High Water Festival 2026: Dates, Lineup, Tickets & Everything You Need to Know

The High Water Festival—founded by Grammy-winning band Shovels & Rope—has become one of the South’s most beloved music and culinary events. Held annually in North Charleston, South Carolina, this festival blends top-tier musical acts with award-winning local food, craft beer, and Southern hospitality.

As we look ahead to 2026, fans are already buzzing: When is High Water Festival 2026? Who’s performing? How do I get tickets? While official details for the 2026 edition haven’t been announced yet, we’ve compiled everything you need to know based on historical patterns, insider trends, and what to expect.

🗓️ High Water Festival 2026 Dates

As of December 2025, the official 2026 dates have not been confirmed by the organizers. However, based on past years:

• High Water Festival 2023: April 22–23
• High Water Festival 2024: April 20–21
• High Water Festival 2025: April 19–20

It’s highly likely that High Water Festival 2026 will take place on the weekend of April 18–19, 2026, at Riverfront Park in North Charleston, SC.

✅ Expected 2026 Dates: April 18–19, 2026 (Saturday & Sunday)
📍 Location: Riverfront Park, 3700 Hobson Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405

🎤 High Water Festival 2026 Lineup (Rumored & Expected)

No official 2026 lineup has been released yet. However, past headliners give us strong clues about the festival’s musical direction:

• 2025 Headliners: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, The Black Keys, Brittany Howard
• 2024: Jason Isbell, The Avett Brothers, Margo Price
• 2023: The National, Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard, Lucinda Williams

🔮 Likely 2026 Artists (Speculation Based on Trends):

• Chris Stapleton
• Sturgill Simpson
• Wet Leg
• Mitski
• The War on Drugs
• Shovels & Rope (founders – almost always perform)
• Emerging indie, Americana, folk, and alternative acts

⚠️ Note: The official High Water Festival 2026 lineup is expected to drop in late January or early February 2026 via their official website and social media.

🎟️ High Water Festival 2026 Tickets

Tickets for past festivals typically go on sale in December or January.

Expected Ticket Types (2026):

• General Admission (2-Day Pass): ~$199–$249
• VIP Pass: ~$399–$499 (includes premium viewing, lounge access, food/drink perks)
• Single-Day Passes: May be available closer to the event
• Payment Plans: Often offered through the official ticketing partner (usually AXS or Eventbrite)

🔔 Pro Tip: Sign up for the High Water Festival newsletter to get early access and presale codes!

🍽️ More Than Music: Food, Drink & Culture

High Water isn’t just a concert—it’s a full sensory Southern experience:

• Curated food vendors from Charleston’s best chefs
• Local craft beer & cocktails (including festival-exclusive brews)
• Art installations and family-friendly zones
• Sustainability initiatives (compostable serveware, recycling stations)

🚗 Planning Your Trip to Charleston for High Water 2026

• Hotels: Book early! Popular areas include Downtown Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, and North Charleston.
• Parking & Transit: Free shuttles often run from downtown hotels to Riverfront Park.
• Weather: April in Charleston averages 65–78°F – perfect festival weather! Pack light layers and sunscreen.

FAQs About High Water Festival 2026

Q: Is High Water Festival worth it?
A: Absolutely! With its intimate size, stellar lineup, and focus on food + music, it’s consistently rated one of the best boutique festivals in the U.S.

Q: Are kids allowed?
A: Yes! Children 10 and under get in free with a paying adult.

Q: Can I bring my own food or drinks?
A: No outside food or beverages are permitted, but the on-site options are exceptional.

Q: Is there camping?
A: No official camping—but plenty of nearby hotels and Airbnbs.

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