Concert Review: Levitate Festival
- Joanna Gleason
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
From July 18 to July 19, 2026, the community of Marshfield, Massachusetts, hosted the Levitate Music and Arts Festival. It was more than just a music festival; it was a celebration of community, creativity, and connection. With two days of live music, art installations, local food and beverage vendors, artists, aircraft displays, and more, over 20,000 people per day gathered to experience the joy of music and the arts.
Founded in 2003, the festival celebrated its 23rd year in 2026. What began as a small community gathering has grown into one of the most anticipated summer events in Massachusetts. Throughout the two-day event, families and friends relaxed and enjoyed great food, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and a variety of activities.
Run by Dan and Jess Hassett, owners of Levitate Surf Shop, the festival has evolved significantly over the years. Beginning as a "backyard barbecue," Marshfield's grassroots Levitate Music and Arts Festival has grown into a major music event that offers a wide range of activities and experiences for attendees.
In a statement announcing the 2026 lineup, Dan Hassett said:
"When we started Levitate, we wanted to celebrate this community through the uplifting power of creativity. It's been incredible to see what has grown from these local roots, and we're so excited to see this year's event come to life."
He continued:
"We're especially proud that our values of community, creativity, and connection to nature have only deepened through the years, and we're grateful to the fans and community members who have helped shape the event into what it is today."
The festival also offered an excellent VIP experience that included shaded seating, food and beverages, and exclusive amenities. VIP guests were treated to private performances, two of which we attended: Hitch and Friends, a local rock band, and Daniel Donato, a talented country musician.
The 2026 Levitate Festival featured an impressive lineup. The first day showcased a diverse mix of rock, reggae, funk, country, and soul performers, including Hitch, Ziggy Marley, Sammy Rae & The Friends, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Larkin Poe, The Movement, Bebe Stockwell, Jammy Buffet, and Alanis Morissette.
Hitch
Sammy Rae & The Friends
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
Larkin Poe
Day 1 Fans
The second day was equally impressive, featuring performances by Trombone Shorty, Pepper, Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country, Hans Williams, Surfer Girl, The Elovaters, Royel Otis, and CAAMP.
Pepper
Daniel Donato
The Elovators
Trombone Shorty
CAAMP
Day 2 Fans
Despite periods of rain on the first day, the Levitate Music and Arts Festival was a tremendous success. The two-day event held at the Marshfield Fairgrounds delivered an unforgettable experience. Once again, Levitate reinforced its reputation as one of New England's premier festivals, known for its positive atmosphere, strong sense of community, and outstanding live music.
According to James Lahens, a live music enthusiast who attended the festival for the first time:
"The Levitate Music and Arts Festival was more than music. It was an incredible celebration of community, culture, and friendship. The experience is difficult to put into words. It brought so much joy and emotion to everyone who attended. Levitate was one of the most exciting experiences of my life, and I've already made plans to return next year."
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