The crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean are the backdrop for Oceans Calling 2024, a three-day Labor Day weekend festival held on Ocean City, Maryland’s boardwalk. You can literally dance barefoot in the sand to your favorite 2000s throwbacks. Blink-182, The Killers and Dave Matthews Band will headline, and the rest of the lineup is similarly strong: Cage the Elephant, The Offspring and Mt. Joy will add a dose of alternative rock while Counting Crows and Sublime will provide a nostalgic touch. The festival is founded by O.A.R. (cue the millennial swoon), who typically make a surprise performance during the weekend.
The festival takes place on the Inlet Parking Lot at the southern end of the boardwalk and is just as much about enjoying the beach town and ocean views. Local vendors will post up and serve classic boardwalk fare like crab cakes and ice cream. While they haven’t announced vendors for this year yet, last year Food Network personalities Robert Irvine and Amanda Freitag hosted cooking demonstrations, adding a gourmet twist. And here’s a curveball: The cooking demos will be hosted by actor Jason Biggs.
In between sets, you can explore carnival rides and games within the festival grounds at Jolly Roger, the pier’s amusement park, or relax on the beach and soak in the salty air. The versatility — and generally G-rated lineup — makes this great for die-hard fans and families on vacation alike.
Ocean City is a popular summer destination, so book your stay well in advance. The humidity will just be subsiding by Labor Day weekend, making it a great time to enjoy both the beach and music as summer comes to a close.
The Specs
- Typically 40,000 people attend.
- 1-day tickets start at $160, and 3-day tickets start at $319.
- Check out Rehobeth Beach or Baltimore while you’re in Maryland.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to Oceans Calling Festival 2024?
Flying into one of the major airports near Ocean City and then taking a shuttle or public transportation is the best way to get to the Oceans Calling festival.
Here are the closest major airports:
- Baltimore International Airport (BWI)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Each of these airports is approximately a 3-hour drive from Ocean City.
What’s the exact address of the festival site?
Ocean City Inlet Beach, 809 South Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD, United States, Maryland
What’s the music festival’s bag policy?
All bags are subject to search at Oceans Calling. Small clutches and fanny packs (6″x9″ or smaller, single pocket) are allowed, while larger bags must be clear and under 12″x6″x12″. Hydration packs (empty, two non-water pockets) are okay too.
Is the event ADA-accessible?
Yes, there is an ADA entrance and an “Access Center” at the festival.
Where should I stay?
There’s no camping at the festival, but lots of home rentals and hotels in the area.
It’s my first time attending the fest. What else can I expect?
There will be local food vendors and you’ll have access to the Ocean City Boardwalk. There will also be cooking demos from chefs like Robert Irvine, Amanda Freitag, and Marc Murphy. Actor who Jason Biggs will be the MC for the chefs.
Which artists are on the Outside Lands lineup?
The full lineup for the festival includes Blink-182, Cage the Elephant, Sublime, 311, O.A.R., The Revivalists, The Darkness, Sugar Ray, Larkin Poe, Tonic, Phillip Phillips, Winona Fighter, Vincent Lima, The Killers, The Offspring, Rebelution, The Beach Boys, Young The Giant, The All-American Rejects, The Hives, Grouplove, Switchfoot, The Beaches, Tom Odell, Trevor Hall, The Samples, Katelyn Tarver, Dave Matthews Band, Mt. Joy, Counting Crows, Boyz II Men, Barenaked Ladies, Blues Traveler, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Guster, Big Head Todd and The Monsters, Lisa Loeb, Jade Bird and Stephen Kellogg.
Is there a general email address?