SunFest 2022: Ultimate guide to South Florida's biggest music and art festival

Support local journalism. Unlock unlimited digital access to palmbeachpost.com

With a pandemic-imposed two-year hiatus, no doubt SunFest will see plenty of newcomers Thursday through Sunday, along with some regulars who may need to dust off their best festival strategies.

To refresh those memories and to prep for new ones, we’ve reached into our archives to get five insider tips from an old pro, former Palm Beach Post columnist Leslie Gray Streeter.

Some folks may arrive on West Palm Beach’s waterfront knowing exactly what they want to see and when. But with three stages going at any time over the four-day waterfront festival, you don’t want to be paralyzed by fear of missing out. Instead, our pro says: Strategize.

SunFest 2022 music lineup: Nelly is out, Steve Aoki added, plus Lil Wayne, AJR, Sam Hunt

More SunFest 2022 news: Road closures, parking restrictions in West Palm Beach for SunFest

For subscribers: Cancer survivor finds inspiration in rock star’s Melissa Etheridge Nation

Best SunFest 2022 foods: Five favorite dishes and sips making a comeback at West Palm's music festival

1. What to know about Ideal Nutrition Stage

When there’s a time conflict between bands I want or need to see, I’m relieved when at least one of them is on this middle stage, located at the Meyer Amphitheatre. Not only does its central location make it a good home base, but it’s got a good place to stand — the top of the hill on the eastern end of the stage, which is usually behind an arepa stand. If you get there as close to the beginning of the show as possible, you can usually scout a place to perch where you can see the stage over people’s heads. And it’s still on the periphery enough that you can split easily if you need to.

2. Navigating the main Ford Stage

The main stage, at the northern end of the festival site, can be tricky, because the closer you get to the stage, the harder it is to work your way out if you need to. Fortunately, there are lots of screens up, so stay to the edge if you need to get hoofing. I like sitting on the northern wall outside of the Lake Pavilion, because it faces the stage head-on, and is actually a seat. Seats are good, particularly if you need to rest up for your next fast walk down to the …

3. Getting to the LaBovick Law Group Stage

I have joked that the southernmost SunFest stage is located in a different ZIP code. Or Nebraska. Or Guam. But it’s not (it’s a little under a mile from the Ford Stage, at the other end) — it just feels that way. It’s also on the other side of the art show, which means you’re more likely to get caught in a bottleneck of people stopping to admire and buy things, who do not care about your petty scheduling issues. Then again, unless I’m interested in standing up front, it’s one of the easier stages to navigate once you get down there, because it’s by the middle bridge, where the sidewalks curve and provide more clear vantage points. Also, you can always stand on the seawall, which is my preferred route between stages.

4. Make time to see the Juried Art Show

Because there are different vendors and artists there every year, you never know where you’re going to find an amazing piece. This is the one part of SunFest where I absolutely try not to rush, if I’m really wanting to browse. What I do is check the entertainment schedule and pick at least 45 minutes to an hour where I don’t want to see any of the acts, and just mark that off as my art time.

5. Other tips: How to prepare for SunFest 2022

As I’ve said before, it’s easier to navigate SunFest if you’re prepared. And that means wearing comfortable shoes that you can move fast in, having that SunFest app downloaded to your phone, and carrying only what you need — particularly if you’re planning on shopping. Have the numbers of anyone you’re meeting programmed into your phone, or have a good meeting place and time established in case batteries or reception fail.

Also, officially from SunFest, here's what you can and can not take to the festival:

Items allowed inside the gates:

• Small bags/ backpacks no larger than 12” x 12” x 6”

• Non-glass, empty, refillable water bottles, cups or containers

• Food for infants or those with medical conditions in non-glass containers

• Service animals for patrons with disabilities

• Single collapsible lawn chairs

• Blankets

• Umbrellas may be brought in, but fans may be asked to put them down in concert areas to allow guests access to stage viewing

• Non-professional cameras – no removeable lens

• Wheelchairs/medical scooters

• Strollers

Items to leave at home:

• Coolers, outside food or beverage including water, glass bottles or glass containers

• Pets

• Frisbees, scooters, skateboards, bicycles or skates

• Professional still or video cameras

• Selfie sticks

• Glow and laser products

• Sports balls and water guns

• Weapons, knives, firearms or explosive products are not permitted

• Drones

Support local journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: SunFest 2022: Best tips for music festival in West Palm Beach, Florida