“THE OFFICIAL TWO-WEEK ORANGE CRUSH FESTIVAL® 2026 BLUEPRINT”

“THE OFFICIAL TWO-WEEK ORANGE CRUSH FESTIVAL® 2026 BLUEPRINT”

by CRUSH Magazine

For the first time in history, Orange Crush Festival® is entering 2026 with a two-week official structure, anchored firmly in trademark ownership, cultural tradition, and regional influence across Savannah, Tybee, and Allenhurst. The last time Orange Crush historically had 2 weekends was 2014 & 2017.

This new structure honors the historic Week 1—the legendary HBCU Spring Break weekend that built the event’s identity—while introducing Week 2: Crush Reloaded™, the official aftermath weekend created by overwhelming demand.

WEEK 1 — APRIL 9–13, 2026

The Historic, Trademarked Orange Crush Festival® Weekend

Week 1 is the weekend that started it all—the original Orange Crush® tradition celebrated for more than a decade by students from HBCUs across Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, and the AUC.

This is the core Orange Crush® identity, recognized culturally long before any city permit process existed. Even in its unpermitted years, the weekend remained the dominant spring-break travel date throughout the Southeast.

2026 marks a new chapter:

The official permit application is filed under the federal trademark owner, bringing the most structured, safe, and city-coordinated Orange Crush® in history.

Week 1 Schedule

THURSDAY — CRUSH THE MIC at Henry Street Bistro

A live creator and artist showcase launching the weekend.

FRIDAY — Orange Crush Kickoff at Daffin Park

DJs, vendors, student crowds, influencer zones, and courtside activities.

SATURDAY — Official Orange Crush Festival® Day

Primary location Tybee Island (permit pending), backup locations Savannah + Daffin Park.

The classic beach-day experience continues regardless of city approval.

SUNDAY — Crush The Block in Allenhurst

Cars, ATVs, bikes, pool activation, outdoor festival vibes.

Week 1 is the true Orange Crush® experience, unified, trademarked, and culturally authentic.

WEEK 2 — APRIL 17–19, 2026

Crush Reloaded™ — The Official Aftermath Weekend

Crush Reloaded™ was born from Week 1’s massive impact. For years, students extended their trips or returned for “Round 2,” creating a natural second weekend now formally recognized as part of the Orange Crush® ecosystem.

2026 marks the first year this weekend is officially organized under the festival trademark.

Week 2 Schedule

FRIDAY — Reloaded Kickoff at Daffin Park

Creator content day + festival warm-up.

SATURDAY — Crush Reloaded™ Multi-City Takeover

Daffin Park + optional (permit pending) Tybee activation.

SUNDAY — Crush The Block in Allenhurst

Finale outdoor festival and car culture showcase.

Week 2 expands the economic, cultural, and creative reach of the festival into a full 10-day regional program.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR 2026

• Provides structure regardless of Tybee approvals

• Reduces overcrowding by spreading attendance

• Increases tourism impact for Savannah and Liberty County

• Creates two major regional weekends under one trademark

• Offers safer planning, transportation, and activation routes

• Delivers more programming for students and creators

• Solidifies the official brand versus imitators

In 2026, Orange Crush Festival® officially becomes a TWO-WEEK cultural engine, built on heritage, and expanded for the future with Orange Crush Festival® weekend being April 9-13, 2026 and CRUSH RELOADED weekend being April 17-19,2026