Every fall, Ocean City Maryland transforms from a laidback beach town to a heart of music, laughter and energy! The Oceans Calling Festival from September 26th-28th was exactly as promised, three days of unforgettable performances, good food, and plenty of memories. Now this was a perfect goodbye to summer.  

With the waves just a few steps away, the festival offered more than just an incredible lineup. It was an experience. This year’s headliners appealed to a mix of generations: Green Day, Noah Kahan and Fall Out Boy lead a stacked roster, featuring Weezer, Lenny Kravitz, Modest Mouse, DEVO, Franz Ferdinand, and so many more. Whether you grew up on pop-punk anthems or more indie ballads, Oceans Calling had a sound for every listener’s nostalgia. 

What I found sets this festival apart isn’t just the music but the atmosphere. The boardwalk buzzed with energy as crowds moved between the three stages and the scent of salt water and smoke mixed in the breeze. Between sets, fans wander the pier, grab a slice of pizza, or even catch a live cooking demo done by celebrity chefs like Robert Irvine. The festival was founded in partnership with the band O. A. R. who wanted to create an event that celebrated both music and Ocean City’s coastal spirit, since they had grown up in the area.  

I talked to my good friend Noah Bullock who also attended the festival, “I’ve been to a couple concerts and festivals, but nothing felt quite like this.” he stated.  When asked what his favorite part was, he went on about the bands Weezer, Green Day and DEVO. “Its crazy that you look one way, and Green Day is blasting and there’s a huge crowd of people screaming about Americas political issues, and then you turn around, and the beach is just behind the fences”.  

For first time festival goers such as myself, Oceans Calling was approachable and immersive. It was big enough to feel electric but small enough to feel personal. It’s the kind of event where one minute you could be screaming your heart out with thousands of others, and the next you could be sitting on the sand listening to the background music.  

One thing I found to be particularly welcoming was how each band or artist spoke to the audience about how everyone is equal, everyone matters, and everyone should love each other a little bit more. Green Day addressed modern political issues through their songs, as did Lenny Kravitz. But one thing everyone had in common was the love for music, and the compassion for one another. At some point the audience was directed to go find someone they didn’t know and give them a hug to show that we are all human, and we’re all in this together. The amount of compassion radiating in that moment felt almost tangible.  

So, whether you are there for the music, the food, or the view, one thing is for certain: Oceans Calling Captures something rare, a festival that feels alive in every sense. It’s where melodies meet the ocean breeze, where friends become family for just a weekend, and where the tide feels like home more than a house itself. It’s a rhythm you won’t forget.