A major Florida music festival returned after a multi-year hiatus.
My first Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival was during its inaugural year of 2016, making me an “Okee OG.” People entering the portal that first time had few expectations, and approached it with positivity, curiosity, and the idea that this could be the next Bonnaroo.
I was met with similar feelings for the festival’s return after changing ownerships and a multi-year hiatus. Would the Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival founder once again be able to deliver a world-class multi-day camping festival? And without the financial backing, staff resources and industry connections of former majority owner Insomniac?
Opening day on Thursday started off on a bad foot. Access to the campgrounds opened just a few hours before music acts started. Thousands of vehicles arrived that morning, clogging local Okeechobee roadways. Security checkpoints at the entrances backed up for miles. Many attendees reported taking up to five hours to get to their campsite after entering the line.
While some took to social media to voice concern about potentially missing Big Wild, the Opening Ceremony Drum Circle, and even Goat Cuddle Hour, what I saw on the ground was different. Folks were mostly patient and already building a community miles from the entrance gates. The car in front of me was handing out snacks and drinks to the bicyclists passing by. Those bicyclists would get into the festival before us.
Once inside the campgrounds, the festival really came alive. As thousands of attendees set up their tents and campsites next to their vehicles, you could hear neighbors introducing themselves and enthusiastically offering assistance with set-up.
Opening night acts I caught included BLAAP, Cage The Elephant and Ganja White Night, who all set the bar high for a 4-day festival. Going from Alternative Rock to Dubstep is a fun start to a multi-genre event. This is just as Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival was originally envisioned.
As I explored the Florida music festival grounds I came across live painters, large sculptures and art fixtures. Even came across a comfortable seating area, hidden within the trees that was a piece of art in itself.
I felt immersed in art at nearly every moment. Yet the size and layout of the property requires using large pieces to make a major impact. And the festival relied heavily on it’s permanent installations to carry the heavy load this year.
Each afternoon the Aquachobee stage kicked off the music. It’s beach setting was a great place to take things at your own pace. Games and activities were also in this area. I found this stage fun to hang out at while discovering unique artists, such as Steller.
Griz took the festival to another level on Friday night. His energetic funky music had everyone dancing and feeling the positive vibes. Then, Griz came out again on Saturday for his Chasing The Golden Hour Set, slowing things down for a more chill experience. Both shows pulled the majority of visible attendees to his stage. It’s fitting that Griz performs at this festival after taking his own hiatus. Griz has taken over as the unofficial staple artist of Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival according to many attendees.
Sets throughout the weekend were not too crowded, with plenty of room to move around and dance. Lines for food and drink vendors were short. This had some questioning whether or not the attendance was high enough to bring back the festival. Others pointed out top-tier crowd control measures in place could be contributing to the feeling.
On Sunday, The Lumineers delivered a headliner worthy performance to close out the main stages for the weekend. Over at Incendia, Hiroko Yamamura pumped high-energy sounds that tempted people leaving the main stages for one last techno set. Incendia also featured Fire Artists performing alongside the massive flames coming from the stage.
Jungle 51 was the stage many people visited late at night. Sunday evening was no exception, and many people crowded into the jungle with their blankets and hammocks, as Derrick May started his overnight set. He was scheduled until 6am on Monday morning. That is about the time I awoke one last time in my tent. But this time I was in a hurry to beat the crowd to leave the festival.
The return of Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival was a remarkable success. Organizers had publicly stated they were planning and hoping for 30,000 to attend. At this time, official 2026 attendance numbers have not been released by the festival.
Regardless of actual financial performance, this festival delivered a stellar lineup of music, unique experiences, and all in a beautiful natural setting. I sure hope this Florida music festival returns again.
Photos by Taylor Regulski.
