Levitate Music and Arts Festival 2024: A Summer Spectacle of Music, Art, and Community

Words & photos: Abbey Gyurko

In the heart of Marshfield, Massachusetts, the Levitate Music and Arts Festival once again brought together music enthusiasts, artists, and families for a weekend filled with vibrant performances, artistic expression, and a sense of community like no other. It was the event of the summer. If you were there, that is definitely what you would call this electric three-day music and arts festival. And if you weren't, you should already start looking at tickets for next year because this is an event you wouldn't want to miss again. As the festival marked its 12th year, it continued to build upon its reputation as a standout event in the summer festival circuit.

The Stellar Performances

One of the standout features of Levitate 2024 was its diverse lineup, catering to a wide range of musical tastes. Indie rock, reggae, folk, and everything in between-the festival curated a roster that ensured there was something for everyone. Headliners Sublime, Mt. Joy, and Lake Street Dive drew massive crowds with their energetic performances and electrifying stage presence. The seamless blend of established names and emerging talents provided attendees with a dynamic musical experience throughout the weekend.

From July 5-7, the festival started on a sunny afternoon, with doors opening at 12:30 pm on Friday. The crowds shuffled in for the next few hours, eagerly awaiting their favorite artists. The lineup for Friday consisted of excellent musicians including Jon Muq, Grace Bowers, Lee Ross, Neal Francis, Stolen Gin, Dirty Heads, Orebolo, and finally, an iconic and exciting performance by the popular folk band, Mt. Joy. Friday was an exhilarating day to start off the weekend of live music, new friendships, and long-lasting memories.

By Saturday, most knew what to expect and were looking forward to another great lineup. The day started off with Snacktime, G. Love & Special Sauce, The Hip Abduction, Iration, and Joe Samba. As the sun began to lower, The Elovaters took the stage, followed by Tash Sultana, and finally the headliner for Saturday, an outstanding, breathtaking performance by Lake Street Dive.

As the final day of the festival began on Sunday, you could feel the excitement intensifying among festivalgoers, awaiting the headliner for the night. But prior to the final performance of the weekend, we heard some extraordinary, dance-worthy sets by Little Stranger, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, The Rins, Ritchy Mitch & the Coal Miners, Ziggy Alberts, Karina Rykman, Oliver Anthony, Charley Crockett, and finally, what everyone had been waiting for...an electrifying performance by the iconic reggae rock band Sublime. What a night it was. Jakob Nowell and his uncles, Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, emerged onto the stage, with cheers arising from all around. The venue was electric and everyone was ready to sing their hearts out. The band put on an outstanding performance, with Jakob performing in honor of his father, Bradley Nowell, the original lead singer of Sublime back in the '90s. It was breathtaking and left fans singing and dancing to the iconic, well-known song "Santeria” as they left the festival at the end of the night.

Arts and Experiences

Beyond the music, Levitate Festival celebrated various forms of artistic expression. Art installations dotted the festival grounds, offering visual delights and interactive experiences for festival-goers of all ages. The Art Row featured works from local and international artists, showcasing a mix of art styles. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with artists, gaining insights into their creative processes and inspirations.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Levitate Music and Arts Festival has long been celebrated for its family-friendly atmosphere, and 2024 was no exception. The Kid Zone provided young attendees with activities, including arts and crafts, interactive games, and music workshops tailored to children. Families enjoyed the opportunity to bond over shared experiences, creating lasting memories against the backdrop of live music and creative expression.

The Rundown

From a logistical standpoint, Levitate 2024 was well-organized and efficiently managed by an outstanding team of Levitate employees. Ample parking and transportation options ensured smooth access to the festival grounds, while robust security measures maintained a safe environment for all attendees. The festival’s app provided real-time updates on schedules, artist performances, and on-site amenities, enhancing the overall experience for festival-goers.

In Review

Levitate Music and Arts Festival 2024 lived up to its reputation as a premier summer event, combining stellar musical performances with a commitment to community, sustainability, and artistic expression. As attendees departed Marshfield with smiles on their faces and hearts full of memories, the event once again proved why it remains a highlight of the festival calendar. Everyone left humming their favorite Sublime or Mt. Joy song, already looking forward to next year's lineup.

Levitate indeed catered to a wide audience, from music lovers and art enthusiasts to families seeking an enjoyable weekend. This year's festival promised a memorable experience for everyone, setting a high standard for future editions. As this tradition continues, there's much anticipation for what the next year will bring.

RELATED POSTS