The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is far more than an outdoor oasis for nature enthusiasts and campers, it’s a hub for music lovers across multiple genres. Apart from weekend performances, some of the biggest music festivals in North Florida take place right here in Suwannee County.
Discover the Best Live Music in Florida
From the sounds of Americana and folk highlighted at Suwannee Roots Revival to rock, funk, reggae, and soul featured at Resonate Suwannee, Spirit of the Suwannee offers a music genre for everyone.
Suwannee Spring Reunion
For four days at the end of March, the Spirit of the Suwannee pays tribute to the arrival of spring with the Suwannee Spring Reunion. This event features a blend of traditional and contemporary bluegrass, Americana, and folk performers who showcase their talents across five stages, along with jam sessions and workshops. Past artists such as Sam Bush, Steep Canyon Rangers, Fireside Collective, and more have graced the stages of Suwannee Spring Reunion. In addition to the entertainment, the festival also includes access to vendors and food options for attendees.
Resonate Suwannee
In partnership with Essential Productions and STS9, Resonate Suwannee descends onto the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park each April for a three-day festival celebrating electronic dance music (EDM). Past performers include Papadosio, Chromeo, and Tycho, among dozens of others. In addition to music, yoga, and other workshops take place in The Art Village, along with a lineup of visual artists.
The Rendezvous Music Festival
May 2024 marked the debut of Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park’s three-day EDM, hip-hop, and immersive art festival, The Rendezvous. More than just a live music event, The Rendezvous was designed as an immersive experience featuring vibrant vendor booths with local artisans, interactive activities, live art demonstrations, gallery art, and more.
Suwannee Roots Revival
The fall 2024 festival season kicks off with the 8th Annual Suwannee Roots Revival, which is held annually every October at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park. Festival merchandise and vendor tents greet eager guests at this family-friendly event focused on Americana, folk, and bluegrass music. In addition to live performances from famous artists like Old Crow Medicine Show, Snake Oil Medicine, and Donna the Buffalo, ticket holders can experience the beauty of the park, yoga, music workshops, a kids’ stage and activities, a dance tent, and campground pickin’ sessions.
Suwannee Hulaween
The biggest event to take over Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is undoubtedly Hulaween, which is held annually in October. Now in its 11th year, this Halloween-themed festival features a range of music genres, art installations like the Spirit Lake visual arts extravaganza, themed areas, and interactive experiences throughout the park grounds.
Attending Suwannee Music Festivals
Few live music festivals offer attendees the option to stay and play, but Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground provides an all-inclusive space so guests never have to leave during a festival. In addition to primitive campsites, RV sites, cabins, and treehouse rentals, the park features a general store and café. During festivals, additional merchants and food vendors flood the area, offering a variety of goods. When a break from the bustling music scene is needed, park-goers can enjoy activities like canoeing/kayaking, visiting the bird sanctuary, exploring the bat house, biking on trails, hiking, disc golf, swimming, and fishing — all against the beautiful backdrop of the historic Suwannee River.
Accommodations in Suwannee County
While onsite camping is available at the park during even the busiest festivals, there are also other overnight accommodations nearby, including options for primitive camping, RV sites, and hotel rooms.
• Long Branch Rest and Ride R.V. and Horse Park in Live Oak – 3.3 miles from the park
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Live Oak – 5.4 miles from the park
• Quality Inn & Suites in Live Oak – 5.4 miles from the park
• Econo Lodge in Live Oak – 5.4 miles from the park
• Quality Inn in White Springs – 12.6 miles from the park
Directions to Spirit of Suwannee
From Exit 283 on I-10, travelers will follow Route 129 North for 4.9 miles to reach the entrance of the park. After exiting the interstate, take advantage of the shops and restaurants available right off the exit. Nearby restaurants include drive-thru staples like Taco Bell, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Zaxby’s, and Krystal, as well as sit-down options like Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries, Big Wood BBQ and Grill, and The Gathering. a Walmart Supercenter, Publix, and Busy Bee Travel Center are also conveniently located off the exit.
Written by Hayli Zuccola
Hayli Zuccola has been a freelance writer for the last eight years for both digital and print publications across north central Florida. She enjoys traveling, finding the best food spots and spending time with her pets. You can find her latest adventures on Instagram @hayztravels.