“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
