Founded in 1982, SunFest is Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival. The festival is held in Downtown West Palm Beach, attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually. Its strong reputation is due to the noteworthy artists it has featured in the past, and 2023 is no exception! This year, the event runs from May 5 to May 7. Here we’ve rounded up ten reasons why you should check out SunFest 2023 in West Palm Beach.  

1. The Lineup

Every year, SunFest features the hottest musical artists across every genre for a truly one-of-a-kind lineup for music lovers. Check out this year’s exciting lineup below

And there’s more! This year, SunFest is again showcasing Fresh Local Artists!

 

2. Family Friendly

SunFest in West Palm Beach is a festival for everyone… Old, young, middle aged, kids, couples, friends, families—everybody is welcome at SunFest. Its inclusivity makes it a great place to spend the weekend with the entire family while listening to great music, strolling around the waterfront, checking out food vendors, and relaxing in the outdoor. And besides SunFest, The Palm Beaches offer several other kid-friendly activities and attractions. Check out some ideas here.

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3. Incredible Location on The Waterfront 

SunFest takes place in Downtown West Palm Beach along Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, extending along Flagler Drive. It is an awesome location right on the waterfront, where two bridges connect West Palm Beach to the chic Palm Beach Island. Dance at the rhythm of music while enjoying the ocean breeze, palm-lined landscapes, and breathtaking views!  GPS Location: 100 S. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

 

4. Giving Back to the Community 

By attending the festival, you’ll support the local community. SunFest is not only a way to bring tourists to Palm Beach County. As a nonprofit, it is also an important supporter of the local community during the festival and throughout the year. The mission of SunFest is to support the community with projects that promote or enhance culture and the arts, youth education, as well as assistance for other nonprofit organizations and the environment. SunFest helps raise more than $75,000 annually to nonprofit organizations that volunteer at the festival. Moreover, every year SunFest donated 800 festival tickets to local nonprofit organizations.

 

5. Helping the Planet

At SunFest, sustainability and planet conservation play a crucial role. The event has partnered with Lagoon Keepers for post-event Intracoastal clean-up. Additionally, the festival has eliminated helium balloons and plastic straws. SunFest also encourages people to carpool, and it provides a bike valet and pre-paid parking. Festival organizers donate excess food to food pantries, and reuse tents, tables, docks, signage and more each year. SunFest 2019 recycled nearly 43% of the waste generated at the festival.

 

6. Vibrant Day and Nightlife on Clematis

SunFest takes place a few steps away from Clematis Street in Downtown West Palm Beach. Clematis boasts a wide variety of restaurants, cute cafes, bars, and clubs that you should definitely check out! Lynora’s is an Italian restaurant serving delicious Italian dishes in a modern environment. Try one of their wood oven pizzas, or—if you’re in the mood for a libation—order an Aperol Spritz or The Lynora’s bubbly cocktail. Another place to check out on Clematis is Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, a popular Mexican restaurant with eight locations around South and Central Florida. If you want a good coffee or a healthy lunch, have a seat at Alchemy Juice Co. & Market. And, if you are looking for fancier places, check out one of the numerous rooftops, such as the Treehouse (the classy rooftop of The Canopy hotel) or Spruzzo, a Mediterranean-style restaurant on the rooftop of The Ben hotel. There are also several clubs on and around Clematis Street, including Clematis Social and Banko Cantina.

 

7. Plenty of Things to Do in The Surroundings 

Besides Clematis Street, there are several other neighborhoods and places to check out in West Palm Beach. And many of them are within walking distance of the SunFest venue. The Square is a dynamic and contemporary neighborhood featuring more than 50 shops and restaurants in the heart of Downtown West Palm Beach. Check it out and stop by Angie’s Epicurean pink truck for a scoop of creamy vegan ice cream. If you’re into art, check out Antique Row, a charming district with more than 40 antique shops offering a selection of 17th to 20th century antiques, decorative arts, furnishings, and more. Or, the Northwood district is another little gem with small galleries, local stores, and enjoyable dining options. For another artistry experience, visit the Norton Museum and enjoy over 7,000 art pieces with a focus on European, American, and Chinese art. 

 

8. Awesome Beaches a Few Steps Away

With 47 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, The Palm Beaches boast some of the best beaches in Florida and in the US. Find stretches of warm golden sand, blue Atlantic Ocean waters and gently swaying palm trees. In The Palm Beaches, each beach has its own personality to discover. Here is a list of our favorite ones.

 

9. Culture & Arts

If you’re planning on attending SunFest, then you undoubtedly love the arts. So why don’t you extend your stay once SunFest is over and check out all the cultural offerings in The Palm Beaches? After all, May will be a month full of cultural events, with MOSAIC being the most important one. Running from May 1 to May 31, MOSAIC is a month-long celebration of shows, art, ideas, and culture. Throughout the entire month, you’ll be able to take advantage of discounts on museum admissions, performances, exhibitions and more. This May, extend your stay in Florida’s Cultural Capital® and reconnect with culture!

 

10. Brightline Station

Do you want to skip the traffic and get to SunFest car-free? The West Palm Beach Brightline Station is just steps away from the waterfront! Trains depart hourly from Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, and Boca Raton getting you to West Palm Beach in 30 minutes (from Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton) or in under an hour (from Miami and Aventura). Walk to SunFest or book Brightline+, their rideshare program, to get you there in just minutes. To celebrate SunFest, Brightline is also hosting the pre-party. Expect live music, drink specials, and more when you get to the station!

 

About SunFest 2023