The 12th annual Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival transformed Fort Lauderdale Beach into a vibrant hub of music and conservation from April 4-6, 2025. This sold-out event featured over 40 artists across country, rock, reggae, and hip-hop genres, while also emphasizing ocean conservation efforts.

From the moment gates opened each day, Tortuga’s crowd brought unmatched adrenaline to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Fans arrived in everything from cowboy boots and sundresses to bathing suits and sunhats, dancing barefoot in the sand with drinks in hand. Whether they were longtime festivalgoers or first-timers, attendees were united by a shared love of music and the ocean breeze.

The festival’s layout fostered a communal atmosphere, with fans lounging on beach blankets during the day and coming alive at night as headliners took the stage. Spontaneous dance circles broke out between sets, and strangers quickly became friends bonded over mutual elation for their favorite artists. From sunset singalongs to crowd-wide cheers, every performance was elevated by the crowd’s infectious enthusiasm.

Despite the large crowds, the overall ambiance remains laid-back and welcoming. Friendly security, well-marked pathways, and plenty of food and drink options made navigating the festival easy and enjoyable. Whether attendees where front-row diehard or relaxing at the back with toes in the sand, Tortuga 2025 created an environment where everyone could feel part of something special.

DAY ONE HIGHLIGHTS

Friday’s performances set an exhilarating tone for the weekend. John Morgan and Marcus King opened the Sunset Stage, with King delivering a heartfelt cover of Tyler Childers’ “Shake The Frost” and sharing the stage with his wife, Briley. Rap legend Ludacris celebrated 25 years in the industry, igniting the crowd with hits like “Money Maker” and “What’s Your Fantasy.” On the Main Stage, Parker McCollum captivated the audience with songs such as “Pretty Heart” and his latest single, “What Kinda Man.” Jelly Roll closed the night with a dynamic set, enhanced by pyrotechnics during tracks like “Liar,” “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” and “Save Me.”

DAY TWO HIGHLIGHTS

Saturday continued the momentum with performances from the Wheeland Brothers, Wyatt Flores, Meghan Patrick, and Jordan Davis on the Main Stage. Shaboozey’s set on the Sunset Stage had fans singing along to his breakout hits, while The Original Wailers infused reggae rhythms into the festival atmosphere. Supergroup Ezra Ray Hart delivered nostalgic mashups, blending Sugar Ray’s “When It’s Over” with Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun.” Headliner Keith Urban thrilled the crowd with favorites like “Somebody Like You” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” and invited rising star Karley Scott Collins for a duet on “Go Home W U.”

DAY THREE HIGHLIGHTS

The festival concluded on Sunday with standout performances on the Sunset Stage from Restless Road, Bumpin Uglies, Yelawolf, and Megan Moroney, who engaged the audience with songs like “Am I Okay” and “No Caller ID.” The Main Stage featured Caylee Hammack’s rendition of Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!,” followed by sets from Corey Kent and Cody Jinks. Luke Combs closed the festival with an energetic performance, delivering hits such as “Forever After All” and “When It Rains It Pours,” leaving attendees with lasting memories.

Beyond the music, Tortuga Music Festival remained committed to ocean conservation. Since its inception in 2013, the festival has raised millions for over 100 nonprofits dedicated to marine ecosystem protection. In 2024 alone, efforts led to diverting 114.7 tons of waste from landfills through sustainable practices. The 2025 festival continued to focus on reducing environmental impact and promoting lasting change, with attendees engaging in Rock The Ocean’s Conservation Village to learn about marine conservation and how their participation supports real-world research.

The 2025 Tortuga Music Festival successfully combined stellar musical performances with a meaningful commitment to environmental stewardship, solidifying its reputation as a unique and impactful event.