OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A grassroots music festival dedicated to mental health awareness is returning to Ocala this month, bringing together local and regional bands, community advocates and charitable organizations for a three-day event benefiting suicide prevention and mental health programs.

RavenFest 2026 will take place Friday-Sunday, June 26-28, 2026, at three venues across Ocala. The festival begins Friday at Muddy Lotus Tea Kava Bar, located at 520 NE 1st Ave., continues Saturday at Oth3rworld Studios, located at 1124 SW 6th Ave. and concludes Sunday at Mutiny Ocala, located at 46 S Magnolia Ave.

Established in 2025, RavenFest was inspired by the vision of Raven Chase, a beloved member of Ocala’s local music community who dreamed of creating a DIY music festival focused on mental health awareness and supporting those struggling with depression and other mental health challenges.

Friends and fellow musicians remember Chase as a passionate supporter of local and tourist artists who frequently attended shows throughout the region. She was also involved in creating Ocala’s The BTS Project, an initiative dedicated to supporting and promoting the area’s music scene and creative community.

Following her passing after a battle with depression, members of the local music scene rallied around her vision, working to transform the idea she shared with friends into an annual event dedicated to helping others and keeping her memory alive.

Today, RavenFest serves a both a celebration of Raven’s life and a fundraiser, with all proceeds from the event benefiting organizations including the Florida Suicide Prevention Coalition and To Write Love On Her Arms.

In addition to live music, organizers are collecting donations and selling festival merchandise, with proceeds helping support the event’s charitable mission. Festival organizers have also announced a raffle featuring a drum head signed by Ocala-spawned metalcore band Wage War. The raffle winner will be selected during the festival’s final day at Mutiny Ocala on June 28, with organizers hinting that additional prizes may also be announced.

Organizers recently recognized Thomas McFarland for his work helping coordinate this year’s festival. According to RavenFest organizers, McFarland played a key role in bringing the Florida Suicide Prevention Coalition on board, helping select the festival lineup and will represent RavenFest while speaking at the coalition’s conference this year. He is also scheduled to perform during the festival as a member of Saving Atlas.

This year’s lineup features more than 20 artists performing across three nights. Night one at Muddy Lotus will feature Not Promised Tomorrow, AMUSIA, Burned Out, Disdain, These Times and Brenden Starr. Night two at Oth3rworld Studios will include Clyde, Last Disaster, Vivid Omen, Fastwalker, The Years After and Phantom Limbs. The festival concludes June 28 with performances by Lawless, Love Kills Joy, Serotonin859, Bay Street, Soul Slave, Xpeaker Box and Saving Atlas.

Organizers say RavenFest is designed to be more than a music festival, serving as an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate community and encourage conversations surrounding mental health.

Additional information, donation opportunities and festival updates are available through RavenFest’s social media channels.