Wellington residents can start the weekend with a free night of Latin jazz when Tito Puente Jr. performs at the Wellington Amphitheater on Friday, October 16.

The Village's official event listing schedules the overall gathering from 6 to 10 p.m., with the concert running from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Food trucks are planned from 6 to 10 p.m., giving guests time to arrive, choose dinner and settle in before the music begins.

The event at a glance

The Wellington Amphitheater is at 12100 Forest Hill Boulevard, Wellington, Florida 33414.

Admission is listed as free, while food and drinks from vendors are separate purchases.

The official event page describes Puente Jr. as continuing the musical legacy of his father, Tito Puente, through mambo, salsa and Latin jazz with a contemporary approach.

That makes this more than background music for dinner: the performance is the evening's centerpiece, and the percussion-driven sound is likely to reward guests who arrive before the 7:30 start.

A simple plan for the evening

Bring a portable chair or picnic blanket because the amphitheater lawn is an open-air setting rather than a reserved-seat concert hall.

Families or groups arriving separately should choose a meeting point in advance, especially once the lawn and food-truck area become busy.

If a particular dinner option matters, check Wellington Recreation's current updates before leaving because food-truck lineups can change.

A small spending plan can also help: the Latin jazz concert is free, but meals, desserts and beverages are not.

Allow time to park, follow temporary signs and walk to the lawn without rushing.

The posted schedule is specific: food trucks begin at 6 p.m., while the performance starts at 7:30 p.m.

Bring a donation if you can

The concert coincides with Wellington's annual holiday food and toy drives, offering an easy way to combine an evening out with support for local families.

Food donations are being accepted through November 13, 2026, and should be unopened, unexpired and nonperishable.

The Village's holiday drive information identifies requested staples such as canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, packaged stuffing, cornbread muffin mix and turkey gravy.

New, unwrapped toys are accepted through December 11, 2026.

Keep a donation separate from personal belongings so it is easy to deliver at the designated collection point.

Check conditions before leaving

This is an outdoor Wellington event, and the Village notes that dates and times remain subject to change.

Review the official event page and Wellington's event-status information on Friday, particularly if rain or storms are possible.

Residents can call 561-753-2484 for event questions.

Pack light rain protection only if conditions warrant it, along with water and anything your household routinely needs for an outdoor evening.

Do not assume a social-media post or an older listing reflects the final schedule; compare the date and update time with the official listing.

Why this concert stands out

Among Wellington weekend events, this one combines a nationally recognized Latin-music name, a free outdoor format and dinner options in one familiar community venue.

It also offers a practical introduction to Latin jazz for residents who may know salsa or mambo rhythms but have never attended a concert centered on the style.

Arrive near 6 p.m. if you want an unhurried meal, or closer to 7 p.m. if the music is your priority.

Either way, confirm the status before leaving home and give yourself enough time to be seated when the percussion begins.