From epic concerts and vibrant public art to heartfelt community stories and flamingo-filled fun, Boca Raton’s Centennial celebration is turning 100 into a year to remember. With the city’s biggest moments still ahead, 2025 is proving that Boca doesn’t just celebrate its history … it brings it to life.
“Boca Raton is world-renowned for the special community we are, and this year has truly shown the strength of our community spirit,” said Scott Singer, Mayor of Boca Raton. “From heartfelt poetry to city-wide celebrations, the Centennial is bringing our story to life in a way that honors the past while building a bold future.”
Since its kickoff in January, the year-long celebration has brought together residents, visitors, and businesses to honor the city’s rich history and vibrant present. From blockbuster concerts to community art, the first half of 2025 has been filled with unforgettable moments—and even more are still to come.
“As the organizers of this year-long, community-wide program, we’ve loved seeing our vision for the Centennial enjoyed throughout the community,” said Anne Marie Connolly and Amy DiNorscio, Centennial Co-Chairs and City staff members. “From poetry and public art to concerts and community storytelling, this celebration isn’t just about celebrating 100 years … it’s about connection to people and place that honors our shared history and creates a legacy.”
Highlights So Far:
• Boca Street Fest, a brand-new celebration of food, music, and community, kicked off the Centennial year—and is now slated to return annually.
• A sold-out Weezer concert and dazzling free drone show marked the official Centennial weekend, drawing thousands to Mizner Park and The Boca Raton Innovation Campus.
• The “Ode to Boca” initiative in partnership with O, Miami has gathered over 1,000 original poems, some of which are on display in the “Plastic Poetry” public art installations at both City libraries.
• A recreated historic welcome sign now greets visitors in Sanborn Square, offering a nostalgic nod to Boca’s past.
• Boca Raton Untold, a captivating video series in partnership with Lynn University, continues to preserve and share stories from long-time residents, civic leaders, and pioneers.
• Local businesses are joining the fun with Centennial-themed hotel packages and the wildly popular 1925 Centenni-Ale, a Prosperity Brewers custom blonde ale brewed with pineapple and served in over 60 locations across the city.
What’s Still to Come:
• Our video interview project, Boca Raton Untold, in partnership with Lynn University will wrap up. The series captures stories from the voices of those who were part of the history of Boca Raton from the creation of the personal PC at IBM to the development of Mizner Park, and more.
• The next chapter in the City’s Centennial storytelling initiative, Voices of Boca, invites residents to share their authentic Boca Raton stories in an interview collection project inspired by StoryCorps. In partnership with The Flamingo House, the program preserves heartfelt conversations between friends, family, and neighbors—capturing memories, milestones, and moments that shaped our community. The goal: 100 stories to honor 100 years. Submit your story today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9DV7G72
• Ode to Boca will continue, and 100 finalists will be selected at the end of the Centennial year for acknowledgement and to be featured in future civic publishing projects.
• A new “Ode to Boca”-inspired mural will be unveiled on the Mizner Park Amphitheater stage doors.
• Additional public art installations will continue to pop up across the city.
• FAU will host a special Centennial Celebration at their home football game against FAMU on September 6th at 6 p.m.
• A Centennial Celebration Concert: Through the Decades on Saturday, October 25 at 8 p.m., will invite residents to journey through 100 years of sound. The free performance is an encore presentation from the 2025 Festival of the Arts Boca Centennial Concert.
• Poetry in Pajamas at BRiC on November 8 – A magical open mic for children, where kids of all ages are invited to recite their favorite prose among an audience of pajama-clad peers.
• Centennial Gala hosted by the Addison on November 9 – A night celebrating the City and the Addison’s Centennial, honoring the past, embracing the present & inspiring the future.
• A Centennial-themed Holiday Street Parade will bring festive cheer to the streets on Wednesday, December 3.
• Centennial Legacy Project, set for completion December 6 – A Public Art Project at Wildflower Park includes pavilion mosaics, splash pad mural and bench, and swings.
• The Flamingo Flock – In celebration of Boca Raton’s Centennial, the City and The Flamingo House have teamed up to release a flock of 100 flamingos throughout special locations across town.
• New items will debut on the Boca100 Boutique, featuring commemorative apparel and gifts.
Get Involved:
The City encourages residents, businesses, and visitors to continue celebrating throughout 2025. Follow along at http://www.Boca100.com and on social media @CityBocaRaton using the hashtag #Boca100.
About the City of Boca Raton:
Boca Raton, the second largest city in Palm Beach County, blends history and innovation with its Mediterranean Revival architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Influenced by architect Addison Mizner, the city is home to live concerts, international art exhibits, world-class museums, five miles of Atlantic coastline, and 49 parks offering 1,650 acres of recreational space. A hub for business and innovation, Boca Raton hosts 40 publicly traded corporate headquarters. With three nationally ranked universities, top-rated schools, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, Boca Raton is a dynamic, safe, and educated community with a low property tax rate. Learn more at myboca.us.
For more information on Boca Raton’s Centennial events, visit http://www.Boca100.com or email [email protected].
