Fit For An Autopsy (with support from 6deep and Sterilizing The Deceased) performing at Mahall's in Lakewood, OH on March 21, 2026. All photos taken by Kayla Kreller.
Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival | Florida
Okeechobee Music Festival has always been one of Florida’s most iconic festivals, drawing in thousands of fans to the boonies of the Florida badlands to experience a vibrant mix of genres, artists, and breathtaking visuals. This year is no different as it embraces a wider range of genres while maintaining its roots in EDM, inspiring excitement and a sense of belonging among festival-goers.
One of the most anticipated moments of Okeechobee 2026 is the headlining EDM acts. The festival organizers had curated an exciting lineup, from GRiZ to Knock2. The eclectic mix of house and techno-bass gave festival-goers high-energy performances that kept the party late into the night, sparking anticipation and excitement.
But it's not just about the bass — Okeechobee 2026 also welcomed artists from various genres, creating a space where music lovers from all backgrounds could come together and foster a sense of community and shared experience.
Among the buzzing EDM acts is Ian, whose hit track “Magic Johnson” has taken the rap scene by storm in recent memory. Ian's performance at Okeechobee will undoubtedly be one of the weekend's highlights. His captivating stage presence and hype performance have earned him a dedicated fanbase.
Of course, Okeechobee would not be complete without a bit of old-school hip-hop flavor. Enter T-Pain, the return of Auto-Tune King, the legendary rapper and singer who’s known for his iconic use of smooth, tuned tone. T-Pain’s career has spanned multiple decades, and while he initially gained fame for his chart-topping singles like “Buy U a Drank” and “Up Down (Do This All Day),” he's also shown a deep love for EDM and electronic-infused hip-hop. He truly is the melting pot of music Okeechobee has always represented.
Okee 2026 also highlighed several emerging talents, including BigXthaPlug, an artist who has recently gained significant attention in hip-hop. Known for his powerful delivery and engaging storytelling, BigXthaPlug is quickly establishing himself as a heavyweight slugger in the rap game. Whether he’s dropping mixtapes or launching his own label, BigXthaPlug had to show love to one of Florida’s biggest music festivals. With hits like “The Largest” and “Mmhmm,” BigxthaPlug stands out amongst his rapping peers at Okee 2026.
Okee 2026 would not be complete without standout rock bands like flipturn and Cage The Elephant. Cage The Elephant really needs no introduction, while rising Florida indie-rock band flipturn was another highly anticipated act at Okeechobee 2026. flipturn has quickly gained a following through their energetic performances and thoughtful lyrics, especially within the indie and alternative scenes. Their sound is a perfect match for the festival, where genres blend effortlessly, and audiences are open to new experiences. For festival-goers looking for a break from EDM and hip-hop, flipturn’s set provided the perfect antidote.
What makes Okeechobee Music Festival 2026 truly stand out is not just the genre variety — it’s the energy and vibe that the festival curates. From cutting-edge EDM sets that transform the night sky into a vibrant, illuminated masterpiece to raw rock performances under the stars, Okeechobee has a little bit of everything. The blend of hip-hop, rock, and electronic music, along with some of the coolest festival goers, promises a multi-sensory experience unlike any other. The visual art installations, interactive experiences, and late-night jam sessions only add to the festival’s allure. Okeechobee 2026 was not just a music festival — it was a celebration of art in all its forms, a testament to the power of sound, light, and human connection.
With the combination of legendary hip-hop artists, EDM artists, and indie rock sensations, Okeechobee is a festival that music lovers of all kinds shouldn’t miss; weekenders jamming to the beats of the latest EDM bangers, rocking out to indie anthems, or vibing with live hip-hop, Okeechobee delivers an experience that’ll leave you counting down the days until the next one.
Words and photos by Ryan-Samuel Borromeo
INFEKT | St. Louis
INFEKT performing at Mississippi Underground in St. Louis, MO on March 20, 2026. All photos taken by Michelle Zigler.
Natalie Jane | Brooklyn
Natalie Jane performing at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY on March 19, 2026. All photos taken by Ryan Meehan.
Yellow Days | New York City
Yellow Days performing at Gramercy Theatre in New York City on March 18, 2026. All photos taken by Mike Golembo.
Artemas | New York City
Artemas performing at Terminal 5 in New York City on March 14, 2026. Photos taken by Ankush Kumar and edited by Sharron Lou.
BEAUTY SCHOOL DROPOUT | Philadelphia
BEAUTY SCHOOL DROPOUT (with support from NIGHTBREAKERS) performing at The Foundry in Philadelphia, PA on March 3, 2026. All photos taken by Cami Liberty.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise | Montclair
Rainbow Kitten Surprise performing at The Wellmont Theater, in Montclair, NJ on March 13, 2026. All photos taken by Andrew Pintado.
Sabrina Claudio | San Francisco
Sabrina Claudio performing at The Fillmore in San Francisco, CA on March 13, 2026. All photos taken by Evan Twiford.
AVELLO | Chesterfield
AVELLO performing at The Factory in Chesterfield, MO on March 12, 2026. All photos taken by Michelle Zigler.
Peter McPoland | Philadelphia
Peter McPoland (with support from DUG) performing at Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia, PA on February 28, 2026. All photos taken by Cami Liberty.
Lights | New York City
Lights performing at Irving Plaza in New York City on March 13, 2026. All photos taken by Julie Hubschman.
Colony House | Santa Ana
Colony House performing at Constellation Room in Santa Ana, CA on March 12, 2026. All photos taken by Kaylee Scott.
Capstan | Lakewood
Capstan (with support from In Her Own Words, Dreamwake, and Dead Cassette) performing at Mahall's in Lakewood, OH on March 10, 2026. All photos taken by Kayla Kreller.
Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest | Miami Gardens
In the heart of Miami Gardens, the annual Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival once again transformed the city into a vibrant celebration of music, heritage, and unity. The 2026 festival blended R&B, hip-hop, and soul, into a weekend that felt as much like a family reunion as it did a major music festival. This year’s lineup leaned heavily on star artists whose sets defined the weekend.
Jhené Aiko, renowned R&B artist of recent memory, brought a calm, almost meditative atmosphere to the festival stage. Her performance stood out for its emotional depth, with soft vocals floating over the crowd as fans swayed to her introspective R&B hits. Her Saturday finale created one of the fest’s most immersive and soulful moments.
Representing the next wave of hip-hop, GloRilla delivered one of the most explosive sets of the weekend. Her gritty Memphis flow and confident stage presence electrified younger fans near the front. Her performance highlighted how the festival continues to balance legendary acts with rising stars shaping today’s rap landscape.
Few artists could spark as much collective nostalgia as Ludacris and Ashanti. The crowd sang along throughout their sets, turning the moment into a collective celebration of early-2000s R&B. Their performances felt like a throwback celebration of hip-hop’s golden era, packed with swagger and nonstop energy.
For many attendees, the event felt like a homecoming. The city — one of the largest predominantly Black municipalities in the United States — embraced the weekend as a moment to spotlight its identity. Local leaders, community groups, and residents leaned into the festival’s mission: uplifting Black music, creativity, and unity. Between sets, conversations about community initiatives, small businesses, and neighborhood pride were just as present as the music itself.
This year’s Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival proved once again why it remains one of South Florida’s most culturally significant music events. By blending legendary artists, rising stars, and the unmistakable spirit of Miami Gardens, the festival created more than a concert — it created a space where music, culture, and community came together in powerful harmony.
Words and photos by Ryan-Samuel Borromeo
Indigo De Souza | Seattle
Indigo De Souza (with support from Mothé) performing at The Showbox in Seattle, WA on March 10, 2026. All photos taken by Corrina Stadler.
Lauren Spencer Smith | Minneapolis
Lauren Spencer Smith performing at The Fillmore in Minneapolis, MN on March 7, 2026. All photos taken by Marissa Ding.
Good Terms | St. Louis
Good Terms (with support from Relate. and Fight Back Mountain) performing at Off Broadway in St. Louis, MO on March 2, 2026. All photos taken by Michelle Zigler.
Congress | Tallahassee
Congress (with support from The Gringos and Hangout) performing at 926 Bar & Grill in Tallahassee, FL on March 5, 2026. All photos taken by Josie Liederman.
Freya Skye | New York City
Freya Skye performing at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on February 28, 2026. All photos taken by Jessie Eshak.