Rise & Vibes 2025 at Tico Time: Sun, Showers, and a Weekend That Hit Deep
Back for another unforgettable year, Music Coast returned to Tico Time River Resort to capture the vibrant soul of Rise & Vibes 2025. This year’s festival was packed with powerful performances, warm community energy, and notable upgrades that elevated the entire experience. From blazing sun to unexpected showers, from deep-rooted reggae to ethereal encores—this is how it all went down.
Day 1 – Friday
The weekend kicked off under intense heat—noticeably hotter than previous years, a change many attributed to the festival being held a few weeks later than usual. Still, the turnout was strong, and spirits were high. Shay set up camp with other attendees and dove into the vendor scene, soaking in the early-day energy.
Headlining the night was Protoje Meets Tippy I, delivering a powerful dub-style set rooted in classic reggae traditions. The stripped-back, bass-heavy performance set the perfect tone for the weekend.
Day 2 – Saturday
Saturday began with an unusual wake-up: yelling, something rarely heard at Tico Time. But even that passed quickly, with the festival’s friendly vibe returning in full force. The day was filled with productivity and connection, as Shay caught up on emails and created a Rise & Vibes promo post.
The crowd was even larger than Friday’s, though not uncomfortably so—festival owner Robert confirmed they implemented a cap to ensure everyone had space. Major renovations to the main stage, including new proscenium-style features, enhanced both the artist and audience experience.
Backstage moments rolled into a phenomenal evening. Nattali Rize lit up the main stage with an electrifying set, and The Original Wailers followed with timeless reggae brilliance. The Movement closed out the night, drawing a roaring crowd and shaking the grounds with pure energy.
Day 3 – Sunday
Sunday launched with Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds, setting the tone with high energy and positivity. The pavilion stage had also received upgrades, and production improvements were clearly felt. Though the permanent benches had been removed, the space felt more open and fluid.
Ghost.wav performed midday and then returned for an encore later—drawing massive crowds both times. Their final song, “Coast to Coast,” carried a vibe that felt tailor-made for Music Coast’s ethos. Backstage, an interview with the band capped off their impressive run.
Throughout the day, overcast skies drifted in and out, giving much-needed breaks from the heat. When Arise Roots took the main stage, light rain began to fall—an almost spiritual moment that connected music and nature.
To wrap it all up, Rising Appalachia delivered an emotional, high-attendance performance that led perfectly into the night’s final DJ sets. As people made their way back to camp, laughter and gratitude filled the air—many already talking about how they couldn’t wait to return next year.
Final Thoughts
Rise & Vibes 2025 didn’t just deliver a weekend of incredible music—it reinforced the festival’s role as a deeply rooted cultural gathering. With thoughtful upgrades, unforgettable performances, and a community that truly knows how to vibe, Tico Time once again proved it’s more than a venue—it’s a home.