BBQ, Brews and Blues

The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (WPBCRA) is turning up the heat this Independence Day weekend with the return of BBQ, Brews and Blues in the City's Historic Northwest. Local pit bosses will be firing up their grills to create all your summer barbeque favorites, while South Florida's best blues bands play the hottest licks!

This event will also welcome new businesses to the area and showcase current opportunities to become part of this vibrant community. During the day, guests will welcome owners of the new businesses opening in The Styx, including Eat N' Cake, Camille's Florist and Gifts, Wild Rose Wine and Daiquiri Bar, and A Better Way Home Care. The Styx is an architecturally award-winning development that includes several buildings reminiscent of the shotgun-style homes that were once seen throughout the area. The development was named in honor of the Black community of Palm Beach, whose residents worked for Henry Flagler's hotels.

During the event, the CRA will also showcase ten local projects that are either under development or under construction. These projects offer multiple opportunities for local businesses to invest in this energetic and prosperous community.

Guided tours will also be available for the Sunset Lounge, the completely renovated jazz-era ballroom which featured acts including Duke Ellington and Count Basie in the 1940s and 1950s. Tours at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. require pre-registration, via the add-ons section of the event page. BBQBrewsBlues2023.eventbrite.com

All the fun takes place at the beautifully designed Heart and Soul Park, which opened in 2021. The park will be pulsating with plenty of kid-friendly activities including sports and carnival games, but the music and the BBQ will undoubtedly take center stage. The sizzling BBQ competition will continue this year with several contestants vying for the coveted crown, and throughout the day, guests will be able to purchase delicious southern soul food by local vendors, while supplies last. Early arrival is recommended to partake in summer barbeque favorites including pulled pork, boiled peanuts, barbecue ribs and chicken, and more.

After enjoying all the delicious food, get ready to dance to the blues bands! Mojo Ike and the Val Woods Blues Band are a Grammy-nominated duo acclaimed for their high energy and electrifying show. Todd Hunter and the Groove Band bring an eclectic mix of R and B with southern soul. And closing out the night, The Old Skool Gang is a group of individually renowned musical artists whose combined efforts create a show you will never forget! Known for their distinctive style and smooth choreographed moves, this group will be playing "The Best Music of Yesteryear."

Parking will be available at the County parking garage located on N. Rosemary Avenue just north of Banyan Boulevard (505 Banyan Boulevard). Rose Trolley Service will provide electric vehicle rides to shuttle event attendees as needed to and from the event site. Additional on-street parking is available on a limited basis near the event site.