Look for the best music festivals in Florida? Well, you’ve come to the right place, because I’ve put together the ultimate list of epic Florida Festivals in 2020 that’ll keep you dancing 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.
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 Miami
When: March 27-30, 2020
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
When: March 5-8, 2020
Where: Okeechobee
“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.”
Join the Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2020 Facebook Event
3) Electric Daisy Carnival Orlando (EDC Orlando)
When: November 2020
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
When: January 9-13, 2020 (SOLD-OUT)
Where: Miami – Fort Lauderdale – Key West – Cozumel (Mexico)
https://groovecruise.com/miami-cruises/
Groove Cruise is truly one of the wildest parties I’ve experienced 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
“Groove Cruise Miami is a music festival on the ocean. Setting sail in Fort Lauderdale and heading to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico, the festival is truly an international affair. With a variety of theme parties and activities scheduled day and night, Groove Cruise is the premier electronic music cruise in the world. Taking place on the luxurious Celebrity Infinity, the ship features a range of restaurants, bars, lounges, pools, sports and fitness ccenters and more for your entertainment.”
5) Tortuga Music Festival
When: April 17-19, 2020
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.”
Join the Tortuga Music Festival 2020 Facebook Event
Check out the Tortuga Music Festival 2020 Line-up below…
6) Welcome to Rockville
When: May 8-10, 2020
Where: Jacksonville
https://welcometorockvillefestival.com
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.”
The 2020 Edition will feature two headlining sets on Friday + Saturday by the legendary rock gods, METALLICA!
Join the Welcome to Rockville 2020 Facebook Event
7) Sunset Music Festival
When: May 2020 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Where: Tampa
“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
When: September 4-6, 2020 (Labor Day Weekend)
Where: Panama City 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.”
Join the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam 2020 Facebook Event
9) Rolling Loud Festival
When: May 2020 (Dates TBA)
Where: 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) Sunfest
Credit: SUNFEST
When: April 30-May 3, 2020
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.”
11) Rapture Festival
When: March 2020
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 festivalgoers 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.”
12) Forbidden Kingdom
When: February 15-16, 2020
Where: Boca Raton
https://forbiddenkingdomfest.com
Brand new bass festival in Florida!!
“Welcome to the Forbidden Kingdom, Florida’s premiere all bass and dubstep music festival from the proud leaders of South 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. Taking place at Sunset Cove Park in Boca Raton, Florida. 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 for our second year on February 15th-16th, 2020. Join us and see for yourself the magical thrills and excitement that awaits on the other side of the gates.”
Join the Forbidden Kingdom Music Festival 2020 Facebook Event
13) 70000 Tons of Metal
When: January 7-11, 2020
Where: Miami – Cozumel, Mexico (CRUISE
“On 70000TONS OF METAL™ you get unrestricted festival access to all 120 live shows on board, 70000TONS™ 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!”
14) Holy Ship!
Credit: RUKES
When: January 2021 (Dates TBA)
Where: Port Canaveral – Bahamas
“Holy Ship! is a 3-night cruise that features the top DJs in the world performing multiple shows in 5 intimate venues throughout a luxurious cruise ship… all within steps of your own private accommodations with full service amenities! Get on board and immerse yourself in a community unlike any other in the scene, where you can participate in artist-hosted activities, theme nights, and a private island beach party in paradise.”
Holy Ship 2020 will not be departing from Florida, as they’re trying out a brand new venture called “Holy Shipwrecked” in the Dominican Republic.
Join the Holy Ship! Wrecked 2020 Facebook Event for more information!
2020 Line-up includes: Diplo, A-Trak, Armand Van Helden, Claude VonStroke, Chris Lake, Jai Wolf, Justin Martin, Lane 8, Madeon, NGHTMRE & Slander Present: Gud Vibrations, Walker & Royce, What So Not, and Many More.
15) Wanee Music Festival
When: April 2020 (Dates TBA) | 2019 Edition did not happen
Where: Live Oak
“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.”
16) Thunder By The Bay
When: February 14-16, 2020
Where: Sarasota
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. 15-18, with the two-day, free to the public festival portion of the weekend happening Feb. 17-18 at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds. The event has moved locations again after leaving downtown Sarasota for the first time last year to Lakewood Ranch’s Premier Sports Campus.”
17) III Points
When: February 28 – March 1, 2020
Where: Miami
“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.”
Join the III Points 2020 Facebook Event for more information!
18) 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.”
19) The Fest
When: October 30 – November 1, 2020
Where: Gainesville
“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.”
20) Springing the Blues
When: April
Where: Jacksonville
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.”
21) The Friendship
When: January 6-10, 2020
Where: Miami – Bahamas (Cruise)
https://thefriendship.com/festival-info/what-is-friendship/
ABOARD ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS
2018 was the inaugural sold-out cruise for the brand new festival cruise, “FRIENDSHIP”. With a star-studded line-up with names like Boys Noize, Dixon, and Rufus Du Sol – 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 new music festival cruises in the scene, but I’ve got a feeling the Friendship will be around for many years to come!
“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.”
22) GASPARILLA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2020
When: March 7-8, 2020
Where: Tampa, Florida
“The Gasparilla Music Foundation is a Florida 501(c)-3 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 2019 festival takes place in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Kiley Gardens Park on March 9th & 10th, 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.”
23) JAZZ IN THE GARDENS 2020
When: March 14-15, 2020
Where: Miami
www.jazzinthegardens.com/2019-jitg-lineup/
“Celebrating its 14th 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 9 & 10, 2019 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. Artists for 2019 have been announced.”
24) Jam Cruise 2020
When: January 7-12, 2020 (SOLD-OUT)
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!”
25) Winter Music Conference
When: March 16-22, 2020
Where: Miami
Music, Technology, Education, Culture.
“Featuring panels with industry experts, education sessions, industry mentorship programs, the latest DJ/production gear, photography exhibition, 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.”
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!
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Jones what a fun time! You always break down the best festivals.
Add Suwannee Hulaween on your top 25 Florida Music Festivals