Oceans Calling has cancelled the opening day of its 2026 festival in Ocean City, Maryland, after a nor’easter caused beach erosion and left organisers unable to complete the site safely.
The Friday programme, scheduled for September 25, will not go ahead. Organisers said the decision was taken to protect fans, artists, crew and the wider community as severe weather continued to affect the festival grounds.
“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 festival said in an update issued on Thursday.
Oceans Calling Friday cancellation and refunds
Holders of one-day Friday tickets bought directly through Front Gate Tickets will receive an automatic refund. Customers with three-day tickets will receive 33% of the ticket price back, with refunds being returned to the original payment method within 30 days.
Organisers said they were continuing to work towards staging the remaining performances on Saturday and Sunday, although those plans remain dependent on improving conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning for the Maryland beaches until 4pm on Friday. Forecasters are warning of one to two feet of flooding above ground level in vulnerable areas, with water potentially extending inland along tidal waterways.
A high surf advisory is also in effect, with breaking waves of up to 12ft expected in the surf zone, while a wind advisory warns of north-easterly winds reaching 30 to 40mph, with gusts of up to 50mph.
Oceans Calling was due to take place from September 25 to 27 on the Ocean City Boardwalk, featuring more than 40 performances across three stages. The planned line-up includes Dave Matthews Band, Hootie & the Blowfish, Gwen Stefani and Matchbox Twenty.
Further information about the status of the weekend’s shows is expected through the festival’s official channels as weather conditions develop.
