Every now and then, the music community is blessed with a music festival that transcends what these types of events are all about and High Water Festival in North Charleston, South Carolina is no exception. There of course are the multiple talented artists that grace the stages throughout the weekend, the great food vendors and sponsor activations and then we can never forget about the amazing riverfront views the festival grounds provide. But what truly makes High Water one of the best festivals in the southeast? The people.
From the moment you arrive at the entry gates, you can feel the sense of community that the festival creates. Nothing but smiles and excitement can be seen as you look down the lines of fans waiting to enter. Once inside the festival, you’re met with positive vibes and energy around every corner. Want to try and cut through the crowd to get to the barricade for your favorite band? No problem at all, you won’t find anyone gatekeeping here. Kindness runs rampant at High Water Festival and we are all here for it! The layout of High Water Festival also makes it easier than ever to traverse the grounds from one stage to the other, as well as getting to “The Refuge” where you can find all kinds of delicious dinner options while you prepare to sing your heart out.
Speaking of singing, let’s get into what we all came to High Water 2026 for, the line-up. Day one of the festival saw perfect sunny weather as South Carolina natives, Winyah, drew a huge crowd to the Edisto Stage as the opener for the fest and gave a performance everyone would be talking about for the rest of the weekend. Next up kicking off performances on the Stono Stage, was the folk-trio Trousdale which delivered unforgettable harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. The afternoon of perfect performances continued as The Runarounds took to the stage next and showed why they truly are the next big thing in indie-rock music. As the afternoon went on, audiences were treated with amazing versatile acts such as Watchhouse, Arcy Drive, Lake Street Dive and Jenson McRae.
As the sun started to lower on day one of High Water, My Morning Jacket took their place on the Stono Stage and delivered a high-energy performance with excellent musicianship that brought all demographics of the festival together. Next, it was time for the close-out of the Edisto Stage with the one and only Maren Morris. Entering stage to a massive applause, the singer immediately had command of the entire audience and deliver an outstanding performance full of powerhouse vocals. Once the Edisto Stage had gone dark, it was time for Alabama Shakes to bring day one to a close. Accompanied by a beautiful stage set-up, vocalist Brittany Howard showed why she is one of the best in modern-day music when it comes to feeling the soul in one’s voice. As day one of High Water came to a close, anticipation for day two was at an all time high!
As gates opened on day two of the festival, it promised to be another day full of amazing performances, as South African singer-songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou began the day with a set that can only be described as a perfect lo-fi way to start a beautiful Sunday. Continuing the chill vibes over on the Stono Stage, the duo Penny & Sparrow delivered an emotional, yet comedic performance that brought tears and laughs all at once. After the audience had been eased into a chill Sunday, it was time to get things rockin’ again with hey, nothing. The emo-folk group took to the stage with boundless energy that immediately spread to the festival-goers and had everyone singing along and their feet jumping. The high-energy continued throughout the afternoon with Richy Mitch & The Coalminers, followed by John Vincent III.
Before it was time for the day two headliners to begin the closing performances, a crowd favorite took to the stage. Arkansas musician Jesse Welles made his High Water debut to thunderous cheers from the crowd and quickly delivered one of the best performances of day two so far. Next up was the excellent musicianship of Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers that once again proved High Water Festival can cross multiple generations and bring them together. As The Noisemakers began to quiet down, it was time for the legend herself, Sheryl Crow to grace the Stono Stage and share songs that take us all back to some of the best times. Have you ever listened to Sheryl Crow sing “Soak Up The Sun” live while the sun sets over a river? Enough said. Closing out day two and the festival overall started with alternative indie rockers, Peach Pit. The Vancouver based band brought an incredible performance that everyone would remember for the remainder of the evening. Crazy light shows and insane guitar solos, what more could you ask for? Then it was time for High Water 2026 to come to an end as day two headliner, CAAMP took over delivering a fun and powerful performance that left everyone wanting more.
It goes without saying that High Water Festival is one of a kind and creates something that all music lovers should experience at least once. With well-curated artist lineups and an atmosphere that is unmatched, this festival is one of the best and definitely needs to be on your festival/concert bucket-list. So until next year, “get high and stay dry.”
All photos & writing by Justin Doan
fuelthescene.com 