Shocking Cancellation: Santa Monica's Ocean Way Festival Abruptly Called Off Weeks Before Debut

Goldenvoice's inaugural Ocean Way festival, set to take place on the beach in Santa Monica, California, has been canceled just two weeks before its scheduled dates of September 26-27. Ticketholders received messages from the ticketing service AXS, informing them that the event was called off due to the significant impacts of Hurricane Marie.

The cancellation was specifically attributed to "storm surf and runoff" from Hurricane Marie, which caused extensive beach erosion in Southern California's coastal areas earlier this week. This made it impossible to safely hold the festival as planned.

Despite the setback, organizers are already looking ahead. They shared on social media that "plans are already underway to bring the festival to Santa Monica in 2027." Goldenvoice Vice President of Regional Festivals, Nic Adler, had previously expressed excitement about the festival, highlighting Santa Monica's rich music history and Goldenvoice's aim to celebrate it while building an authentically Santa Monica event for years to come.

The debut festival boasted an impressive lineup, including headliners The Killers, Olivia Dean, Jack White, and Khruangbin. Southern California favorites Sublime and Durand Jones and the Indications were also slated to perform, alongside acts like Alvvays, SG Lewis, 54 Ultra, Hiatus Kaiyote, BLOND:ISH, Poolside, and a Hot Chip DJ set. Goldenvoice, known for promoting major festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach, was behind this new venture.

Regarding ticketing, AXS confirmed that fans will receive full refunds for their tickets. Prices for the festival ranged from $189 for single-day four-packs to more than $700 for premium weekend passes. Organizers stated that refunds are expected to be delivered within a few business days.