The Killers Olivia Dean rock the New Ocean Way Festival

The Pacific coast is about to host a seismic cultural event. Goldenvoice is bringing music and community to the sand with the launch of the Ocean Way Festival, a massive two-day gathering set for September 26th and 27th on the sands of Santa Monica Beach.

This isn’t just another music festival; it’s an ambitious debut, positioning itself as the first major music event ever staged directly on the iconic Santa Monica shoreline. The festival promises more than just a stacked lineup; it aims to be a comprehensive celebration of California culture, woven together with commitments to food, wellness, design, and sustainability.

The headliners are set to deliver an unforgettable experience, featuring the explosive energy of the Killers and Olivia Dean. The bill is packed with genre-bending talent, including Jack White, Khruangbin, Sublime, Durand Jones & the Indications, Alvvays, Hiatus Kaiyote, SG Lewis, BLOND:ISH, Hot Chip (DJ set), Poolside, and 54 Ultra, ensuring there is something for every taste.

The festival’s design eschews a sprawling multi-stage setup in favor of an intimate, coastal experience. Ocean Way will feature two distinct stages situated across the stretch of beach between the Santa Monica Pier and Bay Street. This arrangement allows for high-energy performances while complementing blanket-friendly viewing areas, maximizing the connection between the audience and the ocean backdrop.

The event carries a rich local legacy. Named in homage to Ocean Way Recording, the legendary studio located just blocks from the waterfront, the festival marks a creative homecoming for Goldenvoice, whose reputation was built on seminal concerts in the area’s historic Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.

Goldenvoice regional festivals VP Nic Adler highlighted this connection, noting that the festival is an opportunity to honor that history while forging a future that feels authentically Santa Monica. “There’s a creative legacy here that’s unlike anywhere else,” Adler said, emphasizing how the event seeks to celebrate and build upon the area’s creative roots.

Beyond the music, organizers are deeply focused on hospitality and community integration. A new Proper Beach Club, developed in partnership with Proper Hotels and featuring a private lounge designed by Kelly Wearstler Studio, will offer a premium beachfront experience for attendees. Furthermore, the weeks leading up to the festival will be packed with community engagement, including free concerts, beach cleanups, youth surf and water safety programs, and partnerships with local businesses.

City officials view the festival as a vital component of Santa Monica’s ongoing cultural renaissance. Mayor Caroline Torosis expressed enthusiasm, stating that Ocean Way Festival is a way to ensure the community remains at the center of this global movement, welcoming the world to its shores.

Embracing a transit-first philosophy, organizers have thoughtfully designed the festival to be accessible without relying on on-site parking. Attendees are encouraged to arrive via public transport, including the Metro E Line, Big Blue Bus, shuttle services, bicycles, and other micro-mobility options, making the experience both environmentally conscious and seamless.

General ticket sales begin on July 23rd, following a dedicated presale for Santa Monica residents on July 22nd. Hotel packages and access to the exclusive Proper Beach Club are now available for booking, setting the stage for a truly memorable celebration where music meets the magnificent Pacific.