Celebrate Boca Raton's History: Free Exhibits and Festivities This July!

71 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33432, USA - As we step into July, Boca Raton comes alive with a series of exciting events that offer residents and visitors alike a rich tapestry of culture and history. Whether you’re interested in gaining insight into the city’s past or celebrating the vibrant present, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this week.

One of the highlights is the official opening day of the exhibition “1925!” at the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event serves as a portal into the significant events of that transformative year, including the Scopes Trial and the debut of The New Yorker. Notably, 1925 marks Boca Raton’s incorporation as a city, making this exhibition a fitting tribute to our local history. The exhibition will run through December 20, giving plenty of time to soak up its offerings.

Celebrate the Fourth!

As the week progresses, prepare for the Fabulous Fourth on Friday at Countess de Hoernle Park. From 6:30 p.m. and throughout the day, the park will transform into a celebration hub, featuring everything from a 5K run to a lively block party culminating in a fantastic fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Don’t worry about parking; free spaces will be available at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus. Importantly, remember that pets aren’t allowed, so plan accordingly.

If you’re an animal lover, you might also want to check out the New York Dog Film Festival, taking place at the Lake Worth Playhouse throughout the weekend. With tickets priced between $6 and $9, the festival promises 17 heartwarming short films about our furry friends.

A Tribute to Mizner

In addition to these festivities, the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum recently celebrated the grand opening of the long-awaited exhibit “Boca Raton 1925-2025: Addison Mizner’s Legacy”. This exhibit, which is not to be missed, highlights the influence of architect Addison Mizner, who envisioned Boca Raton as a resort city inspired by Venice and Moorish Spain. Though his grand plans faced turmoil due to the land bust and a hurricane in 1926, Mizner’s imprint on the city remains strong. His architectural designs can still be admired in places like City Hall and Old Floresta.

The exhibition is open to the public until the end of May, providing an inspiring look at the past 100 years while inviting conversations about Boca’s future. Historian Augustus Mayhew served as guest curator, shedding light on Mizner’s enduring legacy. With displays of photographs, drawings, maps, and historic artifacts, this is more than just a walk through history—it’s a journey through the very essence of Boca Raton.

Upcoming Cultural Gems

As the month continues, art aficionados can look forward to the opening of another exhibition called “Pop Culture” at the Cornell Art Museum on July 5. The exhibition will not only display modern pop art but also feature a spectacular concert with O-Town, LFO, and Ryan Cabrera. Tickets for the concert range from $47 to $67, while the exhibition is free, with donations happily accepted.

Lastly, for the music lovers out there, don’t miss the Warped Tour Respects tribute concert on Saturday at Respectable Street in West Palm Beach. It promises an evening filled with performances from bands covering classic punk and emo tunes, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many.

Whether you’re immersing yourself in local history, participating in Independence Day festivities, or enjoying the arts, Boca Raton has a bouquet of events waiting for you this week that truly capture its vibrant spirit.