DELRAY BEACH, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Downtown Delray Beach will have free parking every Wednesday this summer under a program approved by the Delray Beach City Commission.
The city’s “Free Parking Wednesdays” program begins June 3 and runs through Aug. 26. During that period, residents and visitors will be able to park for free every Wednesday, all day and all night, at city-owned downtown garages and surface lots.
The program applies to several downtown parking facilities, including the Old School Square, Federspiel and IPIC garages. It also includes the Roy M. Simon, Village, Gladiola, Veterans Park and Banker’s Row surface lots.
It does not apply everywhere.
On-street parking is not included. Privately owned parking lots are not included either. Drivers using those spaces should still expect normal posted rates and rules to apply.
The city is framing the summer program as a way to bring more people into downtown during the slower summer months, when restaurants, shops, bars and other businesses often depend more heavily on local traffic.
Mayor Tom Carney said the program is intended to support local businesses while making downtown easier to visit.
“This program is a great way to support our local businesses and encourage residents and visitors to spend more time enjoying Downtown Delray Beach during the summer months,” Carney said. “Whether you’re dining, shopping, or meeting up family and friends, we want to make it easier and more convenient for everyone to experience everything Delray Beach has to offer.”
For downtown visitors, the key detail is the day of the week. The free parking applies only on Wednesdays, but it covers the full day and night at the eligible city-owned garages and lots.
That means someone heading downtown for dinner, shopping, happy hour, the beach or an evening event can use one of the participating city facilities without paying for parking on Wednesdays during the program window.
The eligible garages are the Old School Square garage, the Federspiel garage and the IPIC garage. The eligible surface lots are Roy M. Simon, Village, Gladiola, Veterans Park and Banker’s Row.
The city said Free Parking Wednesdays are meant to support the downtown economy while giving residents and visitors added value and easier access during the summer season.
The program does not change the rules for parking outside the approved city-owned garages and lots. Drivers should pay attention to posted signs, especially when parking on the street or in private lots near downtown restaurants, shops and entertainment areas.
The free parking program runs every Wednesday from June through August, beginning June 3 and ending Aug. 26.
More events and community coverage can be found in Delray Beach News.
