Molly Martling

This year’s Oceans Calling Festival, held from September 27 to 29 in Ocean City, Maryland, was a vibrant three-day festival that perfectly blended music, food, and beachside fun. Featuring a diverse lineup of renowned artists across genres, including rock, pop, and alternative, the festival drew music lovers of all ages. Set against the iconic Ocean City boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean, the event provided an idyllic setting for live performances, culinary demonstrations, and amusement rides, making it an immersive celebration of music and coastal culture.

The Oceans Calling 2024 lineup was star-studded, featuring an eclectic mix of rock, alternative, pop, and more across three packed days:

Blink-182 headlined Friday night, delivering an unforgettable performance with their signature blend of high-energy punk rock and nostalgic anthems. Other standout performances came from Cage the Elephant, whose raw, indie-rock energy captivated the audience, and Sublime, who brought a laid-back, reggae-punk vibe. Festival hosts O.A.R. provided a heartfelt, homegrown set, while 311 kept the party going with their unique fusion of reggae, rock, and rap.

The day also featured a fantastic mix of talent, including The Revivalists, whose soulful, rock-driven sound resonated with the crowd, and The Darkness, who lit up the stage with their theatrical, glam-rock style. Fans of 90s rock were treated to fun, nostalgic sets by Sugar Ray, playing their sunny, California-influenced hits, and Larkin Poe, who brought a Southern rock edge to the lineup. Each act added their own flavor to the day, making Friday a diverse and energetic start to the festival.

Saturday was a powerhouse day of performances, headlined by The Killers, who took the main stage and delivered an electrifying set filled with hit after hit, including crowd favorites like “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me.” The energy was palpable as festival-goers sang along, making it one of the most anticipated moments of the weekend.

Adding to the diverse musical atmosphere, The Beach Boys brought a wave of nostalgia with their timeless classics like “Good Vibrations” and “Surfin’ USA,” creating a warm, sunny vibe that perfectly matched the festival’s coastal setting. Their performance was a delightful contrast to the high-energy acts that followed. The Offspring kept the adrenaline pumping with their fast-paced punk anthems, while Rebelution brought a chill, reggae-infused vibe to the mix. Young the Giant captivated the audience with their indie-rock hits, blending emotional depth with powerful melodies.

^{Photos by Molly Martling / The Concert Chronicles}

Saturday’s lineup was further enriched by performances from a variety of talented bands that spanned multiple genres. The Hives delivered an explosive set filled with their frenetic garage rock sound, keeping the crowd engaged from start to finish. Grouplove brought their infectious indie-pop energy, with uplifting tracks that had everyone dancing, while The Beaches made waves with their bold, gritty sound, proving to be one of the standout acts of the day. Each act brought their own flavor to the day, making Saturday an eclectic and high-energy experience that left festivalgoers buzzing well into the night.

The final day of Oceans Calling was a fitting close to an incredible weekend, headlined by a breathtaking performance from Dave Matthews Band. Their eclectic sound created an unforgettable atmosphere as they played hits like “Crash Into Me” and “Ants Marching.” The day’s lineup was equally impressive, featuring iconic acts like Counting Crows, whose nostalgic ballads connected deeply with the crowd, and Boyz II Men, who brought smooth harmonies and R&B classics that had the audience swaying.

Barenaked Ladies injected humor and charm into the day with their fun, upbeat set, while indie-folk band Mt. Joy brought a more introspective vibe with their emotional, melodic songs. Fans of jam bands were treated to stellar performances from Blues Traveler and Guster, whose improvisational and energetic sets kept the audience grooving.

One of the day’s most special moments was the collaborative set by O.A.R. and Friends, where the festival hosts brought out surprise guests for a laid-back jam session. This intimate performance, full of spontaneous collaborations, gave the festival a deeply personal feel, capping off the weekend with warmth and camaraderie that made it stand out. It was the perfect closing to a festival that was as much about the music as it was about the shared experience of coming together by the ocean.

Oceans Calling was much more than just a music festival—it was a full-scale, immersive experience. The inclusion of Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement rides gave the festival a playful, family-friendly atmosphere, allowing attendees to take breaks from the music and enjoy classic boardwalk attractions. From exhilarating roller coasters to the iconic Ferris wheel, the rides were a hit among thrill-seekers and families alike, adding an extra layer of fun to the weekend and creating a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic American beach vacations.

Beyond the rides, food played a major role at Ocean’s Calling, with an impressive focus on regional cuisine that truly celebrated Ocean City’s coastal culinary heritage.

Festivalgoers were treated to a variety of freshly prepared dishes, with Maryland crab cakes being the star of the show. Other seafood favorites like clam chowder and oysters made appearances, offering attendees a taste of the local flavors that define the area’s dining scene.

The live cooking demos elevated the culinary experience even further. Chefs like Robert Irvine, Amanda Freitag, and Marc Murphy headlined these interactive sessions, creating mouth-watering dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. These demonstrations were not only entertaining but also educational, showing attendees how to recreate beloved East Coast specialties in their own kitchens.

Ocean City offered a wide range of accommodations for festival-goers, from luxurious boardwalk hotels to affordable motels and camping options.

The festival also provided shuttle services to and from the main festival grounds, ensuring convenient access for those staying further away. Accessibility was prioritized, with clear, wheelchair-friendly paths and plenty of resting areas.

The sheer variety of food vendors was another key aspect of the festival’s culinary appeal. Local businesses were well represented, serving up everything from casual boardwalk snacks like fries and funnel cakes to more refined seafood dishes. This emphasis on supporting local vendors not only gave festival-goers an authentic taste of the region but also fostered a sense of community, making the culinary side of Oceans Calling just as memorable as the music. The food scene offered a great complement to the musical performances, giving attendees a well-rounded, satisfying festival experience.

The overall atmosphere of Oceans Calling 2024 was one of joy, energy, and community. From its incredible lineup—featuring Blink-182, The Killers, and Dave Matthews Band—to the diverse food options and iconic boardwalk setting, the festival succeeded in offering something for everyone. Oceans Calling wasn’t just a music festival; it was a true celebration of beach culture, community, and the magic of live performance, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories.

For more information on Oceans Calling Festival, please visit http://oceanscallingfestival.com.