It’s April, and if you are…well, me, you know what that means. If you guessed “Sunfest, the greatest music festival of all time, is around the corner,” then you are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!
Around late April to early May, Sunfest takes place for five days in the downtown area of my hometown of West Palm Beach. What’s it like, you ask? Allow me to explain in great detail:
When you enter through the gates, you’ll feel like you just stepped into Candyland. Three large stages stand tall to host over 50 musical acts each year, ranging from local Floridian bands to international superstars. It’s always wise to dress comfortably because not only will it be Sahara Desert-level hot, but you’ll also be doing a lot of walking and standing.
There’s also lots and lots of glorious food. You have the standard hot dogs and lemonade served by multiple food carts, and then there’s also a wide selection of intriguing delicacies from local West Palm Beach restaurants and food joints, including pineapple bowls (something I’m definitely trying for the first time this year). My item of choice to chow down on each time I go is a cone of piping hot Bahamian conch fritters.
An overlooked part of Sunfest is the art show that occurs between the Tire Kingdom stage and the JetBlue stage. It’s one long trail decorated with vendors selling their handmade goods, paintings, and much more. When you go to Sunfest, I highly recommend you do not ignore this. You’ll even have an opportunity to meet the artists themselves, like I got to meet this guy here in 2017!
OK, the food is great and the art is awesome. But let’s get back to the main attraction: THE MUSIC. Among many others, this year’s lineup includes Logic, Pitbull, and interestingly enough, Nick and Joe Jonas (sadly, there won’t be a Jonas Brothers reunion taking place).
If you have some extra dollars to spare, you can get even closer to your favorite acts with The Stand. You are provided a wristband for re-entry and you’ll be standing within spitting distance of your favorite artist. When I first attended Sunfest in 2011, I was not only in The Stand for Mike Posner, but I also got to touch his arm! It is THAT close.
I even got to see two of my favorite bands, Paramore and Fall Out Boy, this way in 2015. And no, I am still not over it.
Unfortunately, Sunfest will take place for only four days this year. While it’s definitely a major downside, it gives me an extra day to prepare all of my elaborate outfits! Did I mention that it all takes place on the waterfront of the Intracoastal Waterway? Give your feet a break; sit by the edge and watch the boats go by.
If you get a chance to do so in your lifetime, I cannot recommend attending Sunfest enough. I’ve only gone three times so far (I plan on going every consecutive year from now on), but it’s always an amazing time when I go. There’s truly something for everybody and you won’t be disappointed!
All images courtesy of the author.