Brace for crowds, traffic on busy, festive weekend
Day, nighttime events expected to lure about 20,000 downtown.
WEST PALM BEACH — If you’re heading downtown for a fun and festive weekend, be prepared for crowds, traffic and rain — both day and night.
With multiple events planned, the area is sure to be filled with costumed children and adults alike as they enjoy some fall-inspired fun. Starting this morning and into the night, the waterfront streets will be bustling.
Numerous festivals and events downtown are expected to draw more 20,000 people and West Palm Beach Police plan to have extra security.
“As always, we are taking precautions to ensure the safety of the organizers, patrons, and everyone involved,” West Palm Beach police Sgt. David Lefont said.
Adding to the mayhem of crowds is a strong possibility of thunderstorms throughout the day.
Here’s what’s happening downtown during the day:
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Feeling athletic? You can kick off today’s festivities with the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which starts at 9 a.m. at 700 S. Rosemary Ave. in CityPlace.
Pets and children are welcome to participate in the 2-mile walk, and $3 parking is available at the Hibiscus and formerly Macy’s parking garage. It’s free, but organizers are collecting donations for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Green Market
Every Saturday, the West Palm Green Market is a happening spot for those looking to get their hands on some local produce. With more than 90 vendors and live music, it makes for a fun and relaxing morning. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the 100th block of Clematis Street. Free parking is available at the Banyan and Evernia city garages during market hours.
Scarecrow Festival & Contest
The Historical Society of Palm Beach County is hosting its ninth annual Scarecrow Festival & Contest at the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, 300 N. Dixie Highway. From 2 to 5 p.m., there will be pumpkin decorating, face painting, corn shucking, a kid’s pie-eating contest, live music and more. Admission is $10 per person and there is free parking at the Fourth Street lot in between North Dixie Highway and Olive Avenue.
Here’s what’s happening downtown at night:
Palm Beach Dramaworks
If you’re looking for a quiet evening instead, Palm Beach Dramaworks has a 7 p.m. performance of “The Little Foxes” — a timeless tale of greed set in the Deep South at the turn of the century. Tickets are $75 and can be bought over the phone, online or in person. There are limited seats left for the afternoon showing at 2 p.m., but plenty still available for the evening.
Moonfest
At night, wicked witches and ghastly ghouls can head down to Clematis Street for Moonfest — one of the nation’s largest Halloween festivals. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Moonfest is hosting costume contests at 9 p.m. and midnight with a $1,000 cash prize, a preparty for families and the main event for those 21 and older.
The preparty is from 6 to 8 p.m., where children can trickor-treat for candy at the local restaurants followed by a treasure hunt.
The main event starts at 8 p.m. and features three live-music stages, an exclusive VIP lounge, haunted houses and more.
Tickets for the main event are $10 online, $15 at the door, while VIP is $75 online and $85 at the door. There is $10 parking at 444 W. Railroad Ave. next to the courthouse, and at 801 Banyan Blvd. next to the Social Security Office. All other city garages are $20.