The inaugural Ocean Way music festival, scheduled to take place on the Santa Monica Beach on September 26 and 27, has been abruptly canceled due to significant damage caused by Hurricane Marie. High surf and storm water generated by the hurricane eroded a large portion of the festival site over the Labor Day weekend, rendering it unsafe for the planned event.
The festival was set to feature headliners The Killers and Olivia Dean, alongside acts such as Khruangbin, Sublime, and Jack White. Goldenvoice, the promoter also responsible for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, informed ticket holders of the cancellation via email.
"The Beach can no longer safely accommodate the festival production and audience capacity, and with construction and load-in set to begin next week, the City determined that cancellation was the only responsible option," the city’s manager office stated. The festival was promoted as a car-free event intended to encourage public transit use and revitalize local nightlife.
This marks the second beachside music festival cancellation in the area this year, following the earlier cancellation of the LA Jazz Festival, which was originally scheduled for August 22.
In addition to impacting the festival, Hurricane Marie has caused widespread damage along the Southern California coast. The city of Santa Monica is currently assessing and repairing storm damage, including issues with the Pico storm drain and shoreline, to prepare for potential upcoming weather. Santa Monica City Councilmember Dan Hall expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the festival's return. "Plans are already underway to bring the festival back to Santa Monica in 2027," Goldenvoice announced.
Ticket holders for the Ocean Way festival, with prices ranging from $249 to $2,250, are expected to receive refunds within seven business days.