Connect with us

Events

SunFest 2023 – REVIEW

Published

on

A variety of genres gave everyone something to listen to at South Florida’s local music festival, SunFest.

May 5th – 7th, 2023

DAY 1

by Coach, Kate Langford

Smaller is better, that’s the narrative organizers for the long-running annual festival were hoping to illuminate for visitors. Well, it worked and didn’t work for many, afterall in an effort to get bigger name artists, SunFest scaled back from three stages to just two. Yet, that was just one of the missing attractive things from previous years. This year, the festival also was without the large collection of artworks, several vendors with items to purchase and the closing night fireworks display.

Still, even with the changes and consequently more packed stages, SunFest was an absolutely welcomed party. As it has grown tremendously from its inception, the event maintained its status as a must-stop for visitors from all over the country. Featuring a diverse range of music including EDM, rock, pop, reggae, punk and hip-hop, the event also offered a variety of food to appease most everybody. The food ranged from traditional festival fare like funnel cakes and corn dogs to more upscale options like sushi and gourmet burgers. However, it also continued to feature the Captain Morgan barge and a Craft Beer Garden where attendees were able to sample a range of local and regional brews.

Opening night featured headliners: The Chainsmokers and Flo Rida, along with a few up-and-coming artists and local musicians. All night fans were able to enjoy their fun, interactive showmanship, but also the comfort of being next to a picturesque waterfront. I was just blown away by the combination of all the talent and coziness of the backdrop. Notable tracks from the performers included The Chainsmoker’s “Don’t Let Me Down” and “Closer,” plus Flo Rida’s “Good Feeling” and “Right Round.”

DAY 2

by Jenna Lee

Jack Johnson and A Boogie wit da Hoodie Steal the Show. You can hear Sunfest before you see it. 

From the minute the first act hits the stage, you can hear the thump of the music all the way down Clematis Street to the SunFest gates. Once you entered, the vibe was unmatched. Inside, you can find attendees wearing everything from cowboy boots to classic grunge attire, reflecting the mix of genres represented through the performances.

The full day event kicked off on May 6th with headliner Jack Johnson and other notable acts like Dropkick Murphys, Allegra Miles and A Boogie wit da Hoodie lighting up the Ford and Ideal Nutrition stages. 

Dropkick Murphys were a particular highlight. Their electric set mixed classic Irish bagpipes with a distinct rock sound that had the crowd moshing and singing along. Allegra Miles, who attended local high school Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, showed off her vocals with original pop tracks. 

“I think there’s such a strong sense of community here,” Miles said of the South Florida music scene. “And Sunfest specifically has always included lots of local artists, which is incredible and I’m really grateful for this opportunity.”

However, A Boogie wit da Hoodie and Jack Johnson were the biggest acts of the night, and they played very different sets. Rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie had a mostly teenage crowd screaming his lyrics to tracks like “Drowning” and “Look Back at It” and moshing while the stage lit up with pyrotechnics and smoke.

Yet, Jack Johnson simply took the stage in a laid-back fashion with his acoustic guitar and sang calmly into his microphone, swaying back and forth and closing his eyes to his soft rock sound. Plenty of hits churned out like “Taylor,” Sitting, Waiting, Wishing,” “Upside Down,” “Flake,” “Better Together” and even covers of Sublime’s “Badfish” and Jimmy Buffet’s “A Pirate Looks at Forty.”

Besides the music, vendors of all kinds of food and drink lined Flagler Street representing everything from huge brands like Dunkin Donuts to local South Florida businesses. Members of the community — some as young as high school — were seen volunteering at different booths as well as performing specific duties around the event. 

“I had a lot of fun, especially last year,” Leigh Cottrell, a volunteer, said of why she came to Sunfest. “I saw all my friends and my co-workers and we hung out and we listened to bands and we got free things and we’re a service to the community, which gives us a nice job to go to every day.”

SunFest has always been a place to showcase the work of local artists and businesses. Between the vendors, kids and adults were painting on different murals stationed down the street. Mobile Murals is the business behind it. Based in West Palm Beach, they go to different events and have people paint-by-color murals of their designs.

“This year for SunFest, we have all these fun characters from sun and robots, little beach animals like a crab and a bird, and what we’re trying to do is engage with the community,” Sydney Woods, the head artist, said. “A lot of people never really get a chance to break out some paint. So we just want to get people involved with the art scene around here and hopefully somebody will pick up something new that they’ve never done before.”

DAY 3

by Coach, Jess Bolivar

While the temperature outside was bearable, the humidity once again made the outdoors feel like a nightmare…but not enough to dampen the fun-loving mood of SunFest’s visitors. Afterall, with libations continuing to swarm over the barges and an avalanche of fans pressing closer and closer to the stages, the faucet-like sweat they bestowed didn’t seem to bother themselves. This day, much like the previous two days was all about sharing in laughter, plus singing and dancing to our favorite tunes. Leading the way were the popular national acts The Killers, 311, Ziggy Marley and All Time Low. While each one provided their own unique sound, they each unified the crowd with one anthem after another.

All Time Low made waves with their massive hit “Monsters” and a fun cover of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights,” while Ziggy Marley poured through his famous father’s catalog along with his own iconic tracks like “Love is my Religion” and “Look Who’s Dancing.” However, as the day pressed along, the hits kept churning out with 311’s rock-reggae-funk-rap infusion sound. Unbeknownst to several spectators, “You Wouldn’t Believe” how many tracks they knew. From popular tracks such as “Amber” and “Come Original” to early album tracks like “Do You Right,” which catered to longtime fans, everybody seemed “Down” for a sing-along even though some seemed “All Mixed Up” form the jump.

311 performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

Closing the night off, minus the customary fireworks display, The Killers, set the place ablaze themselves…well that is with cannons firing off confetti and souvenir 1-million-dollar bills during “The Man.” Seriously, if you have not seen Brandon Flowers and his bandmates show before, you’re really missing out. Each show is truly a spectacle as the band really captures an arena/stadium sound to it, which is unlike so many of today’s artists. At SunFest, that sentiment was not watered down in the slightest, but in fact it came across more personable with the smaller numbers. Paired with a trippy, yet vivacious backdrop, concertgoers were on a journey with The Killers to a fantasy land of music featuring hits still popular 20 years later like “Mr. Brightside” and other seasoned tracks such as “Somebody Told Me,” “All These Things I Have Done,” “When You Were Young,” “Human,” “Spaceman,” “Read My Mind,” to more recent hits like “Caution” and “Boy.”

For more information on SunFest visit www.SunFest.com

  • The Killers performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • The Killers performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • Ziggy Marley performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • Ziggy Marley performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • Ziggy Marley performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • Ziggy Marley performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • Ziggy Marley performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • Ziggy Marley performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • Ziggy Marley performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • The Killers performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • The Killers performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • The Killers performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • The Killers performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • The Killers performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • The Killers performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • Surfer Girl performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • Surfer Girl performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • Surfer Girl performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • All Time Low performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • 311 performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • 311 performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • 311 performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • 311 performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • 311 performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • 311 performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • 311 performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • 311 performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • 311 performs during Sunfest on May 7, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. ©South Florida Insider

  • East Harbor performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • East Harbor performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Atmosphere during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Anabel Englund performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Anabel Englund performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • The Nameless performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • The Nameless performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • The Nameless performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • The Chainsmokers perform during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • The Chainsmokers perform during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • The Chainsmokers perform during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Soulpax performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Soulpax performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Soulpax performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Soulpax performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • PLS&TY perform during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • LAYA performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • LAYA performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • LAYA performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Flo Rida performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Flo Rida performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Flo Rida performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Flo Rida performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • East Harbor performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • East Harbor performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • East Harbor performs during Sunfest on May 5, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Credit: Aaron Gilbert

  • Boogie wit da Hoodie performing on Day Two of Sunfest. Photo by Angelia Capalbo.

  • Dropkick Murphys performing at Day 2 of Sunfest. Photo by Angelia Capalbo.

  • Allegra Miles performing at Day Two of Sunfest. Photo by Angelia Capalbo.

  • Jack Johnson, headliner for Day Two of Sunfest. Photo by Angelia Capalbo.

Events

FFGAINS: A Brand For Every Body

Published

on

By

FFGAINS Is Rewriting the Rules of Fashion, Fitness and Financial Empowerment in Miami and Beyond. (more…)

Continue Reading

Events

Art Hearts Fashion Took the Lead at Swim Week

Published

on

From bird queens to body glitter, Art Hearts Fashion lit up Eden Roc with unapologetic flair.


June 2nd, 2025

If the ballroom at Eden Roc Miami Beach could talk, it would still be catching its breath after a weekend of bold designs, wild performances, and unapologetically fabulous fashion. Art Hearts Fashion hosted two back-to-back nights of Swim Week magic that reminded everyone why Miami is that girl when it comes to turning a runway into a full-on experience.

From house music inspired graphics and metallic fringe to upcycled couture and belly dancing drama, here’s what went down and why it worked.

Friday: Neon, Nightlife, and Not-So-Innocent Swimwear

Friday’s vibe was “don’t call us subtle.” The ballroom pulsed like an underground club-meets-art gallery, and the fashion matched the mood.

  • Pia Bolte kicked things off with chaos in the best way: think animal prints, bedazzled corsets, and a general sense that anything could (and maybe did) happen.
  • CA RIO CA, Cirone SwimLingerie, and Coyote Jocks blurred swimwear and nightlife so thoroughly that no one was sure if they were headed to the beach or the DJ booth—and that was the point.
  • Slay Swimwear and Papi Swim closed the night with all gas, no breaks. The prints were loud, the cuts were daring, and the confidence was contagious.

By the end of the night, the ballroom was less fashion show and more electric playground and, nobody wanted to leave.

Saturday: Birds, Bells, and Beautiful Intentions

Saturday brought just as much energy, but with a little more soul. There was a clear shift toward statement-making fashion—with a few theatrical surprises thrown in for good measure.

  • Love for Upcycling opened with a collection made entirely from repurposed materials. Between the animal-inspired silhouettes and a model literally carrying a live parrot, it was giving eco-warrior chic and the crowd was living.
  • David Tupaz followed with floaty, toned down resort looks that whispered elegance..
  • Caroline Derpienski turned the tempo right back up with a Snake Collection that sparkled, shimmied, and swayed. It was all hips, gold, and glitter. Basically, fashion you don’t just wear, you perform.
  • Later acts from Joseph Auren, Henri Costa, BFyne, and Bad Pink brought metallics, fringe, futuristic cuts, and everything in between.

Each designer delivered something distinct, and yet the night felt beautifully cohesive. Everyone had a point of view, and nobody was playing it safe.

Nestled right along the glittering coastline, the Eden Roc Miami Beach proved to be more than just a backdrop. It was a co-star. With its mix of vintage Miami glamour and modern luxury, the hotel set the perfect tone for a weekend that celebrated both bold innovation and timeless flair. Walking into the ballroom felt like stepping into a curated dreamscape: sleek lighting, high-gloss floors, and enough air-kissed hellos to fill a red carpet.

The space struck a rare balance, intimate enough to feel exclusive yet grand enough to hold the weight of real fashion moments. The ocean breeze just outside the lobby, the iconic palm-lined drive, and the buzz of camera crews and couture-wrapped guests moving between hotel suites and the show floor gave everything the feel of an extended editorial shoot. It wasn’t just where the shows happened. It was where the weekend happened.

During intermissions, guests floated through the venue, cocktails in hand, mingling beneath chandeliers and recapping standout looks like seasoned fashion editors. With mezcal in one corner and mojitos in another, the space felt alive with conversation and camera flashes. There was a sparkle in the air, a vibe that made it feel like you weren’t just attending Swim Week. You were part of something cinematic.

Let’s be real. Swim Week at Eden Roc was a full-on vibe. It wasn’t just a series of fashion shows. It was a living mood board, a love letter to individuality, and a dance party dressed in metallic fringe. From the moment the first heel hit the runway to the final twirl on Saturday night, the energy was electric. You didn’t just watch the shows. You felt them.

Each designer brought their own version of bold, from recycled fabrics and resort-wear minimalism to glitter-drenched snake goddesses and futuristic jockstraps. It was a reminder that swimwear can be art, identity, celebration, and rebellion all at once. The crowd reflected that too, creative, expressive, and fully dressed for the moment.

While the runway looks took center stage, the heart behind Art Hearts Fashion quietly grounded the entire experience. The platform isn’t just about putting beautiful people in beautiful clothing. It’s about using the power of fashion to drive change, lift voices, and give back. With partnerships like Make-A-Wish®, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Project Cancerland, Art Hearts proves that fashion can and should do more than just look good.

What makes it all feel different is the sincerity. There’s no preachy undertone, no performance for clout, just an honest integration of purpose and creativity. From inclusive casting and emerging voices to boundary-pushing collections like Love for Upcycling, the message was clear. Impact isn’t the accessory. It’s the outfit.

If this weekend had a dress code, it would be “Come exactly as you are, but make it fabulous.” And that ethos carried into every detail, the drinks, the dancing, the applause, the backstage selfies, the whispered “who’s that designer?” conversations.

Swim Week wasn’t just fun. It was freeing.

Continue Reading

Events

Miami Swim Week’s Kick-Off

Published

on

By

ELLE Swimwear Opened Miami Swim Week with Poolside Glam and Sunset Soundtracks.


May 28th, 2025

Leave it to ELLE Swimwear and Miami Swim Week® The Shows to throw the kind of party that sets the tone for the entire season: chic, sun-soaked and just the right amount of extra. On Tuesday night, the who’s who of fashionistas, influencers and perfectly tanned creatives gathered to celebrate the official kickoff of Miami Swim Week 2025, and let’s just say, the bar has been set high.

Tucked away on the ultra-exclusive Venetian Islands, the private waterfront villa felt more like a fashion fantasy than a party venue. Imagine stepping into a space where every palm is lit just right, the pool reflects the skyline like a high-gloss editorial, and the whole place hums with that “something fabulous is about to happen” feeling. It wasn’t just a backdrop, it was the mood.

And speaking of moods, let’s talk sushi. Sushi by Yasu was the evening’s culinary crown jewel. Each roll was a tiny masterpiece: fresh and delicate. Light enough to keep guests grazing, but satisfying enough to feel like a moment, the bites kept flowing all night, paired perfectly with champagne and curated cocktails.

The soundtrack of the night? DJ Brooke Brazelton spun a set that floated perfectly between rooftop lounge and full-body groove. Think vibey house, remixed classics, and the kind of bassline that makes strangers become dance partners. It wasn’t just background music—it moved the night along like a perfectly timed runway show. The crowd swayed, sipped and sparkled, and by midnight, the villa felt like the heartbeat of Swim Week itself.

As for the crowd, it was Miami at its best. A stunning blend of models, stylists, editors and locals who looked like they walked straight off a set. There were breezy linens, sheer mesh, bold swimwear, and sunglasses that stayed on long after the sun went down. The fashion was fearless, the conversation flowed, and every corner of the villa buzzed with excitement and ambition.

Somewhere between the third glass of prosecco and the fifth compliment on someone’s outfit, it became clear, Miami Swim Week 2025 wasn’t just starting. It had arrived. And if this kick-off party was just the beginning, we’re all in for a summer of serious style.

Bookmark it now: this is the summer where swimwear slays, the music flows, and the vibes are always turned way up. See you at the next villa.

Continue Reading

Events

Adam Fu Unplugged: Art, Identity, Dialogue

Published

on

Fu Real: Lighting Up the Walls with Spray, Stories and AAPI Pride. (more…)

Continue Reading

Events

Las Olas Wine & Food Festival – REVIEW

Published

on

Sips, Bites, and Boulevard Vibes: A Night at the 2025 Las Olas Wine & Food Festival.

(more…)

Continue Reading

Events

Ears to Victory: Behind the Buttered Battles

Published

on

By

Corn, Competition and Calories: Behind the Scenes at the Sweet Corn Fiesta with Major League Eating’s Top Contenders.
(more…)

Continue Reading

Events

South Florida Watermelon Festival – REVIEW

Published

on

By

South Florida’s Watermelon Festival Debuts a Juicy Slice of Family Fun. (more…)

Continue Reading

Events

A Line of Fire Heats Up the Miami Film Festival

Published

on

By

What do you get when you mix palm trees, flashing cameras, a Hollywood legend, and a high-stakes action flick? A sizzling night at the Miami Film Festival.

(more…)

Continue Reading

Trending