In an exciting episode of the Artigra Podcast, host Sarah Lapierre sat down with musician Samantha Russell and event production veteran Brian Elkins to pull back the curtain on a brand-new cultural celebration: the inaugural Jupiter Harbor Fest. Set for this October, this two-day event (with a Friday kickoff) promises to be a powerful blend of coastal country music, incredible food, and the easygoing community spirit that defines the Jupiter waterfront.

The Vision: Coastal Vibe, Community Heart

For years, Brian Elkins, known for his work on massive Florida events like Sunfest and Artigra, felt that the northern Palm Beach County area was missing a major music festival. In collaboration with the town of Jupiter, the idea for a coastal-themed music and food event was born, culminating in a festival two years in the making. The core inspiration was simple: to create a unique experience—a "coastal country" celebration—right on the water.

The festival takes place at Harborside Place, specifically under the bridge by the Jupiter Inlet. This unique location offers natural shade, a stunning waterfront view, and a relaxed atmosphere that Brian hopes attendees will feel a sense of ownership over. He wants people to leave not just remembering a great band, but saying, "Wow, that was our community’s event. I want to go back."

A Weekend of Music and Flavor

The festival is built for discovery and enjoyment, with two full days of music and a special Friday night kickoff:

Friday Night Kickoff: This is a special ticketed tasting event designed to highlight the local dining scene. All Harborside restaurants, including Ruth’s Chris, Jupiter Grill, and Tommy Bahama, will offer signature food and drink samples, encouraging patrons to explore and support the area's diverse culinary talent.
Saturday and Sunday: The main event features six bands—three each day—delivering the festival's signature coastal country sound. Attendees can enjoy music, specialty cocktails, and popular local food trucks like TMI, all while relaxing by the water.

Headlining the Sunday show is local favorite Samantha Russell. Having grown up in Jupiter, Samantha feels honored to be a part of launching a major event in her hometown. Her set list, which will include her own blend of rock, pop, and '90s country favorites, promises high energy and a big celebration. Samantha, who also runs the annual "Girls Rock" charity event benefiting the local Siri Center, embodies the collaborative spirit Brian is looking for in his festival partners.

Advice for the Next Generation

Brian and Samantha both offered powerful advice for anyone looking to get involved in the local arts and events scene:

For Aspiring Performers: Samantha’s advice is to "do what you love," emphasize that "practice makes perfect," and most importantly, "get out there." She stressed that taking any opportunity—whether it’s karaoke or an open mic night—is how you build energy and open doors to unexpected connections.
For Event Organizers: Brian urged interested individuals to volunteer. He noted that getting involved in event committees is the best way to learn the ropes, gain invaluable experience, and bring fresh ideas to the table. This is how the industry sustains itself and grows.

When asked what single cultural experience everyone in Palm Beach County should seek out, both chose local treasures. Samantha pointed to the Jupiter Inlet and Lighthouse, urging people to get on the water and experience the iconic coastal vibe that defines the area. Brian, a self-proclaimed "theater nerd," championed local, small-scale theaters like Theater Lab, which produce non-mainstream and unpublished works, offering a deeply intimate and essential live performance experience.

The Jupiter Harbor Fest is poised to become a new staple in the South Florida event calendar. To find out more, including the full lineup, parking details, and to purchase tickets, visit JupiterHarborfest.org.