01-05-2025
No SunFest, no problem. West Palm Beach's arts scene is thriving
For more than four decades, SunFest stood as the marquee event that signaled the start of summer in downtown West Palm Beach — a celebration of music, art, and the unique energy that makes our waterfront so special. So when news emerged that SunFest wouldn't return in 2025, it was understandable for longtime fans to feel a sense of loss.
But let's celebrate this moment as a springboard rather than a setback. While we honor SunFest's incredible legacy, the vibrancy of arts and entertainment in downtown West Palm Beach isn't just surviving — it's thriving.
Over the past several years, the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has invested more than $1 million in arts-related initiatives — everything from large-scale mural installations and pop-up performances to year-round live-music activations and artist showcases. These investments have helped cultivate a downtown that pulses with creativity every day.
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Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. By partnering with the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, Discover the Palm Beaches, and the City's Community Events Department, we've brought fresh, homegrown concepts to life — like Soul in the City series and Vintage Vibes. These new events demonstrate our commitment to elevating local talent and connecting diverse audiences with immersive cultural experiences.
Our approach is as dynamic as the community we serve. Perhaps most importantly, we've stayed nimble. Downtown West Palm Beach has evolved rapidly over the last decade and so have the needs of residents, employees, and visitors. That's why our programming is never one-size-fits-all. We're cultivating an inclusive, year-round cultural ecosystem — one that reflects the very best of our city's identity and invites creativity into every corner of our district.
In many ways, the absence of SunFest creates a new opportunity for new voices, emerging creators, and innovative formats that bring people together in fresh ways. We don't have to look far for inspiration. Programs like Black Art Matters, Que Bacano, and Let's Vibe have drawn thousands of attendees while spotlighting underrepresented artists and transforming public spaces, further underscoring the richness of our community. Our vision is clear: to position downtown West Palm Beach as a hub for creativity 365 days a year.
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So if you find yourself missing that familiar SunFest beat, look again at the streets around you. Take in the masterpieces of our walls, the melodies drifting through our plazas, and the lively foot traffic in our public spaces. The arts in West Palm Beach are growing, evolving, and becoming more accessible than ever.
The soul of downtown was never defined by one weekend. It's defined by the people who bring their talent, imagination, and heart to our city every day. And that's something worth celebrating.
Teneka James-Feaman is Executive Director of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: SunFest loss won't sink West Palm Beach arts | Opinion
