Delray in the Sky flies Wednesday at 8:30 p.m.
Plus: the new water billing portal goes live today, and what 9.3 million downtown visitors spent.
The City's Delray in the Sky drone show is Wednesday, July 29, at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. The event runs 6 to 9 p.m., with the drone show beginning at 8:30. Ahead of the show: food vendors, a Dueling Piano Show with Larry Klass and Morgan Phillips, a silent disco, and family crafts. Road closures are in effect from 2 to 10 p.m. on Swinton Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and NE 1st Street, and on NE 2nd Avenue from the alleyway to NE 1st Street. Parking is free Wednesday at the City-owned Old School Square, Federspiel, and IPIC garages, and at the Roy M. Simon, Village, Gladiola, Veterans Park, and Banker's Row lots. Free parking does not extend to on-street spaces or private lots. Bring lawn chairs and a refillable bottle. A free 10-tap water station is provided.
New water billing portal goes live today, with new fees
Delray Beach utility billing moves to a Tyler Enterprise ERP portal today, July 28, ending the online payment suspension that began July 20. The portal lets customers create accounts, store cards securely, and pay by e-check. Late fees are waived from July 20 through August 7. A new fee schedule starts today: phone payments cost $0.50; e-check is $1.95 plus $0.50; card payments are 3.25% with a $2.50 minimum, plus $0.50. Customers whose bills normally arrive late in the month may see delays. Utility Billing takes questions at 561-243-7100, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
9.3 million visitors downtown, $130 million on cards
Downtown Delray drew more than 9.3 million visitors in 2025, who made at least $130 million in credit-card purchases, according to new Downtown Development Authority data. The DDA works with Datafy, which uses cell-phone and credit-card data. Nearly half of that spending went to dining and nightlife and 20% to hotels and accommodations, with the remainder split among retail, galleries, and other Atlantic Avenue businesses. The $130 million total does not include cash. The DDA is using the data to target its marketing and to understand where people spend their time and money. The Visitor Information Center at 2 S. Ocean Blvd. is open daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cemetery dispute, housing, and art at Let's Hear It
Residents raised concerns at a recent WPTV Let's Hear It gathering at the Cornell Art Museum. Sandra Owens told WPTV she bought a cemetery plot next to her mother's in 2005 and discovered in the spring of 2024 that a stranger had been buried in it. Owens told WPTV she has contacted the City and the cemetery and was still awaiting a resolution. Other residents discussed affordable housing, including the Delray Beach Community Land Trust and the homes and rentals it offers low- to moderate-income families. Two brothers discussed upcycled art on display at the Cornell.
Full Moon Yoga and Night Market tonight at Old School Square
Full Moon Yoga and Night Market runs tonight, Tuesday, July 28, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. A yoga flow led by Jessica Om and Pedro Luna starts at 7, followed at 8:30 by a DJ set and ecstatic dance with DJ SUBSQWAD. Curated vendors are part of the event. All levels. Admission is free, with a $5 donation suggested.
Teen Movie Nights screens Raiders of the Lost Ark
The Delray Beach Public Library's Teen Movie Nights series, running under the title Paleolithic Pictures, screens Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981, PG, 1 hour 55 minutes) tonight from 5 to 7:45 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room at 100 W. Atlantic Ave. It is open to ages 13 to 17. Popcorn and drinks are served. Registration is encouraged.
Gianni Bianchini marks a tenth Arts Garage set Friday
Dr. Gianni Bianchini plays Arts Garage on Friday, July 31, from 8 to 10 p.m. at 94 NE 2nd Ave. It is his tenth performance at the venue, and he is joined by the Type One Trio for a new-album release. The program draws on the American Songbook with new arrangements. The band is Bianchini on piano and vocals, Ross Kratter on bass, and a drummer to be announced. Tickets run $53 to $56, fees included.
Jonathan Ellison plays Arts Garage Saturday
Jonathan Ellison plays Arts Garage on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 8 to 10 p.m. at 94 NE 2nd Ave. Arts Garage calls it his debut at the venue and describes him as a Memphis rhythm-and-soul blues performer known as the King of Beale Street. The band is Ellison, Gary Wolfe on keyboards, Demetrius Ray on drums, and Denzell Mitchell on bass. Tickets are $50.50 to $55.50.