The Killers and Olivia Dean to Headline Inaugural Ocean Way Festival on Santa Monica Beach

The Killers and Olivia Dean are set to headline the inaugural Ocean Way Festival, a new two-day event on Santa Monica Beach this September, according to Rolling Stone. The festival, produced by Coachella promoter Goldenvoice, will take place on the sand from September 26-27, marking the first major music festival on the iconic coastline.

The lineup features a robust mix of rock, indie, and electronic acts. Alongside the headliners, the bill includes Jack White, Alvvays, Sublime, Khruangbin, Hiatus Kaiyote, and Durand Jones & The Indications. Dance and electronic programming will come from SG Lewis, Blond:ish, and a DJ set from Hot Chip.

Where is the Ocean Way Festival?

The festival will be staged directly on Santa Monica Beach, with the famed Santa Monica Pier framing the main stage. The grounds will stretch between the pier and Bay Street, featuring two stages. In addition to standing areas, the festival will offer spaces for fans to relax on blankets on the sand.

When do tickets go on sale?

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Thursday, July 23, via the festival's official website. An exclusive presale for Santa Monica residents will occur the day prior, on Wednesday, July 22. Fans can choose from two-day or single-day passes, with both premium and general admission options available.

Who is producing the festival?

Ocean Way Festival is produced by Goldenvoice, the company behind massive events like Coachella and Stagecoach. The company was selected by the City of Santa Monica as part of a civic Realignment Plan focused on public safety, business growth, and cultural vitality. The festival takes its name from Ocean Way, the Santa Monica street where the legendary Ocean Way Recording studio was founded in 1968.

Goldenvoice's VP of Regional Festivals, Nic Adler, emphasized the city's musical legacy in a statement. “Santa Monica has an incredible music history, and Goldenvoice has been fortunate to be part of that story,” Adler said. “Ocean Way Festival is our opportunity to celebrate that history while building something that feels authentically Santa Monica for years to come.”

Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis also highlighted the event's role in the city's ongoing development. “Santa Monica is in the middle of a renaissance,” Torosis said. “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.”

The festival will also host a series of free community events in the lead-up to the weekend, including concerts, youth programming, beach cleanups, and student leadership activities.

Sources

• Billboard
• Rolling Stone