Immerse
Winter Haven is full of opportunities to be exposed to rich art and cultural experiences. Whether you are looking for theater, comedy, music or art galleries, we've got you covered! From award winning productions at the Theatre Winter Haven to live music at Gram Parsons Derry Down to sculptures in downtown to music filling the streets from downtown restaurants, Winter Haven is a center for thriving fine art and culture.
Theatre
Theatre Winter Haven, located on Cypress Gardens Boulevard, is an award winning theatre that continues to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors with its talented actors, experienced staff and exceptional productions. Annually, they transport you to the streets of Broadway with musicals, plays and special performances. They also offer programming that includes 55+ acting troupe, a children's theatre academy, dance classes and a community choir.
In April of 2019, Theatre Winter Haven announced it's partnership with another crown jewel of Winter Haven arts, The Ritz Theatre. For the first time in history, both theaters will be combing their efforts to bring the community the highest level of entertainment.
Polk State College also stages many excellent performances and musical productions, along with student-created visual arts that are showcased throughout the year. Check out information on their upcoming shows at polk.edu.
In April of 2019, Theatre Winter Haven announced it's partnership with another crown jewel of Winter Haven arts, The Ritz Theatre. For the first time in history, both theaters will be combing their efforts to bring the community the highest level of entertainment.
Polk State College also stages many excellent performances and musical productions, along with student-created visual arts that are showcased throughout the year. Check out information on their upcoming shows at polk.edu.
Music
Winter Haven's musical history boats hometown artists like Jim Stafford and Gram Parsons, and its present day also includes young artists making their mark. From open mic nights to concerts, Gram Parson's Derry Down gives everyone a chance to be a part of Winter Haven's musical soul. Once a teen night club in the 1960's, this restored venue is once again giving young musicians an opportunity to hone their craft.
Opened in 1964, Gram Parsons Derry Down is a historic building that has been reimagined, by a local non profit organization Main Street Winter Haven, into a popular venue for aspiring & experienced musicians to share their talents with the Winter Haven community. Visit gpderrydown.com for more information on upcoming shows and events.
In addition to Gram Parsons Derry Down, many of our downtown restaurants and bars host live music Thursday - Sunday or special musical concerts and festivals. There are also opportunities for YOU to fill our downtown with music! Located in front of Potthast Studios and the Winter Haven Library are two beautifully painted pianos, placed there so that anyone strolling downtown can stop and play a tune.
Opened in 1964, Gram Parsons Derry Down is a historic building that has been reimagined, by a local non profit organization Main Street Winter Haven, into a popular venue for aspiring & experienced musicians to share their talents with the Winter Haven community. Visit gpderrydown.com for more information on upcoming shows and events.
In addition to Gram Parsons Derry Down, many of our downtown restaurants and bars host live music Thursday - Sunday or special musical concerts and festivals. There are also opportunities for YOU to fill our downtown with music! Located in front of Potthast Studios and the Winter Haven Library are two beautifully painted pianos, placed there so that anyone strolling downtown can stop and play a tune.
Art
One of the highlights of a trip downtown is the modern murals peeking through the alleyways and sides of buildings. Some of these are from local artists and others were commissioned to internationally-recognized artists. The City of Winter Haven's cultural art advisory committee commissioned local artists to paint all of the electrical boxes in downtown Winter Haven in 2017. Because of all of the amazing art, our downtown canvas is a favorite for family and engagement photo sessions.
The Downtown stage has gotten significantly bigger with the brand-new addition of South Central Park! South Central Park is the park located between 5th Street SW and 4th Street SW with grassy areas surrounded by beautiful brick pavers, swinging benches, nighttime lighting features and ample parking. An interactive information kiosk located in the park assists guests enjoying our walkable downtown. With this new park, our events, festivals, art shows, car shows, farmer's markets and family events have dramatically enhanced! Main Street Winter Haven presents many of our downtown events such as Octoberfest, Art Walk, Craft Beer Crawl and Holidays on Central (formerly Carols in the Park) in December. Annually, the Chamber of Commerce presents CommunityFest which is a FREE family festival with games, food and entertainment. Our downtown core is teeming with art, music and events just for you.
The fun activities and art don't stop in downtown Winter Haven. Ridge Art Association is Winter Haven's premier gallery and hosts public receptions for artists, competitions, classes and festivals throughout the year. Bok Tower Gardens is also another local favorite which offers a visual artistic experience that displays the work of local artists.
The Downtown stage has gotten significantly bigger with the brand-new addition of South Central Park! South Central Park is the park located between 5th Street SW and 4th Street SW with grassy areas surrounded by beautiful brick pavers, swinging benches, nighttime lighting features and ample parking. An interactive information kiosk located in the park assists guests enjoying our walkable downtown. With this new park, our events, festivals, art shows, car shows, farmer's markets and family events have dramatically enhanced! Main Street Winter Haven presents many of our downtown events such as Octoberfest, Art Walk, Craft Beer Crawl and Holidays on Central (formerly Carols in the Park) in December. Annually, the Chamber of Commerce presents CommunityFest which is a FREE family festival with games, food and entertainment. Our downtown core is teeming with art, music and events just for you.
The fun activities and art don't stop in downtown Winter Haven. Ridge Art Association is Winter Haven's premier gallery and hosts public receptions for artists, competitions, classes and festivals throughout the year. Bok Tower Gardens is also another local favorite which offers a visual artistic experience that displays the work of local artists.
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