Bands battle at Mizner Amp, piano and poetry combine at St. Gregory’s, and bird nerds emerge at the Delray Beach Historical Society. Plus, new exhibitions at Arts Warehouse and more in your week ahead.
TUESDAY
What: Audubon’s “Bird Nerding 101” Workshop
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Delray Beach Historical Society Bungalow & Heritage Gardens, 3 N.E. First St., Delray Beach
Cost: $25
Contact: 561/274-9578, delraybeachhistory.org
Can you tell apart a cormorant from an anhinga? How about a red-tailed hawk from a red-shouldered hawk? Do you ever wonder which birds you’re likely to see where, and during which season? Birdwatching had a major moment during COVID, and some of us (like yours truly) have stuck with the hobby. If you’re avian-curious, this “Bird Nerding 101” workshop is the ideal place to start. The workshop will be led by Autumn Kioti, Audubon’s Education and Outreach Coordinator, and if their sounds familiar to the culturally inclined, it’s because they’re also a longtime South Florida visual artist and stage actor. Kioti will discuss the science and history of regional birds, typical species seen in Florida, conservation efforts, and more. The interactive workshop includes a craft activity and garden exploration; participants should bring a bagged lunch.
THURSDAY
What: “Piano and Poetry”
When: 6 p.m.
Where: St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 N.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton
Cost: Free ($25 suggested donation)
Contact: 561/395-8285, stgregorysepiscopal.org
Beyond the alliteration in their names, the piano and poetry have plenty in common—both art forms have centuries of history behind them, both can be a little offbeat when the moment calls for it, and both have the ability, first and foremost, to stir our souls. See the magic that emanates from their cohesion at this special program at St. Gregory’s in downtown Boca, where organist, composer, and Director of Music Ministry Tim Brumfield (pictured) will perform solo, accompanied by readings from works by Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, William Shakespeare, and others. In addition to his position at St. Gregory’s, Brumfield as a widely accomplished musician in both the religious and secular worlds, as a longtime member of Paul Winter Consort and having performed with singer Judy Collins, jazz legend Max Roach, and others. The evening concludes with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception where attendees can converse with Brumfield.
FRIDAY
What: Battle of the Bands
When: 7 to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton
Cost: Free
Contact: 561/393-7890, mizneramp.com
This sixth-annual tradition returns to Mizner Park Amphitheater, as eight local bands will take to the stage to play 20-minute sets. The program is divided between age, with four “under 20” and four “over 20” acts each endeavoring to win a $2,500 prize in their bracket. This year’s “under 20” lineup features Plan 9, Prickly Dogfish, The Ruffles, and The Introverts, while Rock Candy, Box of Rocks, Foxy Dubs, and The Marina Effect (which won last year) vying for the “over 20” honors. Judges will have all of 10 minutes to deliberate before the awards ceremony at 10:20 p.m. A Pop-Up Youth Market of young makers and entrepreneurs ages 13-20 will fill out the amphitheater grounds and complement the onstage action. The performance marks the conclusion of Boca Raton’s free “Summer in the City” programming.
What: Opening reception for new exhibitions at First Friday Art Walk
When: 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Arts Warehouse, 313 N.E. Third St., Delray Beach
Cost: Free
Contact: 561/330-9614, artswarehouse.org
It’s First Friday Art Walk all across downtown Delray Beach, and Arts Warehouse is celebrating with the opening of two exhibitions. “Of Nature and Spirit” gathers four Florida artists whose works wrestle with the planet’s flora and fauna but with surreal and spiritual flourishes. They include the lush and mysterious paintings of Tom De Vita, Hal Yalsulka, and Kathleen Kinkopf paired with the sculptures of Amarelle Kukići, in which human and animal intertwine. In its East Gallery, Arts Warehouse will also premiere “New Nostalgia,” a solo show of Andrew Soria’s reimagined photographs (like the one pictured) of popular urban centers—including Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood—in which familiar visions are transformed into the artist’s signature pop surrealist compositions. Both exhibitions run through Sept. 26.
SATURDAY
What: Speakers Day 2026: “The Great Orchid Extravaganza”
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach
Cost: $50 for Mounts and Orchid Society members, $70 for non-members
Contact: 561/233-1757, mounts.org
This second-annual symposium connects local orchid enthusiasts with expert cultivators for a seven-hour deep dive into the flowering plant that has bewitched nature lovers on six continents. The day includes presentations, complete with insider knowledge on all things orchids, from Jason Mackey of Barefoot Orchids, Serena Roman from Landa Vanda, Jim Roberts from Florida Suncoast Orchids, and Keith and Dina Emig from Winter Haven Orchid Nursery. All will also offer orchids for sale alongside other vendors, including Odom’s Orchids and Green Barn Orchid Supplies. There are plenty of reasons to make a day of it: The symposium also includes a boxed lunch, an orchid auction for the rarest of specimens, a plant-judging session from the prestigious American Orchid Society, and daylong admission to Mounts Botanical Garden.
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