Fort Lauderdale, FL Parks & Rec
Home MenuGreat American Beach Party
Kick off the summer on Memorial Day weekend at the Great American Beach Party, a tradition in the City of Fort Lauderdale. Celebrate with family and friends as a portion of Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach transforms into an entertainment mecca.
Highlights from this free, family-friendly event include live bands, water slides, a kids zone, a classic car show, an art show, a sand sculpting contest, a SOCOM Para-Commandos parachute jump, a military tribute, the Walk of Fame ceremony, vendors, exhibitors, and so much more!
Saturday, May 24, 2025
- 11 AM - 6:30 PM
- Las Olas Oceanside Park
Event Schedule
TIME | EVENT | LOCATION |
10 AM - 1 PM | Sand Sculpting Contest | Beach |
11 AM - 5 PM | Water Slides | Beach |
11 AM - 5 PM | Family Activities: Native Village, Face Painting, Arts and Crafts, and Water Play Feature |
Las Olas Oceanside Park |
11 AM - 6:30 PM | Classic Car Show | Las Olas Blvd |
11 AM - 6:30 PM | Art Show, Vendors, and Exhibits | Las Olas Oceanside Park |
11 AM - 2 PM | DJ & Games | Las Olas Oceanside Park |
2 - 2:30 PM | SOCOM Para-Commandos Parachute Jump |
Beach |
2:30 - 2:50 PM | Military Tribute | Las Olas Oceanside Park |
3 - 3:30 PM | Walk of Fame Ceremony | Las Olas Oceanside Park |
3:30 - 6:30 PM | Shaw Davis and The Black Ties | Las Olas Oceanside Park |
Walk of Fame
The City established the Walk of Fame in 2010 at the inaugural Great American Beach Party to pay tribute to the legendary Connie Francis on the 50th Anniversary of “Where the Boys Are,” the 1960 film which made Fort Lauderdale an overnight sensation and a “must see” destination for visitors.
Walk of Fame Honorees are recognized by making sustained, positive impacts in one or more of the areas listed below but not limited to:
• Providing a positive outlook for the future of our youth,
• Contributing to the quality of life for our citizens,
• Fostering the spirit of our community,
• Bringing positive recognition to the City, locally or nationally,
• Making Fort Lauderdale a place to live, work, or play,
• Encouraging people to visit Fort Lauderdale as a destination of choice.
As part of the awards program, each honoree receives a commemorative paver that is placed in the Walk of Fame to memorialize their outstanding accomplishments. The Fort Lauderdale Walk of Fame is located on the beach along the east side of A1A at Las Olas Boulevard. Walk of Fame Honorees are announced at the Great American Beach Party, which is tentatively scheduled to take place on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend.
2025 Walk of Fame Honorees
Robert Bekoff, Waterway Transportation Pioneer
- Innovator of water transit, bringing Fort Lauderdale’s canals to life.
- A devoted Social Worker dedicated to championing opportunity for all and ensuring every voice is heard and every person is valued.
Richard Gray, LGBTQ+ Champion. Trailblazer. Advocate.
- Pioneer of LGBTQ+ and accessible travel, elevating Fort Lauderdale on the global stage.
Paul M. Sallarulo, Community Leader and Philanthropic Force
- Champion of philanthropy and leadership, shaping Fort Lauderdale through decades of service and generosity.
Transportation Information
Travel stress free! Avoid the traffic jam and the hunt for a parking space. Instead, enjoy a quick ride by the sea!
Beach Parking
$25 Event Rate (Honored until midnight.)
- Las Olas Garage - 200 E. Las Olas Cir
- Fort Lauderdale Beach Park - 700 Seabreeze Blvd
- On-Street Parking - From Vistamar St to SE 5th St
Downtown Parking
Riverwalk Center Garage - 150 SE 2nd St
- Hourly rates apply - Registered Residents $1.50/hour, Visitors $3.00/hour
Water Taxi
Departures every 35-40 minutes with service towards the beach at Stop #6: International Swimming Hall of Fame. Enjoy unlimited Water Taxi rides all day (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) from any stop for one fare. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.watertaxi.com.
- Fares
- Adults/Senior/Military - $25
- Kids 5-11 - $18
- Kids Under 5 - Free
- Pick-Up Locations
- Stop 1: Stranahan House on Riverwalk, 420 SE 6th Ave
- Stop 8: GALLERYone Double Tree Hotel, 2670 E. Sunrise Blvd
- Drop-Off Location
- Stop 7: International Swimming Hall of Fame
Traffic Advisory
Las Olas Boulevard between A1A and Seabreeze Boulevard will be closed from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 24. Poinsettia Street between A1A and Almond Avenue will be closed from 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 24 until 9 p.m. on Monday, May 26.
Northbound A1A traffic may access turnarounds at Cortez and Castillo Streets. Southbound A1A traffic may access turnaround at 600 Seabreeze Boulevard.
Motorists should expect heavy traffic and are encouraged to avoid the area and seek alternate travel routes or transportation.
Video
Photos
Visit our Photo Albums page to see our complete Great American Beach Party gallery.