Fishing for Pompano's Secrets

Did you know? Before there were beach bars and bingo nights, Pompano had a horse track, for a week.

It was 1926. The land boom was in full swing, money was everywhere, and someone decided to spend $1.25 million (real money back then) building what they hoped would be South Florida's premier horse racing destination.

Teams of men worked around the clock to finish it. When they did, the numbers were staggering: a grandstand that seated 6,800 people, stables for 1,000 horses, a mile-long clay-and-sand track. Oh, and the entire population of Pompano at the time? About 2,000 people.

Christmas Day, 1926, the place opened. Thousands arrived by special bus. Jockey F. Weiner rode a horse named Russell to victory. Bets were placed. Champagne was flowing.

Then Florida's governor shut the whole thing down. Pari-mutuel betting was illegal, and he personally dubbed Pompano Park "a center of lawbreakers." Racing stopped. The $1.25 million track pivoted to boxing matches and polo until a hurricane in 1928 turned it into a Red Cross station.

It wasn't until 1964 that horse racing finally came back to Pompano legally. Pompano Park became a genuine institution, packed with 18,000 fans on big nights.

Then in 2022, Caesars Entertainment pulled the plug for good. The horses left. The casino stayed.

Let's get into it. 🐟

Bids to build the new City Hall closed Friday. That's not a small thing.

The broader plan is ambitious. A 75-acre redevelopment stretching from Dixie Highway to I-95. A 12-block waterwalk through the heart of downtown — think San Antonio River Walk, Pompano edition. New office space, retail, restaurants, and residential all woven together. Old Town is already showing what's possible. The rest is catching up fast.

For years, the $2 billion downtown transformation has been the kind of story that sounds big but feels far away — renderings, roundtables, commission votes. This week it got real. A builder is about to be selected to break ground on the civic anchor of the entire New Downtown project: a new City Hall and parking deck at 125 Dixie Highway, designed to cluster government, foot traffic, and public programming into one walkable hub.

If you've been waiting to see whether this city is actually going to follow through — this is your answer.

👉 Track the progress at downtownpompanobeach.org

There's a building going up at 305 Briny Ave. that tells you everything about where Pompano Beach is heading.

Salato Residences — nine stories, 40 units, direct beach access — is on track to deliver this year. Nearly 60% sold, at prices ranging from $2 million to $4.9 million. The buyers aren't just locals. They're coming from out of state and internationally, choosing Pompano Beach over the denser, louder options down the coast in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

That's the real story here. This isn't a building for people who settled for Pompano. It's a building for people who picked it. Boutique over bulk. Ocean views without the high-rise canyon. A 14-foot terrace facing the Atlantic instead of another unit's balcony.

And there's more coming — the developer is reportedly in talks to bring a restaurant concept into the 2,700 square feet of retail fronting A1A. Worth watching.

Pompano is no longer the city you pass through on the way somewhere else. The market just confirmed it in writing.

👉 salatoresidences.com

📅 Saturday & Sunday, April 18–19 | 1:00–10:00 PM 📍 Pompano Beach Beachfront | 💰 Free · VIP available

This is the weekend's main event, and it's free.

Saturday brings Kim Scott, Richard Elliot, and Brian Culbertson headlining the main stage. Sunday closes it out with The Purple Project, Walter Beasley, and Ghost-Note — a genre-bending funk and jazz powerhouse that'll have you wondering why you ever paid for a concert.

Local talent stages run both days starting at 1 PM. You can make a full afternoon of it without spending a dollar.

Parking will be tight. Go early, bring a chair, and stake your spot.

👉 Full lineup at jazzfestpompanobeach.com

📅 Thursday, April 16 | 8:00 PM (Sign-up starts 7 PM) 📍 Revelry · 227 S Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach 💰 Free

It's like open mic night, but for vinyl. Every third Thursday, Revelry opens the decks to whoever shows up with records. Crate diggers, casual collectors, first-timers — all welcome. Show up at 7 to get on the list.

👉 Details at revelryfla.com

📅 Saturday, April 18 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM 📍 South Florida Diving HQ · 101 N Riverside Dr, Pompano Beach 💰 Membership required · Individual $50 · Family (4) $75 · Family (6) $100 · Join at the dock

One of Pompano's best-kept secrets opens its doors once a month — and this Saturday is the day. The Hillsboro Lighthouse, known as the "Big Diamond," is one of the brightest active lighthouses in the world, and the only way to get there is by boat.

The tour includes a boat ride out to the lighthouse grounds, a guided tour of the historic station, and the chance to climb the lighthouse itself — 175 stairs to the top and a view of the South Florida coastline that's worth every step.

Boats depart on the hour from the dock and return from the lighthouse on the half hour. No individual reservations — seating is first come, first served. Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early to guarantee your spot, especially in peak season.

What you need to know: Closed-toe shoes are required to climb the lighthouse tower. Children must be at least 48" tall and accompanied by an adult to climb. Membership can be purchased on the day of the tour at the dock — Individual $50 · Family (4 people) $75 · Family (6 people) $100. Membership includes free admission to all tours and a subscription to their newsletter.

🚗 Parking: Paid meter parking near the venue and a small public lot. Meters require a parking app — have it downloaded before you go.

👉 Details & membership at hillsborolighthouse.org

📅 Saturday, April 18 | 8:00 PM 📍 Pompano Beach Brewing Company · 3200 NW 23rd Ave, Suite 500, Pompano Beach 💰 Tickets required · Check nextstopcomedy.com for pricing

A rotating lineup of stand-up comedians rolls into Pompano Beach Brewing Company this Saturday night. Next Stop Comedy has been pairing top local comics with great neighborhood venues across South Florida for years — acts you've seen on TV and heard on podcasts, in a room that actually feels like your neighborhood. New lineup every show, no two nights the same.

The Munchies Report food truck is on-site Saturdays, so you can eat, drink, and laugh all under one roof.

Grab a pint, grab a seat, and let someone else be funny for once.

🚗 Parking: Free lot on-site — it's in an industrial park off NW 23rd Ave, so no street parking headaches.

👉 Tickets at nextstopcomedy.com/events/pompano-beach-brewing-company-2026-04-18

📅 Sunday, April 19 | 7:30 PM 📍 Revelry · 227 S Federal Hwy, Downtown Pompano Beach 💰 $10 · Ages 21+ · No dress code

Stand-up meets speakeasy at one of Pompano's most underrated spots for a night out. Nadeem Awad headlines a rotating lineup of comics from South Florida and beyond, hosted by Ryan Panucci — whose crowd work and sharp timing keeps the whole room loose between sets. Expect big laughs, handcrafted cocktails, and zero pretense inside Revelry's vintage lounge vibe.

Full food and drink menu available all night. Seating is first come, first served — groups of 6 or more should call ahead at 954-295-6662 to reserve a table.

🚗 Parking: Street parking on S Federal Hwy · No dedicated lot 👉 Tickets & details at revelryfla.com

Galuppi's (Pompano Beach) | British 60s/70s Rock Show (Main Stage, free) + 11-Piece Horn Band — Motown (The Deck, $49.95) | 7:30 PM | Free–$49.95

Lucky Fish Beach Bar & Grill (Pompano Beach) | Local band — rotating act | 6:00–9:00 PM | Free

Briny Irish Pub (Pompano Beach) | Live music nightly — check calendar for act | Evening | Free

Sands Waterfront Restaurant (Pompano Beach) | Local band — check venue calendar | Evening | Free · weather permitting

Pompano Beach Amphitheater – The Amp (Pompano Beach) | UB40 featuring Ali Campbell — Reggae | 8:00 PM | Ticketed

Galuppi's (Pompano Beach) | 80s Rock, New Wave, Pop & Top-40 Hits | 7:30 PM | Free · Band Box optional

Lucky Fish Beach Bar & Grill (Pompano Beach) | Local band — rotating act | 6:00–9:00 PM | Free

Sands Waterfront Restaurant (Pompano Beach) | Local band — check venue calendar | Evening | Free · weather permitting

Pier 6 Rooftop (Pompano Beach) | Check venue calendar | Evening | Check venue

Briny Irish Pub (Pompano Beach) | Live music nightly — check calendar for act | Evening | Free

Jazz Fest Pompano Beach — Beachfront | Kim Scott · Richard Elliot · Brian Culbertson (headliner) — Jazz/Funk/Soul | 1:00–10:00 PM | Free · VIP available

Jazz Fest Pompano Beach — Local Talent Stage | Haley Cove · Garçon de Kilimanjaro · Nicole Kidd | 1:00–5:00 PM | Free

Galuppi's (Pompano Beach) | Tribute to Led Zeppelin | 7:30 PM | $49.95 · Dinner option available

Sands Waterfront Restaurant (Pompano Beach) | Local band — check venue calendar | Evening | Free · weather permitting

Pier 6 Rooftop (Pompano Beach) | Check venue calendar | Evening | Check venue

Pompano Beach Brewing Company (Pompano Beach) | Next Stop Comedy — rotating stand-up lineup | 8:00 PM | Ticketed

Briny Irish Pub (Pompano Beach) | Live music nightly — check calendar for act | Evening | Free

Jazz Fest Pompano Beach — Beachfront | The Purple Project · Walter Beasley · Ghost-Note (headliner) — Jazz/Funk | 1:00–10:00 PM | Free · VIP available

Jazz Fest Pompano Beach — Local Talent Stage | The Fella Band · Kizie The Violist · Inner Court | 12:00–4:00 PM | Free

Galuppi's (Pompano Beach) | Hits from Blood, Sweat & Tears & Chicago (The Deck, $49.95) + Rock Hits from the '70s (Main Stage, free) | 7:30 PM | Free–$49.95

Briny Irish Pub (Pompano Beach) | Live music nightly — check calendar for act | Evening | Free

Pompano Beach Amphitheater – The Amp (Pompano Beach) | SatchVai Band feat. Joe Satriani & Steve Vai w/ Animals as Leaders — Rock/Guitar | 7:00 PM | Ticketed

📅 Tuesday, May 19 | 8:00 PM · Doors 6:30 PM 📍 Pompano Beach Amphitheater · 1801 NE 6th St 💰 Tickets from ~$50

At 92 years old, Willie Nelson is still on the road — and Pompano Beach is on the route. Willie Nelson & Family roll into the Pompano Beach Amphitheater on May 19 as part of a newly announced spring swing through Florida. JamBase Lily Meola opens. Doors at 6:30 PM, show at 8:00 PM.

This is an outdoor show at one of South Florida's best amphitheaters. Tickets start around $50 and just went on sale. Don't wait on this one.

👉 Tickets at ticketmaster.com

📍 2460 N Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point (just north of Pompano) · Tue–Sat 11:30 AM–9:00 PM

Don't let the strip mall fool you. Tucked into a hidden stretch of shops just off Federal Highway — one that also houses a coin laundromat — Fish Shack is the kind of place a longtime Pompano local has to tell you about. Once you know, you know.

The 600-square-foot spot seats no more than 30, and on a busy afternoon patrons cram in elbow to elbow. The menu is built around whatever's fresh: conch fritters, smoked fish dip, cracked conch, oysters, and heaping platters of fried fish, shrimp, scallops, and clam strips. The conch salad is legendary. The fish and chips is the most-ordered plate. It's all outrageously good for the price.

The family has been in the seafood business for over 20 years, and it shows. This is one of those spots that makes you feel like you've been let in on something.

🚗 Parking: Strip mall lot — easy ⏰ Closed Sunday & Monday · No reservations · First come, first served

👉 fishshack_lhp on Instagram

If The Pompano Catch has become part of your Thursday routine — hit reply and tell me what you think. What do you love? What do you want more of? A few responses might even show up on the website.

Takes 30 seconds. Means a lot. 🐟

🌦️ Friday · High 80°F · 25% chance of rain

⛅ Saturday · High 81°F · 25% chance of rain

🌤️ Sunday · High 84°F · 25% chance of rain

👉 Live forecast: forecast.weather.gov →

Pompano has more going on than the beach and the pier. Here are three spots worth getting off the couch for — no tickets, no reservations, no crowds

📍 201 S Lyons Rd, Coconut Creek (10 min west of Pompano) 🕗 Open daily 9 AM–5 PM

247 acres of urban wilderness tucked right into the suburbs. Elevated boardwalks wind through lush tropical forest, and the trails are home to over 30 species of ferns, diverse wildlife, and a visitor center with exhibits about South Florida's native ecosystem. Reviewers regularly spot banana spiders, jewel beetles, dragonflies, and woodpeckers. Guided walks available on weekends.

⚠️ No dogs or bikes allowed. Bring bug spray and closed-toe shoes.

📍 1232 Hibiscus Ave (at NE 13th St), Pompano Beach 🕗 Open daily sunrise to sunset

One of Pompano's oldest and most overlooked spots — and the only surviving Native American burial mound in Broward County. Built by the Tequesta tribe over 1,000 years ago, it's now on the National Register of Historic Places. Small, peaceful, and full of history. Benches, waterfront views of the Intracoastal, and informative signs that will make you feel like you've been living next to something significant without knowing it. Also a Water Taxi stop if you want to arrive by water.

🐾 Dog-friendly · Free · Open daily

📍 1001 NE 10th St, Pompano Beach (park at the dog park lot) 🕗 Open daily

A fully paved 4.4-mile loop around the Pompano Beach Airpark — flat, wide, and typically uncrowded. You're walking alongside small planes taking off and landing, which is weirdly mesmerizing. Rated 4.5 stars from 366 reviews on AllTrails and somehow still flies under the radar. Joggers, cyclists, and strollers all welcome. Go early before the heat kicks in.

🚗 Park for free in the lot at the corner of NE 10th St and Federal Hwy (US-1), next to the dog park. Start heading west and loop the perimeter — you can't miss it. 🚲 Bikes, joggers, and strollers welcome · Dog-friendly

This is just the start. We're going deep on every category - the best free fishing spots, hidden parks, free things to do with kids, the best local events, and everything else that makes Pompano one of the best places to live in South Florida.

💬 Know a free spot we missed? Hit reply and tell us - we update this list regularly.

That's your week, Pompano. Jazz on the beach, laughs at the bar, a lighthouse you can actually climb, and Willie Nelson coming in hot next month. Not bad for a Thursday read.

See you next Thursday. 🐟