around Memorial Day. Here is our list of some of the best festivities taking place:
Palm Beach Gardens Memorial Day Ceremony
The city of Palm Beach Gardens provides an opportunity to honor the lives of service people lost with their Memorial Day Ceremony. The event takes place at 9 a.m. at the Veterans Plaza Amphitheater at City Hall.
The Palm Beach Gardens Police and Fire/Rescue Honor Guard will present the flags, and there will also be a wreath-laying ceremony and music from the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches.
Memorial Day Celebration at Palm Beach Kennel Club
The Palm Beach Kennel Club regularly provides great opportunities to watch greyhound racing, participate in poker tournaments, and play other table games. They add to the festivities on Memorial Day by recognizing active and retired military with a live National Anthem and presentation from the Lake Worth High School ROTC Color Guard.
There will also be greyhound adoption representatives on hand and a live show from ESPN West Palm from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Rooney's Beer will be sold for just $2.50, and there is a Rooney's Veterans and Civilians Feature for Race 6.
The Palm Beach Jerk and Carribean Culture Festival is arguably the most unique Memorial Day activity in West Palm Beach. The 15th annual event at the South Florida Fair Grounds runs from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and experts in Caribbean cuisine will battle it out for honors.
Those in attendance will get to sample top culinary creations and hear authentic Caribbean music. Celebrity chef Noel Cunningham will also conduct cooking demonstrations, and there will be a kids' zone to keep youngsters occupied.
Roar & Poar Event at the Palm Beach Zoo
Through the summer, the Palm Beach Zoo holds Roar & Pour on the fourth Saturday of every month, and May's date just happens to fall on Memorial Day weekend. Roar & Pour begins at 4:30 p.m., and the Tiki Bar opens at 5 p.m. with a Matthews Brewing Co. tap-takeover.
The Tropics Cafe Snack Window will also be open with burgers, dogs, and Boston-inspired food items for sale. At 7 p.m., there will be a special 90-minute performance from Aerosmith cover band, Jaded!
Memorial Day Beach Trip
Making a trip to the beach is one of the most well-known traditions associated with Memorial Day, especially in West Palm Beach. There are no shortage of beautiful beaches in the area that can make it a special day.
Delray Beach has easy access to the shops and restaurants on Atlantic Avenue. For a quieter experience, West Palm's John D. MacArthur Park has nature trails and opportunities for fishing.
Whatever activity you choose for Memorial Day, make sure you remember the sacrifices many have made for our country.
For more information on upcoming events in West Palm Beach, register on 561area and connect to everything going on here.
Cover photo courtesy of PxHere