South Florida has festival season year-round. For University of Miami students, that means world-class music events are either right in the city or just a short drive away.
From massive EDM spectacles to intimate waterfront sets, these festivals offer extraordinary experiences without the flights or road trips.
Here’s a curated guide to five of the best options for all music fans.
Ultra Music Festival
Dates: March 27 – 29
Location: Bayfront Park
Ultra is the obvious starting point — and for good reason. Few festivals in the world carry its level of global recognition. Taking over Bayfront Park for a full weekend, Ultra turns downtown Miami into the center of the electronic dance music universe.
The accessibility alone makes it unbeatable for UM students. Public transit, short rides and the energy of a city that already feels like a party.
Ultra’s production is unmatched, with massive stages, cutting-edge visuals and lineups stacked with the biggest names in EDM like John Summit, Afrojack, Alesso and Martin Garrix.
If you want a festival that feels like a cultural event, not just a show, Ultra sets the bar very high.
We Belong Here
Dates: Feb. 27 – March 1
Location: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
We Belong Here Miami offers a complete contrast to Ultra. Instead of chaos and scale, it leans into intimacy and atmosphere.
Known for sunset sets and scenic backdrops, the festival attracts people who care as much about the vibe as the music itself. Think golden-hour lighting, calm crowds and a more curated feel.
To celebrate its fifth anniversary, the Miami born festival is expanding to three days — as opposed to the normal two — for the first time ever. With headliners Tiësto, Chris Lake, Lane 8 and more, this edition of the festival is looking to put on their biggest spectacle yet.
It’s shaping up to be the kind of festival where people come to actually listen, hang out with friends and enjoy the setting. If you’re looking for something stylish but low-pressure, this one hits the sweet spot.
Palm Tree Music Festival
Date: Feb. 14
Location: West Palm Beach
Palm Tree Music Festival feels more like a lifestyle event than a traditional festival, but its lineup rivals that of much larger productions.
Founded by Kygo, the festival will feature major names like Calvin Harris, Kygo himself, Sofi Tukker and BUNT., blending top-tier DJs with a polished, tropical aesthetic that fits Florida perfectly.
Despite the star power, the crowd will likely remain controlled. The set feels intentional, and the atmosphere is relaxed and social rather than overwhelming.
Palm Tree stands out as a festival that delivers a massive lineup without massive chaos. It’s clean, brand-forward, and highly instagrammable, ideal for a one-day or short-format festival that still feels premium and memorable.
Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival
Dates: March 19 – 22
Location: Sunshine Grove, Okeechobee
Okeechobee is where South Florida festival culture meets full-on escape. Located a few hours north of Miami, this camping festival feels like a portal into a different reality.
It’s less about one genre and more about variety. Electronic, hip-hop, indie and experimental sounds all share space across multiple stages.
The lineup includes heavy hitters like Knock2, Cage The Elephant, Fisher, T-Pain, Griz and The Lumineers but also niche artists like Alison Wonderland, Japanese Breakfast and Goth Babe.
Beyond the lineup, Okeechobee is known for its art installations and immersive environments. It’s a commitment, but it’s a weekend completely removed from campus life, it delivers a sense of community and freedom that city festivals can’t replicate.
GroundUP Music Festival
Dates: March 13 – 15
Location: Miami Beach Bandshell
GroundUP Music Festival returns to Miami Beach this spring for its tenth anniversary, bringing a genre-defying lineup to the oceanfront Miami Beach Bandshell.
Known for blending jazz, soul, funk, R&B, electronic and hip-hop influences, GroundUP offers a more intimate and curated alternative to larger festival experiences, drawing music fans from around the world.
What sets GroundUP apart is its emphasis on collaboration and musicianship, with performances designed to feel immersive rather than overwhelming.
For festival goers looking to step outside the typical festival circuit, this is an opportunity to discover world-class artists in a setting that prioritizes creativity, connection and live sound over spectacle.