Clematis by Night to transform for Oktoberfest and a Halloween-themed event

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The City of West Palm Beach is planning two fall-themed events that will take center stage at Clematis by Night in October. The first event is an Oktoberfest-themed event taking place on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024; and the second is the return of the always-popular Clematis by Fright, taking place on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Clematis by Night takes place weekly on the Great Lawn from 6 – 9 p.m. (100 N. Clematis Street). PLEASE NOTE: There will be no extra Halloween-themed celebrations at Clematis by Night on Oct. 31.

“Clematis by Night remains a weekly highlight for our West Palm Beach residents,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “We are excited to gather the community for family-friendly entertainment and special fall activities that they can enjoy for free right here in Downtown.”

The Oktoberfest-themed Clematis by Night on Oct. 3 will feature the DeLeon Oktoberfest Band, performing Bavarian heritage music. The band offers an authentic Oktoberfest experience with three generations of accordion players, performing both traditional Polka and more contemporary tunes from today's Oktoberfest. The night will also include food and drinks for purchase, including authentic German cuisine and a selection of specialty German beers to choose from with the option to purchase a 16oz limited-edition Oktoberfest and Clematis by Night beer mug.

Clematis by Fright, one of the largest FREE Halloween celebrations in Palm Beach County, will return on Thursday, Oct. 24. The frightful twist on the weekly Clematis by Night series will feature live music by Nerd Ranger, an ’80s cover band, roving entertainment, hayrides, face painting, inflatable games, a balloon artist, and more. The City’s annual “Trick or Truck” is also a big hit during the Halloween season. Families can safely trick-or-treat, collecting candy from public works vehicles, including police and fire.

In place of a formal costume contest, which often features long lines, all attendees can enter a raffle to win exciting prizes, including restaurant gift cards, a sailing happy hour for 40 people aboard Visit Palm Beach’s Hakuna Matata, a family-four pack to a Florida Panthers game, and more. To enter, attendees must fill out a raffle ticket at the Spooktacular Raffle Tent. Winners will be selected in three categories — adults, children, and pets — with only one prize winner per category.

“We like to say that Clematis by Night is where memories and music are made,” said Mary Pinak, community events manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “Whether you'd like to raise a beer mug to prost the coming weekend or celebrate the holidays, our community events team has you covered with the best free and fun entertainment.”

Clematis by Night was recently honored as one of the top three “Best Outdoor Concert Series” for 2024, according to the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice poll. The weekly series started in 1995 and has served as the backdrop for generations of great music and memories. The concert features live performances across various music genres by popular local, regional, and national bands and is complemented by on-site food and drink vendors. Admission is always free.

Clematis by Fright sponsors to date include West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, WPB Magazine, Visit Palm Beach, The Florida Panthers, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, New Country 103.1, X 102.3, PARTY 96.3, News Talk 850 WFTL, FOX Sports 640 AM, and WPBF 25 News.

For more information about Clematis by Night or other City of West Palm Beach events, visit www.wpb.org/Events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on social media: Facebook @CityOfWPB, Instagram @TheCityOfWPB, and X (formerly known as Twitter) @TheCityOfWPB. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.