It’s winter 2026 and the Town of Palm Beach is the heart of South Florida’s most glamorous social season. While some are focused on gym routines, getting back to work and making vacation plans, Palm Beachers are doing what they do best – locking in reservations, planning wardrobes and filling up their “dance cards.” From January through April, the island’s calendar overflows with charity galas, world-class art exhibitions, polo tournaments, and a signature boat show that draws residents and seasonal visitors alike.

Some guests arrive by car but insiders arrive by water in style at the Palm Beach Marina. Luxury wins out every time as international titans of industry and fashion trendsetters converge on this coastal paradise. And nothing quite matches making one’s grand entrance by anchoring your superyacht at one of the state-of-the-art docks at the Town’s world-class facility. Perfectly positioned along the Intracoastal Waterway, the Marina places guests steps from Palm Beach’s cultural, culinary and social core – just a short stroll from Worth Avenue’s iconic boutiques, restaurants and galleries.

The Palm Beach Social Calendar‍

Days are built around luncheons, lectures and exhibitions; evenings give way to cocktail attire, black tie and long-standing friendships. These are some of the events that define the season and the rhythms of island life: 

• Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach
  Throughout the year, the Preservation Foundation hosts book signings, lectures, exhibitions and member gatherings, including its Annual Dinner Dance held under a glass tent in Bradley Park on February 27 – one of the most anticipated invitation-only evenings of the year.
• Society of the Four Arts
  A cornerstone of the Palm Beach cultural scene, the Society of the Four Arts offers workshops, classes, lectures, book discussions, films and concerts throughout the season, serving as a daytime and evening anchor for the island’s arts community.
• Shine & Dine Gala
  A philanthropic high point benefiting Path to College, supporting educational opportunities in overlooked communities, held on January 24 at the Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center.
• Art Palm Beach
  South Florida’s premier contemporary art fair returns January 28 to February 1 with an expanded roster of international galleries and immersive programming at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. 
• Norton Museum of Art Annual Gala
  Held on February 7, this major cultural soiree draws museum patrons, collectors and supporters for one of the season’s most art-forward events.
• Hanley Foundation Palm Beach Dinner
  Hosted at the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum (aka Whitehall) on February 12, this 21^st annual philanthropic dinner is one of the Town of Palm Beach’s most storied society events.
• Palm Beach Show
  This international showcase of jewelry, art, antiques and design draws collectors and connoisseurs to the Palm Beach Convention Center from February 12 to 17.
• Palm Beach Symphony 24th Annual Gala
  Held on February 16 at The Breakers, this elegant evening of cocktails, dinner, live music and dancing supports the Palm Beach Symphony.
• Palm Beach Opera
  From January through March, Palm Beach Opera presents its mainstage productions – including La Bohème, The Pearl Fishers, and Rigoletto – at the Kravis Center. Their Annual Gala at The Breakers on March 2 features celebrated soprano Lisette Oropesa and supports the company’s performances and education programs.
• Equestrian & Polo
  From the CV Whitney Cup to the USPA Gold Cup to the U.S. Open Polo Championship, all in April, polo and equestrian events (and the horses we love) remain a defining ritual of Palm Beach’s winter. ‍
• Palm Beach International Boat Show
  One of the premier boating events on the East Coast returns to Palm Beach County from March 25 to 29, showcasing hundreds of luxury yachts, cutting-edge marine technology, VIP lounges, and exclusive experiences for industry leaders and yachting aficionados alike.

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Arrive by Yacht During The Palm Beach Social Season

‍“One of my favorite things about Palm Beach during the season is the swirl of socializing benefitting the greater good, and the plethora of cultural offerings open to all,” says Carolyn Stone, Deputy Town Manager. “And one of our special gems is our renovated Palm Beach Marina, which welcomes those in the know.” During peak season (and especially during the Boat Show), traffic increases, parking becomes limited, and schedules leave little room for flexibility. Arriving by yacht offers a streamlined alternative – one that prioritizes discretion, proximity and ease.

The Palm Beach social season is carefully orchestrated, and dockage is no exception. With limited slips available during high season, early reservations ensure seamless access to the island at its most active and anticipated time of year. Whether arriving for a single event or the full season, the Marina staff delivers expert white-glove service that is attentive and deliberately understated. From seamless arrivals and departures to dockside assistance, every detail is handled with care, so guests can focus on the social calendar, not the logistics. For slip reservations and Marina availability, visit www.TownofPalmBeachMarina.com.

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Palm Beach High Season FAQ’s

Q: When is Palm Beach social season?
A: Palm Beach social season typically runs from January through April, when the island boasts its best weather and hosts its highest concentration of charity galas, cultural events, art fairs and polo matches.

Q: What are the most popular Palm Beach social events?
A: Notable events include Preservation Foundation gatherings, the Norton Museum of Art Annual Gala, Art Palm Beach, the Palm Beach Symphony Annual Gala, polo season in Wellington and the Palm Beach International Boat Show.

Q: Where do yacht owners dock during Palm Beach social season?
A: Many yacht owners choose the Town of Palm Beach Marina for its proximity to Worth Avenue, cultural venues and social events, as well as its ability to accommodate vessels up to 295 feet.

Q: What does the Worth Avenue shopping district have to offer?
A: Worth Avenue, just steps from the Town of Palm Beach Marina, is known for its iconic mix of luxury boutiques, galleries, cafés and restaurants, making it a central part of the Palm Beach social experience.

Q: Do I need to reserve a slip in advance during high season?
A: Yes. High season dockage is limited, and advance reservations on the Palm Beach Marina website are strongly recommended.