Cool Off in the Summer Heat at Float Fest
Photo by Julian Bajsel
According to forecasts, July 16 and 17 in San Marcos is set to be close to 100 degrees. So yes, it’s going to be hot. That said, an escape for the heat is tubing in the cool waters of the San Marcos River, a fun activity in and of itself, which is also something that represents our state so well. Tubing means something completely different here than it does to people in the North as it’s a pastime that’s distinctly infused with Southern life. Since people love to float the river with their Yeti coolers and floating speakers, so you might as well get to hear music as it’s best enjoyed — live. Lo and behold Float Fest, a unique festival hosted at Cool River Ranch that combines three of the best activities to do in the summer: enjoy a music festival, tube down a cool river, and camp in the great outdoors.
Off the top of my head, I can’t think of another festival that’s quite like Float Fest, certainly not in Texas. The festival boasts solid lineup that consists of artists like Chromeo, Rick Ross, Santigold, Bone Thugs-N Harmony, Future Islands and Metric, as well as local talents like Slim Thug, Fat Tony and Wild Moccasins, not to mention more than a dozen others.
This is my second year attending Float Fest, with my first year being the inaugural event back in 2024. It appears like a lot has changed since then, with the biggest change being the addition of a second day of the festival, but things that made the festival unique still remain and I sincerely hope they always will. One of the best things about this event is that the performances on each of the two stages never overlap, meaning that you don’t have to choose which band you want to see. Instead, you can see them all. One of the strongest memories I have of year one of this festival was the venue: A large field that seems similar to a festival like Bonnaroo, which grants you great views of both stages wherever you decide to stand or even sit.
Photo by Julian Bajsel
If you have been contemplating whether or not to buy passes, I recommend going, since as unique as this festival is, you will have a great time with a solid lineup, a chance to cool off in the San Marcos River, and possibly camp, if you are into camping in 100 degree weather near the central Texas. Hey, why not get the whole Texas experience while you’re at it? On the way to the grounds, stop at Buc-ee’s to buy the Beaver Nuggets and a tie-dye shirt, head to Whataburger for a patty melt, and buy a pint of Blue Bell… before the listeria comes back. Don’t miss out on a festival that is truly the definition of summer fun.
Get your tickets for Float Fest now before the festival this weekend, July 16 and 17.
