The 5 O'Clock Somewhere Fest will take over downtown West Palm Beach this Friday and Saturday, bringing country music fans to the city's waterfront for a two-day celebration of live music and coastal culture. Temple Ricke from the marketing team at Peachtree Entertainment said organizers expect between 10,000 and 15,000 festival-goers on site each day, which could total around 30,000 for the full event. The festival features performances from Ella Langley, Old Dominion, Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band and additional artists. Beyond the music, the event includes a behind-the-scenes experience with songwriters responsible for hit songs on radio and streaming platforms. Ricke explained that the goal is to highlight "the ideas that go behind everything the artists are incorporating in their work that you typically see on stage," creating an event focused on "coastal cowboy, all things Alan Jackson, Jimmy Buffett ties too."
West Palm Beach was selected for the festival because of its strong connection to Alan Jackson's brand, which Ricke described as "very country" and "very coastal." The city is where Alan Jackson filmed his "5 O'Clock Somewhere" music video with Jimmy Buffett, establishing the natural tie organizers wanted to develop further. Ricke emphasized that the festival's main goal is to drive revenue in West Palm Beach while leaving the community "happier than when we arrived, and also have some dollars in their pocket too." Tourism leaders from Discover the Palm Beaches noted that nearly half of visitors to the area come for events and experiences like this festival, extending the economic impact well beyond the festival grounds.
This is the inaugural year for the 5 O'Clock brand festival, and organizers hope to establish it as a signature event for Palm Beach County. Ricke said the team has spent about a year building relationships with the city of West Palm Beach, local vendors, and law enforcement. The festival is offering specialty discounts for teachers, military members and first responders who present verified identification. Surrounding events include a free pre-party at the Square Grouper on Friday at 7 p.m., featuring an Alan Jackson look-alike contest with VIP ticket prizes. On Saturday night, Cowboy Club is hosting an official after party, with owner Brian Swanson noting the event is a natural fit for his all-country venue.
Drivers should prepare for significant road closures in downtown West Palm Beach through Wednesday, June 17. Flagler Drive from Fern Street to Banyan Boulevard will be closed, along with the 100 blocks of North and South Clematis Streets, the 100 block of Evernia Street, and the 100 block of Datura Street. Additional roadways including Lantana Avenue, Narcissus Street, and the 200 block of Clematis Street will be subject to closure at police discretion during the event. Tickets remain available through the festival website and the full lineup has been posted on the festival's Instagram page.