Since its inception in 2019 Live Fest has been fortunate to be called Naples Premiere Music Festival. Selling out year after year and delivering a wide variety of performers from multiple genres. The backdrop of the Ritz Carlton Tiburon allows for fantastic pre-game festivities and ambiance. The festival is always the Saturday night of the Grant Thornton PGA/LPGA event – a one-of-a-kind pairing of both men and women's top-tier golf professionals competing on a world-class award-winning golf course.
This year’s line up is headlined by Riley Green. Riley learned to play music from his grandfather Buford Green. He went on to be the quarterback of Jacksonville State University and was a contestant on the CMT Reality Show Redneck Island. His career started in 2013 and since then he has been awarded ACM, AMA and CMA top awards such as Top New Male Vocalist (2019 ACM), Single of the Year (2025 ACM), Music Event of the Year (2024-2026 CMA/ACM) and 2025 Single of the Year/Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year (CMA) with 6 number one songs along the way while being nominated for the Best Male Country Artist 2026 (AMA). Four of Riley’s songs have been Certified Platinum or Multi-Platinum. Riley’s 4th Studio Album was released in September.
Riley has recently started his role in the 30th season of The Voice which is a highly respected accomplishment achieved by few in the music industry.
Joining Riley this year is Tyler Hubbard formerly of Florida Georgia Line. Tyler has had multiple top 10 songs and multiple #1 songs on Canada Country and US Country Air Play. Some songs reached Gold and Platinum status. There will be other artists announced to perform, which is the norm for Live Fest.
In the past, Live Fest has hosted Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley, Old Dominion, Thomas Rhett, The Goo Goo Dolls, O.A.R., Lady A, Cole Swindell, Lauren Alaina, 38 Special and the Gin Blossoms to name a few.
What makes Live Fest extra special is the attention to detail, hospitality and the quality of the attendees and venue according to many. It has been called “the best operated music festival” in Florida and has won Best Outdoor Festival on multiple occasions.
The combined events continue to grow year after year since the inception of Live Fest seven years ago. Live Fest, held the second Saturday night of every December, was conceived and founded by long term local Steve Hagenbuckle. Steve’s vision and uncompromising commitment to delivering the best experience possible for Naples includes various VIP Experiences and high-level sponsorship opportunities. Year after year the event donates to various local and national charities.
Live Fest’s founder and executive producer Steve gives credit and accolades to his operational partner The Team which is led by Taylor Ives and Rob Hartman. Hartman and Hagenbuckle have worked closely for 7 years with a focus on continued refinement and improvement of the event. Production is handled since inception by Paul Murphy of MEC. The Team members manage both the Golf and Live Fest events and have done an excellent job. They have the support and assistance of major sponsors like First Horizon Bank (Headline Sponsor), Allegro Landscaping, Grant Thornton, SeaGate Development, UBS, Cutwater, Bramshill Investments, TerraCap Management, Stock Development, Ave Maria, Dunkin Doughnuts, Zoom Tan, Gator Country/Renda Radio, Musica Tequila, Borelli Construction, First Trust, Concord Healthcare, Franklin Templeton, SunCoast Beverage and many more…
Our first cover story in Naples from Naples City Lifestyle Magazine was Live Fest. We continue to enjoy and support Live Fest. So, if you like outdoor music and special experiences and you haven’t gotten your tickets yet get your tickets now at www.livefest.com. We look forward to seeing you there!