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by Tiffany Rizzo
BOCA RATON, Fla. (CBS12) — One of South Florida’s premier cultural events is heading into its final weekend as the 20th anniversary season of Festival of the Arts Boca wraps up at the Mizner Park Amphitheater.
Festival leaders say the final three nights will feature world-class performers, family-friendly activities, and a celebration of two decades bringing music, culture, and ideas to the Boca Raton community.
“We’re celebrating the 20th anniversary season of Festival of the Arts Boca, and this weekend is truly the grand finale,” said Joanna Marie Kaye, the festival’s executive director. “The energy here at the amphitheater is incredible because audiences know they’re about to experience something special.”
The annual festival has become known for bringing internationally acclaimed performers to South Florida while keeping the events accessible to the local community in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Friday night’s performance features internationally recognized pianist and composer Conrad Tao performing Rhapsody in Blue at 7:30 p.m.
Tao shares a special history with the festival. He first performed at Festival Boca nearly two decades ago at just 13 years old when he stepped in as a last-minute replacement for an ill pianist.
His performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 received national attention and helped launch a career that has since taken him to major concert halls around the world.
Now, he returns to Boca Raton as an internationally acclaimed pianist and composer, performing Gershwin’s beloved classic along with one of his own works.
Before the concert, families can also take part in the festival’s Instrument Petting Zoo, where children have the chance to try instruments and interact with musicians.
Organizers say the experience is designed to introduce young people to music in a fun and approachable way.
“Sometimes the first time a child touches a violin or trumpet is the moment that sparks a lifelong love of music,” Kaye said.
The festival continues Saturday night with the return of the Grammy-winning trio Time for Three.
The group is known for blending classical music with Americana and indie-folk influences, creating energetic performances that appeal to audiences of all ages.
This will be the trio’s third appearance at the festival.
Creative Director Charles Letourneau says performances like this help make the event unique.
“Festival of the Arts Boca is really about bringing extraordinary performances to our community in an approachable, welcoming way,” Letourneau said. “You’re outdoors under the stars enjoying performances by some of the world’s most celebrated artists.”
The festival concludes Sunday night with Broadway icon Patti LuPone performing “Matters of the Heart.”
LuPone — whose career spans decades on Broadway and in theater worldwide — will make her only Florida appearance of the season at the festival’s closing performance.
Organizers say the show will be a fitting finale for the milestone anniversary season.
“It’s a weekend that celebrates music, artistry, and the joy of experiencing live performance together,” Letourneau said.
All performances take place at Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton.
Remaining events include:
Tickets are available online at: https://festivalboca.org
Organizers encourage attendees to purchase tickets in advance as the festival’s closing weekend is expected to draw large crowds.
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