For its third installment, Okeechobee Music + Arts Festival has gained likes of numerous ravers with it’s LED lights, beautiful people, incredible vibes, gorgeous views, and impressive lineups. It’s home to Sunshine Grove in Okeechobee, as people made their way to the entrance - it was flooded with newcomers and returning guests. As a first timer to cover the festival it was overwhelming and exciting, the backstage lifestyle is always entertaining. Another weekend ahead, another chance to make new memories.

The first day was arrival day, gaining access to the festival was a grueling 4-hour long process between collecting credentials, checking in, and setting up campsites. However, it all turned out fabulous after immediately meeting new friends. Chobeewobee Village made its return, known for its main attractions beyond music include interactive and immersive art experiences, a wide assortment of health & wellness activities and diverse food vendors from across the Sunshine State, mini-stages, and secret hideaway spots like The Jive Joint and the Tea Garden. The backbone of what makes up Okeechobee Festival. Weirder than ever, The Jive Joint was filled with unique artists and performances, captivating its listeners. The Tea Garden was a little different this year, ropes dangling down surrounding the new name of the garden ‘LOST in the Tea Garden’ with different kinds of performances, the tea bar, there was a blackjack table and of course the spider net. The garden was meant to get lost in a completely different world, a place to escape into - even the oddest things is possible and believable.

Making its return was the Incendia stage which is a flamed dome-like area. Where you will find gems in the music realm during the late hours of the night. Performing at the Incendia stage this year was Blunts & Blondes, GDAT, Henry Pope x Little Foot, LOK N KEY, Luccio B2B DJ XTA-C, Manitous, Nitti Gritti, O.H.G. Jay, Part Native, and Wyle. There was a new stage this year called the Pyramid Palace where people can keep on dancing into the wee hours of the deep, dark night. Entertainment was provided by the talented Audigy, Belles + Robes, DORFEX BOS, FR33DBACK, FREE/DYSTOPIA, J.Howard & The Experience, Problem Kids, SORNE, Temple V, and TOO Kind.

Photo credit: DrewCutting — Photo credit: DrewCutting

Over at the Aquachobee Beach stage was the Full Moon Party featuring Thriftworks, Opiuo, and bass master Bassnectar. The bright full moon lit up the dark night sky as Bassnectar gave another impressive performance - giving everyone a tiny taste of what to expect the following day. Completely stunned of how packed it was with bassheads and wookies, dancing together under the moonlight sky.

Photo credit: Zan Comerford — Photo credit: Zan Comerford

The second day, Friday was packed with adventure and unbelievable magical sets. The Grove was finally open, where the three infamous BE HERE NOW stages are held, and where the people of Okeechobee witness electrifying sets. Hammocks being up throughout the trees and leaves, posting up at an exclusive spot to view Jai Wolf, TYCHO, STS9, Tipper, and Foster The People at the NOW stage. As you make your way to the HERE stage was the multi-talented Ella Vos, The Districts, TURKUAZ, Chicano Batman, and Lettuce. Performing at the BE stage was high and vibrant Slightly Stoopid, Khalid, Halsey, and Bassnectar. Best performances of the night went to trippy visuals from Tipper and a stellar performance from Bassnectar.

The third day, Saturday, was all about ‘This Song is Sick Beach Party’ with up-and-coming dance music artists like Chet Porter, CloZee, Droeloe, Flamingosis, and Shallou. Starting off the night at the NOW stage was Blackbear, warming up the crowd with his heavy beats and basslines. Before going to the BE stage for the PoWow! there was house music playing at the HERE stage, had to go check it out because this was the only house music that was being played inside the Grove. It was so blissful not to miss it, hardly anyone was there. Had the entire front area to myself. House music was coming from Rob Garza. An absolute favorite of the night and weekend. Saturday’s star-studded PoWoW! was made up of Snoop Dogg leads The Roots, Chaka Kahn, Joey Bada$$, Trombone Shorty and more in a once-in-a-lifetime superstar mashup at the BE stage. Back at the NOW stage was Illenium - illuminating the crowd with his melodic dubstep style. Topping off the night was Big Gigantic and Travis Scott. Shoot over to Jungle 51 where you can sink into techno and house music vibes provided by Phil Moffa, Volvox, and DJ Bone. Inside Jungle 51 there was a section where you lounge out in hammocks getting lost in deep sexy techno tracks. Most of the night was about exploring and discovering new artists that weren’t aware of before attending Okeechobee Festival. Best performances of the night were Snoop Dogg and The Roots and Rob Garza.

Sunday, the last and final day. Starting off the day was non-stop electronic Aquachobee Beach party with Dirt Monkey B2B Subtronics, Boogie T B2B Squnto, Ganja White Night B2B Boogie T B2B Liquid Stranger. As well as The Big Quiet at the BE stage which was a mass sound meditation featuring members of Arcade Fire, Sophie Tukker, and Local Natives. Entering the Grove the final time. Starting off at the NOW stage was Big Wild, then getting in a little Ganja White Night, after them was Gramatik with a gripping performance and ending the night with Zeds Dead. Before catching a little of Arcade Fire. Best performances of the night were Gramatik and Zeds Dead.

Okeechobee Music + Arts Festival was definitely a different experience compared to last year’s. Discovered new artists, witnessed breathtaking performances from artists haven’t seen before. Plus making friends with some of the coolest people ever meeting. Closing another chapter and making room for more adventures in the music festival world, until next time Okeechobee.