Ocean Way Music Festival Canceled Due to Hurricane Damage

The inaugural Ocean Way music festival in Santa Monica has been canceled just two weeks before it was set to debut. Scheduled for September 26-27, the beachfront event was organized by Goldenvoice, known for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Due to the impacts of Hurricane Marie, the City of Santa Monica has canceled the inaugural Ocean Way festival. Storm surf and runoff have caused significant beach erosion, making it unsafe to hold the festival as planned. Plans are underway to reschedule the event for 2027.

Tickets priced between $249 and $2,250 will be refunded within five to seven business days through the AXS ticketing platform. Hurricane Marie, linked to the “Super El Niño” weather pattern, caused extensive coastal damage from Malibu to Long Beach and Dana Point.

Santa Monica city council member Dan Hall expressed regret over the cancellation, citing safety concerns for festival-goers and residents. He noted that beach erosion near the Sandbox event space and storm-related complications elsewhere, including sinkholes in Malibu, necessitated the city’s action. Efforts are underway to repair the Pico storm drain and shoreline in preparation for future weather impacts.

Ocean Way was anticipated to feature performances by The Killers, Olivia Dean, Khruangbin, Sublime, Jack White, and more. Announced in July, the festival aimed to enhance Santa Monica’s public events scene and establish a notable cultural event on the west side of Los Angeles. The festival, promoted as car-free, sought to boost Santa Monica’s retail and nightlife sectors, which have struggled post-pandemic.

Nic Adler, a concert producer for Goldenvoice, mentioned the importance of innovation and the city’s desire for new initiatives. Similarly, Mayor Caroline Torosis emphasized the need to rekindle Santa Monica’s appeal through significant beach events, calling the beach the city’s prime asset.

This cancellation marks the second major seaside festival affected this year, following the LA Jazz Festival’s financial and permitting issues that led to its cancellation. The increasing frequency of climate-related challenges has impacted festivals nationwide. Bonnaroo in Tennessee and Stagecoach in California faced disruptions due to severe weather conditions. Bonnaroo will not be held in 2027 for site repairs, and Stagecoach temporarily shut down due to strong winds.