Old Dominion’s Odies Beach Vacation: A Decade of Dedication Distilled into a Florida Festival
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Last weekend, the heart of Miramar Beach, Florida, transformed into a private haven for the most dedicated fans in country music as Old Dominion hosted their inaugural Odies Beach Vacation. More than just a destination festival, this event was a victory lap—one of the final words on their sprawling 2025 How Good Is That tour—and a profound celebration of a decade-plus relationship with their loyal fanbase, affectionately known as the Odies. For those who’ve been following the band since before their 2015 debut, Meat And Candy, this was less a concert series and more a unique, meticulously curated reunion.
The Personal Touch: Curated Lineup and Extracurriculars
The success of Odies Beach Vacation lay in its intentional intimacy and the heavy involvement of the band members themselves. Old Dominion didn’t just headline; they designed the entire experience, gathering a personally curated lineup that underscored their broad musical tastes and respect for artistry. The main stage saw powerhouse performances from friends like Brothers Osborne, the reggae-pop legend Shaggy, the soulful Gavin DeGraw, and fellow country stars Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon, John Morgan, and Kat Higgins.
The feeling of celebration was palpable, starting with a Wednesday night welcome bonfire that featured music from John Morgan & Friends. The rest of the weekend was packed with fan-friendly extracurriculars: beach games, a boozy brunch cruise, and post-show karaoke hangs. Crucially, the band was immersed in the fun. Guitarists Trevor Rosen and Brad Tursi hosted a golf scramble, while bassist Geoff Sprung presided over a retro cocktail hour, making the atmosphere feel like a genuine vacation with friends rather than a massive corporate festival.
Frontman Matthew Ramsey summed up the feeling of the weekend perfectly: “We’ve barely had a chance to pause and wrap our heads around this whirlwind of a year, and then we found ourselves already in November, at our own festival. We couldn’t wait for this all year. We’ve had so many highs and new experiences in 2025, but nothing beat gathering artists we love and respect for one big party in Florida, with Odies from all over joining us for an unforgettable weekend.”
A Deep Dive into the Vault: The Unique Setlists
The musical centerpiece of the vacation was the promise of two entirely distinct Old Dominion sets, a massive gift to the diehard fans who made the journey. The band delivered, repeating barely any songs between their Thursday and Saturday shows. This deep-cut strategy proved that after ten years, their catalogue is rich enough to sustain a two-night immersion.
The first night fittingly opened with the beach-themed track “Crying In A Beach Bar,” signaling that anything could happen. Alongside the necessary stadium classics like “Snapback,” “One Man Band,” “Hotel Key,” and the enduringly breezy “I Was On A Boat That Day,” the band mined the vaults. Fans were treated to rarities and lost gems like “Shoe Shopping,” “Smooth Sailing,” “Walk On Whiskey,” and “A Million Things,” a track that had reportedly only been performed six times prior. They even resurrected “Shut Me Up,” their debut single, which makes only occasional appearances in modern setlists.
Adding another layer of collaborative depth, Old Dominion took the stage on Friday to join their friends Brothers Osborne for a special, spine-tingling cover of The Beatles’ classic “With A Little Help From My Friends.” This moment, a testament to the close-knit nature of the modern country scene, encapsulated the generous spirit of the entire festival.
The Endless Road Ahead
The overwhelming success of the first Odies Beach Vacation ensured its immediate future. Before the final notes faded, the band joyfully announced that they will return to Miramar Beach next year for the second installment, scheduled for October 1-3, 2026.
Before 2025 officially closes, however, the reigning Vocal Group of the Year has a few more milestones to hit. December kicks off with a special two-night stand in Las Vegas, in partnership with Caesars Entertainment. On December 5th and 6th, BARBARA. HITS. VEGAS. takes over PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, promising unique shows that feature the album Barbara performed in its entirety alongside their classic hits. They will then wrap up the year with rescheduled California dates in Ontario (December 10th) and Bakersfield (December 11th).
The momentum carries straight into 2026. Next year will see the band return to traversing the globe, with a long-awaited return to Australia and New Zealand in March, headlining CMC Rocks QLD along the way, with Dasha and Alexandra Kay joining as openers. Following their international run, they will head north for a proper Canadian tour in April, bringing guests Phil Vassar and Sacha.
Odies Beach Vacation wasn’t just a good time; it was a potent reminder of how Old Dominion has secured their status in country music—through exceptional songwriting, relentless touring, and, most importantly, a deep, genuine connection with the audience that started on day one.
Photo Credit: Mason Allen
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