The Oceans Calling Festival announced its star-studded 2026 lineup on March 3, drawing immediate buzz for headliners Dave Matthews Band, Twenty One Pilots, Mumford & Sons, Gwen Stefani, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Matchbox Twenty during the three-day event set for September 25-27 in Ocean City, Maryland.
Organizers released the full roster via the official festival poster and website, positioning the fourth annual gathering as a major draw on the classic Ocean City Boardwalk. The festival, produced in partnership with musicians O.A.R., features more than 40 performances across three stages, blending rock, pop, hip-hop, and alternative acts with culinary experiences from local vendors, Boardwalk businesses, and acclaimed chef demonstrations.
Friday, September 25, spotlights Dave Matthews Band and Hootie & the Blowfish as headliners, supported by Ludacris, O.A.R., Yellowcard, Shaggy, Liz Phair, Everlast, Gavin DeGraw, Better Than Ezra, Sons of Legion, KT Tunstall, Shwayze, King Stingray, and Linka Moja.
Saturday, September 26, brings Twenty One Pilots and Gwen Stefani to the main stages, joined by Goo Goo Dolls, Third Eye Blind, All Time Low, 311, Violent Femmes, Dashboard Confessional, Corinne Bailey Rae, Everclear, Dishwalla, Goldford, and Cassandra Coleman.
Sunday, September 27, closes with Mumford & Sons and Matchbox Twenty headlining, featuring Caamp, My Morning Jacket, The Head and the Heart, Hanson, Jet, OK Go, Susanna Hoffs, Cory Wong, Fastball, Nat Myers, and a special set by O.A.R. and Friends. Additional highlights include chef appearances by Robert Irvine, Antonia Lofaso, and others, hosted by Jason Biggs.
The announcement builds on the festival’s success since its 2022 debut, which has grown into a key economic driver for Worcester County. Past editions, such as the 2025 event headlined by Green Day, Fall Out Boy, Noah Kahan, Lenny Kravitz, Vampire Weekend, and Weezer, drew massive crowds to the Inlet Beach area, generating significant revenue through packed hotels, restaurants, and Boardwalk attractions. Coverage from previous years noted vibrant atmospheres with shuttles easing traffic, enhanced security, and weather-resilient energy, even during rain-soaked days that amplified the beachside vibe.
Presale access launches Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET, offering guaranteed lowest-price general admission and one-day tickets for one hour only. Fans must sign up now at oceanscallingfestival.com for a passcode. Public on-sale follows at 11 a.m. ET, with prices expected to rise and availability limited. Options include GA+, VIP, Platinum, or Ultimate packages.
The festival’s coastal setting at the Ocean City Inlet combines live music with amusement rides at Jolly Roger at the Pier, games, and ocean views, appealing to music lovers across generations. This year’s diverse lineup spans decades of hits, from Dave Matthews Band’s jam-rock classics and Hootie & the Blowfish’s ’90s anthems to Twenty One Pilots’ high-energy alternative and Mumford & Sons’ folk-infused sound.
Oceans Calling continues to cement Ocean City’s role as a premier East Coast music destination, drawing attendees from Southern Maryland and beyond for a weekend of performances, food, and beachside fun.