Rock the Boat at the Top 4 Waterside Music Festivals
Last Updated on July 23, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
Get Ready to Rock the Boat!
There’s nothing better than relaxing on a beautiful, sunny day out on the water while listening to some of your favorite music—especially when it’s live music. Listening to a concert by boat is near the top of the bucket list for most boaters. The entire experience is unforgettable, not to mention it’s all at your own pace. You can skip the concert traffic and arrive when you want. Toss your anchor just offshore and you’re ready to go.
Sounds perfect, right? It is. Grab your boat, or rent a boat with family and friends—you can even rent a boat with a captain so you only have to worry about enjoying your night—and head to one of these top waterside music festivals.
Miami Music Week
Miami Music Week kicks off on March 25 and runs through March 31. Each night of the week you’ll be able to experience music from a variety of artists and DJs in different venues around the city, including locations right on the water. Don’t miss the Paradigm Sunset Cruise, featuring Guy Gerber and DJ Tennis on Wednesday, 3/27, and the Stereo Sunset Yacht Party, with Chus & Ceballos, Mathias Kaden, Oscar L and more on Thursday, 3/28. Both of these events take place at the Musette Yacht Sea Isle Marina. Other top events throughout the week include the IDMA: 33rd Annual International Dance Music Awards, the WMA: Winter Music Conference, and Ultra Music Festival.
Be sure to check out our Miami boating guide to help you plan out your week of on-the-water fun, both during and after the concerts.
Ultra Music Festival
As part of Miami Music Week, Ultra Music Festival runs March 29-31. Major national headliners include Afrojack, Alesso, Tiesto, Galantis, and many more. The festival is held at Miami Marine Stadium Flex Park and at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, which makes both locations the ideal setting for listening by boat in Biscayne Bay.
You know what they say, go big or go home—so if you really want to go big, consider renting one of our Miami yacht rentals for the entire festival weekend.
Tortuga Music Festival
Head just north of Miami to Fort Lauderdale from April 12-14, and you’ll come across what many argue to be the best waterside music festival to date. With big names like Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Flo Rida, Sheryl Crow, The Wailers, and many others, the Tortuga Music Festival never disappoints. With the stages positioned right on the beach at 1100 Seabreeze Blvd., all you need to do is anchor just offshore to not only listen to the music, but also see the artists perform live.
This festival is also a great opportunity to raft up with friends and expand the party!
Hangout Fest
Last on our list is Hangout Fest, which takes place along Gulf Shores, Alabama from May 17-19. This 3-day festival also features well-known artists like Travis Scott, Khalid, Kygo, The Lumineers, Cardi B, Diplo, and more. Like Tortuga Music Festival, Hangout Fest covers the beach with stages big and small, along with activities tents and food and drink vendors.
