Moon River Music Festival 2023 Recap

“There’s nothing better than standing on a bridge or in a field near a river and listening to music.”

Chris Thile of Nickel Creek was right – music fans swarmed Coolidge Park in Chattanooga, TN for a whirlwind of a festival on September 9th and 10th. Moon River Music Festival has graced the Tennessee River for the past five years thanks to the heart and dedication of Drew Holcomb and Friends.

This year was headlined by Hozier and the last-minute edition of NEEDTOBREATHE. Other notable acts included Noah Cyrus, Judah and the Lion, Marcus King, and Houndmouth. Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors and Johnnyswim played as Goodbye Road – their joint effort records by the same name were the perfect soundtrack for the sun setting over the Tennessee River. Despite the Chattanooga heat, hit bands like Flipturn and Richy Mitch and the Coalminers brought their own magic to the Moon River stages as fans filtered into the festival grounds.

Moon River’s charm doesn’t just lie in its music but also in its atmosphere. The festival, which takes place every year in Chattanooga’s Coolidge Park, oozes true Tennessean culture, with friendly faces, cozy picnic spots, and delicious food vendors offering a taste of local cuisine. My personal favorite was the falafel wrap – so good I had to get it both days! The festival’s communal spirit shone brightly as strangers became friends over a football game or a shared blanket watching their favorite set.

After two days of the sun bearing down on fans, we gladly welcomed the night sky for headliners NEEDTOBREATHE and Hozier.

Moon River is more than just a music festival; it’s an experience. It’s the feeling of swaying to your favorite songs under a blanket of stars. It’s the warmth of strangers turning into friends as you dance together to the same rhythm. It’s the realization that music can unite us all, no matter our differences.

As Hozier’s electrifying performance of “Take Me To Church” echoed through the park, it was clear that Moon River had once again worked its magic. With hearts full of music and memories, festival-goers headed home, already counting down the days until they can return to Coolidge Park.