West Palm Beach to host Vintage Vibes: Back-to-School Edition

A crowd gathers on the Great Lawn during Vintage Vibes in downtown West Palm Beach. [Photo by Gabriela Barbieri]

The City of West Palm Beach, in partnership with the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, is helping families celebrate the end of summer and prepare for the upcoming school year with Vintage Vibes: Back-to-School Edition on Saturday, Aug. 1.

Vintage Vibes in downtown West Palm Beach. [Photo by Gabriela Barbieri]

The free, family-friendly event takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. on the Great Lawn, located at 100 N. Clematis St., and features live entertainment, school supply giveaways, art activities, food trucks and interactive experiences for children.

The first 500 pre-registered students receive a free back-to-school supply kit filled with classroom items, including crayons, pencils, highlighters, folders, paper, scissors, a pencil sharpener and a Chick-fil-A gift card. Supply kits must be claimed between 5 and 6 p.m. with proof of registration.

"Back-to-school season is an important time for families," West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James says. "Vintage Vibes: Back-to-School Edition combines fun and meaningful support in one place for our residents. I am grateful to the Community Events team for the opportunities they create to make memories and help our youth start the school year strong."

Vintage Vibes will feature a variety of hands-on workshops celebrating the iconic styles of the 1980s and 1990s. Guests can create a retro-inspired tiny door or paint a miniature masterpiece during two Tiny Doors & More sessions from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Craft materials will include neon colors, pixel art and other nostalgic designs.

A Back to the '80s & '90s Painting Workshop from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. will give participants the opportunity to create a small canvas inspired by the bold colors, patterns and pop culture of the era with guidance from a professional artist. From 8 to 9 p.m., guests can personalize notebooks with bubble letters, colorful patterns, retro stickers and other throwback embellishments during the Decorate a Notebook '80s Style workshop.

Vintage Vibes in downtown West Palm Beach. [Photo by Gabriela Barbieri]

Visitors can also browse a classic car show featuring vintage automobiles on display and enjoy Retro Bites, where local restaurants will serve nostalgic favorites while showcasing downtown West Palm Beach's dining scene.

Digital Vibez performers lead an interactive dance activity at Vintage Vibes. [Photo by Gabriela Barbieri]

Entertainment throughout the evening will be provided by Digital Vibez, featuring karaoke, a live DJ, a 360-degree photo booth and interactive games. Children can also enjoy an inflatable playground.

Visitors browse clothing, accessories and other merchandise at the Vintage Vibes' vendor marketplace. [Photo by Gabriela Barbieri]

The event will also feature a vendor marketplace with local businesses and food trucks. Additional prizes and giveaways will be available throughout the evening.

"West Palm Beach Community Events is all about creating a sense of community and celebration, which is what we are doing with this edition of Vintage Vibes," says Angela Poco, the city's marketing and community events manager. "Our back-to-school event will make sure our students start the school year feeling confident, prepared and supported — all while squeezing in that last bit of summer fun."

Children play among bubbles on the Great Lawn during West Palm Beach's Vintage Vibes: Back-to-School Edition. [Photo by Gabriela Barbieri]

Vintage Vibes: Back-to-School Edition is produced by the City of West Palm Beach in collaboration with the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority.

Vintage Vibes in downtown West Palm Beach. [Photo by Gabriela Barbieri]

Sponsors include Pediatric Wellness Concierge, Chick-fil-A West Palm Beach, WPB Magazine, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, X 102.3, New Country 103.1, PARTY 96.3, Fox Sports 640 South Florida and News Talk 850 WFTL.

Parking will be available in City of West Palm Beach public parking garages, with the Banyan and Evernia garages located closest to the event.

Admission is free, but advance registration is required for students wishing to receive a back-to-school supply kit. To register or learn more, visit the City of West Palm Beach's website.