Tybee Island, Georgia, a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere, is gearing up to host the controversial “Orange Crush” music festival in April 2025, but only if the organizers agree to meet a list of strict conditions set by the city. The festival, which has a history of security issues and trash problems, has been a point of contention in the community for years. Despite its reputation, the event has a loyal following and is often described as a wild and unforgettable experience. This year, organizers are promising the “BIGGEST Orange Crush Festival yet,” with a lineup that’s sure to bring “nothing but HEAT.” However, the city is determined to ensure that the event runs smoothly and safely, having learned from past mistakes.
The Orange Crush Festival has a long and complicated history with Tybee Island. In its early days, the event was associated with Savannah State University but was disassociated in 1991 due to the high number of arrests and reports of violence. Over the years, the festival has been held without proper permits, leading to chaos and disorder on the island. In 2023, the event returned to Tybee after a brief stint in Jacksonville, Florida, where it was moved due to logistical challenges and allegations of civil rights violations. Despite the recent return, last year’s festival was marred by violent brawls, piles of trash, and general mayhem, which were widely documented on social media. The scenes of women throwing punches and wrestling on the beach, alongside the growing piles of garbage, painted a picture of an event that had spiraled out of control.
This year, however, things are supposed to be different. The Tybee Island City Council has agreed to issue a special events permit to Orange Crush organizer Steven Smalls, but only if he meets a series of conditions outlined in a letter sent on January 26. The conditions are designed to address the festival’s past issues and ensure that the event is safe, well-organized, and respectful of the island’s public spaces. Among other things, the festival must adhere to specific timing and placement requirements to coordinate with municipal services, preserve public property, prevent dangerous and unlawful behavior, ensure public safety, and plan for traffic control. The city has also made it clear that if the festival deviates from the agreed-upon scope, intensity, location, type, or size, the permit will be revoked.
The organizers, on their part, are optimistic and enthusiastic about the upcoming event. In a recent Instagram post, they expressed their excitement, writing, “Thanks for your interest in the 2025 Orange Crush Festival! We’re thrilled to announce that for the first time in decades, we are fully permitted and ready to celebrate April 18-20.” A follow-up post on Facebook promised that this year’s festival would be “legendary,” with the organizers hyping it as the biggest and best iteration of the event yet. The tone of the posts suggests a sense of pride and determination, as if the organizers are determined to prove that they can pull off a successful and enjoyable event without the chaos of previous years.
Despite the optimism, however, many in the community remain skeptical. The festival’s history of violence, trash, and disorder has left a lasting impression, and some residents are worried that this year’s event could bring similar problems. Videos from last year’s festival, which showed violent fights and piles of garbage, are still fresh in people’s minds, and there are concerns that the city’s conditions may not be enough to prevent a repeat of those issues. The city council, however, seems committed to ensuring that the festival is a success, both for the organizers and for the community. By laying out clear conditions, they hope to strike a balance between allowing the festival to take place and protecting the interests of the island’s residents and visitors.
Ultimately, the success of the 2025 Orange Crush Festival will depend on whether the organizers can live up to their promises and meet the conditions set by the city. If they can, the event could mark a turning point for the festival, proving that it can be both fun and responsible. If not, it could cement the festival’s reputation as a source of chaos and destruction, potentially leading to its permanent ban from the island. As the festival approaches, all eyes will be on Tybee Island, watching to see whether this year’s Orange Crush will be a legendary success or a repeat of past failures. The organizers have promised “nothing but HEAT,” but the city and its residents are hoping for something more: a safe, clean, and enjoyable event that everyone can celebrate.
