High Water Festival 2026, held on April 18–19 at Riverfront Park in North Charleston, SC, staked its claim yet again as the perfect curated festival for fans of Americana and folk music. The event offered two days of music, incredible food and drinks, and beautiful scenery of the Lowcountry riverside.
The two headliners for the weekend, Alabama Shakes and Caamp, had festivalgoers camped out for hours at the barricade ahead of their sets. The wait was worth it for the two powerhouse bands, as they each electrified Riverfront Park with their charm and the energy brought from the fans.
Caamp had a particularly impressive set, bringing out the day’s opener, Alice Phoebe Lou, for a cover of “Harvest Moon” and Ritchie Mitch for “By And By.” They also surprised fans by performing “Drive,” debuting the 2025 track live. The whole set brought a mixture of nostalgia and surprise, making it a perfect way to close out the weekend.
Some other highlights included Alice Phoebe Lou, who performed a magical solo set to open Sunday, hey, nothing’s Saturday performance that combined their alternative sound and witty humor, and Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers who brought out Caamp’s very own Taylor Meier to perform “Evergreen” ahead of their headlining set Sunday night.
Other standout sets included The Runarounds, Trousdale, John Vincent III, Jesse Welles, and Peach Pit. Each performer and group brought with them their unique sound and high energy that made for an absolutely incredible weekend for longtime attendees and newcomers alike.
The atmosphere of High Water blended laidback coastal vibes and the energy brought by anticipation between sets across the Edisto and Stono stages. The picturesque environment was the perfect backdrop. Whether you were waiting by the stages for the next performance or relaxing under the shade of the oak trees in the Refuge area, it wasn’t hard to find a perfect spot to spend the day.
Also in the Refuge area was a variety of food vendors and bars so concertgoers could get a refreshing beverage to cool off with. Local restaurants and pop-ups served everything from burgers and vegetarian dishes to pizza and gyros. Each option offered its own unique flair to make for a perfect weekend for foodies.
The people, though, are what truly make the High Water experience. It’s not every day you can sit down and strike up a conversation with a total stranger, but the attendees of this festival made it easy. It made for the perfect weekend for families, college students, and all other music lovers in a space that felt intimate and relaxed.
High Water Music Festival 2026 was a combination of perfectly curated music, good food, and a strong sense of community among attendees. With just two stages, Stono and Edisto, it was easy to catch every performance. The layout made moving between sets feel effortless rather than stressful, allowing the day to unfold at a relaxed, enjoyable pace.
Whether you were discovering a new favorite artist or singing along to familiar songs, the atmosphere felt intimate and welcoming. It was truly a collective excitement that only live music could create, making the entire experience feel less like a massive event and more like a shared moment among friends.
Click on the links to catch our interviews with Trousdale, Alice Phoebe Lou, John Vincent III, and Peach Pit.
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