Things To Do: Roaring fire, Qi gong, architecture, 'HADESTOWN.' What's not to love?

Eddie Ritz, Palm Beach Post
·3 min read
The Lake Worth Beach Bonfire is always a hot spot.
The Lake Worth Beach Bonfire is always a hot spot.

1. BURN BABY BURN

Lake Worth Beach Bonfire,

Lake Worth Beach

Roaring surf, raging fire, maybe some s'mores and music by Mitch Herrick is the perfect way to finish off a week of hard work.

The event is 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6. 10 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth Beach. Free. Information: lakeworthbeachfl.gov

2. SURF'S UP ACE!

Ocean Magic Surf Shop Grand Opening,

The Gardens Mall

After decades in business in Jupiter, Ocean Magic has opened a second location at The Gardens Mall and will celebrate with drinks, appetizers and a DJ. The first 25 guests will receive a $25 gift car and 10% of all sales will be donated to Place of Hope.

The event is noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7. 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. Free. Information: instagram.com/oceanmagicsurf

3. WHO DONE IT?

Great Gatsby Murder Mystery Dinner,

Norton Museum of Art

The Norton & Constellation Culinary are ringing in the New Year with a little mystery and suspense. Honoring the roaring 20’s and artists like F. Scott Fitzgerald, enjoy this four-course dinner theater show surrounded by timeless art and great friends. Plus, the guest with the best Gatsby-inspired costume will win $100. Cheers to the New Year!

The event is 6:15 to 9 p.m. tonight, Friday, Dec. 30. $150. Reservations required. Information: norton.org/events

4. SEE, EAT, ENJOY

Northwood Art, Dine and Design: T'was the Night Before New Years/Wear White Party,

Northwood Village

This pre-New Year's event is a great way to enjoy the area's winter weather while seeing live music by the Antares Band. Meet artist Lupe Lawrence and watch her create, then make your own art, cut a rug and more.

The event is 6 to 9 p.m. tonight, Friday, Dec. 30. Northwood Village, West Palm Beach. Free. Information: facebook.com/NorthwoodVillageArtDineAndDesign

5. LOVE BUILDINGS? CHECK THIS OUT

History & Architecture Walking Tour,

Downtown West Palm Beach

Led by award-winning architect and historic preservation specialist Rick Gonzalez, this tour showcases the evolution of urban design in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. From the Historic 1916 Courthouse to functional landmarks such as the Comeau and Harvey buildings, learn the stories behind some of the city’s most impressive structures.

Tour begins at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6. 300 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. $10. Information: pbchistory.org/events

The Harvey Building in downtown West Palm Beach is just one of the amazing structures that you'll learn about on the History & Architecture Walking Tour.
The Harvey Building in downtown West Palm Beach is just one of the amazing structures that you'll learn about on the History & Architecture Walking Tour.

6. DITCH THE STRESS, GET LOOSE

Qi Gong with Roxanne Cumberland,

Mounts Botanical Garden

Relieve stress and increase metabolism, flexibility, and strength. Qi Gong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese exercise and healing technique. The exercises include simple, slow movements (which mimic nature), meditation, and focused breathing — similar to Tai Chi but less structured.

The classes are 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25. 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Members $10 per class, nonmembers $15. (includes full Garden admission). Registration required. Information:mounts.org/events

Qi Gong on Wednesdays at Mounts Botanical Garden is a great way to relieve stress and tension while simultaneously increasing flexibility and strength.
Qi Gong on Wednesdays at Mounts Botanical Garden is a great way to relieve stress and tension while simultaneously increasing flexibility and strength.

7. MEET AND GREET

Jill Switzer: Book Signing and Discussion,

Arts Garage

This popular cabaret star will sign copies of her new helpful how-to guide "The Contemporary Singer’s Blueprint: From Amateur to Professional and Beyond." The evening will start with a live musical performance by Jill & Rich Switzer.

The event is Thursday, Jan. 5. 94 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach. $15 Information: artsgarage.org

Jill Switzer
Jill Switzer

8. LISTEN, SEE

"HADESTOWN,"

Kravis Center, Dreyfoos Hall

Part of Kravis on Broadway series, see this haunting and hopeful musical that won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Welcome to HADESTOWN, where a song can change your fate.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3; Wednesday, Jan. 4; Thursday, Jan. 5; Friday, Jan. 6; Saturday, Jan. 7 and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4; Saturday, Jan. 7; Sunday, Jan. 8. 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Tickets start at $42. Information: kravis.org

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He has lived in the West Palm Beach area for more than 30 years and, from mild to wild, will cover noteworthy community happenings. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best things to do: 8 fun things to do in South Florida this weekend