01 Nov Plan Your Sunfestivities For SunFest 2022
The focus is all things local: artists, performers and economy
SunFest is finally back! Florida’s waterfront festival that has helped fans celebrate art, music and friendship for almost 40 years returns April 28 through May 1 in Downtown West Palm Beach. With over 50 performers, 100 artists that expand three blocks of the Art District, tons of art installations and food vendors, there’s something for everyone!
“We all missed SunFest in 2020 and 2021,” said Paul Jamieson, SunFest executive director. “We are so excited to bring back our much-loved and updated music festival for 2022. We don’t want anyone to miss out on all the Sunfestivities we have planned for our friends. As part of our nonprofit mission, SunFest leadership is focusing on ways to give back to our community by supporting local artists, businesses and other local nonprofits, while drawing visitors from near and far to this beautiful setting.”
Founded in 1982, SunFest is Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival. Held annually in downtown West Palm Beach along Flagler Drive and the Intracoastal SunFest attracts more than 100,000 visitors to experience the sunshine and late spring in South Florida with new and old friends. According to Jamieson, the long-standing event is introducing some new initiatives for its 2022 return.
This year, SunFest is showcasing Fresh Local Artists (FLA) at the music festival. In partnership with 1909, a nonprofit in West Palm Beach dedicated to the holistic growth of creators through member access to one-of-a-kind, collaborative community, workspace, accelerator programs and mentorships, the two organizations will offer local bands the opportunity to audition for SunFest 2022. Nearly 20 local artists will have the chance to perform at SunFest and a few lucky artists could open for headline entertainers.
In partnership with the Armory Art Center, a nonprofit in West Palm Beach that inspires the creation and experience of art through art classes for artists of all ages and abilities, exhibitions, art salons, lectures and special events, SunFest has elevated its Art District. Curated by the Armory Art Center, the RE-imagined Art District will feature live artist demonstrations, immersive art installations and innovative new products. Attendees will be able to shop upcycled goods, functional art, apparel, bold prints, and view on-site demonstrations and live events.
“We are able to make an impact on local people, our planet and prosperity for Palm Beach County through donations and the support of our fans,” continued Jamieson. “That includes student scholarships, networking for volunteers and other local nonprofits, reducing our carbon footprint by recycling and reusing items and supporting the economic impact of our county. Our last SunFest we recycled nearly 30 tons of waste and drew an economic impact for Palm Beach County of over $18 million in total culture related spending. This culture-related spending supported 422 full-time equivalent jobs, generated over $8 million in household income to Palm Beach County residents, over $1.7 million in revenue to local and state governments and non-residents spent an estimated $1,092,959 in paid lodging.”
In addition, the SunFest TGi5k will be back and will be partnering with K2 Road Sports, a division of K2 Sports Ventures, the preeminent race management company in Palm Beach County. They manage several local races, including the Palm Beaches Marathon, Run 4 The Pies, and the Shamrock Run.
SunFest is produced by SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc., a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc. consists of a 23-member board of directors; 25 committees; more than 2,800 volunteers; a full-time, year-round staff of 4; and approximately 80 corporate sponsors. SunFest is funded in part by the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council through the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. SunFest is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
While waiting for the entertainment line-up to be announced closer to the event, fans are encouraged to save the dates of Thursday, April 28 – Sunday, May 1 for SunFest 2022. For more information about SunFest volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, how to perform, art vendor applications or 2022 ticket options, please visit www.SunFest.com or call 561-659-5980.