On March 4th, 2016, a portal opened, and everything changed. ✦
A world opened, manifested in our dreams, and brought to life when tens of thousands of beautiful souls converged in the magical nature paradise of Sunshine Grove.
Since then, individuals from every tradition have come together to join in the ritual that is Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival (OMF). People travel from all over to experience the community, love, and magic; OMF is a sanctuary, free from the restrictions and concerns of everyday life, where the only rule is to Be, Here, Now – to be fully present within yourself and the community, to experience the natural paradise and grassy meadowlands, secret forests, expansive groves, and picturesque lakes in the spirit of music, arts, community, and above all – pure fun and joy.
These are the reasons we created OMF. To allow every Okeechobeeing a space to be their authentic self, to cultivate kindness, respect, and community between each other and the environment we inhabit, and to reach new connections and understandings through music, rhythm, dance, and the arts. Step through the Portal and enter a corner of the universe unlike any other known, our slice of heaven on Earth, our wonderful world of Okeechobee.
PRINCIPLES OF OMF
RESPECT FOR LOVE & NATURE
The foundation of OMF is built upon some of the most important pillars of human existence — community, creativity, spirituality, love, and respect — tied together with a profound recognition of the influence and significance of the natural environment surrounding us. The genuine OMF experience means existing in harmony with each other and the unique organic elements that inhabit Sunshine Grove.
Here, you will find a wide array of natural populations, from the elusive Florida panther to the mischievous red fox. Shy cottontail rabbits hide in the brush, and sandhill cranes patrol the marshes alongside the majestic bald eagle. Live oak trees tower above, their branches outstretched in a protective embrace, shielded by Spanish moss swaying gently in the breeze. Colossal Southern Magnolia trees stand strong through the ages, the sweet smell of their cream-colored flowers wafting through the air. These fixtures, along with countless others, await you as you journey through Sunshine Grove.
FUN & TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCES
Once you enter the Portal, things are never the same. Okeechobeeings are forever positively altered by the experiences they share at Sunshine Grove. OMF travels beyond the boundaries of entertainment, and offers a transformative and immersive experience unlike that of any other gathering.
OMF offers enrichment and activities that are intrinsically connected to the surrounding nature, from captivating art installations around Chobeewobee Village to mindfulness practices taught in Yogachobee classes. Strengthen your relationship to our planet through the lessons taught at the Earth Arts Academy, or restore your mind, body, and soul at the Healing Sanctuary. Most importantly, use the space provided by OMF to allow yourself to be playful, bold, and different!
AUTHENTICITY
Those who make up our community — aptly named Okeechobeeings — are the exemplary embodiment of OMF’s core values. Okeechobeeings are kind, generous, authentic, and empathetic. Together, they create an atmosphere where everyone can come together to be their truest selves and thrive.
To love and to be loved, to give and to receive, to show respect, kindness, and compassion, all requires an authenticity that cannot be taught. These qualities make our community unique in the way they interact with the world and each other, and we are proud to have built a safe place to call home.
GIVING BACK
Okeechobee’s mission extends beyond the limits of the annual festival – it remains our duty to translate the festival into a positive impact in the local community. OMF partners with nonprofit organizations including HeadCount, Treasure Coast Food Bank, Martha’s House, Thank You For Your Service, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Healthy Start, among others. Okeechobee is committed to combatting causes like helping victims of domestic violence and food insecurity, helping veterans, and providing youth mentorship. To date, we have donated $500,000 to local nonprofit partners. With social responsibility as a key fixture of OMF and as owners and stewards of Sunshine Grove, Soundslinger proudly supports Okeechobee County.
