The rare winter storms sweeping Florida and the rest of the Southeast United States this year may make warm weather feel like a distant memory, but there is a beacon of good vibes and sunshine rapidly approaching in the Tampa Bay region. Reggae Rise Up Florida is almost here, returning to its waterfront home of Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg this March 13th through the 16th, 2025. Less than two months away, the 10-year anniversary of the festival is sure to be another sun-soaked weekend of incredible music, one-of-a-kind art installations, interactive activities, and top-tier vendors.
Growing rapidly alongside the region as a whole, Reggae Rise Up has expanded from its humble beginnings as a single-day festival to one of the most anticipated and recognized reggae rock festival in the US. Expanding to stretch across four jam-packed days a few years ago, the festival organizers keep outdoing themselves year after year, announcing lineups as diverse as the festival’s thousands of attendees themselves.
This year, we see the return of some of the biggest names in the reggae scene — and then some.
Veterans of Reggae Rise Up stages Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, and Dirty Heads headline the three full days of the festival. Since its addition, Thursday has notably kicked off Reggae Rise Up each year with an eclectic lineup; it’s one that provides something for everyone, even if it’s something you didn’t know you needed to see. Headlining Thursday is what seems like an unlikely duo (although larger than life): Sting and Shaggy. Two iconic musicians on their own, check out their NPR Tiny Desk to see what this pair is all about.
Preceding them on Thursday includes the laidback vibes of Iration and the soulful funk of Lettuce, pairing the festival’s genre’s namesake genre with the introduction of Reggae Rise Up’s first jam band to join the event.
Beyond the headliners and musically diverse first night, Reggae Rise Up provides a full weekend of highly recognized staples in this scene, as well as rising talents that expand well beyond the traditional definitions of ‘reggae’. Fan-favorites such as SOJA, Pepper, The Movement, and The Elovaters all return to celebrate Reggae Rise Up Florida’s 10th year. Rounding out the line includes a diversity of sounds and styles from the likes of Atmosphere, Matisyahu, Landon McNamara, Tropidelic, Passafire, and even a special performance from Rome (known for leading up Sublime With Rome).
Additionally, Reggae Rise Up Florida has continuously included international representation.
This year, Jamaican reggae artists Kabaka Pyramid and Jesse Royal bring elements of roots reggae to the festival. Canadian “vintage pop” group Bombargo and Burmudian artist Collie Buddz are also sure to delight the crowd with their unique styles and influences.
Reggae Rise Up has also provided a platform for local Florida musicians since its early days. This year’s lineup includes the Florida-local talents of Tidal Theory, Drifting Roots, Sub Herb, Brothers Within, as well as ICRONIQ and Seranation — both of whom call the Tampa Bay home. Hailing from other parts of the country, Coyote Island, The Quasi Kings, and Day Lily are newcomers to the festival, so make sure not to sleep on these acts!
Reggae Rise Up is nestled between the beautiful views of the Tampa Bay waterfront and the vibrant downtown of St. Petersburg. Throughout downtown, festival-goers can find so much to do in addition to the happenings within the festival grounds: catch more music at the after parties at the Floridian Social or live jazz at Ruby’s Elixir just a few blocks from Vinoy Park. Remember, these four days will be a marathon, not a sprint, as there is a lot you won’t want to miss.
Download the Reggae Rise Up app to build a schedule and follow Reggae Rise Up Florida on social media to stay up with the latest news and announcements! There are two more surprises left to unveil on the 2025 lineup, so stay tuned!
Watch the Reggae Rise Up Florida 2024 recap:
Links: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website
Share this article
or
Get music updates in your inbox