Delray Beach Brings Back Jimmy Buffett Tribute for Florida Day

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority will host Party in Paradise on Aug. 28 at Old School Square, marking Florida’s official Jimmy Buffett Day with free live music, contests and tropical-themed activities. VIP tickets are $50, and the event runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Delray Beach.

Why it matters: - Party in Paradise gives Delray Beach a free, downtown event built around Florida’s official Jimmy Buffett Day. - The celebration is designed to draw crowds to Old School Square with music, food, drinks and family-friendly activities. - The event also supports local businesses by encouraging guests to bring takeout from downtown restaurants.

What happened: - The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority is bringing back "Party in Paradise: Delray's Tribute to Jimmy Buffett." - The event is set for Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. - The celebration will take place at The Amphitheatre at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33444. - General admission is free. - VIP admission is $50.

The details: - The event will feature live music, Los Linderos Tequila margaritas, island-inspired activities and a tropical atmosphere. - Guests can enter costume contests, limbo competitions, interactive art activities and games. - The music lineup starts with Cape Universal from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. - Strawberry Lane performs from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. - Private Stock: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett headlines from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - VIP admission includes access to an exclusive lounge, seating, a dedicated bar and one complimentary drink ticket. - Public parking is available at the Old School Square Parking Garage, 95 NE First Ave. - Guests may bring takeout from a Downtown Delray Beach restaurant or buy food and beverages from on-site vendors. - Lawn chairs are encouraged. - Outside alcohol is not permitted inside the venue. - Tickets are available here. - More information and the full Old School Square schedule are available online.

Between the lines: - The event leans into Buffett's beach-and-paradise brand to create a low-cost community draw. - The free admission and VIP upgrade create two entry points for attendees, which can broaden the audience while adding premium revenue. - Sponsorship from local and regional businesses signals community and commercial support for the event.

What's next: - The DDA says additional sponsorship opportunities are available. - Interested sponsors can call 561-243-1077 or email oss@downtowndelraybeach.com. - Updates will be posted on social media at @DowntownDelray and @DelrayOldSchoolSquare. - More about Old School Square is available online. - More about the Delray Beach DDA is available online.

The bottom line: - Delray Beach is using Jimmy Buffett Day to turn Old School Square into a free, tropical-themed community celebration with a paid VIP option and a full night of live entertainment.