Miami, September 10, 2025
News Summary
The Moon River Music Festival will return with a new format, transitioning from Chattanooga to a cruise event named ‘Moon River At Sea.’ Scheduled for November 11-15, 2026, the festival will take place aboard the Norwegian Jewel, departing from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas. Co-founder Drew Holcomb introduced this innovative approach after previous operational challenges affected the festival’s continuity. Expect an impressive musical lineup alongside engaging activities, including comedy acts, a tribute show, and more.
Miami
The Moon River Music Festival is poised to return in a new format after a two-year break, transitioning from its traditional venue in Chattanooga to a cruise experience dubbed “Moon River At Sea.” Scheduled for November 11-15, 2026, the festival will embark on the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship, departing from Miami and heading to Nassau in the Bahamas.
This new cruising festival is the brainchild of co-founder Drew Holcomb, who expressed that previous challenges were instrumental in changing the event’s direction. The festival will feature an impressive lineup, including renowned artists like Old Crow Medicine Show, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, and Johnnyswim, alongside a mix of popular comedians.
Lineup and Activities
The festival showcases a diverse range of musical talent with bands scheduled to perform such as:
- Mat Kearney
- Mon Rovîa
- Ellie Holcomb
- The Brook and The Bluff
- The Lone Bellow
- Donovan Woods
- The National Parks
- The Arcadian Wild
- Sean McConnell
- Natalie Hemby
- Madeline Edwards
- Carly Bannister
- Happy Landing
- Abraham Alexander
- The New Respects
- Hogslop String Band
- K.S. Rhoads
- Small Time
- Boot Scootin’ Boogie Nights (a ’90s country music experience)
The event will also feature performances from comedians such as Dustin Nickerson, Jenna Kim Jones, and Carly Bannister.
Curated Experiences
Moon River At Sea will offer a variety of engaging activities, including:
- A “Sailaway Show” featuring Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
- An “All-Star Tribute To Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers”
- A “Truth Behind The Songs” session with Natalie Hemby
- A “Not-So-Newlywed Game” hosted by Drew & Ellie Holcomb
- Headphone disco parties
- Autograph sessions
- Interactive games
Sales and Booking Information
Pre-sale registration for tickets will occur in three stages, with deadlines on September 14, 21, and 24, 2025. Public sales will open at 2 p.m. on September 26, 2025. Ticket prices will vary based on cabin selections aboard the cruise ship. Complete details are available at the festival’s website, moonriveratsea.com.
Background on the Festival
The Moon River Music Festival first launched in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2014 and subsequently relocated to Chattanooga in 2018. Historically, the festival aimed to promote community and create memorable experiences for artists and fans alike. However, a lack of an event in 2025 and the decision to cancel for 2024 have highlighted operational difficulties faced by the organizers.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Moon River At Sea |
| Date | November 11-15, 2026 |
| Departure Location | Miami |
| Destination | Nassau, Bahamas |
| Performing Artists | Old Crow Medicine Show, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Johnnyswim, and more |
| Comedy Acts | Dustin Nickerson, Jenna Kim Jones, Carly Bannister |
| Pre-sale Registration Dates | September 14, 21, and 24, 2025 |
| Public Ticket Sales Start | September 26, 2025, at 2 p.m. |
FAQ
What is Moon River At Sea?
Moon River At Sea is a music festival aboard a cruise ship, replacing the traditional Moon River Music Festival due to operational challenges.
Where will the cruise depart from?
The cruise will depart from Miami, Florida.
When is the event scheduled?
The event is scheduled for November 11-15, 2026.
What artists will perform?
Featured artists include Old Crow Medicine Show, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Mat Kearney, and many more.
When do tickets go on sale?
Pre-sale will begin on September 14, 2025, and public sales will start on September 26, 2025, at 2 p.m.
How can I find more information?
More details can be found at moonriveratsea.com.
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Additional Resources
- JaMBase: Moon River At Sea Festival 2026 Lineup & Dates
- Local 3 News: Moon River At Sea – The Music Festival is Returning as a Cruise
- Travel and Tour World: Moon River Music Festival Sets Sail from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas
- Times Free Press: Moon River Festival Returning in 2026 but Not in Chattanooga
- AntiMusic: Old Crow Medicine Show, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors Lead Moon River At Sea Lineup
- Wikipedia: Moon River Music Festival
- Google Search: Moon River Festival
- Google Scholar: Moon River Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Moon River Festival
- Google News: Moon River Festival
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
