Best events in Boca Raton: top festivals, shows, and seasons

TL;DR:

• Boca shines with arts, food, and sports year round.
• Winter brings the Festival of the Arts BOCA and the Museum Art Festival.
• Spring is for Boca Bacchanal food and wine weekend.
• Summer nights feature Gumbo Limbo sea turtle releases.
• December hosts the Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium.

This is a simple guide to the best events in Boca Raton, Florida. It is built for first timers and returning fans. You will find dates, what to expect, and booking tips. Use it to plan a weekend or a full week.

Dates below are based on 2025 and 2026 listings as of 20 January 2026. Always check the official site before you buy.

Winter highlights

Festival of the Arts BOCA, late February to early March

This is Boca’s signature arts week. Expect orchestra nights, soloists, authors, and films at Mizner Park Amphitheater. The festival started in 2007 and runs each year with a packed slate. In January 2026, organizers announced the 20th season with new and returning acts. Plan for several evenings of performances and one or two author talks.

How to do it:

• Book seats early for headline concerts.
• Stay within walking distance of Mizner Park.
• Dine before the show in the plaza.

Boca Raton Museum of Art Festival, late January to early February

This outdoor, juried art festival fills Mizner Park with booths and live art. The 2026 dates are Saturday, 31 January, and Sunday, 1 February. Entry is free, and purchases support artists. Bring sun protection and plan a slow stroll.

The Wick Theatre winter musicals

The Wick stages classic Broadway shows with a strong local following. In 2026, “My Fair Lady” runs 22 January to 22 February, with evening and matinee options. Pair the show with dinner at The Wick’s on-site Tavern.

Spring favorites

Boca Bacchanal, March or April

Boca Bacchanal is a beloved wine and food weekend that funds the Boca Raton Historical Society. Expect private vintner dinners and a Grand Tasting, often at The Addison. The 23rd annual edition is set for 2026. Dress smart, pace your tastings, and use ride share.

Concerts at Mizner Park Amphitheater

Spring weather is ideal for open-air shows and community nights. Check the city’s amphitheater calendar and ticket partners for new adds. Popular programs range from tribute concerts to touring acts.

Summer, slow days and special nights

Sea turtle hatchling releases, mid July to mid September

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center runs a permitted night program. You learn in the classroom, then join staff on the beach to watch hatchlings enter the ocean. Spots are limited and sell out fast. Only attend through permitted programs.

Tips:

• Book the week you know your dates.
• Wear dark clothing and closed shoes.
• Follow all lighting and no-flash rules.

Indoor culture breaks

Summer heat is real. Use midday for museums and galleries. Evenings are for theater and small venue music. Check The Wick calendar and Florida Atlantic University arts listings for recitals and talks.

Fall into early winter

College football, then bowl season

FAU home games bring campus energy in October and November. In December, Boca hosts a nationally televised bowl game at FAU Stadium. The bowl’s current title sponsor is Bush Brothers and Company, with the event listed as Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans for the 2025–26 season schedule. Expect kickoff in the week before Christmas. Buy early and plan parking.

Holiday programming and New Year’s shows

Year end brings special concerts at Mizner Park and holiday runs at local theaters. Watch the amphitheater and venue pages for pop-up events.

Quick picks by traveler type

How to plan a perfect weekend

Two days in winter. Day 1, arrive mid day, browse Mizner Park, visit the museum, then a festival performance at night. Day 2, brunch, beach time, and an author talk or another concert.

Two days in spring. Book one vintner dinner and the Grand Tasting for Boca Bacchanal. Leave time for a museum visit or a walk at the beach parks.

Two days in summer. Reserve the hatchling release for one night. Spend the day at Gumbo Limbo’s boardwalk and aquariums, then cool off at indoor venues.

Two days in December. Schedule the bowl game, then add a Mizner Park show or holiday theater. Fly in early to avoid game day rush.

Where events happen

• Mizner Park Amphitheater. The hub for major shows, festivals, and the arts week. Easy parking garages, dining on site.
• The Wick Theatre. Intimate musicals with strong production value. North Federal Highway.
• Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Coastal nature programs and summer releases. North Ocean Boulevard.
• FAU Stadium. Bowl game host and college football. On the FAU campus.

Booking and timing tips

• Check seasonality. Winter and spring sell out first.
• Use official calendars for live updates, not third party resellers.
• For outdoor nights, bring a light layer. Ocean breezes can cool things down.
• For summer turtle programs, do not use lights or flash. Follow staff rules.

Why it matters

Boca Raton packs high quality arts, food, nature, and sport into a compact area. You can walk between shows and restaurants. You can add a beach morning or a nature program at night. With a plan, you avoid sold out dates and make the most of your trip.

Sources:

• Festival of the Arts BOCA, Events and season updates, https://festivalboca.org/events/, accessed 20 Jan 2026
• Boca Raton Museum of Art Festival, 2026 dates, https://bocamuseumartfestival.com/, accessed 20 Jan 2026
• Boca Raton Historical Society, Boca Bacchanal 2026 overview, https://www.bocahistory.org/boca-bacchanal, accessed 20 Jan 2026
• City of Boca Raton, Mizner Park Amphitheater calendar, https://www.myboca.us/calendar.aspx?CID=27, accessed 20 Jan 2026
• Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Turtle Walks and Hatchling Releases page, https://www.myboca.us/2133/Turtle-Walks-Hatchling-Releases, accessed 20 Jan 2026
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Sea turtle viewing guidance, https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/sea-turtle/where-to-view/, accessed 20 Jan 2026
• The Wick Theatre, My Fair Lady 2026 tickets page, https://thewicktheatre.thundertix.com/events/242814, accessed 20 Jan 2026
• Boca Raton Bowl, 2025–26 sponsor and schedule references, https://bocaratonbowl.com/ and https://bowlseason.com/sports/bowl/schedule/2025-26, accessed 20 Jan 2026