Ocean Way Music Festival Canceled Due to Hurricane Damage

The Ocean Way music festival, set to be a new beachfront event in Santa Monica, will not occur this year as planned. The festival, which was scheduled for September 26-27, is canceled due to the impact of Hurricane Marie. Organizers announced the cancellation just two weeks before the event’s debut.

Impact of Hurricane Marie

Goldenvoice, the promoter responsible for both Ocean Way and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, cited significant beach erosion caused by storm surf and runoff. These conditions made it unsafe to proceed with the festival. The City of Santa Monica, along with Goldenvoice, emphasized safety as the top priority for festival-goers, residents, and the local infrastructure.

Affected by the current “Super El Niño” weather pattern, Hurricane Marie caused considerable damage along the coast, from Malibu to Long Beach and Dana Point. Issues such as sinkholes in Malibu and home evacuations in Long Beach further illustrate the storm’s severity.

Challenges and Future Plans

Despite the cancellation, plans are underway to bring the festival back in 2027. Tickets for the event, priced between $249 and $2,250, will be refunded within five to seven business days.

The festival was anticipated to feature prominent artists, including the Killers, Olivia Dean, Khruangbin, Sublime, Jack White, and others. It aimed to revitalize Santa Monica’s nightlife and economy, which have struggled post-COVID-19. The initiative sought to set a precedent for transit-friendly concerts, minimizing the reliance on cars.

Local Officials React

Santa Monica city council member Dan Hall expressed regret over the cancellation, emphasizing safety concerns due to rapidly deteriorating beach conditions. Efforts are ongoing to maintain the Pico storm drain and shoreline in preparation for future weather challenges.

Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis stressed the importance of inviting people back to the city and using the beach as a significant asset for events. The desire to renew large-scale music festivals remains strong among local leaders.

Wider Festival Impact

This cancellation follows the setback of another major beachside event, the LA Jazz Festival at Dockweiler Beach, which was also canceled due to financial and permitting issues. Such difficulties highlight the growing challenge of hosting outdoor events amid climate change concerns. Bonnaroo in Tennessee has announced a pause for repairs, and Stagecoach faced temporary shutdowns due to adverse weather conditions this year.