High Water Festival was nothing short of magical — a vibrant kickoff to the season that lit up Charleston’s Riverfront Park on April 26th and 27th. With twenty acts spread across two stages, this two day celebration brought the spirit of music alive in a way coastal South Carolina won’t soon forget.
From the moment Charleston natives Easy Honey hit the stage, the energy was infectious. Their hometown pride radiated through every smile, riff, and beat, setting the tone for a weekend of non-stop joy. Festival-goers of all ages swayed, danced, and sang their hearts out, creating a collective rhythm that pulsed from the barricades to the back of the field.
The beauty of High Water was in the flow—bouncing between stages felt like surfing a wave of pure musical bliss. No matter the genre or familiarity, each crowd threw themselves wholeheartedly into the experience. It was proof that festivals are sacred ground for music lovers: a space where knowing the lyrics is optional, but feeling the beat is required.
As I roamed the grounds, band loyalty was proudly worn like a badge of honor. Shirts, hats, and tote bags were emblazoned with names like flipturn, Mt. Joy, and Lord Huron. flipturn, in particular, had a strong presence — despite their set coming late on day two, fans were already repping them on day one, a testament to their meteoric rise from Jacksonville’s indie scene to festival fame.
Day two brought a special spark as we saw more women on stage and the vibe was electric. Goldie Boutilier set the tone early, captivating the crowd with her theatrical flair and magnetic stage presence. Later, Trampled by Turtles drew curious onlookers with their eclectic instrument lineup — banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and cello weaving together a sound both timeless and fresh.
And then came the grand finale: Arcade Fire. The band delivered a performance that was not just heard, but felt. With a show full of spectacle and heart, they left the crowd awestruck, ending the weekend on a euphoric high.
Beyond the music, it was the community that truly defined High Water. Everywhere I turned, I saw beaming faces and shared moments of pure joy. Even in the press lounge, a unique camaraderie formed among creatives, all capturing the same sets through different eyes, exchanging inspiration and stories along the way.
High Water Fest wasn’t just an event—it was a reminder of how good life can be when the soundtrack is right. For me, and for Charleston, it was a weekend to remember, and a beautiful celebration of music, connection, and coastal soul.
Words and photos by Joanna Barronton
