Tortuga Music Festival Brings Sun, Sound, + Sustainability To Fort Lauderdale Beach
12th Annual Celebration Features Unforgettable Performances from Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, Megan Moroney, Ludacris + More
This April, the golden sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach came alive with the sounds of country, rock, reggae, and hip-hop as the 12th annual Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival, in partnership with Live Nation, delivered three sun-soaked days of music and meaningful environmental advocacy.
More than 40 artists took the stage, including chart-toppers Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, and Keith Urban, along with fan favorites Parker McCollum, Jordan Davis, Megan Moroney, and hip-hop icon Ludacris. Dubbed a “sun-drenched, beachside country festival that doubles-up as a key fundraising event for ocean conservation” (Holler), the event seamlessly blended high-octane entertainment with a heartfelt cause.
FRIDAY: A STAR-STUDDED KICKOFF
The weekend began with magnetic performances on the Sunset Stage from John Morgan and Marcus King, who surprised fans with a soulful cover of Tyler Childers’ “Shake The Frost” and an on-stage appearance by his wife, Briley. The energy peaked when Ludacris celebrated 25 years of music mastery with hits like “Money Maker” and “What’s Your Fantasy.”
Over on the Main Stage, crowds swayed to sets from Angie K, Gavin DeGraw, Gary Allan, and Parker McCollum, who serenaded fans with “Pretty Heart” and new single “What Kinda Man.”
The night culminated in a fiery, pyrotechnic-fueled performance from Jelly Roll, delivering emotional anthems like “Liar” and “Save Me.”
SATURDAY: SUN, SOUND + SURPRISES
Day two offered a vibrant mix of music under perfect Florida skies. Wheeland Brothers opened the Main Stage with a tropical-meets-country vibe, setting the tone with “Rock Me Like The Ocean.” Highlights included powerful sets from Wyatt Flores, Meghan Patrick, and Jordan Davis.
Over on the Sunset Stage, breakout artist Shaboozey captivated the crowd with high-energy singalongs, while The Original Wailers delivered iconic reggae rhythms. Supergroup Ezra Ray Hart brought nostalgia to the sand with a lively mash-up of Sugar Ray and Violent Femmes classics.
Saturday night closed on a high as Keith Urban lit up the Main Stage with fan favorites like “Somebody Like You” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” plus a special duet of “GO HOME W U” with rising star Karley Scott Collins.
SUNDAY: A SUNSET FINALE TO REMEMBER
The final day offered a perfect crescendo to an already unforgettable weekend. Megan Moroney charmed the Sunset Stage crowd with heartfelt hits “Am I Okay” and “No Caller ID.” The stage also welcomed fan-favorites Restless Road, Bumpin Uglies, and Yelawolf.
On the Main Stage, Caylee Hammack wowed with a country-inspired take on Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” before sets from Corey Kent and Cody Jinks kept the momentum rolling.
Closing the weekend, Luke Combs delivered an electrifying grand finale with anthem after anthem, from “When It Rains It Pours” to “Forever After All,” leaving fans singing all the way home.
NEXT FROM NASHVILLE: DISCOVERING TOMORROW’S STARS
This year also marked the debut of the Next From Nashville stage, spotlighting emerging voices in country music. Acts like Abby Anderson, Bryce Leatherwood, Lauren Watkins, and Charlie Worsham gave fans a glimpse into the future of the genre—and it’s bright.
AMPLIFYING A MISSION THAT MATTERS
While the music was center stage, the festival’s mission to protect our oceans was at the heart of it all. Since its 2013 debut, Tortuga has raised millions for ocean conservation and partnered with over 100 nonprofits. In 2024 alone, the event diverted over 114.7 tons of materials from landfills through eco-initiatives.
This year’s focus on Reduce, Rethink, Restore pushed forward initiatives to cut emissions, minimize waste, and protect marine life. Festival-goers explored Rock The Ocean’s Conservation Village, a unique interactive space to learn how their ticket directly supports global environmental action.
To learn more or get involved, visit TortugaMusicFestival.com and follow along on Instagram @TortugaMusicFestival.
Photo Credits:
Drone – Ryan Schmidt
Artist – Alive Coverage