Santa Monica is about to become the epicenter of live music this September when Ocean Way Festival takes over the beach for two unforgettable days. Goldenvoice, the legendary promoter behind countless iconic shows, is bringing The Killers and Olivia Dean as headliners, with Jack White, Khruangbin, Sublime, and over twenty additional artists creating one of the most diverse lineups Southern California has seen in years. The festival spans rock, soul, indie, and house music, meaning there’s genuinely something for everyone. Set against the backdrop of the Santa Monica Pier, the two stages will create a natural beach gathering vibe where you can stand and get close to the action or spread out with friends and a blanket on the sand.
What sets Ocean Way Festival apart from other major events is its commitment to doing things the right way. There’s no massive parking lot that disrupts the neighborhood. Instead, the festival is designed as a transit-first event where the LA Metro E Line pulls up practically at the entrance. General admission two-day passes start at $399, with presale access for Santa Monica residents beginning July 22nd and public sales opening July 23rd at 11AM PT. Beyond the headline artists, the festival includes free community programming with beach cleanups, youth leadership workshops, and surf safety initiatives, showing that organizers genuinely care about leaving Santa Monica better than they found it.
This festival arrives at a pivotal moment for the city. Santa Monica is welcoming the world with the FIFA World Cup 2026, Super Bowl LXI, and LA28 Olympics all coming through Southern California, and Ocean Way Festival is anchoring what the city calls“The Sandbox on the Beach,”a dedicated beachfront district for major civic events. It’s the kind of moment that reminds us why Santa Monica matters as a cultural hub. Are you planning to grab tickets when they drop on July 23rd?
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
