High Water Festival 2025 – Day 2 Recap & Photos

Riverfront Park, North Charleston – April 27, 2025

Day Two of High Water Festival rolled in under clouds, but the rain stayed away and the vibe stayed strong. The festival settled into its rhythm, with smaller crowds than past years and a slightly more relaxed pace. That worked in its favor as there was space to roam, time to eat some BBQ, and plenty of great music from start to finish.

Throughout the weekend, the festival staff was very polite, helpful, and on top of things. The festival included VIP and VIP Platinum viewing areas and lounges, as well as regular GA pits, food trucks, and bars.

ETHAN TASCH

Ethan Tasch had a midday slot and a growing crowd. There’s a definite Mt. Joy-adjacent vibe. Tasch didn’t try to be flashy. Instead, he leaned into sincerity, clean guitar, and smart lyrics. It was an easy set to fall into if you were grabbing a beer and needed a soundtrack for your sunburn.

GIGI PEREZ

Gigi Perez is about to blow up (she already has to be honest). The energy at her set felt louder and a little more intense. Fans were there early, singing everything. Some were even in tears. Perez has the kind of voice that cuts right through, with no filter. This might be the smallest stage she ever plays again. People were taking notes!

THE WAR AND TREATY

As usual, Michael and Tanya Trotter were electric. The War and Treaty can flip a crowd from laid-back to shouting in under a minute. Michael didn’t stay seated at the keyboard for long, and Tanya’s voice could probably carry across the Cooper River unaided. “Hey Driver” got the biggest response (after all, everyone knows that one), but the new material landed strong too. Their chemistry onstage is undeniable and a pleasure to watch.

WILD RIVERS

Wild Rivers brought sunset vibes even when the sun wasn’t out. The Canadian trio was tight, polished, and charming. They’ve clearly been doing this for a while, and it shows. Harmonies hit right, and their JUNO cred felt fully deserved. They handled the big stage like pros, and the crowd was into it.

TRUMPLED BY TURTLES

A little bit of bluegrass chaos in the middle of a mostly-indie lineup can be a great thing. Trampled by Turtles came in hot and played like they were being chased. “Codeine” got the biggest reaction. They don’t slow down, and the crowd didn’t want them to. People were jumping like it was a punk show.

WAXAHATCHEE

Katie Crutchfield brought her full band and didn’t hold back. Compared to her recent duo sets, this one was louder and more playful. She was funny between songs, and the sound was sharp. It wasn’t a showstopper, but it was a solid, grounded set.

COUNTING CROWS

Counting Crows brought a little time travel to the Stono stage. Adam Duritz still sings like he’s building the song in real time. “Round Here” opened the set, and from there they hit plenty of old favorites. None of them sounded quite like the studio versions which is all due to Duritz’ talent. His voice wandered and improvised often, and it worked. The band behind him sounded great, adding to the experience.

FILPTURN

Flipturn is in its stride and they knows it. They’re playing like they’ve got something to prove. Dillon Basse spun around like he was plugged into the amps, while Mitch Fountain made the constant guitar-to-keys swaps look easy. The fan base is already hardcore, and this set probably added a few hundred more.

ARCADE FIRE

Canadian band Arcade Fire is a spectacle. They had nine people on stage, all bouncing between instruments, trading vocals, and building sound. “The Suburbs” and “Ready to Start” got loud singalongs, but “Pink Elephant” and “Rebellion (Lies)” were the real stunners. Régine Chassagne was all over the stage on violin, keys, drums, and vocals. Her duet with Win Butler (who dipped into the crowd at some point) during “Pink Elephant” was both intimate and sweet. It was an absolutely packed closer to the festival. The crowd didn’t move an inch until the last note rang out.

The vibe of High Water Festival may have slightly changed, but the bones are still good. There are more national sponsors, fewer local booths, but the music is still the anchor. Day Two was a little less rowdy and a little more reflective than Day One, and it was still 100% worth showing up for. We can’t wait for High Water Festival 2026!

Head to our Facebook page for the full Day Two gallery!

All Photo Credit: Lane Bickett