Key Takeaways
- The October Horse Show at Wellington International runs Friday through Sunday with free general admission, no tickets required, and free parking for daytime horse shows at Equestrian Village.
- The West Palm Beach GreenMarket opens its 32nd season on Saturday morning, October 3, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the waterfront Great Lawn, with vendors and live entertainment.
- The Norton Museum of Art hosts Art After Dark on Friday evening and a free Nuestra Cultura Community Day on Saturday, and the exhibition Danielle Mckinney: Shelter closes Sunday, October 4.
- Mounts Botanical Garden holds its two-day Fall Plant Sale & Festival on Saturday and Sunday, and the South Florida Fairgrounds hosts the West Palm Beach Antique Festival and Spirit Fest all weekend.
- Lake Clarke Shores has no verified public events inside the town this weekend. Nearby options include Okeeheelee Park, the GreenMarket, the Norton Museum, and the Fairgrounds.
This Weekend Guide covers past dates.
View the latest Palm Beach County Weekend Guide for current events and activities.
Looking for things to do this weekend in Palm Beach County? Your October 2 to 4 weekend includes the season-opening West Palm Beach GreenMarket on Saturday morning, three days of free general admission at the October Horse Show in Wellington, Art After Dark and a free Nuestra Cultura Community Day at the Norton Museum, a two-day Fall Plant Sale at Mounts Botanical Garden, and the West Palm Beach Antique Festival and Spirit Fest at the Fairgrounds. Lake Clarke Shores has no town-hosted events this weekend, so the nearby parks, markets, and venues make the best base for exploring. This guide covers verified events happening Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4.
I am Rhonda Townsend with 1st Real Estate Solution Inc., and I share this weekly guide to help residents and visitors discover everything Palm Beach County has to offer. You can always find the newest edition on my Palm Beach County Weekend Guide hub.
Event details are verified from official sources. Check each event's official page for the latest updates before heading out.
Key Takeaways
- Wellington horse show: The October Horse Show runs Friday through Sunday at Equestrian Village with free general admission, no tickets required, and free parking for daytime shows.
- GreenMarket opening: The West Palm Beach GreenMarket starts its 32nd season on Saturday, October 3, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the waterfront Great Lawn with vendors, live music, and the season theme "The World, Right Here."
- Norton weekend: Art After Dark runs Friday evening, Nuestra Cultura Community Day is free on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Danielle Mckinney: Shelter closes Sunday, October 4.
- Fairgrounds and Mounts: The West Palm Beach Antique Festival runs Friday through Sunday, Spirit Fest returns Saturday and Sunday, and Mounts Botanical Garden holds its Fall Plant Sale & Festival on both days.
- Lake Clarke Shores: No verified public events inside the town this weekend. Nearby alternatives include Okeeheelee Park, the GreenMarket, the Norton Museum, and the Fairgrounds.
Palm Beach County Weekend at a Glance
| Event | City | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| October Horse Show at Wellington International | Wellington | Fri-Sun | From 8:00 AM |
| Angels Run for Hope 5K | Wellington | Sunday | 7:00 AM start |
| Art After Dark at the Norton | West Palm Beach | Friday | 5:00-10:00 PM |
| West Palm Beach GreenMarket opening | West Palm Beach | Saturday | 8:30 AM-1:30 PM |
| Nuestra Cultura Community Day at the Norton | West Palm Beach | Saturday | 11:00 AM-4:00 PM |
| Fall Plant Sale & Festival at Mounts Botanical Garden | West Palm Beach | Sat-Sun | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM |
| West Palm Beach Antique Festival | West Palm Beach | Fri-Sun | Fri noon-5 PM; Sat 9-5; Sun 10-4 |
| Bedner's Fall Festival opening weekend | Boynton Beach | Sat-Sun | 9:00 AM-6:00 PM |
Lake Clarke Shores
According to the Town of Lake Clarke Shores official calendar, no public community events are scheduled inside the town for the weekend of October 2 to 4, 2026. The small waterfront town typically hosts seasonal gatherings rather than weekly programming, and nothing is announced for Friday through Sunday this weekend.
When the town calendar is quiet, the parks, markets, and venues just outside Lake Clarke Shores remain open for recreation and entertainment. If you are curious about the area, my Lake Clarke Shores living guide covers what it is like to live in this canal community, and the Lake Clarke Shores neighborhood page has more about the town and its homes.
Things to Do Near Lake Clarke Shores This Weekend
Lake Clarke Shores sits within a short drive of several active venues. Here are verified options in nearby cities:
Okeeheelee Park: West Palm Beach (about 10 minutes)
Okeeheelee Park is a 1,700-acre county park off Forest Hill Boulevard, a short drive from Lake Clarke Shores. It offers hiking and biking trails, fishing, paddle boating on its lakes, an equestrian center, and golf. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset with free admission and parking, though some activities and facility rentals may have fees. Find more outdoor ideas in my parks and outdoor recreation guide.
West Palm Beach GreenMarket: West Palm Beach (about 15 minutes)
Saturday morning brings the season-opening GreenMarket at the waterfront Great Lawn downtown, about 15 minutes from Lake Clarke Shores. It is an easy, scenic outing for produce, baked goods, and live entertainment before the day heats up.
Norton Museum of Art: West Palm Beach (about 15 minutes)
The Norton is a short drive from Lake Clarke Shores and offers the most options of the weekend: Art After Dark on Friday evening, the free Nuestra Cultura Community Day on Saturday, and the final days of Danielle Mckinney: Shelter. Details are below in the West Palm Beach section.
South Florida Fairgrounds: West Palm Beach (about 15 minutes)
The West Palm Beach Antique Festival and Spirit Fest both run at the South Florida Fairgrounds off Southern Boulevard, about 15 minutes from Lake Clarke Shores, giving you two very different ways to spend Saturday or Sunday.
Wellington
Wellington's weekend centers on the October Horse Show at Equestrian Village, with a Sunday morning 5K at Village Park rounding things out. Here is what is verified for October 2 to 4.
October Horse Show at Wellington International
Wellington International hosts the October Horse Show at Equestrian Village Thursday through Sunday, October 1 to 4, with hunter and jumper competition each day. The venue's official event calendar also lists this edition as the RITA & Irish Memorial Horse Show. Visitors are welcome during daytime competition hours, and general admission is free with no tickets required. It is a relaxed way to watch top-level riding without a big production.
- Dates: Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4, 2026 (show runs October 1-4)
- Time: Daytime competition from 8:00 AM; check the official prize lists and schedules page for ring start times
- Venue: Wellington International, Equestrian Village, 13500 South Shore Boulevard, Wellington, FL 33414
- Admission: Free general admission, no tickets required for daytime shows
- Parking: Free for daytime horse shows at Equestrian Village
- Official event page
Angels Run for Hope 5K
The Angels Run for Hope 5K, the "You're Not Alone" breast cancer awareness run and walk, takes place Sunday morning at the Village Park Athletics Complex. The event is organized in partnership with Angels of Provision, Inc., a Wellington-based nonprofit that supports breast cancer patients, survivors, and those affected. Runners, walkers, and supporters are all welcome. Registration is online through RunSignUp, and the entry fee is listed on the official race page.
- Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Time: 7:00 AM start
- Venue: Village Park Athletics Complex, 11700 Pierson Road, Wellington, FL 33414
- Admission/Registration: Online registration required through RunSignUp; see the official race page for the entry fee
- What to Know: Arrive early for packet pickup and check-in; the official race page has the latest details
- Official registration page
For music in Wellington, note that the Wellington Amphitheater has no concert posted for this weekend; the next event on the official Village of Wellington calendar appears to be later in the week. Thursday Nights in Wellington and the Lakeside Market run on Thursdays, so they are not part of the Friday-to-Sunday lineup.
If you are thinking about what it is like to live in Wellington, my Wellington living guide covers neighborhoods, homes, parks, and the equestrian lifestyle, and the Wellington neighborhood page has more on the community.
West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach has the busiest lineup of the weekend, from the season-opening GreenMarket on Saturday morning to art events at the Norton, plants at Mounts, and two shows at the Fairgrounds. Here are the verified highlights for October 2 to 4. For more on things to do this weekend in West Palm Beach, start with the GreenMarket and the Norton, both easy to pair on one day.
West Palm Beach GreenMarket: Season Opening
The West Palm Beach GreenMarket returns to the waterfront Great Lawn on Saturday morning, opening its 32nd season. Expect fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods from global vendors, live music, and chef showcases under the season theme "The World, Right Here." The market runs Saturdays through May.
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Time: 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
- Location: Waterfront Great Lawn, 100 N Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Admission: Open to the public; check the official city page for the latest details
- Official city event page
Art After Dark at the Norton Museum of Art
The Norton Museum stays open late on Friday evening for Art After Dark, with extended gallery hours, live music, and a cash bar. It is a relaxed way to ease into the weekend downtown.
- Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Location: Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Admission: $10 for adults and seniors, $5 for students, free for members
- Tickets: Available at the reception desk or online with advance registration
- Official event page
Nuestra Cultura Community Day at the Norton Museum of Art
On Saturday, the Norton celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Nuestra Cultura Community Day, a free celebration with Latin music, dance and dance lessons, art activities, a film screening, and bilingual story times. Community Day admission is free for everyone.
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Location: Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Admission: Free
- Official event page
Danielle Mckinney: Shelter, Final Weekend at the Norton
The Norton's survey of paintings by Danielle Mckinney, titled Shelter, closes on Sunday, October 4, making this the final weekend to see it. The museum's ongoing exhibitions include Art & Independence: America at 250 and Chang Dai-chien: A Master of Modern Chinese Painting. Museum hours are Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with general admission of $18 for adults, $15 for seniors 60 and up, $5 for students, and free for members and children 12 and under.
- Dates: Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026 (exhibition closes Sunday)
- Time: Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Location: Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Admission: General admission applies; check the official hours and admission page
- Official exhibition page
Fall Plant Sale & Festival at Mounts Botanical Garden
Mounts Botanical Garden holds its two-day Fall Plant Sale & Festival this weekend, with plants from Florida specialty growers plus activities, arts and crafts, live music, and food vendors. Members get early entry on Saturday at 8:00 AM, with general hours from 9:00 AM.
- Dates: Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM both days (members early entry Saturday at 8:00 AM)
- Location: Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County, 531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
- Admission: $20 adults; $18 seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $13 ages 6-17; free for children under 6 and Garden members
- Official event page
West Palm Beach Antique Festival at the South Florida Fairgrounds
The West Palm Beach Antique Festival fills the Shiner Law Group Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds for three days, with dealers selling antiques, vintage furniture, and collectibles. An Early Bird ticket is available Friday morning and includes three-day re-admission, and single-day tickets are sold at the door and online. Because the festival is indoors, it is a comfortable option for the warm afternoons.
- Dates: Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Time: Friday Early Bird 9:00 AM-noon; Friday general noon-5:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Location: Shiner Law Group Expo Center, South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
- Admission: Friday Early Bird $25 (includes three-day re-admission); Friday general, Saturday, and Sunday $12 each; two-day pass $15; senior one-day $11
- Official event page
Spirit Fest West Palm Beach at the South Florida Fairgrounds
Spirit Fest brings its metaphysical, holistic, and crystal expo to the Expo West building at the Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, with vendors, readers, speakers, and workshops included in admission. Children under 12 enter free, and parking is free.
- Dates: Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Time: Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Location: Expo West, South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
- Admission: Tickets sold online through Eventbrite; children under 12 free; parking free
- Official ticket page
Alternatively, my West Palm Beach living guide offers a closer look at the neighborhoods around downtown, and the West Palm Beach neighborhood page covers the wider city.
More Things to Do Around Palm Beach County This Weekend
Delray Beach
FLOCK-toberfest at THRōW Social Delray
Downtown Delray Beach kicks off October with FLOCK-toberfest at THRōW Social Delray on Saturday afternoon, an Oktoberfest-style gathering with games, drinks, and music in the social venue's courtyard and event space. Ticket availability and admission details are on the Downtown Delray Beach events calendar and the venue's listings.
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Time: From 4:00 PM
- Location: THRōW Social Delray, 29 SE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444
- Admission: Check the official event listing for ticket details
- Downtown Delray Beach events calendar
Boynton Beach
Bedner's Fall Festival Opening Weekend
Bedner's Farm Fresh Market opens its Fall Festival on Saturday, running daily through November 1. The festival includes a pumpkin patch, corn maze, unlimited audio tractor rides, and an animal park and petting zoo at the farm's Animal EDventure, plus seasonal food at Bedner's Eats. Admission applies, and the official farm page lists hours and current pricing.
- Dates: Saturday, October 3 through Sunday, November 1, 2026 (opening weekend October 3-4)
- Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
- Location: Bedner's Farm Fresh Market, 10066 Lee Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33473
- Admission: Admission applies; see the official farm page for current pricing and details
- Official farm page
What Should You Know Before Heading Out This Weekend?
- Weather: Early October in Palm Beach County is warm and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms possible. Plan outdoor time for the mornings and early afternoons, and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Wellington horse show: General admission is free for daytime shows and no tickets are required; parking at Equestrian Village is free for daytime horse shows. Check the venue's plan-your-visit page before you go.
- GreenMarket: The market runs from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturday at the waterfront Great Lawn, so go early for the best selection and the cooler part of the morning.
- Angels Run for Hope: The race starts at 7:00 AM Sunday and requires online registration through RunSignUp, so register before race day and allow time for packet pickup.
- Antique Festival: The Early Bird ticket on Friday morning includes three-day re-admission. The festival is indoors at the Expo Center, making it a comfortable pick if afternoon storms arrive.
- Mounts plant sale: Saturday runs 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (members early entry at 8:00 AM), and the Garden's standard admission applies.
- Plan ahead: Weekend event schedules can change. Check each event's official page before heading out for the latest times, prices, and availability.
Thinking About Making Palm Beach County Home?
Spending a weekend exploring Wellington, West Palm Beach, Lake Clarke Shores, Boynton Beach, and the other communities of Palm Beach County is a great way to see which area feels right for you. If you are considering buying, selling, downsizing, relocating, or searching for a waterfront home, I would be glad to talk through your goals with no pressure.
Rhonda Townsend · REALTOR® · A.I. Certified Agent™ · 1st Real Estate Solution Inc.
(561) 236-9772 · rtownsend@remax.net
Search Palm Beach County Homes · Contact Rhonda
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening this weekend in Palm Beach County?
This weekend (October 2 to 4, 2026) includes the October Horse Show at Wellington International from Friday through Sunday, the season-opening West Palm Beach GreenMarket on Saturday morning, Art After Dark at the Norton on Friday, the free Nuestra Cultura Community Day at the Norton on Saturday, the final weekend of Danielle Mckinney: Shelter, the Mounts Botanical Garden Fall Plant Sale & Festival, the West Palm Beach Antique Festival and Spirit Fest at the Fairgrounds, the Angels Run for Hope 5K on Sunday morning, and the opening weekend of Bedner's Fall Festival in Boynton Beach.
Are there free events in Palm Beach County this weekend?
Yes. The October Horse Show in Wellington offers free general admission with no tickets required and free daytime parking, and Nuestra Cultura Community Day at the Norton Museum on Saturday is free. Spirit Fest notes that children under 12 enter free and parking is free. The GreenMarket, Antique Festival, Mounts Botanical Garden, and Angels Run for Hope each have their own admission or registration details; check each official page for the most current information.
Is there anything to do near Lake Clarke Shores this weekend?
Lake Clarke Shores does not have verified public events inside the town this weekend. Nearby options include Okeeheelee Park, about 10 minutes away and open daily with free admission and parking; the West Palm Beach GreenMarket at the downtown waterfront, about 15 minutes away; the Norton Museum of Art, about 15 minutes away; and the South Florida Fairgrounds on Southern Boulevard, about 15 minutes away, hosting the Antique Festival and Spirit Fest.
What should I register for or book in advance?
The Angels Run for Hope 5K on Sunday morning requires online registration through RunSignUp, with the entry fee listed on the official race page. The West Palm Beach Antique Festival Early Bird ticket is available for Friday morning and includes three-day re-admission. Spirit Fest tickets are sold online through Eventbrite. The October Horse Show, GreenMarket, Norton events, and Mounts Fall Plant Sale do not require advance tickets, though admission applies where noted.
What should I know about parking and weather this weekend?
Parking for daytime horse shows at Equestrian Village is free, and Spirit Fest notes free parking at the Fairgrounds. Early October weather is warm and humid with afternoon thunderstorms possible, so plan morning and early-afternoon outings and keep the indoor Antique Festival at the Expo Center in mind as a backup. Check each official event page for the latest details before heading out.
Let's Find Your Next Move in Palm Beach County
Whether you are buying, selling, downsizing, relocating, or searching for a waterfront home, I would be happy to help you understand your options with a clear, low-pressure plan.
Rhonda Townsend, REALTOR® · A.I. Certified Agent™ · 1st Real Estate Solution Inc.
(561) 236-9772 ·
rtownsendrealestate@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Sources referenced in this article:
- • Wellington International — October Horse Show (RITA & Irish Memorial Horse Show), October 1-4, 2026
- • Wellington International — Admission, hours, and parking for daytime horse shows
- • Wellington International — Official 2026 event calendar
- • Village of Wellington — Official village events calendar
- • Angels Run for Hope 5K — Angels Run for Hope 5K: Sunday, October 4, 2026
- • Norton Museum of Art — Art After Dark: Friday, October 2, 2026
- • Norton Museum of Art — Nuestra Cultura Community Day: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- • Norton Museum of Art — Danielle Mckinney: Shelter, on view through October 4, 2026
- • City of West Palm Beach — West Palm Beach GreenMarket 2026-2027 season
- • Mounts Botanical Garden — Fall Plant Sale & Festival, October 3-4, 2026
- • Mounts Botanical Garden — Admission and hours
- • South Florida Fair — West Palm Beach Antiques Festival, October 2-4, 2026
- • Spirit Fest USA — Spirit Fest West Palm Beach, October 3-4, 2026
- • Downtown Delray Beach — FLOCK-toberfest 2026, Saturday, October 3
- • Bedner's Farm Fresh Market — Bedner's Fall Festival, October 3-November 1, 2026
- • Town of Lake Clarke Shores — Official town calendar
- • Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation — Okeeheelee Park
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general educational and real estate information only. It is not legal, tax, financial, insurance, environmental, engineering, or property-inspection advice. Real estate requirements, costs, risks, policies, and market conditions vary by property and may change. Consult qualified professionals regarding your individual circumstances.
