High Water Festival 2025: A Weekend on the Riverfront with Arcade Fire, Lord Huron, & More
Images by Kristen Pittman
NORTH CHARLESTON RIVERFRONT PARK | NORTH CHARLESTON, SC | APRIL 26-27, 2025 | BY KRISTEN PITTMAN
There’s nothing quite like the walk into High Water. Tucked into Riverfront Park, the path under the oaks and along the boardwalk sets a tone that feels worlds away from everyday life. For newcomers, it's a graceful introduction to South Carolina’s Lowcountry as humid, green, and absolutely dreamy.
The festival layout continues to be one of its greatest strengths. Upon entry, some fans raced toward the Stono Stage, staking out their spots early for headliners like Arcade Fire and Lord Huron. Others meandered through the food and vendors, exploring and sipping craft brews under the canopy of Wicked Weed Brewing. The official merch booth is a hotspot immediately as fans are constantly seen dawning a new baseball cap or tank top all weekend.
Day One
The festival kicked off on Saturday with Charleston locals Easy Honey opening the Edisto Stage, setting an energetic tone rooted in Southern surf-rock charm. These guys were a perfect introduction to what the weekend would bring. Something I will always say over and over, is that High Water knows how to curate a lineup that perfectly encapsulates its environment, patrons, and overall aesthetic.
As the day progressed, the flow from stage to stage—thanks to High Water’s brilliant no-overlap format—felt seamless. Darren Kiely, Joy Oladokun, Evan Honer, and Amos Lee took turns bringing their own blends of folk, indie, and heartfelt songwriting to eager crowds. One standout moment came with Julien Baker & TORRES, who together delivered one of the most emotionally raw and vocally powerful sets of the weekend. They were one of my personal favorites.
Mt. Joy followed on the Stono Stage with a performance that turned the field into a swaying sea of fans. This is my favorite part of a music festival when the day goes on and suddenly you look around you and realize how large the turnout is. It’s easy when you're there on the job to forget how lucky you are to be there amongst so many people with the same appreciation of music and community. The last act before the headliner: The Backseat Lovers revved up the energy again just as the sun dimmed to night, playing to a crowd that knew every lyric.
But the night belonged to Lord Huron. The stage covered in fog and backed by intriguing visuals, the band closed out day one with a cinematic set. With songs like “The Night We Met” and “Ends of the Earth” echoing off the water, it was the kind of moment you don't forget. It was a perfect ending to the festival’s opening day.
Day Two
Sunday brought a little cooler temperatures but nothing compared to the year prior. Consistent patrons like myself were very glad for that (IYKYK). The day opened with Goldie Boutilier, whose smoky retro style added an old-school glamour to the Edisto Stage. First-time festival performer Ethan Tasch was one of the day's most charming surprises. His intimate, offbeat energy captivating fans who’d never heard his name before. I even got a kind greeting from his friends and family in the crowd. It’s moments at a show like this that remind you that music really does bring people together (as cheesy as that may sound,
I know). Gigi Perez followed with an ethereal, emotionally rich set. Having just released her debut album At The Beach, In Every Life, it was a very fitting match to be her first appearance with it out into the world. Her smash hit “Sailor Song” was sung loud by the crowd even though having an earlier set time during the day. =
An act I was extremely excited to see for the first time was The War and Treaty who brought soul, grit, and thunderous vocals. Wild Rivers, Trampled by Turtles, and Waxahatchee kept the day going until Counting Crows took the Stono Stage. Counting Crows reminded everyone why their songs have endured for decades, belting out hits with the kind of worn-in soul that only years on the road can provide. Flipturn amped up the energy with their signature blend of sun-soaked indie rock until it was Arcade Fires turn to close out the weekend.
High Water 2025 captured everything a music festival should be: intentional, immersive, and unforgettable. The setting alone makes it one of the most unique in the country, but it’s the thoughtfulness in every detail: the two-stage flow, the food options, and the diversity in the lineup that truly sets it apart.
From the intimate folk of Evan Honer to the high-octane spectacle of Arcade Fire, every performance had room to breathe and be appreciated. This festival doesn’t rush or overwhelm.
I showed up hoping for good music and good food. I left with dusty shoes, a few new favorite artists, and a deep appreciation for this Southern gem. I’ll be back.
