BROWARD CENTER ANNOUNCES RHYTHM BY THE RIVER 2026 WITH A LINEUP OF LOCAL FAVORITES
Published: Dec 22, 2025
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts announces Rhythm by the River 2026: A Celebration of Local Voices, an annual free community event, taking place Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Esplanade Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Headlining the free, outdoor event is reggae legend Inner Circle, the Grammy-winning group internationally known for iconic hits including Bad Boys and Sweat (A La La La La Long). The lineup also features The Ladies of Simone, a dynamic group of vocal powerhouses who celebrate the music of Nina Simone and more; The Swayzees, delivering rock n’ roll and Motown-inspired favorites; and the Luigi Arredondo Sextet, blending jazz, Latin, funk and contemporary influences. All musical performances will take place on the Esplanade Park stage.
In addition to live music, the event features community mural making which everyone can participate in, local vendors and food trucks, as well as family-friendly arts and crafts and games in the Baptist Health Activity Zone. Free interactive workshops featuring music and dance take place throughout the afternoon in the Broward Center’s Mary N. Porter Riverview Ballroom located in the Huizenga Pavilion adjacent to the park.
Rhythm by the River is part of AMPLIFY ARTS, a Broward Center initiative designed to support and elevate local artists and emerging arts organizations. The program supports South Florida performers, helping them to reach wider audiences and develop their skills as professional presenters, with opportunities to showcase their work at Broward Center venues throughout the year.
“Rhythm by the River has become an annual event the community truly looks forward to,” said Jan Goodheart, Vice President of External Affairs at the Broward Center. “It’s a chance to gather, celebrate the incredible artists who call South Florida home and bring the community together through live music and hands-on activities. Through AMPLIFY ARTS, we are continuing to create opportunities that elevate local artists, help them broaden their reach as we deliver on our mission to build community through the arts.”
Rhythm by the River 2026 is presented by Baptist Health and JM Family Enterprises, Inc., with additional support from Funding Arts Broward and TD Charitable Foundation. The 2025/2026 AMPLIFY ARTS initiative is made possible by the generous support of Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, Baptist Health and TD Charitable Foundation.
Tickets and details on performances in the Amplify Arts lineup are available at BrowardCenter.org/AmplifyArts. Information about Rhythm by the River can be found at BrowardCenter.org. For more information, contact amplifyarts@browardcenter.org.
EVENT DETAILS
- Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Admission: FREE
- Location: Esplanade Park (400 SW 2nd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312)
- Parking: Paid parking options are available nearby, including valet at the Broward Center and ParkMobile options in the Arts & Entertainment District Garage. Additional parking information is available at, https://www.browardcenter.org/visit/parking.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.
The Broward Center 2025/2026 season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System.
About The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the campus of Nova Southeastern University and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County. The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org.
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