OCEAN CITY, Md. — Country Calling Festival expands to three days for its second year, scheduled for October 3 through 5, 2025, at the Ocean City Inlet. More than 25 country artists will perform across three stages, with headliners Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Luke Combs. Tickets are selling fast, with general admission and VIP options available through the official website.
Produced in partnership with Live Nation and C3 Presents, the event transforms the inlet area at 809 South Atlantic Avenue into a venue featuring live music, local vendors and amusement rides. Doors open at noon each day, with performances beginning at 12:30 p.m. and concluding by 11 p.m. to comply with local curfew regulations. Organizers anticipate attendance similar to the inaugural 2024 event, which attracted thousands despite inclement weather.
The lineup covers a range of country styles, from established acts to emerging talents, set against the ocean backdrop. Friday, October 3, opens with Carrie Underwood closing the Boot Stage after Brooks & Dunn. Earlier performances include Chase Rice and Avery Anna on Boot, Jon Pardi and Tyler Hubbard on Scoot, and LeAnn Rimes on Boogie. Saturday, October 4, features Luke Bryan topping the Boot Stage following Zach Top and Flatland Cavalry, with Jordan Davis and Wynonna Judd on Scoot and Gretchen Wilson on Boogie. Sunday, October 5, concludes with Luke Combs on Boot after Gary Allan, Koe Wetzel on Scoot and Gabby Barrett on Boogie. Set times are subject to change, and full daily schedules are above.
The three stages—Boot, Scoot and Boogie—are positioned across the beach and inlet parking lot, enabling attendees to move between performances. The Boot Stage serves as the main area for larger crowds on the beach, while Scoot and Boogie provide closer views along the sand and boardwalk. Food trucks, craft beer options and Jolly Roger amusement park rides are integrated into the site, combining festival activities with boardwalk elements.
New for 2025, the festival includes additional entrances and expanded walkways to improve access and flow within the grounds. Attendees can expect re-entry privileges until 7 p.m. each day, with wristband scans and security checks required upon return. Policies prohibit outside food, large bags and certain items; details on allowed and prohibited belongings are available through the festival’s support site. Bag policies specify restrictions to prevent entry delays. Health and safety protocols emphasize reporting suspicious activity and using designated meeting points like the main guest services tent for lost individuals.
Weather forecasts for the weekend predict favorable conditions, differing from last year’s rain. Friday calls for partly cloudy skies with a high of 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 52, accompanied by light winds. Saturday expects sunny skies, a high of 72 and a low of 55. Sunday forecasts more sunshine with a light breeze, reaching a high of 73 and a low of 60, with no significant rain chances. October averages around 65 degrees in Ocean City, with coastal breezes possible. Organizers advise monitoring updates via social media for any weather-related adjustments, though no specific contingencies are detailed in current guides.
Traffic and parking plans address the expected influx. Closures begin at 8 p.m. daily, restricting areas like St. Louis Avenue southbound to emergency vehicles, residents and employees, with diversions to Philadelphia Avenue. Baltimore Avenue will have designated lanes for vehicles, buses and safety access. Parking restrictions started September 23, 2025, prohibiting street parking on ocean blocks south of North Division Street until October 10. Violators face towing to the Ocean City Police Department at 6501 Coastal Highway. Festival parking options include West Ocean City Park & Ride, the Convention Center and the 100th Street Municipal Lot. ADA parking is offered at municipal lots, with drop-offs at 101 Worcester Street. Rideshare pick-up and drop-off occur at the 4th Street Municipal Lot. The Inlet Lot remains closed from September 15 through October 12, 2025, with limited exceptions. Shuttle services from remote lots help manage overflow, similar to measures used during the prior Oceans Calling event.
Public safety involves full commitment from the Ocean City Police Department, including seasonal personnel and on-site security. Airport-style searches occur at entry points, and attendees are encouraged to use the buddy system and secure belongings. A pre-festival party is set for October 2 at Pickles Pub, featuring live music with no cover charge. The box office, located on the beach between 1st and 2nd streets near the Plim Plaza Hotel, operates from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on October 2 for ticket services.
The festival debuted in 2024 as a two-day event, filling a niche for country music on the Eastern Shore. It shares promoters with Oceans Calling, leveraging existing infrastructure. The expansion adds a third day, increasing artist slots and introducing stage names inspired by country dance terms. Attendance from the first year remains unofficial, but reports indicate strong vendor sales in food and merchandise despite weather challenges.
Attendees benefit from ocean views and sunset backdrops during sets, with sand seating and standing areas offering clear sightlines. Elevated platforms assist visibility in crowded sections. Festival policies promote cashless payments at concessions for efficiency. Locker rentals are available for item storage.
