Goldenvoice just announced one of the most ambitious music festivals Southern California has seen in years, and it’s happening right on Santa Monica Beach on September 26-27, 2026. Ocean Way Festival brings together an incredible lineup anchored by The Killers and Olivia Dean, with major performances from Jack White, Khruangbin, Sublime, and over 20 additional artists spanning rock, soul, indie, house, and beyond. The festival is named after the legendary Ocean Way Recording studios, connecting this event directly to Santa Monica’s decades-long musical legacy.
What sets this festival apart is how it’s designed around the actual beach experience. Two stages will frame the iconic Santa Monica Pier, with space for both standing and blanket areas so you can literally lounge on the sand while catching world-class music. The organizers went all-in on sustainability and accessibility, eliminating on-site parking entirely and designing the festival around public transit. LA Metro’s E Line terminates steps from the entrance, making it easy to get there without dealing with parking lot chaos. General admission two-day passes start at $399, with Santa Monica residents getting early presale access on July 22. Public ticket sales begin July 23 at 11AM PT.
This is more than just a music festival, though. Ocean Way is anchoring Santa Monica’s new“Sandbox on the Beach”district, positioning the city as a major cultural hub alongside the FIFA World Cup 2026, Super Bowl LXI, and LA28 Olympics activations. The festival will also include free community programming, beach cleanups, youth leadership programs, and surf safety initiatives. If you’ve been waiting for a festival that actually understands the assignment—diverse lineup, sustainable design, and an unforgettable setting—this is it. Are you planning to catch Ocean Way Festival this September?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.