If you’re an alt-folk fan, come heaven at High Water (get it?) might be the most accurate way to describe this South Carolinian music festival, which takes place each year at North Charleston’s Riverfront Park. High Water’s lineup is curated by husband and wife Americana group, Shovels and Rope, who strummed their way to mainstream indie fame (yes, it’s an oxymoron) in 2012 with their hit song Birmingham, subsequently winning two American Music Awards in 2013 for “Best Emerging Artist of the Year” and “Song of the Year.”
And this year, the duo delivers — the names are big. Saturday’s attendees will bop with the pop beats and heady vocals of Noah Kahan, and Sunday’s crowds will swoon to Hozier’s now legendary swelling soul-adjacent lyrics and orchestration. The lineup also includes psychedelic punk royalty The Flaming Lips, the lesser-known but equally talented rock duo the Heavy Heavy, and Fleet Foxes, the band that single-handedly brought the multi-part harmony to coffee shops all over the country. Plus, famous headliners bring some famous surprise guests. Last year, Lana Del Ray joined Bleachers to sing “Margaret” from her then just-released album.
A note of caution: presale tickets this year went suspiciously fast, with local reporters crying wolf of Wall Street, and accusing corporate sponsors of artificially inflating prices. It seems that what was once indie is no longer.
The Specs
- In 2019, there were about 7,500 attendees each day.
- Tiers 1 and 2 for GA single-day and full weekend passes are sold out. Tier 3 single-day passes start at $180, and full weekend GA passes start at $300. Find all of the options here.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s Guide to South Carolina, a state known for its southern hospitality and mustard-based BBQ, among other things. And plan to spend a little extra time in the low-country food scene of Charleston.
FAQs
Where is the High Water Festival located?
At Riverfront Park, 1061 Everglades Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405.
What is the closest airport to the High Water Festival?
Fly into the Charleston International Airport (CHS, 15 minutes, 8 miles).
What can I bring? What should I leave at home?
Bring small clutches and bags (6″ x 9″ or smaller), clear larger bags (up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″), sun gear, and reusable water bottles. Don’t bring anything larger than a breadbox, AKA coolers, sun tents, chairs or hammocks, and leave your punch bowl at home–no glass allowed.
What will I find at the High Water Festival Market?
A range of local craft vendors, selling handmade jewelry, leather goods, screen-printed t-shirts, and more — plus festival and artist merch.
Which artists are on the High Water Festival 2024 lineup?
Noah Kahan, Hozier, Fleet Foxes, Shovels & Rope, The Flaming Lips, Grace Potter, Courtney Barnett, The Walkmen, Houndmouth, The Dip, Leyla McCalla, Olivia Jean, Al Olender, The Wallflowers, Briston Maroney, The Linda Lindas, Kevin Morby, The Heavy Heavy, Cut Worms, Babe Club.
Playlists
Poster
