DELRAY BEACH, FL — The drones do not go up until 8:30 p.m. The road closures start six and a half hours earlier.
Delray in the Sky, a drone light show at Old School Square, is scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, with the event running from 6 to 9 p.m. at 51 N. Swinton Ave., according to the City of Delray Beach event listing.
The closure window is the part downtown drivers will notice first. According to the city, Swinton Avenue will be closed from Atlantic Avenue to NE 1st Street, and NE 2nd Avenue will be closed from the alleyway to NE 1st Street. Both closures are set to begin at 2 p.m. and end at 10 p.m.
That means the heart of the downtown grid is off limits to through traffic for eight hours on a weekday, well before the first food vendor opens for the crowd.
Parking is the other practical detail. The city said free parking will be available Wednesday at city-owned downtown garages and surface lots, including the Old School Square, Federspiel and IPIC garages, along with the Roy M. Simon, Village, Gladiola, Veterans Park and Banker's Row lots. On-street parking and private lots are not included in the free parking offer, according to the city.
The drone show itself begins at 8:30 p.m. The city is advising people to pick a viewing spot in advance and has published a map marking recommended viewing areas as well as spots where the view may be blocked or limited. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged.
Food vendors will be set up on Swinton Avenue, according to the city. The listed menu spans jerk, Italian sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, pastrami, Colombian empanadas, french fries, smash burgers, walking tacos, hot dogs, grilled cheese, sausages, lemonade, a coconut bar and cotton candy.
Live entertainment leads into the show. The Dueling Piano Show, featuring Larry Klass and Morgan Phillips, is on the bill, and the city's event promotion also lists a silent disco and family crafts. The city said a free water refill station with 10 taps will be available and is asking attendees to bring reusable bottles.
The promotional artwork released by the city ties the show to America's 250th anniversary.
What residents should know: the closures run 2 to 10 p.m., the event runs 6 to 9 p.m., the drones fly at 8:30 p.m., and free parking is limited to city-owned garages and lots.
The city listing does not state an admission cost, a rain date or a weather backup plan. More information is available from the Delray Beach Parks and Recreation Special Events office at 561-243-7250, option 3.
More community and event coverage in our Delray Beach news section.
