Clematis by Night is a live music concert series that takes place every Thursday night in downtown West Palm Beach with bands from all over the State performing the best music hits of today and yesterday!
In 1995, West Palm Beach just celebrated its Centennial and although the city was booming in economic development, nightlife was almost unheard of. The city was painted in gold, theoretically of course: the Centennial Plaza Fountains were built and Meyer Amphitheatre was underway. Downtown was on the brink of a major revitalization.
Mary Pinak, Community Events Manager for the City said, “She called me into her office in April of 1995 and asked me to start a weekly concert event to get folks to come back downtown.” It was the brainchild of Nancy Graham, West Palm Beach’s first “strong mayor,” Pinak added. The table was now set. Downtown’s renovations were nearly complete. The only thing needed were guests for the party.
It was the second Thursday of June. The stage was one riser that looked like plank of wood. There was one pizza vendor and beer was sold from a keg. The original intention was to host a summer concert series. “We had 400 people show up the first night,” comments Pinak. “Although 300 of them were on a tour bus and needed to make a pit stop for the bathroom. But regardless, they stayed and listened to the music.”
“Clematis by Night was born and an era of community engagement began”.
Almost twenty years later, Clematis by Night is our biggest free city-run event that is celebrated every Thursday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Once slated as, “Where the Weekend Starts on Thursday” it is now dubbed the “Hot Spot to Chill in West Palm Beach.” As they say, the soul of Clematis by Night is the great line-up of bands year after year.
It showcases a unique string of music: country, rock, R&B, reggae, blues, soul, swing and Latin that the event has hosted talented musicians like Little River Band, Lifehouse, Cassadee Pope and Fabulous Thunderbirds. West Palm Beach resident Tyler Lenz revealed to me: “Being new to the Palm Beach area and a big fan of music, it’s fun to come out and listen to the different bands. It’s a great way to meet new people, too”.
Facing East, Clematis by Night overlooks the enthralling Waterfront Commons Park. There isn’t a better view in Palm Beach County. “I’d like to say it’s the best place to see a slice of West Palm Beach,” says Mary Pinak.
In years past and present, Clematis by Night has grown and now hosts special themed nights like Clematis by Frights, Firefighters Chili Cook Off and Clematis by Night Holiday Tree lighting. The Great Lawn has also enabled the city to host an array of family-fun games such as the cornhole tournament hosted last summer.
Not only catering to individual guests, Clematis by Night has embraced the community in many different ways by working with nonprofit organizations. Raising more than a million dollars to date, the event has helped organizations like The Pace Center, West Palm Beach Benevolent Firefighters Association and Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League reach their goals and further benefit the community.
Are you in the mood for a friendly kind of party?
Thursday nights, at Clematis by Night is the answer to unlocking some of the best dancing skills of yours while enjoying delicious food, finding cool & interesting items to purchase and hang out with friendly people. As a true community event, Clematis by Night attracts a diverse group of people from all walks of life. It is a place where you can bring your family, friends; where even visitors feel right at home.
You can visit our sister website VisitWPB to learn more about the weekly schedule of events for Clematis By Night events.
Get to Know Details of Clematis by Night, Best Free Public Party in West Palm Beach. Find a bit of History About Clematis by Night and What Makes it Unique!