Dance till it hurts… and then dance a little more! Atlantic Beach’s festive tradition, “Dancin’ in the Street,” returns for its 37th year on May 18th, 2024. The annual celebration of music and dance is coming to the streets of the Beaches Town Center in Atlantic Beach.
Dancin’ in the Street first began in the late 1980’s as a modest block party, started by local merchants as a way to bring neighbors together and celebrate the warm months. Even in those early years, live bands performed on a makeshift stage. Now, three and a half decades later, it has become a major community tradition that draws in visitors from all over.
Event Highlights at Dancin’ in the Street
Music and Live Performances
From rock and reggae to pop and folk, keep an eye out for local favorites and exciting new talents taking the stage.
Music lovers will find two stages packed with talent. Local acts keep the party going all day. The Clams open the main stage at 2 p.m. with rock favorites while smaller bands take the secondary stage. Groove to reggae, zydeco, Americana – you’ll find it all!
Arts and Crafts
As you dance your way through the streets, don’t miss the popular arts and crafts booths. You can buy handmade local goods, like jewelry, paintings, pottery, and even hand-stitched leather bags. Or find yourself a lovely portrait of the gorgeous coastline of Atlantic Beach to take home and display. From art to children’s clothes, there are vendors for every shopper.
Food Trucks/Vendors And Dining
No festival is complete without delicious eats, and “Dancin’ in the Street” is no exception. You can choose from multiple food trucks and vendors to savor some nom-nom bites.
Seek out waffle cones stuffed with doughnuts or wood-fired pizza from Joseph’s Pizza. And wash it all down with iced tea from the Bodega Bar or sip craft beer flights or mojitos at a variety of cocktail tents. Beaches Town Center will be packed with vendors, or you can’t go wrong with a local favorite like Coop 303, where you can sit on the rooftop and enjoy a craft cocktail while watching the crowd below.
Kid Zone
For families, the Kid Zone offers stimulating activities to keep the little ones entertained. Here, kids can have their own mini adventure.
Face painting will transform them into tigers and superheroes. Balloon animals become swords or poodles, and at the story time circle, the little ones relax during tales. Super inflatables, obstacle courses, and play areas will keep them moving. While parents rest easy watching nearby.
Shopping and Dining at Beaches Town Center
Beaches Town Center is also a prime location for those who enjoy to fine-dine or sip on an indulgent martini. Or, if you’d like to just have a lovely meal steps away from the beach. You can’t go wrong by choosing the Beaches Town Center for your afternoon (or evening) out.
Azurea inside One Ocean indulges diners in oceanfront luxury. Try out their decadent dishes that use both Asian and Latin techniques. Nearby, Coop 303 takes a farm-fresh approach to modern coastal cuisine, complementing it with craft cocktails.
Other dining destinations include Doro, for elegant palates, or Ellen’s Kitchen, serving classics since 1962 (and a local favorite breakfast joint). For Latin plates and 100+ tequilas, head to Flying Iguana. Or sample authentic Asian street foods at Hawkers. That’s only naming just a few, your options are plentiful!
Shopping at Beaches Town Center is just as satisfying. Browse refined collections inside AshleGryre or Drift for beachy women’s apparel and accessories with bohemian flair. At the import store, Bali Cargo Company catches one-of-a-kind handicrafts from Indonesia.
Find custom jewelry designs at Jewels by Lubeck with seaside engraving or home goods at KMH Home. While you are at it, why not buy an outfit for the little ones at Kyds or exclusive Italian leather bags from Milo Fashion for your mom?
With so many unique boutiques and eateries, Beaches Town Center is your new favorite place for a day of shopping and delicious food.
Accommodation Recommendations
One Ocean Resort & Spa
When staying near Atlantic Beach, you have a variety of oceanfront lodging choices. Reserve a room with a spectacular view at One Ocean Resort & Spa.
Inside sleek coastal rooms with private balconies or patios, you get to wake up to the breathtaking vistas of sparkling waters. Relax in sumptuous linens or pamper yourself at the resort’s spa, pools, and dining.
Seahorse Oceanfront Inn
Another top pick is the recently renovated, super fun, right on the beach, Seahorse Oceanfront Inn. Enjoy the prime location near shopping and dining in the town center and located directly next to our favorite outdoor bar in the whole city, the Lemon Bar.
The Salt Air Inn & Suites
This quaint Inn exudes classic coastal charm with modern conveniences. The Salt Air Inn & Suites encompasses the Florida beach vacation vibe within the nautically decorated rooms and is located just a couple of blocks from the beach and in the heart of Atlantic Beach. Their courtyard and pool areas are adorable!
Hotel Palms
Originally built in 1947, this is the coolest hotel in town. A former motor court inn, renovated but in keeping with retro vibes, book your stray at Hotel Palms, you won’t be disappointed. The hotel also hosts a variety of special events, has a deliciously adorable coffee shop, is located blocks from the beach and in all of the action and has a vintage vibe that will take you back to old school Florida.
Transportation and Parking at Beaches Town Center
During the Dancin’ in the Street event, parking is tricky. Many spots are closed off for the event and while there is still plenty of meter parking, it fills up quickly—opt for a bike, walking or (better yet) renting a golf cart instead. With your Sublime Rides golf cart, you’ll still need to park in a designated parking spot, but you can also park along 1st street as well and walk the short distance to Beaches Town Center. Plus, you can easily ride back and forth and up and downs all of the beaches!
Biking to the Event
There are bike racks throughout Beaches Town Center where you can securely lock up your bike, so if you’re able to ride into the event, this is the best way to arrive.
Renting Sublime Rides Golf Carts
Having said that, renting a golf cart is an even better option. Consider renting a golf cart for the weekend. With Sublime Rides golf cart rentals, you can cruise the streets of Atlantic Beach and beyond! All while enjoying the breeze, having ample storage and connecting your phone to the blue tooth sound system.
The 37th Dancin’ in the Street festival is sure to be a great time. Save the date, mark your calendar, and get those bikes (or golf carts) ready! We’ll see you there!
