Your Weekend Guide: 6 Amazing Events Happening November 8-10

Hey neighbor!

This weekend is absolutely packed with incredible events across Palm Beach County, and we couldn't be more excited to share them with you! Whether you're a foodie craving authentic Italian flavors, an art lover hunting for unique holiday gifts, a music fan ready to dance under the stars, or a family looking for magical winter experiences, we've got something special for everyone.

From Jupiter to West Palm Beach to Palm Beach Gardens, our community is coming alive with festivals, markets, concerts, and celebrations that showcase the very best of what makes living here so special. And here's the best part: many of these events are completely free, making it easy to explore, discover, and connect with your neighbors without breaking the bank.

We've handpicked six outstanding events that we think you'll absolutely love. Each one offers something unique—whether it's the chance to support local artists, enjoy world-class entertainment, taste incredible food, or simply soak up that perfect November weather we're blessed with here in South Florida.

So grab your calendar, rally your friends and family, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend. Let's dive into what's happening in your community! 🌴

24th Annual Feast of Little Italy: An Italian Street Festival You'll Never Forget

November 7-9 | Abacoa, Jupiter | FREE Admission

If you've never experienced the Galbani Feast of Little Italy, prepare yourself for something truly special. This beloved three-day festival transforms Abacoa Town Center into an authentic Italian street celebration that brings together 18,000+ neighbors, families, and food lovers for a weekend of pure joy. And the best news? Admission is completely free!

Now in its 24th year, this isn't just another food festival—it's a heartfelt celebration of Italian-American heritage, family traditions, and the sense of community that makes our area so wonderful. From the moment you arrive at the Abacoa Amphitheatre, you'll be transported to the streets of Italy, surrounded by the irresistible aromas of fresh pasta, sizzling sausage and peppers, homemade arancini, and authentic braciole.

What You'll Experience:

The festival features over 30 food vendors serving up every Italian classic you can imagine. Picture yourself biting into a crispy cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, savoring a plate of fresh pasta, or indulging in warm zeppoles dusted with powdered sugar. The food alone is worth the trip, but there's so much more waiting for you.

Throughout the weekend, you'll enjoy nationally recognized Italian-American entertainers performing on the main stage, while celebrity chefs—including Marco Sciortino and Anthony Acampa—lead free cooking demonstrations that reveal the secrets behind Italy's most beloved dishes. Wine lovers can sample selections at complimentary wine tastings and attend educational seminars that explore the rich tradition of Italian winemaking.

Families will love the festival rides and games area, where kids can enjoy classic carnival fun between food tastings. On Saturday afternoon, don't miss the wildly entertaining Sicilian Oven Pizza Eating Contest on the main stage—participation is open to anyone brave enough to take on the challenge!

Beyond the food and entertainment, browse 75 unique vendors offering everything from Italian imports to artisan crafts, home furnishings, and one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. There's also a street painting competition that brings local artists together for a creative showdown you won't want to miss.

Festival Details:
📅 Friday, November 7: 4pm-10pm
📅 Saturday, November 8: 11am-10pm
📅 Sunday, November 9: 11am-8pm
📍 Location: Abacoa Amphitheatre, 1267 Main Street, Jupiter, FL 33458
💵 Admission: FREE (VIP villas and reserved seating available for purchase)
🚗 Parking: Free in designated Abacoa parking garages and lots

Insider Tip: This festival draws thousands of attendees, so we recommend arriving early, especially on Saturday. Bring cash for vendors, though many do accept cards. The amphitheater area provides great views of the stage, but if you want guaranteed seating with cocktail service, consider booking a Reserved Stage Pod ($100/day) or a Private VIP Villa (starting at $300) through their Eventbrite page.

This is also a wonderful opportunity to give back: the festival serves as the kickoff for the Little Smiles, Inc. toy drive. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate at the Little Smiles booth and help brighten a child's holiday season.

For more information, visit www.feastoflittleitaly.com. Whether you have Italian heritage or simply love incredible food and festive community celebrations, this is one weekend you won't want to miss. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹

Sunday on the Waterfront: Free Concert with Grammy-Nominated CHA WA & More

Saturday, November 8 | 1pm-8pm | West Palm Beach | FREE

If you're looking for the perfect Saturday afternoon activity that combines world-class music, stunning waterfront views, and vibrant community energy—all for free—this is it! Sunday on the Waterfront (yes, they're doing a special Saturday edition!) is bringing an absolutely incredible lineup to the Meyer Amphitheatre, and we can't wait to see our neighbors there.

The headliner alone makes this event unmissable: Grammy-nominated CHA WA, the electrifying New Orleans-based band that's been described as "Mardi Gras in a blender" by NPR. Their infectious blend of funk, soul, and brass band energy has earned them a devoted following across the country, and now they're bringing that magic to our waterfront. If you've never experienced their high-energy performances that make it impossible not to dance, prepare to be blown away.

A Full Day of Music & Activities:

But CHA WA is just the beginning of this seven-hour celebration. Throughout the afternoon and evening, you'll enjoy performances spanning multiple genres—reggae rock that'll transport you to island time, soulful R&B that touches the heart, indie sounds that push creative boundaries, pop hits everyone can sing along to, and Latin beats that get everyone moving. This isn't just a concert; it's a musical journey through the sounds that make South Florida so culturally rich.

The event goes beyond just listening, too. Join in on interactive dance workshops where you can learn new moves, explore music and art workshops that let your creative side shine, and participate in family-friendly games that keep kids entertained between sets. The whole experience is designed to bring our community together in celebration of art, music, and the joy of being outside on a beautiful November day.

When you get hungry, a fantastic selection of food trucks will be on-site serving up everything from local favorites to international cuisine. Grab a bite, spread out your blanket on the grass, and soak in the incredible atmosphere of downtown West Palm Beach's most beautiful waterfront setting.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
⏰ Time: 1pm-8pm
📍 Location: Meyer Amphitheatre, 104 Datura Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
💵 Admission: FREE
🚗 Parking: FREE in designated areas
🎵 Headliner: Grammy-nominated CHA WA plus multiple supporting acts

What to Bring: The City of West Palm Beach welcomes you to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers to make yourself comfortable. No outside alcohol is permitted, but there's plenty to enjoy without it! This is a rain-or-shine event, so come prepared for our beautiful Florida weather.

Insider Tip: The Banyan and Evernia parking garages are closest to the amphitheatre, but street parking is also available throughout downtown. Arrive early if you want prime spots on the grass near the stage. The amphitheatre's natural bowl shape means you'll have great views from almost anywhere, but getting there around noon or 1pm ensures you can set up exactly where you want.

This is what community looks like—thousands of neighbors gathering on a Saturday afternoon to celebrate music, art, and each other. Whether you're coming solo, with your partner, or bringing the whole family, this is the kind of experience that reminds us why living in Palm Beach County is so special. See you on the waterfront! 🎶

9th Annual Creative Market: 150+ Artists, Free Admission & Holiday Shopping

November 8-9 | West Palm Beach | FREE Admission & Parking

Art lovers and holiday shoppers, this is your moment! The Armory Art Center's 9th Annual Creative Market transforms their historic West Palm Beach campus into a two-day celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. With more than 150 juried artists showcasing museum-quality work, this isn't your typical craft fair—it's a curated experience that brings together some of the most talented makers from across the region.

What makes this market truly special is the diversity of artistry you'll encounter. As you stroll through the campus, you'll discover hand-blown glass that captures the light in mesmerizing ways, original paintings that range from abstract expressionism to photorealistic portraiture, intricately crafted jewelry pieces that are true works of art, handmade ceramics perfect for your table or home, fine art photography that tells powerful stories, sculptural works that push creative boundaries, and textiles that showcase both traditional and contemporary techniques.

More Than Just Shopping:

The Creative Market offers so much more than the opportunity to purchase beautiful things. Throughout both days, artists will be conducting live demonstrations where you can watch the creative process unfold right before your eyes—see a potter throw clay on the wheel, witness a painter bring a canvas to life, or observe a jeweler craft intricate metalwork. These demonstrations offer a rare glimpse into the skill, patience, and passion that goes into every piece.

The Armory's galleries will be open for self-guided strolls, giving you a chance to explore current exhibitions and experience even more artistic perspectives. Live musical performances create a festive atmosphere throughout the campus, making the whole experience feel more like an art festival than a traditional market.

And here's something we absolutely love: this is the perfect opportunity to start your holiday shopping while supporting local and regional artists. Every purchase directly supports independent makers who pour their hearts into their craft. Instead of giving mass-produced gifts this year, imagine presenting your loved ones with one-of-a-kind pieces that come with stories and meaning.

Event Details:
📅 Dates: Friday, November 8 & Saturday, November 9, 2025
⏰ Time: 9am-5pm both days
📍 Location: Armory Art Center, 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
💵 Admission: FREE
🚗 Parking: FREE on-site
🎨 Features: 150+ juried artists, live demonstrations, gallery strolls, live music

Insider Tip: Serious collectors and holiday shoppers should arrive when doors open at 9am for first pick of the incredible selection. Many artists bring limited quantities of their most popular pieces, and we've seen items sell out within the first few hours. That said, both days offer fantastic finds, and Saturday tends to be a bit more relaxed if you prefer a leisurely browsing experience.

Bring cash or cards—most artists accept both, but having cash makes transactions smoother. Don't be shy about chatting with the artists; hearing the stories behind their work adds so much depth to each piece, and most makers love talking about their creative process.

The Armory Art Center is located across the bridge from the Town of Palm Beach, right in the heart of West Palm Beach's cultural district. After browsing the market, you're just steps away from great restaurants, coffee shops, and more art galleries if you want to make a full day of exploring downtown.

For more information, visit www.armoryart.org. This is one of those events that makes you fall in love with the creative spirit of our community all over again. We'll see you there! 🎨

Subtropic Film Festival: Independent Cinema Celebrating South Florida Stories

November 7-9 | Norton Museum & Afflux Studios | Tickets Required

Film lovers, this is your weekend! The Subtropic Film Festival returns for its third year, transforming West Palm Beach into a hub for independent cinema that tells authentic South Florida stories. This isn't your typical film festival—it's an immersive three-day experience where indie filmmakers, artists, and audiences come together to celebrate the unique voices and perspectives that make our region so special.

With 5 feature films and more than 64 short films screening across two incredible venues—the Norton Museum of Art and Afflux Studios at G-Star Studios—the festival offers a deep dive into stories about immigration, family, environmental consciousness, and the complex beauty of life in South Florida.

Opening Night: Red Carpet at the Norton

Friday kicks off with a red carpet premiere at the Norton Museum of Art as part of their popular Art After Dark series. The opening film, "The Python Hunt," won a Special Jury Award at SXSW and takes viewers on an engaging journey into the Florida Everglades, following an eclectic group competing in the state's annual python removal contest. One participant calls it "the Burning Man of snake hunting"—and trust us, it's every bit as fascinating and entertaining as that sounds.

The evening continues with an exhibition featuring local artists whose work draws inspiration from South Florida's marshes and natural landscapes, followed by an after-party where you can mingle with filmmakers, artists, and fellow cinema enthusiasts. Live music and open studios add to the festive atmosphere.

Weekend Programming: Films, Workshops & More

Saturday and Sunday bring even more cinematic experiences. At Afflux Studios—Palm Beach County's largest working soundstage—you'll watch films in a place where movies are actually made, which adds a special behind-the-scenes magic to the whole experience.

Throughout the weekend, you can attend hands-on workshops where you'll learn to shoot and process real analog film stock with guidance from experts at Kodak, Cine Video Tech, and Throwbacks. Filmmaker panels offer insights into the creative process, while networking opportunities let you connect with the passionate community building South Florida's film scene.

Sunday features South Florida PBS's "Flip The Script" program, highlighting the incredible work of young filmmakers from local high schools. You'll also catch "River of Grass," an impressionistic documentary about Marjory Stoneman Douglas's legacy and the ongoing fight to protect the Everglades, plus "Know Me," a powerful exploration of identity and belonging from award-winning South Florida director Edson Jean.

Festival Details:
📅 Dates: Friday, November 7 - Sunday, November 9, 2025
📍 Venues:
    • Norton Museum of Art - 1450 S Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach
    • Afflux Studios at G-Star Studios - 2060 S Congress Ave, Palm Springs
🎟️ Tickets: Required - purchase at linktr.ee/SubtropicFF
🎬 Features: 5 feature films, 64+ shorts, workshops, panels, after-parties

Why This Matters: In the words of festival director Noelia Solange Rabino, "I think of our local film scene the way a lot of people might think of our Everglades—a lot of people see it as a harsh environment, but once you're fully immersed, you really start to understand how diverse and incredibly unique it is, like nowhere else on Earth."

This festival isn't just about watching films; it's about celebrating the stories being told in our own backyard and supporting the filmmakers who are putting South Florida on the indie cinema map. From environmental documentaries that spotlight the Everglades to intimate dramas exploring family and identity, every film offers a window into the complex, beautiful, challenging reality of life in our region.

Follow @subtropicff on Instagram for updates and sneak peeks. Whether you're a serious cinephile or simply curious about the creative energy flowing through our community, this festival offers an experience you won't find anywhere else. See you at the movies! 🎬

Gardens Harvest & Holiday Bazaar: Where Pumpkin Spice Meets Holiday Sparkle

November 7-8 | Palm Beach Gardens | FREE Entry

Get ready for the shopping event that perfectly bridges fall and the holiday season! The City of Palm Beach Gardens presents the Gardens Harvest & Holiday Bazaar, a two-day celebration that brings together the cozy warmth of autumn with the festive sparkle of the upcoming holidays—all under one climate-controlled roof at the beautifully renovated Burns Road Community Center.

This isn't your average craft fair. The city has carefully curated a diverse selection of local vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry and artisan home décor to seasonal gifts, unique crafts, gourmet food items, and so much more. Every booth features quality goods made by talented creators from our community and beyond—which means you're not just shopping, you're supporting local small businesses and independent artisans who pour their hearts into what they make.

The Perfect Start to Holiday Shopping:

Looking for unique gifts that can't be found at the mall? This is your chance to discover one-of-a-kind treasures that your family and friends will actually cherish. From cozy fall decorations that'll warm up your home to festive holiday pieces that'll add sparkle to your seasonal celebrations, you'll find items perfect for everyone on your list—or yourself (we won't judge!).

The event takes place in the Burns Road Community Center's two spacious gymnasiums, providing plenty of room to browse comfortably. And here's a huge plus: everything's indoors and climate-controlled, which means you can shop in total comfort no matter what November weather decides to do. No sweating through outdoor markets or racing to finish before an afternoon rainstorm!

Beyond shopping, the bazaar features family-friendly activities throughout both days, making it a wonderful outing for the whole family. Kids can enjoy creative activities while you browse, and the festive atmosphere creates that special feeling of community celebration that makes local events so memorable.

We especially love that the city supports young entrepreneurs at this event—you might discover incredible creations made by talented kids who are already building their own businesses. There's something truly special about supporting the next generation of creative makers.

Event Details:
📅 Friday, November 7: 11am-7pm
📅 Saturday, November 8: 9am-2pm
📍 Location: Burns Road Community Center, 4404 Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
💵 Admission: FREE
🚗 Parking: Available on-site
🏠 Features: Indoor, climate-controlled shopping, local vendors, artisan crafts, family activities

Insider Tip: Friday evening shopping (after 5pm) tends to be less crowded if you prefer a more relaxed browsing experience, while Saturday morning attracts the early birds who want first pick of the weekend's offerings. Most vendors accept cards, but bringing cash makes transactions faster and many artisans appreciate not having to pay processing fees—so they might even toss in a little extra smile with your purchase!

Don't be shy about chatting with the vendors. Part of what makes shopping local so special is hearing the stories behind the creations. Many artisans love sharing their inspiration, techniques, and passion—it makes each purchase feel so much more meaningful than buying something mass-produced.

For more information, visit www.pbgfl.gov. Whether you're hunting for the perfect gift, decorating your home for the seasons ahead, or simply enjoying a fun community outing, this bazaar offers something wonderful for everyone. Shop local, feel festive, and support the creative spirit of Palm Beach Gardens! 🎃✨

Winter Wonderland at The Ben: Ice Skating Returns to the Waterfront

Now Open Through January 4 | Downtown West Palm Beach | FREE Entry for Non-Skaters

Palm Beach County's favorite holiday tradition is back, and it's bigger and more magical than ever! The Ben, Autograph Collection has transformed its stunning waterfront location into a Winter Wonderland that captures the enchantment of the season while celebrating everything we love about living in South Florida. This isn't just an ice rink—it's a complete winter experience set against the backdrop of our beautiful downtown waterfront.

The centerpiece is an expanded 50-by-66-foot ice skating rink that sparkles under the Florida sunshine and glows beautifully at night. Yes, you read that right—ice skating in palm tree paradise! It's one of those uniquely Florida experiences that never stops feeling special, no matter how many times you've done it.

New This Year: Holiday Tree Forest

This year brings an exciting new feature: the Holiday Tree Forest, where beautifully decorated trees showcase the creativity and heart of our community. Each tree has been lovingly adorned by local nonprofits including Habitat for Humanity and the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Beach County, turning the display into both a visual celebration and a meaningful tribute to organizations making a difference in our area.

Stroll through the twinkling forest while sipping hot chocolate (with all the marshmallows, naturally), or warm up by the fire pits where you can toast s'mores to golden perfection. For adults, there are Hot Toddies to add a little extra warmth to the winter experience. The Aspen-inspired chalet village creates cozy gathering spots where you can relax, people-watch, and soak in the festive atmosphere.

More Than Just Skating:

Local vendor chalets offer unique shopping opportunities—perfect for finding that special holiday gift or treating yourself to something beautiful. The entire setup along Flagler Drive creates a winter village atmosphere that feels worlds away from our usual palm-lined streets, yet somehow completely at home in downtown West Palm Beach.

The opening day celebration featured a ribbon cutting with Mayor Keith James and live curling matches from the Loggerhead Curling Club—and while that specific event has passed, the magic continues daily through January 4, 2026. Whether you visit on a crisp November evening, a December afternoon, or a post-New Year's day, the experience remains consistently wonderful.

Here's what makes this event so special for our community: even if you don't skate, you can still enjoy the entire Winter Wonderland experience for free. Bring the family, grab some hot chocolate, wander through the Holiday Tree Forest, and create memories against one of the most beautiful waterfront backdrops in South Florida.

Event Details:
📅 Dates: Now through January 4, 2026 (daily)
📍 Location: The Ben, 601 N Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
💵 Admission: FREE for non-skaters | Skating tickets available for purchase
🎟️ Skating Info: Visit thebenevents.com for tickets and session times
❄️ Features: 50x66-foot ice rink, Holiday Tree Forest, s'mores stations, hot chocolate, vendor chalets

Insider Tip: The rink is at its most magical during evening hours when all the lights are twinkling, but afternoon sessions tend to be less crowded if you're bringing young skaters who might appreciate more space on the ice. Weekday visits are typically quieter than weekends, making them ideal for nervous first-timers.

If you're planning to skate, book tickets in advance through their website—popular time slots (especially weekend evenings and the weeks around Christmas and New Year's) fill up quickly. Sessions are typically 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to find your ice legs and enjoy the experience.

This is one of those experiences that reminds us why living here is so special—where else can you ice skate outdoors in November with palm trees swaying in the background? It's the perfect blend of winter magic and South Florida sunshine. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night, a fun family outing, or simply a festive way to get into the holiday spirit, Winter Wonderland at The Ben delivers pure joy. ⛸️✨

Your Weekend Awaits!

There you have it—six incredible ways to make this November 8-10 weekend absolutely unforgettable. From savoring authentic Italian cuisine at the Feast of Little Italy and dancing to Grammy-nominated artists at Sunday on the Waterfront, to discovering unique treasures at the Creative Market and experiencing the magic of indie cinema at Subtropic Film Festival, to finding perfect holiday gifts at the Gardens Harvest & Holiday Bazaar and ice skating under the stars at Winter Wonderland—this weekend truly offers something special for everyone.

What we love most about these events is how they bring our community together. They're opportunities to support local artists and small businesses, to introduce your kids to new experiences, to reconnect with neighbors, and to create the kinds of memories that make living in Palm Beach County feel like home.

Quick Recap:
🍝 Feast of Little Italy - Nov 7-9, Abacoa (FREE)
🎵 Sunday on the Waterfront - Nov 8, West Palm Beach (FREE)
🎨 Creative Market - Nov 8-9, Armory Art Center (FREE)
🎬 Subtropic Film Festival - Nov 7-9, Norton Museum & Afflux Studios
🛍️ Gardens Harvest & Holiday Bazaar - Nov 7-8, Palm Beach Gardens (FREE)
⛸️ Winter Wonderland - Now-Jan 4, The Ben (FREE for non-skaters)

However you choose to spend your weekend, make it count. Get out there, explore your community, support local, and create some beautiful memories. We'll be back next week with more events, stories, and reasons to fall in love with Palm Beach County all over again.

Have an amazing weekend, neighbor! 🌴

— The Palm Beach Locals Team