Artists will paint murals right before your eyes when they take over Old School Square in downtown Delray Beach for two days this summer.
The second annual Delray Walls Mural Fest on July 26 and 27 will pair up street artists with reggae musicians for an event staged by Galera Collective and Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
The concerts will be headlined by South Florida bands Bachaco and Spred the Dub.
“Delray Walls Mural Fest is a summer festival and, as a tropical resort town, we see reggae as our vibe,” said DDA executive director Laura Simon. “Our goal is to have this event be a celebration of the lifestyle of Delray Beach, our Village by the Sea.”
WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR
Simon said the inaugural Delray Walls Mural Fest was such a success last year that the event has been expanded this time around. Among the new offerings:
- A special night market with vendors curated by Corey Heyman, who produces Coco Market, a monthly wellness market at Old School Square. “She has been very intentional about the vendors so that it matches the vibe of Mural Fest,” Simon said. “Expect local vendors offering food, drinks, jewelry, clothing, crystals, home goods and art.”
- More live music and headliners. Friday night’s Sunset Concert with Spred the Dub has free admission. The Saturday night concert with Bachaco is ticketed ($10).
- The art installation “Wings Over the Square” by Artist Lisa Littell, with 4-foot-tall butterflies hung on poles throughout the Old School Square campus.
Additionally, the event times have been shifted to the afternoon and evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
“That way it’s a little more comfortable during the event,” said Simon.
THE SCHEDULE
Friday, July 26
- Opening act: Steel Drum Reggae with Brian Haddis
- Opening act: Bad Apples Brass Band
- Headliner: Spred the Dub
Saturday, July 27
- Opening act: DJ
- Opening act: La Tribu Royale
- Headliner: Bachaco
HOW IT ALL STARTED
The idea of street artists painting large murals in front of crowds was borrowed from other cities. The event is a good match for art-forward Delray Beach, according to organizers.
“Delray Walls Mural Fest was inspired by similar events in other cities such as Vancouver, Canada,” said Simon. “Delray Beach has more than 50 murals in our city, and we wanted to highlight our talented street artists. …
“When the DDA took over management and activation of Old School Square last year, we thought that this would be a perfect event to bring to the campus.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Delray Walls Mural Fest
WHEN: 4-10 p.m. July 26-27
WHERE: The Amphitheatre and Park at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. (Parking available in Old School Square garage.)
COST:
- Friday night entry is free.
- Saturday night general admission costs $10 for adults, $5 for children age 12 and younger, and free for guests younger than 1.
- There is a $50 VIP ticket option for both Friday and Saturday night.
INFORMATION: delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events
