What is the only thing better than attending a multi-day music festival? Getting to experience it on the water! Instead of battling concert traffic, boaters have the unique luxury of attending various music and art festivals by boat.
Unsure where to start? We’re listing eight waterfront music festivals down below.
8 Music Festivals on the Water
Here are some of the top waterfront music festivals to check out in 2025:
1. Osheaga Music and Arts Festival in Montréal
Osheaga Music and Arts Festival is one of Montréal’s biggest and best outdoor music festivals. There are three monumental days of music — from indie artists to hip-hop headliners to electronic dance producers — as well as interactive art exhibits, local food trucks, and a kids’ zone for the younger skippers.
Arriving by boat or cruise is an increasingly popular way to attend the festival. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, there is a cruise passenger terminal at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montréal in the Old Port of Montréal. Additionally, private vessels can dock at several marinas along the St. Lawrence River.
2. Tortuga Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Tortuga Music Festival is a three-day, oceanfront festival that welcomes some of the biggest names in country and rock music. Hosted by Rock The Ocean, this music festival is a trailblazer in sustainability. In addition to being the first major music festival to ban the sale of plastic bottles, Tortuga has implemented a comprehensive recycling program and drafted the industry’s most aggressive sustainability plan for a large-scale event.
If you’d like to attend the Tortuga Music Festival by boat, you can dock at one of the surrounding marinas. Unfortunately, you can’t drop anchor offshore near the festival, as it can damage the delicate reef habitat.
3. SunFest Festival in Palm Beach, Florida
SunFest is Florida’s largest waterfront music and arts festival, which takes place in downtown Palm Beach. It’s packed with both headliners and local performers. And because it’s situated along Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, it’s one of the best music festivals on the water. In addition to the tunes, this festival features an immersive art experience, VIP culinary experiences, and floating bars.
Boaters can anchor in the Intracoastal Waterway and take a water taxi to the festival site.
4. Wonderfront Festival in San Diego, California
This multi-day music festival is held along waterfront parks and in the Seaport Village in San Diego. However, boaters drop anchor all along the San Diego waterway to enjoy the show – and it’s not hard to imagine why! The stellar music lineup, boat parties, sunset cruises, incredible food, and refreshing drinks make Wonderfront Festival one of the top waterfront music festivals to access by boat.
Additionally, the festival partners with Seaforth Rentals if you need another power boat, kayak, or SUP board.
5. GAZEBO Festival at Waterfront Park in Louisville, Kentucky
GAZEBO Festival is a multi-day event held at Waterfront Park in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to a standout group of headliners (SZA, Jack Harlow, James Blake – to name a few), this festival on the water also showcases a wide range of Louisville’s restaurants, bars, and shops.
The Boat Docks connect the park and the waterfront, and docking is free at the Brown Forman Amphitheater Dock (available on a first-come, first-serve basis). However, the grounds appreciate a $50 donation per day and recommend that you call ahead of time.
6. High Water Fest in North Charleston, South Carolina
High Water Fest at Riverfront Park is an indie folk music festival held annually in North Charleston. (They’ve hosted headliners like Noah Kahan, Hozier, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and Caamp.) And while the acoustics aren’t as good from the water, plenty of folks drop anchor outside the venue each year to listen.
The festival prides itself on offering “low country vibes.” So, if you’re looking for a relaxing way to soak up the scenery while enjoying your favorite artists, this waterfront festival is for you.
7. Lakefront Music Fest in Prior Lake, Minnesota
Lakefront Music Fest is an annual waterfront music festival in Prior Lake’s Lakefront Park. The music is primarily country and rock, and the 2025 headliners include Miranda Lambert and Foreigner. While we don’t necessarily recommend anchoring for the show, you can dock your vessel at slips along Lower Prior Lake.
8. Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Florida
Last but certainly not least, Ultra Music Festival is a premier electronic music festival that brings some of the world’s best DJs to Bayfront Park (not to be confused with Homestead Bayfront Park). They’re renowned for offering yacht charters before the show – allowing guests to pre-party and be dropped off at the venue in style. However, docking or landing any sea vessels in the park requires a permit.
Top Waterfront Music Festivals
Well, there you have it, folks! Attending a music festival by boat is a fun and unique experience that every boater should enjoy. If you end up checking out one (or several) of these waterfront music festivals by boat, we’d love to hear about it!
