Tortuga Music Festival returns to Fort Lauderdale beach this weekend
FORT LAUDERDALE – It's music's biggest beach party, and it's back on Fort Lauderdale Beach Friday through Sunday. The multi-stage festival features some of the biggest names in country, rock, and R and B music. Some 30,000 people are expected to party in the sands - country style.
Aside from the music, Rock the Ocean's Tortuga Music Festival was created to generate awareness and raise funds for ocean conservation. In the past 10 years, they've raised $5 million dollars.
"So, we bring in the thought leaders each year and we let them have a platform to get in front of our fans and educate our fans on the importance of what's happening in the world's oceans," said Chris Stacy, Founder, Tortuga Music Festival.
From music to movies, it's also time for the 41st annual Miami Dade College Miami Film Festival on this weekend. 180 features, documentaries, and short films of all genres from over 31 countries worldwide will be shown during the next 10 days. Films will be screened throughout the city. This year, the festival features more locally produced and/or directed films than ever before.
"And we're just packed with great Miami stories this year with so many amazing films. There are a lot of locals who are in this film festival as well with many features, documentaries, and shorts that are made by local talents," said James Wooley, Director of the festival. "They're some of the very best things that we're screening this year."
And finally, a beautiful sight on the sands of South Beach. This world's premier show jumping series known as Longines Global Champions Tour is back for its eighth year. The horse show brings Olympic-level equestrian sport to Miami Beach from now through Saturday.
What to know
The Tortuga Music Festival kicked off on the beach Friday at 1100 Seabreeze Boulevard and will continue through Sunday night.
The multi-stage festival features some of the biggest names in country, rock, and roots music. Upwards of 30,000 people are expected at the beach each day. One and three day passes are still available.
Those planning to go should note that there is no designated event parking. Attendees are encouraged to use a ride share service or the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi.
So who's headlining this year?
Lainey Wilson- Friday, April 5 at 8:25 p.m.
American singer and songwriter Lainey Wilson will perform at Tortuga on Friday at 8:35 p.m. Some of Wilson's songs include "Heart Like a Truck," "Watermelon Moonshine," and "Things a Man Oughta Know."
"Watermelon Moonshine" was nominated for Video of the Year at the 2024 CMT Music Awards.
With 2.3 million Instagram followers, Wilson uses the platform to share her passion for country music.
HARDY - Saturday, April 6 at 8:25 p.m.
American singer and songwriter HARDY will perform at Tortuga on Friday at 8:25 p.m. Some of Hardy's songs include "Truck Bed," "Give Heaven Some Hell," "Jack," and "He Went To Jared."
"Truck Bed" was nominated for Video of the Year at the 2024 CMT Music Awards.
With 1.4 million followers on Instagram, HARDY uses the social platform to showcase his music and love for rock.
Jason Aldean- Sunday, April 7 at 8:20 p.m.
American Country singer Jason Aldean, will be at this year's Tortuga. Some of Aldeans songs include, "Got What I Got," "You Make It Easy," "Burnin' It Down" and "Try That In a Small Town."
Aldean's song "Let Your Boys Be Country" was nominated for Video of The Year at the 2024 CMT Music Awards.
Jason Aldean addressed the controversy over his "Try That in a Small Town" music video and song in an interview with CBS News.
Aldean has an Instagram following of 4.4 million and uses his social platform to post tours and upcoming songs.
Old Dominion- Saturday, April 6, at 6:15 p.m.
Old Dominion Band, who just played in Key West on March 24, is heading towards this year's Tortuga. Some of the band's songs include, "One Man Band," "I Should Have Married You," "Memory Lane," and "Song For Another Time."
Old Dominion and Megan Moroney's song, "Can't Break Up Now," was nominated at the 2024 CMT Music Awards for Male Video of The Year.
Also scheduled to perform are Bailey Zimmerman, Ashley McBryde, Brett Michaels, Turnpike Troubadours, and Boyz II Men.
You can see the full Tortuga lineup here.