Warm Up with Whippersnap Music and Arts Festival!

As winter loosens its grip on much of the country, a different kind of tradition is taking root in Central Florida. From February 18–21, 2026, Whippersnap Music & Arts Festival returns to Florida Sand Music Ranch for its third year, continuing its quiet rise as one of the Southeast’s most intentional and community-driven festivals.

Set beneath sprawling oak trees in Brooksville, Whippersnap has built its reputation not on excess, but on balance: national touring acts alongside regional standouts, high-end production paired with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, and a musical palette that stretches across funk, jam, rock, Americana, and beyond. It’s a festival designed to breathe a little—one where connection matters as much as the headliners.

This year’s lineup reflects that idea of connection (and funk.) At the top sits Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, the horn-powered funk juggernaut led by the longtime Rolling Stones touring saxophonist. Known for shows that feel more like joyous eruptions than performances, KDTU brings a veteran’s confidence and a dancer’s soul—exactly the kind of act that thrives in Whippersnap’s open-air, oak-shaded setting. Spafford follows with their fearless brand of improvisational rock, blending prog textures with deep-jam explorations that reward both close listening and full-body movement.

But Whippersnap’s strength lies in its depth. Thumpasaurus promises high-voltage, genre-bending funk theater, while Dizgo’s psychedelic grooves are poised to turn Thursday night into an early weekend dance party. Eddie Roberts & The Lucky Strokes offer a groove-forward supergroup moment, uniting the New Mastersounds guitarist with soulful collaborators for a set steeped in feel and finesse. Add fan favorites like Flow Tribe, The Heavy Pets, Ajeva, COPE, Guavatron, and Joe Marcinek Band, and the weekend reads less like a playlist and more like a conversation between scenes.

Beyond the bill, Whippersnap distinguishes itself through experience. Two non-overlapping stages keep the music flowing without compromise. Artists-at-Large—including Kanika Moore, Alex Steele, Joe Marcinek, and Sooza Horns—float through the weekend, sitting in on surprise collaborations that give each set a sense of spontaneity. Tribute performances honoring Phish and Talking Heads nod to the roots of jam culture while keeping things playful and accessible.

When the sun goes down, the festival shifts gears. Signature laser shows and immersive lighting transform the ranch into a glowing canopy, while late-night acoustic pop-ups create moments of intimacy tucked away from the main stages. Live art installations from Dreem Lume and Planet Zuton further blur the line between audience and environment.

Whippersnap also makes room for all ages and all energies. Kid-friendly workshops, wellness classes like yoga, and creative activities such as tie-dye ensure that the daytime hours are just as engaging as the nights. Camping options range from full-hookup RV sites to primitive spots under the oaks, reinforcing the sense that everyone—from first-timers to returning family crews—has a place here.

At its core, Whippersnap feels like a festival still in conversation with its community, rather than one talking at it. As producer Shane LaVigne puts it, it’s about creating space to “connect, recharge, and celebrate community.” In a landscape crowded with mega-events, that clarity of purpose stands out.

For those seeking a February escape filled with funk, friendship, and Florida warmth, Whippersnap 2026 isn’t just another stop on the calendar—it’s becoming a tradition.

Themes for Each Day!

Mardi Gras Thursday

With Mardi Gras officially starting on Feb 17, Whippersnap thought it only fitting that we play along. Bust out the beads, masks, feathers and put your best purple green & gold outfits on display. The flashier the better!

Freak Flag Friday