From open-air concerts and live theater to contemporary art exhibitions and cultural celebrations, Pompano Beach, Florida, offers visitors a vibrant arts scene that adds a creative dimension to a South Florida getaway.

Pompano Beach is expanding its appeal beyond its beaches with a diverse cultural scene featuring live music, theater, visual arts and community events. With outdoor performance venues, contemporary galleries, historic cultural centers and intimate theaters, the city offers visitors plenty of opportunities to experience the arts throughout the year.

One of the main attractions is the Pompano Beach Amphitheater, known as The AMP. With seating for approximately 3,000 guests, this open-air venue hosts nationally recognized recording artists, tribute bands, touring productions, comedians and special events. A large canopy covers the seating area, allowing audiences to enjoy the outdoor concert atmosphere with added protection from the elements. Nearby restaurants make it easy to combine a live performance with dinner and an evening out.

Theater, Music and Art in the Heart of the City

The Pompano Beach Cultural Center brings together a variety of artistic disciplines, with programming that includes theater, concerts, dance, comedy, film and special performances. It is also home to the Pompano Players, the city's professional theater company, which presents live productions in a contemporary setting. Visitors can also explore visual art exhibitions, making the venue an appealing stop for anyone looking to experience several forms of creativity in one place.

In the Old Town arts district, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA) offers a closer look at the local creative community. Its changing exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, live performances and special events showcase a range of artistic approaches. Through its artist residency program and on-site studios, BaCA also gives visitors opportunities to connect with working artists and discover how new ideas take shape.

The center is part of the creative energy behind Old Town Untapped, a monthly celebration held on the first Friday of the month. The event brings together art, live music, food, local vendors and community activities, creating an inviting way to explore the neighborhood.

Discover African American Heritage Through the Arts

The Ali Cultural Arts Center celebrates the history and cultural contributions of Pompano Beach's African American community. Housed in a historic building dating to the 1930s, the center preserves the story of a property that once included a barbershop, barber-training facility and boarding house operated by Florence Major Ali and her husband, Frank.

During segregation, the boarding house welcomed Black entertainers who faced restrictions on where they could stay. The venue's history is associated with legendary musicians, including Cab Calloway and Louis Armstrong, who are believed to have visited the property.

Today, the restored center serves as a gathering place for musicians, dancers, poets, visual artists and performers. Its programming includes Soulful Sundays, an afternoon concert series, and Lyrics Lab, where poets, vocalists, musicians and other creatives share their work. Exhibitions, workshops and community events further enrich the calendar.

Intimate Performances at The Hive

Located within the Ali Cultural Arts Campus, The Hive Black Box Theatre offers a more intimate alternative to a traditional theater. Its flexible performance space hosts plays, musicals, comedy, concerts, film screenings, spoken-word performances and experimental productions.

The close relationship between performers and audiences creates a personal experience, while Brevo Theatre brings additional productions to both The Hive and the Pompano Beach Cultural Center.

Public Art Adds Creativity to the Streets

Art in Pompano Beach extends well beyond its performance venues. Murals, mosaics, sculptures and public installations can be found throughout the city, adding color and character to streets, parks and public spaces.

Visitors can combine an afternoon exploring Old Town's galleries with dinner and an evening performance. Those visiting on the first Friday of the month can also experience Old Town Untapped, with live music, local food, vendors and gallery activities.

Whether the ideal outing involves a major concert under the stars, an engaging theater production, a contemporary art exhibition or an intimate evening of live music, Pompano Beach offers a cultural experience to complement its coastal attractions.

For travelers exploring Greater Fort Lauderdale and South Florida, the city's arts scene provides another reason to extend a stay, discover local neighborhoods and experience the destination beyond the beach.