Good Roots, Great Revue
Lake Wales is trading its usual lakeside quiet for two days of soul, bluegrass, and Southern rock. The Orange Blossom Revue returns December 4–5, bringing nationally touring musicians and Florida favorites together for a weekend with hometown roots.
Held beneath the live oaks and cabbage palms at Lake Wailes Park, the Orange Blossom Revue has come a long way from its beginnings as a Rotary Club barbecue fundraiser. What started as a community gathering has grown into a two-day music festival named for Central Florida's citrus heritage, with the same small-town spirit still at its center.
This year's lineup offers plenty of musical variety. Alabama soul powerhouse St. Paul & The Broken Bones brings its horn-driven energy, while Florida's own JJ Grey delivers gritty Southern storytelling. The harmonies of Trousdale share the bill with the Americana sounds of Hiss Golden Messenger and the vintage-inspired rock of The Heavy Heavy.
Florida's musical connections run throughout the weekend. Maitland-born folk-rock favorites The 502s bring their energetic sound, while Central Florida's Tru Phonic mixes funk, blues, rock, and soul into a performance that rarely encourages sitting still.
The musical variety continues with Texas songwriter Vincent Neil Emerson and bluegrass veterans The Travelin' McCourys. Canadian rockers Bombargo add plenty of groove, while Slap Dragon brings a spirited blend of acoustic music, soul, and funk.
Florida performers Steeln' Peaches, Jordan Foley, and Remedy Tree round out a lineup that gives local talent room alongside established touring acts.
The setting helps explain the festival's appeal. Food vendors, musicians, and neighbors share the lakeside grounds, creating an atmosphere where the space between performances matters almost as much as the music. Gates open at noon both days, with performances beginning at 1:15 p.m. Visitors can find ticket information, parking details, and camping options in the festival's frequently asked questions.
Presented by Blossom Charitable Foundation, Inc., the Revue directs proceeds toward arts education and recreation programming for Lake Wales children and families. That means the weekend's impact continues after the last amplifier goes quiet.
For more gatherings that bring Florida communities together, explore the Guide to Florida's Festivals directory at https://guidetoflorida.com/festivals