Frequency Fest is a free, all-ages music festival happening in Charleston from March 28-30, spanning three West Ashley venues: Tin Roof, The Garden at Charles Towne Fermentory, and Frothy Beard Brewing.
Inspired by the legendary 96 Wave Fest of the ’90s, the event will showcase over 50 artists across a wide spectrum of genres, including rock, hip-hop, folk, punk, and more. Hosted by Holy City Booking, Frequency Fest is a grassroots effort focused on uplifting the local and regional music scene in Charleston and beyond.
The Vision Behind Frequency Fest
Brad Simmons, founder of Holy City Booking and the driving force behind Frequency Fest, has been a staple in Charleston’s music scene since 2002, booking shows and working with both local and touring bands.
As Summerville native, Brad got his start at just 15 years old, renting out the Summerville American Legion to book punk and metal bands.
“There was this huge Christian punk movement in the South,” Brad recalls. “There was this real DIY spirit, so I was like, hey, I could do a show.”
By 2009, after years of fighting for space in a city that wasn’t receptive to heavy music, he took a break and pivoted to organizing adult rec soccer teams. But the music scene eventually pulled him back in.
“Charleston has a lot more places to play now,” Brad says. “It’s night and day from when I stopped years ago.”
A DIY Festival Rooted in Community
Frequency Fest is about music for sure, but it’s also about community, accessibility, and connection. The lineup includes artists from Charlotte, Wilmington, Athens, Florence, Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Spartanburg, and beyond. Brad emphasizes that this festival is a huge networking opportunity for bands looking to branch out.
“Everybody on this fest, local or out of town, are all gigging bands,” Brad says. “This is a 1000% networking bonanza for anybody trying to connect with bands in other cities.”
The festival has been made possible with the help of Early Bird Diner, Bozzelli & Sons Heating and Air, and Holy City Tattooing Collective, whose contributions have ensured that the event remains completely free to attend.
A Music Scene Without Barriers
One of Frequency Fest’s core missions is to make live music more accessible to all.
“I want anybody that likes music to say hell yeah and come out,” Brad says. “There’s always been this unnecessarily hierarchical attitude in Charleston’s music scene—bands playing within their own cliques, only doing four shows a year with their friends. I’m trying to not do that.”
Unlike the polished, high-dollar events like High Water Fest, Frequency Fest is free and open to everyone. It’s a space for DIY music, genuine music lovers, and people who just want to discover something new.
Logistics & What to Expect
Each day, multiple stages will feature full hour set slots, ensuring fans can catch more than one band even if set times overlap. The general schedule is:
- Friday: 6 PM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday: 5 PM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday: 4 PM – 10:30 PM
Want to Get Involved?
Frequency Fest is still seeking volunteers to help with wristbands, logistics, and general festival support. If you’re interested, fill out the volunteer form here.
Get out there, support local and regional artists, and be part of this one-of-a-kind, DIY music experience!
Frequency Fest Lineup By Day
