Santa Monica’s inaugural Ocean Way Festival has been canceled due to safety hazards created by Hurricane Marie. Festival organizers announced the decision on Friday through social media, citing severe beach erosion caused by storm-driven waves and water runoff that made the venue unsafe for attendees. The two-day event had been scheduled for late September and was set to feature performances from The Killers, Olivia Dean, Jack White, Alvvays, Sublime, and numerous other musical acts.
The cancellation marks a significant setback for the first-year festival, which had ticket prices ranging from $249 to $2,250. Organizers confirmed that refunds are being processed automatically for all ticket holders. Despite the immediate cancellation, festival leadership expressed optimism about bringing the event back to Santa Monica in 2026, though no details have been released regarding potential lineup changes or adjusted dates for next year’s edition.
The festival’s cancellation reflects broader concerns facing the entertainment industry as severe weather patterns intensify. Hurricane Marie has caused extensive damage along Southern California’s coastline, resulting in significant sand loss at multiple beaches and structural damage to homes. This decision follows similar weather-related disruptions to other major festivals, highlighting how climate-related challenges are increasingly affecting live entertainment events.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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