Orlando, Florida – April 12-13, 2025
It started like any other Florida weekend—sunshine, shorts, and a vague sense that something magical was about to happen. Then the gates opened at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, and just like that, Florida Groves 2025 kicked off with a bass drop that reverberated through the palms and deep into the soul of every festival-goer within reach.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just another music fest. This was a meticulously orchestrated explosion of art, music, cannabis culture, and pickleball of all things—yes, pickleball. And it worked. Oh, did it work.
The Soundtrack of the Groves
You could feel it from the parking lot. The kind of bass that doesn’t just hum in your ears—it rattles your ribs and realigns your chakras. That was the Bass Yard, and if you needed your teeth shaken loose, that was your zone.
Meanwhile, the heart of the action pulsed between two epicenters: the Rhythm Main Stage and the Preferred Gardens Pavilion Stage. The layout let you either lock down your favorite shady patch of grass or rotate stages with the grace of a seasoned festival pro.
Oliver Tree brought the weird, Big Gigantic brought the funk, and Little Stranger—well, they straight-up stole hearts. “I need a Little Stranger shirt,” my wife said as the crowd dissolved into cheers. I understood the assignment. I was at the merch tent the next morning like a man on a mission.
Vibes and Vendors
The Vendor Marketplace was not your average pop-up tent village. It was a curated bazaar of everything cool—handcrafted jewelry, trippy apparel, wellness booths, and even educational stands teaching the uninitiated about cannabis law and culture.
And the food? I’ll just say this: walking tacos should be a national treasure. The munchies kicked in hard around 4 PM on Day 1, and those tacos were there for me like an old friend with great timing.
Art Under the Influence… of Black Lights
By day, the art installations and live murals were impressive. By night? Pure magic. As the sun dipped below the Orlando skyline, black lights and neon took the visual experience to another level. Think psychedelic jungle meets cosmic rave—on canvas.
And then there was the Tattoo Convention. A live, buzzing hub of artistry, where over 25 tattoo artists displayed their talents like a living gallery. You could stroll in, shop for styles, and walk out inked up by your new favorite artist. It was a tattoo buffet, and everyone was going back for seconds.
Pickleball and Surprise Smiles
Picture this: moms, dads, toddlers, and bass heads in matching reggae packs all sharing space on a pickleball court. That’s the kind of unexpected community moment that makes Florida Groves special. Kids were laughing, parents were sweating, and somewhere, a guy in LED rave gear landed a killer serve.
Cannabis Culture at the Core
More than just tolerated, cannabis culture was front and center. The Cannabis Convention spotlighted major Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers like Trulieve and VidaCann, blending education with exploration. The aroma in the air wasn’t just from the tacos, let’s put it that way.
For many, it was a chance to connect with brands and learn about wellness through cannabis, courtesy of organizations like the CannaSense Foundation. Whether you were CBD-curious or a Delta-8 devotee, there was something here for you.
Production Perfection
We’ve got to talk about the sound. It was clean, crisp, and powerful—whether you were camped by the rail or kicked back in the grass. Production value is where many festivals falter, but not here. Every set felt elevated, every transition seamless. You could tell there were pros behind the curtains pulling all the right levers.
A Layout Built for Exploration
Maybe the secret sauce was the way the whole thing was laid out. You could stick with what you loved—EDM, punk, reggae—or wander off and discover your next favorite thing. Florida Groves didn’t force you to choose. It let you roam, sip, snack, dance, and come back with stories to tell.
By Sunday night, as the last chords faded and the artwork glowed under ultraviolet skies, it felt less like a goodbye and more like a “see you next year.”
Final Hit of the Vibe
Florida Groves 2025 was a reminder that music festivals don’t need to be overwhelming to be epic. It’s possible to have killer lineups, inspired art, great food, and inclusive vibes—all without losing your mind in a crowd.
So yeah, I’ll be back next year. And I’ll be bringing friends.
In the meantime, I’ll be rocking my Little Stranger shirt and dreaming of walking tacos.