5 O’Clock Somewhere Fest Is On — and So Are the Storms
The vibes are set, the lineup is locked, and West Palm Beach’s Waterfront Commons is ready for 5 O’Clock Somewhere Fest: Weekend 2-Day Admission on Friday, June 12. But South Florida has its own opening act: the National Weather Service is calling for showers and thunderstorms likely throughout the day, a high near 87°F, and southeast winds of 3 to 9 mph. That’s a 63% chance of rain — so yes, this is a bring-your-rain-gear situation.
What the Weather Actually Looks Like
Expect a partly sunny start before showers and thunderstorms move in. The NWS forecast notes a chance of storms before 8 AM, with conditions becoming increasingly likely as the day builds. Classic South Florida summer: steamy, bright patches interrupted by fast-moving cells. It won’t necessarily rain all day, but count on at least one good downpour.
Temps will sit near 87°F — humid and heavy. The SE breeze at 3–9 mph won’t do much to cool you down.
What to Wear
Dress light but plan for wet. A breathable tank or tee and shorts are the move for the heat, but layer a packable rain jacket on top — it folds into almost nothing, keeps you dry during a cell, and comes right off when the sun returns. Skip the cotton hoodie; it’ll stay soaked for hours.
For footwear, think carefully. Wet grass and festival grounds are slippery. Waterproof hiking boots will keep your feet dry and give you real grip. If you’re committed to sandals, at least grab a pair of comfortable walking sandals designed for all-day wear — just know your feet will get wet.
What to Pack
Many festivals at outdoor waterfront venues enforce a clear bag policy — bring a clear stadium bag to speed up entry and keep everything visible. Inside it, load up smart:
- Portable phone charger 20000mah — all-day festival, outdoor venue, zero outlets. Don’t let a dead battery kill your video footage.
- SPF 50 sport sunscreen — even with clouds, UV through a South Florida sky in June is no joke. Reapply after any rain.
- Hydration backpack — staying hydrated in 87°F humidity is non-negotiable. Many festivals allow sealed hydration packs; check the event’s bag policy before you go.
- Compact travel umbrella — a solid backup for when the storm hits fast and you can’t pull the rain jacket out in time.
Skip the bulky foldable camping chair unless you’ve confirmed the venue allows them — waterfront festival layouts often have standing-only zones near the main stage.
Practical Tips
- Arrive early. Pre-storm windows are the most comfortable time to be on the grounds, and entry lines grow as the afternoon heats up.
- Watch the sky. Waterfront venues have zero overhead cover. When thunder rolls, organizers will pause the show — it happens. Have a meet-up spot agreed with your group.
- Charge everything the night before. Between navigation, payments, photos, and set times, your phone will drain faster than you expect.
- Hydrate before you’re thirsty. The humidity at 87°F is deceptive — you’re sweating constantly even when it’s cloudy.
Storm or shine, 5 O’Clock Somewhere Fest is one of West Palm Beach’s signature summer events. Prep for the weather, and you’ll spend the whole day focused on the music instead of scrambling for cover.