OCEAN CITY, Md. — Thousands of country music enthusiasts gathered on the Inlet Beach for the start of the second annual Country Calling Festival on October 3, 2025, where golden sands stretched under a sunny sky with temperatures in the mid-70s and a light breeze whispering through the air, carrying the sharp scent of saltwater from the crashing Atlantic waves. The three-day event, showcasing over 35 artists across three stages, commenced with clear weather that held steady until sunset, when cooler air settled in like a soft blanket over the crowd.
Festival gates swung open at noon, allowing attendees to flood the grounds through entrances along the boardwalk from N. Division Street to S. Division Street. The main Boot stage anchored the beach setup, with the Scoot stage presented by Allianz nearby and the intimate Boogie stage positioned along the boardwalk, all framed by the endless ocean horizon where boats dotted the water like floating spectators.
Jolly Roger Amusements added a carnival flair, its rides whirling and lights flashing for ticket holders, blending mechanical hums with the distant cry of seagulls wheeling overhead.
The day’s performances began at 12:30 p.m. with Timmy McKeever on the Scoot stage, his notes drifting across the sand as early arrivals settled in with blankets and chairs. At 1:15 p.m., Ian Harrison claimed the Boot stage, while local artist Luke Borchelt took the Boogie stage, delivering a set that included Maryland Life, Accent, Ocean City, Car Heat, Fishnets, Same Old Square and Every Rain, his voice rising above the rhythmic surf to capture the essence of coastal life. Drew Baldridge followed on the Scoot stage at 2 p.m., building energy as the sun climbed higher, its rays glinting off sunglasses and cowboy hats.
Simultaneous sets at 3 p.m. featured Avery Anna on the Boot stage and John Morgan on the Boogie stage, drawing clusters of listeners who shifted between spots, their footsteps leaving trails in the warm, yielding sand. Tucker Wetmore energized the Scoot stage at 4 p.m. with a dynamic performance that incorporated a mashup of Trace Adkins’ Honky Tonk Badonkadonk and Sir Mix-a-Lot’s Baby Got Back, his movements kicking up fine grains that sparkled in the afternoon light. At 5 p.m., Chase Rice performed on the Boot stage alongside LeAnn Rimes on the Boogie stage, their melodies intertwining with the ocean’s roar as crowds swelled, bodies swaying in unison.
Tyler Hubbard appeared on the Scoot stage at 6 p.m., setting a transitional tone as shadows lengthened across the beach. Brooks & Dunn commanded the Boot stage at 7 p.m., their harmonies echoing over the water where anchored vessels bobbed gently. Jon Pardi took the Scoot stage at 8:15 p.m., ramping up the evening vibe with lights piercing the deepening dusk. Carrie Underwood headlined the Boot stage at 9:30 p.m., highlighting songs such as Good Girl, Blown Away, Jesus, Take the Wheel, Before He Cheats and Cowboy Casanova, along with covers like Marshall Crenshaw’s Some Hearts and Guns N’ Roses’ Paradise City, her vocals soaring clear and powerful against the night sky dotted with stars. Prominent acts throughout the day integrated established hits with newer material, while rising performers emphasized fresh songs, covers and inventive mashups to engage the audience.
Crowds embodied the festival’s spirited fashion, with cowboy hats in every hue–fiery red, deep navy, sunny yellow–tilting as heads nodded to the beats, and boots of varied colors stamping rhythms into the sand, from scuffed leather to glossy patent. Attire spanned weathered jeans tucked into flannel shirts that billowed in the breeze to women in airy short shorts and intricate lacy dresses that caught the wind like kites. Beverages circulated widely, with chilled cans of Busch Light, Suncruiser and Bud Light sweating in the warmth, complemented by Liquid Death water bottles glinting under the sun for those pacing their day.
Food aromas mingled with the briny ocean mist, tempting from boardwalk classics like the juicy cheesesteaks sizzling at Tony Luke’s, the salty crunch of Thrasher’s fries, velvety scoops of Dumser’s ice cream, smooth frozen custard from Kohr Bros., tender pit beef at Bull on the Beach and hot slices from Caruso Pizza. Inside the festival, stands dished out Flaming Wok’s steaming stir-fries redolent of soy and ginger, Get Baked’s soft pretzel rolls stuffed with melty cheese, Hebros’ fresh Mediterranean wraps bursting with herbs, Mac N’ Me’s creamy macaroni laden with toppings and Pizza Nova’s thin-crust pies topped with bubbling mozzarella.
Vendor areas buzzed as social hubs, where Hoop Tea offered iced infusions under colorful umbrellas, the Be Love Electrolyte Lounge provided revitalizing drinks in shaded nooks, Owens Craft Cocktails and Mocktails mixed vibrant non-alcoholic options with flair, Busch Country set up lively beer zones with picnic tables, the White Claw Shore Club chilled seltzers in beach-themed bars and Wicked Weed Brew Pub poured hoppy drafts amid conversations. Staff in visible uniforms navigated the throngs, guiding attendees to entrances and exits with handheld maps, fielding questions about schedules and facilities, and maintaining order with a full medical team on standby for any needs.
Produced by C3 Presents, the festival follows the Oceans Calling rock event in the same venue, leveraging the beachfront for a distinctive experience that drew over 50,000 people to its 2024 debut. The 2025 edition emphasizes the coastal setting, with stages oriented to frame ocean views and integrate boardwalk elements. Operations ran without reported disruptions on the opening day, focusing on the music and communal energy. Attendees navigated the soft terrain, some sinking ankle-deep in sand while others perched on elevated boardwalk spots for better sightlines. The event’s layout encouraged movement between performances, with paths lined by vendor tents that created natural gathering points. As night fell, stage lights illuminated the scene, casting colorful glows over the water and sand, extending the day’s warmth into the evening hours.
