Ocean City, Md. – The Oceans Calling Festival, scheduled for September 25‑27, 2026 along the Ocean City Boardwalk, will not hold its Friday performances after a powerful nor’easter brought strong winds, heavy rain and high surf to the East Coast.
Safety and Weather Concerns Prompt Cancellation
Festival organizers posted an update on their website explaining that continued weather impacts and beach erosion made it impossible to safely complete the site build in time for Friday’s shows. The safety of fans, artists, crew and the broader community was cited as the top priority.
“Despite the extraordinary efforts of our production, site, safety teams, and the city staff/officials, the impacts of this week’s continued weather, including beach erosion that affected the festival site, have made it impossible to safely complete the build in time for Friday,” the statement read.
Refunds and Plans for the Rest of the Weekend
Ticket holders who purchased 1‑day Friday tickets, as well as 33% of 3‑day tickets bought directly through Front Gate Tickets, will receive automatic refunds within as little as 30 days to the original method of payment. Organizers said they are working hard to get the remaining shows ready for Saturday and Sunday, hoping conditions improve.
Festival headliners include the Dave Matthews Band, Hootie & the Blowfish, Gwen Stefani and Matchbox Twenty, along with more than 40 artists across three stages. Fans are encouraged to follow official festival channels for updates on the Saturday and Sunday line‑ups.
Weather Outlook for the Region
The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Warning for Worcester County until 4 p.m. Friday. The developing nor’easter is expected to strengthen along the eastern seaboard, with widespread flooding of up to several feet possible in low‑lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.
Local officials continue to monitor the storm’s progress and have urged residents and visitors to stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel near the coast, and heed any evacuation orders if conditions worsen.
Community Impact
The cancellation affects local businesses that rely on festival traffic, but organizers emphasized that public safety cannot be compromised. They thanked the community for its patience and promised to deliver a memorable weekend once the weather clears.
For the latest information, festival attendees should check the official Oceans Calling website and social media pages.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
