Party on the Plaza Is a Hit With Locals

“Party on the Plaza” made its debut Friday night, just after singer Don Henley retired his set at the Mahaffey. The best part of the event: It was free.

The waterfront plaza was filled with cabanas, daybeds and lights, to boot. A fireworks display lit up the sky as concert goers were exiting from the concert that featured the former Eagles singer.

Doug “DJ Fresh” Hensel was on hand to deliver dance-worthy tunes while guests soaked up the breeze of a cool November night.

Hensel is a veteran to Chillounge Night, but was impressed with the way things turned out at the pilot run of Party on the Plaza. “You’ve got this event space sandwiched between two amazing venues, the Dali and the Mahaffey and then you’ve got the water a few feet away” he said. “I love it.”

It was enough for Hensel, a pro at throwing and hosting events, to dub the evening a “huge success” and only the beginning of what’s to come from the Mahaffey, which is under new management.

The Mahaffey's Opening Gala Weekend continues with big name shows through Sunday night. Saturday evening, Latin sensation Marc Anthony takes the stage and then Cedric the Entertainer closes out the weekend on Sunday.

On Saturday night, the annual Chillounge, a ticketed event at North Straub Park, will take place. The event also is on the waterfront but just off Beach Drive. Patrons must buy tickets to lounge in the cabanas and enjoy appetizers and live music.