Clematis by Night in West Palm Beach earns national recognition as the No. 1 best outdoor concert series in the United States after years of rising rankings

West Palm Beach, Florida – A long-running waterfront tradition in West Palm Beach has reached a new national milestone, as Clematis by Night has officially been named No. 1 in the “Best Outdoor Concert Series” category in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice poll.

The recognition marks a first-place finish after years of steady growth in national rankings. The free weekly concert series, held along the city’s waterfront for more than three decades, has steadily climbed the list in recent years, moving from third place in 2024 to second place in 2025 before finally reaching the top spot in 2026. The nationwide competition included well-known entertainment destinations in cities such as New York City, Las Vegas, and Nashville.

The result reflects both strong public support and the lasting popularity of the event, which has become a staple of downtown West Palm Beach life. Every week, Clematis by Night draws crowds of residents and visitors who gather to enjoy live music in an open-air setting by the water, blending entertainment with a relaxed community atmosphere.

Mayor Keith A. James called the recognition a major achievement for the city and its residents, emphasizing the event’s long-standing cultural role.

“Being named the number one outdoor concert series in the country is an incredible honor for West Palm Beach,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “For more than three decades, Clematis by Night has brought people together on our waterfront through music, culture, and community. It reflects the energy and spirit of our city — welcoming, vibrant, and deeply connected. This recognition belongs to every resident, visitor, artist, and small business that has helped make Thursday nights in downtown West Palm Beach so special.”

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The weekly series has built its identity around variety and accessibility. Each Thursday, the waterfront transforms into a casual concert space featuring performances that span multiple genres, including rock, reggae, R&B, country, blues, soul, swing, and Latin music. The diversity of performances has helped the event appeal to a broad audience, from longtime residents to tourists visiting South Florida.

City officials say that consistency and community involvement have been key to the program’s success. Clematis by Night has remained free to the public for over 30 years, a factor that continues to draw large and diverse crowds. It has also become a key part of the city’s broader efforts to support downtown activity and local businesses.

The award comes at a time of growing recognition for West Palm Beach’s community programming. Officials noted that Clematis by Night recently followed another local success, being named alongside the city’s “Best Farmers Market,” further highlighting the city’s expanding reputation for public events.

“This is an especially exciting win, coming right on the heels of being awarded ‘Best Farmers Market,’” said Angela Poco, City of WPB’s Marketing and Community Events Manager, who oversees the city’s dynamic programming. “Earning the top spot as the best outdoor concert series is a testament to the incredible artists, passionate fans, and dedicated team that make Thursday nights something to look forward to. Both esteemed rankings have brought us a great deal of community pride and continued purpose.”

Behind the scenes, city staff and partners coordinate weekly performances, logistics, and promotion to ensure the event remains consistent and welcoming throughout the year. Organizers say the goal has always been to create a space where music, community, and local culture intersect naturally along the waterfront.

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The event’s success has also been supported by a wide network of sponsors that help sustain its free format. Sponsors include the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, Chick-fil-A West Palm Beach, WPB Magazine, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, X 102.3, New Country 103.1, Fox Sports 640 South Florida, News Talk 850 WFTL, and WPBF 25.

Community leaders say this level of support has helped ensure the series remains both accessible and high-quality, even as attendance continues to grow. The combination of public funding, private sponsorship, and community engagement has allowed Clematis by Night to maintain its identity while evolving into a nationally recognized event.

For residents and visitors alike, the recognition adds new attention to an already popular weekly tradition. Locals are now encouraging newcomers and tourists to include the event on their summer plans, especially as warmer months typically bring larger crowds and expanded energy along the waterfront.

With its first-place ranking now secured, Clematis by Night stands as a symbol of West Palm Beach’s cultural identity — a place where music, community, and open-air celebration meet each week. As the city looks ahead, officials say the focus will remain on preserving the spirit that helped the series rise from a local gathering to a nationally recognized outdoor concert experience.