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Santa Monica is getting its first major music festival this September, courtesy of Goldenvoice, the team behind Coachella.
Taking place Sept. 26–27, Ocean Way Festival will transform the city's iconic beachfront into a vibrant celebration of live music, food, wellness, design, and beach culture, with the Santa Monica Pier serving as the backdrop for the main stage. The all-ages fest will feature an eclectic mix of rock, soul, indie, electronic, and more, carrying the energy from day into night across two stages.
The inaugural lineup is led by Olivia Dean and The Killers, reflecting the festival's broad musical scope. Other standout performers include Jack White of the White Stripes, Durand Jones & The Indications, Khruangbin, Hiatus Kaiyote, BLOND:ISH, Poolside, Hot Chip, and more.
General admission tickets start at $299 and go on sale Thursday, July 23, at 11 a.m. PT, but Santa Monica residents will have access to a presale beginning Wednesday, July 22, at 11 a.m. PT. Both ticket options will be available online at oceanwayfestival.com, while Proper Beach Club hotel packages are on sale now starting at $1,250 per person.
Festival grounds will stretch along the beach between the Santa Monica Pier and Bay Street. The main stage will host five performances each day, while a second stage will showcase more intimate sets alongside thoughtfully designed gathering spaces. Designed to embrace the laid-back spirit of a day at the beach, the festival will feature a mix of standing-room areas and open blanket spaces, encouraging guests to relax, connect, and soak in the oceanfront atmosphere.
For those looking to elevate their experience, Ocean Way Festival is also introducing the Proper Beach Club, a premium beachfront hospitality experience created in partnership with Proper Hotels. The space will feature a signature lounge designed by Kelly Wearstler Studio, where guests can enjoy elevated amenities, curated programming, and immersive creative experiences. Proper Beach Club tickets are on sale today here.
Sustainability is also at the heart of the festival's design. Ocean Way Festival was built as a transit-first event, with no on-site parking by design. Instead, attendees are encouraged to arrive via Metro's E Line, which ends just steps from the festival entrance, as well as Big Blue Bus service, dedicated shuttles, bike valet, and other micromobility options.
"Santa Monica is in the middle of a renaissance," says Santa Monica mayor Caroline Torosis in a statement. "The city is welcoming the world to its shores, and Ocean Way Festival is how we're making sure our own community is at the center of it."
Created for and inspired by Santa Monica, Ocean Way Festival draws its inspiration from the city's musical heritage. Its name comes from Ocean Way, the Santa Monica street where Allen Sides founded the legendary Ocean Way Recording studios more than 40 years ago. Goldenvoice also built its early reputation producing landmark concerts at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, making the festival feel like both a debut and a homecoming.
The celebration extends beyond festival weekend. In the weeks leading up to Ocean Way Festival, organizers will host a series of free community events throughout Santa Monica, including live concerts, beach cleanups, leadership programs for local high school and college students, youth surf and water safety initiatives, and partnerships with local businesses.
Buy tickets online starting Thursday at 11 a.m. PT (or Wednesday at 11 a.m. for eligible Santa Monica residents) at Ocean Way Festival's website and get hotel packages at Santa Monica Proper here.
