TO: Development Services Management Group
FROM: Allie Behrman, CPRP, Special Events Manager
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: June 25, 2026
Title
38th ANNUAL DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS : RECOMMENDATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES MANAGEMENT GROUP OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, TO THE CITY COMMISSION FOR AN IMPACT EVENT KNOWN AS "38TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS" TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 16-17, 2027, ON WEST ATLANTIC AVENUE FROM NW 5TH AVENUE TO SWINTON AVENUE
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Recommendation
Recommended Action:
The Development Services Management Group (DSMG) is asked to make a recommendation to the City Commission regarding the Impact Event known as 38th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts to be held on Saturday and Sunday, January 16-17, 2027. This event is deemed an Impact Event due to a requested closure of the major roadway of West Atlantic Avenue from NW 5th Avenue to Swinton Avenue.
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Background:
Howard Alan Events submitted an amended Special Event Application on May 8, 2026 for the 38th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts to be held on January 16-17, 2027 in downtown Delray Beach on W. Atlantic Avenue from NW 5th Avenue to Swinton Avenue. This event has been held annually for the past 37 years. This event will showcase local and regional artists who will be displaying and selling their one-of-a-kind arts and crafts. There will be food vendors cooking on site as well as merchandise vendors. The estimated number of vendors is about 250. Howard Alan Events is expecting about 1,500 people per day for the event, for a total of 3,000 for the weekend. The event will take place from 10am - 5pm both days. This event was last held in this location in January of 2026 without any issues.
This impact event has already come before DSMG but had a date change so it was required to go back through the process. It was previously recommended for approval to the commission.
Special Events Technical Advisory Committee (SETAC):
SETAC reviewed and recommended approval of the event.
No special conditions beyond the standard permits were recommended by SETAC.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact to the city as the producer will be billed for all costs.
Timing of Request:
This is an impact event and must go before commission for approval before event producer can open registration for artists.