Look for the best music festivals in Florida in 2023? Well, you’ve come to the right place, because I’ve put together the ultimate list of epic Florida Festivals that’ll keep you dancing and partying all year long!
With year-round heat and a massive, gorgeous coastline, the cultural melting pot that is Florida has a lot to offer Floridians and visitors alike. One of the perks of the constantly mild weather down in the southeast part of this great country is a never-ending party atmosphere, and with that comes a ton of unforgettable Florida music festivals geared towards every style of music.
The 25 Best Florida Music Festivals
Dance the night away in glamorous Miami, listen to smooth tunes in Jacksonville, groove in Tampa or get amongst it in Fort Lauderdale – and everywhere in between. My list of the best music festivals in Florida breaks down all the hotspots you need to hit when you’re next in the “Sunshine State.”
Whether you’re looking for world-famous raves, epic camping festivals, nautical luxurious adventures, or just one day parties – this list has got you covered.
1) Ultra Music Festival 2023
When: March 25-27, 2023
Where: Miami
https://ultramusicfestival.com
The world’s premier electronic music festival, boasting elite DJs and unparalleled production located in the beautiful city of Miami.
In the EDM industry, one could think that the ULTRA Music Festival is seeking global domination…because they have been throwing events in nearly every corner of the globe. From South Africa to South America, Thailand to Taipei, Singapore to Sydney, ULTRA has consistently proven it’s a key player in the music festival game!
For over 20 years, ULTRA Music Festival has invited its guests to downtown Miami for a weekend of top-notch electronic tunes during Miami Music Week. While I haven’t attended the event in Miami yet, I did get the chance to attend ULTRA Europe a couple of years ago and was absolutely blown away by the quality of production and overall experience! While ticket prices are notoriously expensive, when you purchase a ticket to ULTRA, you’re in for a wild ride!
“For EDM fans around the world, Ultra in Miami is a must-stop on the international circuit. While most of the United States is shivering in parkas waiting for the summer festival season, Ultra fans are dancing their asses off in sunny Miami. The show always delivers surprises – both in the musical acts and the fans that attend.”
2) Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2023
Credit: Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival
When: March 2-5, 2023
Where: Okeechobee, Florida
“Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival is a 4-day surreal experience, filled with multi-genre music, immersive art and transformative events, deep in the heart of Florida’s wild wilderness. A gathering of all walks of life where the common ground is music, magic and mystery from dusk til dawn.”
“Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival burst onto the Florida scene in 2016 and immediately become a fan favorite. Taking place in early March, Okeechobee is now the first major music festival of the US festival season and provides a glimpse of touring summertime artists. The festival’s home at Sunshine Grove is a treat for campers with lush grassy fields, a sandy beach, and a majestic grove.”
3) Electric Daisy Carnival Orlando (EDC Orlando)
Photo via Facebook
When: November 2023
Where: Orlando
https://orlando.electricdaisycarnival.com
“Electric Daisy Carnival Orlando is the Florida outpost of the global EDC festival series. Set in the land of year-round sun, the festival is one of the biggest wintertime festivals in North America. Spread over two days, the festival annually features a lineup of the biggest names in EDM, house and techno as well as once in a lifetime B2B sets.
Taking place on the grounds of the historic Tinker Field, EDC Orlando is decked out with rollercoasters, a zip line, a lake and other goodies strewn throughout the site.”
4) Groove Cruise Miami 2023
When: January 19-23, 2023
Where: Miami -> Labadee
https://www.groovecruise.com/miami
Groove Cruise is truly one of the wildest festival experiences I’ve jad in my entire life!
I really can’t sing it’s praises enough, and after three times on board the premier electronic music cruise, I’m a loud and proud member of the #GCFAM. I’ve written tons about my experiences on board Groove Cruise, so read through a few of these articles below and start planning your Groove Cruise Miami experience in January!
- 11 Reasons Why Groove Cruise Is The Ultimate Festival Experience
- Groove Cruise Miami: 96 Hours of Atmospheric Bliss
- Groove Cruise LA | It’s More than a Music Festival…it’s a Family reunion
“Sailing from January 19th – 23rd 2023, Groove Cruise Miami launches from Port of Miami in Florida, and offers a once in a lifetime opportunity of escapist heaven featuring high seas luxury, around the clock entertainment, and world-class dining all in a safe environment on board the Celebrity Summit with its extensive modernization effort, with more than $500-million in upgrades across the fleet. Dropping anchor in Labadee’s Private Island paradise experience will be brand new and completely exclusive to the #GCFAM”
“The world’s largest floating dance music cruise will see performances from over 60 of the dance music industry’s leading names, across nine custom-built stages, artist-fan activities, and more. Groove Cruise is also fondly known as the love boat and is known for having over 100 free weddings, engagements, bachelor and bachelorette parties.”
5) Tortuga Music Festival 2023
Photo via Facebook
When: April 14-16, 2023
Where: Fort Lauderdale
http://www.tortugamusicfestival.com
Music’s biggest beach party and also help raise awareness about issues facing our world’s oceans!
“Held on the white sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach Park in a beautiful oceanside setting, Tortuga Music Festival is a 3-day, multi-stage music festival featuring some of the biggest names in country, rock and roots music.
Tortuga Music Festival brings like-minded fans together for an unforgettable beach weekend experience that pairs music with meaning to raise awareness for marine conservation. Tortuga Music Festival works hand in hand with the Rock The Ocean Foundation to increase public awareness about the issues impacting the world’s oceans and to support scientific research, education, and ocean conservation initiatives.”
6) Welcome to Rockville Festival 2023
When: May 18-21, 2023
Where: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida
https://welcometorockvillefestival.com
AMERICA’S LARGEST ROCK FESTIVAL | Experience Florida’s biggest rock n roll party
“Welcome to Rockville roars into Jacksonville, Florida, every spring with a powerful rock and metal lineup. Part of the World’s Loudest Month, more than 50,000 fans show up for a monster weekend of non stop rock with 45 bands on 4 stages.”
Join the Welcome to Rockville 2023 Event for more details!
7) Sunset Music Festival 2023
When: May 2023
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
“Tampa’s premier electronic music festival is Sunset Music Festival. Join Disco Donnie Presents and Sunset Events for an unbelievable 12 hours of dancing and fun! Expect top-notch sound & visual experience unlike you’ve ever experienced before!”
8) Gulf Coast Jam Festival
When: June 1-4, 2023
Where: Panama City Beach, Florida
4 DAYS. 32 ARTISTS. 1 BEACH.
The most exciting acts in country and southern rock music today.
“The Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam is a three-day Country Music festival located in beautiful Panama City, Florida. Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam offers a truly unique experience for any festival-goer. Located in picturesque Panama City Beach FL, the salty scenery of our beaches offers attendees the ultimate vacation feeling. Let the wonders of our clear blue waters wash away your worries for a night full of dancing the night away. Fans have traveled from all over the world to attend this festival which hosts some of country music ‘s biggest stars. From the beach, charming local eateries and the music what more could you ask for?
Situated on the Emerald Coast, offers the ideal festival location. In the morning, live it up at the beach, enjoying sublimely soft sand, crystal clear waters and the best in outdoor recreation. Spend the afternoon jamming your heart out to the best country music. Dance away the cool nights with sounds as fresh as a sweet Gulf breeze.”
9) Rolling Loud Miami Festival
Photo via Facebook
When: July 21-23, 2023
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
Miami’s Rolling Loud Festival has become one of the biggest hip-hop festivals in the entire country.
“The past two year’s lineups have been staggering, with just about every rapper you can think of taking the stage: Future, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Travis Scott, J. Cole, Lil Yachty, Gucci Mane and so many more.
Rolling Loud spans three days and just recently moved venues from Bayfront Park to Hard Rock Stadium. The festival also travels to the Bay Area. If you miss the action when it lands back in the 305, keep an eye out for the official Rolling Loud after-parties at some of the best clubs in Miami.”
10) III Points Festival
Photo via Facebook | http://www.adinayev.com
When: October 2023
Where: Miami, Florida
“III Points started as an Art Music and Technology festival in Wynwood that was created in 2013 by locals who felt the need for a better way to showcase local Miami talent alongside world renowned artists. What began as a homegrown festival has now become a platform that showcases not only world class talent but shines a spotlight on local emerging artists and tech start ups giving them an opportunity to make their voices heard.
III Points festival is happening in various locations all over the III Points Campus at Mana Wynwood. They cover all areas of music but always have a very strong electronic part.”
11) Sunfest
Credit: SUNFEST
When: May 4-7, 2023
Where: West Palm Beach
“Founded in 1982, SunFest is Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival. Held annually in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida the first week in May, SunFest attracts more than 100,000 visitors. The festival and the patrons have a positive impact on the local economy.”
12) Rapture Festival
Photo via Facebook
When: March 2023
Where: Miami, Florida
“Held during Miami Music Week in the stunning surrounds of Historic Virginia Key Park, Rapture Electronic Music Festival features today’s top underground house and techno talent in an idyllic beachside setting.
Boasting lush spaces and ocean views, Rapture offers festival-goers the chance to dance to their favorite DJs under the sun and stars, to relax on one of the floating ocean lounges, or to partake in a wealth of wellness activities designed to reinvigorate the soul and rejuvenate the mind. Bringing together human souls connecting with nature through music, Rapture promises to be a truly special and unique experience taking place in one of Miami’s most beautiful places.”
13) Forbidden Kingdom
When: June 9-10, 2023
Where: Orlando Amphitheater, Central Florida Fairgrounds
www.forbiddenkingdomfestival.com
Amazing New Bass Festival in Florida!!
“Welcome to the Forbidden Kingdom, Florida’s premiere all bass and dubstep music festival from the proud leaders of Florida’s premier bass music events. With the growing demand for events of this caliber, Forbidden Kingdom will offer fans in Florida an extraordinary new experience featuring many of the top names in bass music.
Forbidden Kingdom represents and expresses the very roots of all Bass and Dubstep music. Embark this new journey with us as we open our gates of the Forbidden Kingdom. Join us and see for yourself the magical thrills and excitement that awaits on the other side of the gates.”
14) 70000 Tons of Metal
Photo via Facebook
When: January 30 – February 3, 2023
Where: Miami – Cozumel, Mexico (CRUISE FESTIVAL)
“On 70000 TONS OF METAL you get unrestricted festival access to all 120 live shows on board, 70000 TONS OF KARAOKE until sunrise, Jamming With Waters In International Waters – the Official 70000TONS OF METAL™ All Star Jam which writes Heavy Metal History every year, Clinics and Work-Shops with the musicians, our infamous Belly Flop Contest, Shore Excursions with your favorite artists, and much more!
Everyone on board is a VIP, we don’t have assigned seating (this is a Heavy Metal Cruise after all), and most importantly the bars on our ship never close – you heard us, bars that never close!On this life changing adventure you will spend five days and four nights at Sea mingling side-by-side with your favorite artists in this incredibly fan-friendly scenario that has no comparison. It’s having an All-Access backstage pass!”
15) Thunder By The Bay
When: February 17-19, 2023
Where: Sarasota, Florida
Florida’s Ultimate Music & Motorcycle Festival
“Thunder by the Bay, the Sarasota festival that draws thousands of motorcycle and live music enthusiasts alike, has announced the entertainment lineup for next year’s event. The 20th annual fundraiser for Suncoast Charities for Children will take place Feb. 17-19, with the two-day, free to the public festival portion of the weekend happening.
Offering camping, kick off parties, amazing food, drinks, and so many events – this is a festival that you’ll never forget!
16) The Fest
Credit: The Fest
When: October 2023
Where: Gainesville, Florida
“The Fest is an annual music festival in Gainesville, Florida, organized by Tony Weinbender, formerly of No Idea Records. It is a predominantly punk rock and pop-punk festival, though there are also a good number of indie rock, hardcore punk, metal, and ska acts.
The Fest first took place May 24 and 25, 2002 and has since attracted a large number of people throughout the years. Bands perform across a variety of venues (varying from small bars to large concert halls) in the downtown Gainesville area.”
17) Springing the Blues
Photo via Facebook
When: March 31 – April 2, 2023
Where: Jacksonville Beach, Florida
https://www.springingtheblues.com
“Springing the Blues is an annual blues festival held in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. It is one of the largest and oldest blues festivals on the East Coast of the United States. It was first held in 1990 and has been held yearly on the first of April.
Springing the Blues is a free, outdoor blues music festival that celebrates America’s indigenous musical form. The three-day oceanfront event features national, regional and local blues artists on two stages. Its energetic lineup, incomparable venue, food court, artisan marketplace and kids area attracts an estimated 125,000 fans each year.”
18) Gasparailla Music Festival 2023
When: October 2023
Where: Tampa, Florida
Tampa’s Homegrown Music Fest since 2012 | 3 Days of Feel Good Music
“The Gasparilla Music Foundation is a non-profit corporation that organizes an annual music festival in downtown Tampa the second weekend of March and supports music education throughout its Recycled Tunes program.
The 2023 festival takes place in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Kiley Gardens Park, featuring musical acts from a wide variety of genres on several stages and cuisine from the region’s top restaurants. As part of its mission to support and promote music and education, the organization is involved throughout the year in several initiatives including providing scholarships and instruments to music students.”
19) Jazz in the Gardens 2023
When: March 12-13, 2023
Where: Miami, Florida
“Celebrating its 16th year, Jazz in the Gardens (JITG), produced by the City of Miami Gardens, is one of the most anticipated music festivals in the country. Join us for the next great JITG March 2023 and experience a weekend of great vibes, great weather and world class artists representing a dynamic mix of musical genres including Jazz, R&B, Neo-soul and World Beat.
20) Winter Music Conference
When: March 2023
Where: Miami, Florida
Music, Technology, Education, Culture.
“Feautiring panels with industry experts, education sessions, industry mentorship programs, the latest DJ/production gear, photography exhbition, festival camping and outdoor gear, pop-up record store and more. Ideal for those looking to start their career in the music industry or just take a deeper dive into Miami Music Week
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe descend on Miami during the last week of March as the city transforms itself into a dance music paradise. Now in its tenth year, the MMW brand unifies events in the city as every venue opens its doors for a week long marathon of parties that collectively feature almost every major artist in the electronic dance music scene. In 2019, over 1,200 artists performed at 300+ events hosted at 85+ venues.”
21) The Feel Good Music Festival
When: September 2023
Where: Miami, Florida
“Since 2014 the Feel Good Music Fest has sought to include a broader audience as the only festival in the region to showcase top Latin and Caribbean stars steps from the highly sought-after sands and water of Miami Beach. It’s the perfect environment to enjoy a day on the water plus a sunset and live music under the stars on Miami’s “Best Venue for Locals” according to the Miami New Times.
In 2023 they continue the tradition of supporting Latin and Caribbean artists to highlight the Diversity of our Community and Feel Good Music Fest welcomes the support of all sponsors, vendors, volunteers and artists who wish to help spread the love and awareness of music in all its forms.”
22) The Friendship Festival Cruise 2023
When: February 27- March 3, 2023
Where: Miami – Bahamas (Festival Cruise)
2018 was the inaugural sold-out cruise for the new festival cruise, “FRIENDSHIP”. With a star-studded line-up with names like Boys Noize, Dixon, and Rufus Du Sol – and it looked like an epic time! I had some friends who went (who even got engaged during one of Destructo’s legendary sets), and they had nothing but great things to say about it. It’s one of the newer music festival cruises in the scene, and are finally making their return to the sea in 2023!
It’s already sold-out and quite challenging to find a spot on board, but for those lucky ones who will attend – it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.
“Get ready to cruise out with some of the best international music acts aboard a glamorous ship to sea. It’s the perfect setting to make new friends and gather with old ones. States DESTRUCTO, “There is a place where my friends and I go and we do fun things—the kind of fun things that build everlasting memories that I could never put a price on and I absolutely never could because these times are priceless and irreplaceable. At the end when I look back and reminisce about these times I had and the experiences that molded me and watered me enough to grow, I’ll think about all the friends I’ve made along the way and how I am a part of their story and they are more than all my friends. They are all my family. That is FRIENDSHIP.”
23) Jam Cruise Festival 2023
When: February 6-12, 2023
Where: Miami – Ocean Cay, Bahamas (Festival Cruise)
“Prepare yourselves for a little extra magic as we spend six nights sailing the Caribbean with our favorite bands and Jam Cruise family. A longer Jam Cruise means more music, more port stops, and more time aboard for relaxing or joining in on those legendary Jam Cruise activities! As always, our notorious theme nights, guest filled shows, and special programs will be in full swing to keep our cruisers on their dancing feet!”
Join the Jam Cruise 10 – Festival 2023 Facebook Event for more details!
24) Art With Me Miami 2023
When: November 2023
Where: Miami Beach, Florida
What started as a small boutique festival in Tulum, Mexico is now expanding and bringing their magic to the shores of Miami!
“Art With Me comprises a family of international festivals, each representing a crucial pillar of being, in order to restore a state of vivacious balance in individuals and foster a community in which moments of inspiration are the lifeblood. ArtWithMe is designed to unlock what’s luminous in you by cultivating a space where the imagination is set free, curiosity is rewarded, and change is possible. Join us, as together we reignite the imagination and reimagine what our lives can really look like.”
Join the ArtWithMe Miami Festival 2022 for more details…
25) Florida Folk Festival
When: May 26-28, 2023
Where: Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs, Florida
https://www.floridastateparks.org/FloridaFolkFestival
“The festival is a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique.From Irish fiddle tunes, contra dancing and root beer floats to the wide varieties of music of immigrants, the state’s cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities.
Throughout the Memorial Day weekend, more than 300 performances will give voice and meaning to Florida’s heritage.
26) Afro-Carib Festival
When: February 25, 2023
Where: Miramar, Florida (Between Miami-Dade and Palm Beach)
https://www.afrocaribfestmiramar.com/
The third annual festival for Afro-Caribbean music lovers! Featuring Grammy Award-winning Jamaican Artist Koffee, Afropop King Tekno, Cuba’s Jacob Forever, and Haitian Hitmaker J. Perry and Miami’s Alexander Star and Yung Wylin!
““The Afro-Carib Festival brings together musicians, craftsmen, artists, creators, food vendors, and fans in celebration of the power of the Diaspora, who are descendants of native Africans. The Afro-Carib Festival not only honors our collective roots, but also celebrates and shines a spotlight on the beauty of our people and our global cultural impact.“” –
27) Country Thunder Florida
When: October 20-23, 20223
Where: Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee
https://www.countrythunder.com/florida
https://www.facebook.com/countrythunder
One of the largest and longest running country festivals in the USA, Country Thunder offers six different festivals across North America each year! Showcasing the biggest and best country artists for 3-days of camping, food/ drink, and cowboy vibes!
Join the COUNTRY THUNDER FLORIDA 2023 event for more info!
Florida Festivals Possibly Returning in 2023
With the festival industry being forced to take an unfortunate break last year, there have been a few festivals that have not made any announcements about future events! With that being said, I still wanted to give them some recognition as they’ve provided some good times to thousands of revelers at previous editions!
Wanee Music Festival
When: April (Dates TBA)
Where: Live Oak, Florida
“Grab your JAMily and join us for Wanee Music Festival, April 19-21. Nestled along the celebrated Suwannee River and lofty live oaks, The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park offers 800 acres of unforgettable memories.
Deeply rooted in the tradition of music, this park will make you a believer in its healing power; there is truly no place like it on earth. In keeping with tradition, this year’s Wanee will pay homage to the world-renowned music of the Allman Brothers Band. This year marks the fourth memorial year without our beloved Allman Brothers Band hosting the festival, but their influence reverberates in the theme and within the music of every artist on the lineup.”
Country 500
When: May (Memorial Day Weekend)
Where: Daytona
“The Country 500 Festival, also called the ‘The Great American Music Fest at Daytona’, brings out the biggest country stars in the world for Memorial Day Weekend. The world-famous Daytona International Speedway is home to this mega-country festival with fans actually allowed to camp out in the infield.”
Am I Missing Any Epic Music Festivals in Florida…?
I’m always trying to update these posts and including new/upcoming music festivals! Feel free to shoot me an email with any info you have Florida Festivals for me to add to the list!
Looking for more epic music festivals around the world…?
My blog is filled with awesome posts about awesome events, concerts, and festivals in practically every region of the world! Take a read through some of these blog posts for more travel inspiration/ music festival shenanigans!
- The 50 Best Music Festivals in the USA | US Festival Bucket List
- 37 California Music Festivals That’ll Keep You Dancing All Year Long
- The 25 Best Music Festivals in Texas
- Top 15 Music Festivals in Michigan To Experience Before You Die
- Top 20 Music Festivals in Canada To Add to Your Bucket List
- The 25 Best Music Festivals in Asia To Experience Before You Die
- The Ultimate Music Festival Camping Packing List
- 44 Epic Festival Accessories, Gear, and Must-Haves | The Best Festival Packing List
Thanks so much for reading about these music festivals in Florida!
Share these Florida Festivals 2022 with your festival squad!
And if you’re not already, I’d love for you to follow along on my Facebook page and Instagram to check out my personal adventures around the world!
Jones what a fun time! You always break down the best festivals.
Add Suwannee Hulaween on your top 25 Florida Music Festivals
No sure how you can leave out the Strawberry Festival in Plant City. 10 days of big name headliners.
Earthdance festival in September
While Florida is home to an array of country music festivals, Tortuga Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale is considered the best.
Really enjoyed reading the blog thanks for sharing.
wonderful article about incredible festivals
Party time at Florida festivals! I saw the videos and i would say that i wish i could attend there! It’s a bit far from me but i wish i could be there!
Country 500 is coming up fast! Can’t wait for yet another great show :)
Thanks for sharing this list. I had no idea there were so many appealing festivals in Florida. We are part-timers there and look for good music wherever we can find it!
You are missing quite a few of the best florida festivals, but definitely a solid list