The Ocean City, MD boardwalk where Oceans Calling festival happens

Your Guide to Oceans Calling Festival 2023

Looking for an exciting adventure this fall? The Oceans Calling festival is calling your name. Oceans Calling is a three-day music festival that takes place in Ocean City, Maryland. The festival features a diverse lineup of artists from all genres including rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic and more. Oceans Calling is a great way to experience the best of what the East Coast has to offer, from the beautiful beaches of Ocean City to the delicious food of the region.

The 2023 lineup for Oceans Calling is stacked with headliners including O.A.R., The Lumineers, John Mayer, and Jack Johnson. There are also a ton of great up-and-coming artists on the lineup, so you’re sure to find something you love.

The festival takes place from September 29 to October 1, 2023, and tickets are on sale, so now is the perfect time to buy them and plan your stay. No camping is allowed at the festival, but plenty of nearby campgrounds exist.
In addition to the music, Oceans Calling also features a variety of other activities, including a culinary celebration, amusement park rides, and games. Get your tickets today and start planning your trip!

Oceans Calling Lineup

Friday, September 29

  • Jack Johnson
  • Alanis Morissette
  • Slightly Stoopid
  • Third Eye Blind
  • Michael Franti & Spearhead
  • O.A.R
  • Declan Mckenna
  • Peach Pit
  • Toad the Wet Sprocket
  • Devon Gilfillian
  • Michigander
  • Calder Allen

Saturday, September 30

  • John Mayer
  • Incubus
  • Noah Kahan
  • Sheryl Crow
  • Dispatch
  • Jimmy Eat World
  • Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals
  • Matt and Kim
  • Mike Campbell & the Dirty Knobs
  • Gin Blossoms
  • White Reaper
  • The New Respects
  • Virginia Coalition
  • Pup Punk

Sunday, October 1

  • The Lumineers
  • Weezer
  • Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats
  • Dirty Heads
  • Fitz and the Tantrums
  • Grace Potter
  • The Wallflowers
  • The Driver Era
  • G. Love & Special Sauce
  • Robert Randolph Band
  • Alo
  • Joe P

Be sure to look out for famous chefs and celebrities making an appearance, including:

  • Robert Irvine
  • Amanda Freitag
People raising their arms and singing along to the band on stage at the Oceans Calling music festival

Tips for Attending Oceans Calling

Attending a festival can be stressful if you’re unsure what to expect. Check out these tips for attending the Oceans Calling festival to help you have a fun, stress-free experience.

  • Plan your transportation. The festival is located at Ocean City Inlet Beach, which is about a two-and-a-half-mile walk from the North End of the Boardwalk. You can also take the bus or taxi to the festival, or park in one of the nearby parking garages.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking at the festival, so make sure you wear shoes that you can move around in easily.
  • Be prepared for the crowds. The festival is expected to attract a large number of people, so be prepared for crowds and long lines.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go. If there’s a chance of rain, be sure to pack an umbrella or raincoat.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if it’s hot outside.
  • Take breaks. Don’t try to see everything at once. Take breaks to rest and recharge.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your belongings close to you and be mindful of your surroundings.
  • Have a designated meeting place. If you get separated from your friends, have a designated meeting place where you can regroup.
  • Have fun! Oceans Calling is a great festival with a lot to offer, so relax, enjoy the music and have fun!

These tips will help you have a fantastic time at the Oceans Calling Festival!

How to Get Oceans Calling Tickets

Oceans Calling Festival is a popular event, so be ready to get tickets asap. Tickets went on sale to the general public on March 29, 2023. You can still purchase tickets on the Oceans Calling website or through Ticketmaster. You can also rely on Ticketmaster Verified Fan—a program that helps fans get tickets to popular events. To participate in Verified Fan, you must create a Ticketmaster account and verify your fan status. Once you are verified, you can access Oceans Calling tickets.

If you missed out on the general public sale or the presales, don’t panic. You can try to buy tickets from a reseller. Several websites sell tickets to Oceans Calling, but be sure to do your research before you buy from a reseller. Here are some tips for buying tickets from a reseller:

  • Check the website’s reputation. Many websites sell tickets to events, but not all of them are reputable. Be sure to check the website’s reputation before you buy tickets from them..
  • Read the terms and conditions. Before you buy tickets from a reseller, be sure to read the terms and conditions. This will help you understand what you’re getting into and what your rights are if something goes wrong.
  • Be prepared to pay a premium. Tickets from resellers are often more expensive than tickets from the official website. Be prepared to pay a premium if you want to buy tickets from a reseller.

Where to Stay

There’s no on-site camping available at Oceans Calling, so it’s important to plan a place to stay ahead of time. Here are some of the campsites close to the festival with amenities:

  • Frontier Town RV Resort: This resort is located just two miles from the festival grounds and offers a variety of amenities, including RV and tent sites, a pool, a hot tub and a game room.
  • Bayside Drive-In Campground: This campground is located about three miles from the festival grounds and offers a variety of amenities, including RV and tent sites, a pool, a playground and a laundry facility.
  • Castaways RV Resort: This resort is located about four miles from the festival grounds and offers a variety of amenities, including RV and tent sites, a pool, a hot tub and a playground.
  • Sunset Park: This park is located about six miles from the festival grounds and offers a variety of amenities, including RV and tent sites, a pool, a playground and a laundry facility.

These are just a few of the many campsites close to the Oceans Calling festival. Be sure to do your research and book your campsite early, as these campgrounds tend to fill up quickly.

If you’re traveling for Oceans Calling and don’t have your own camper van, you can rent one when you fly into Washington D.C. or drive along the East Coast. GoCamp helps you find a camper van for rent and take it anywhere you want. Rent amazing camper vans at affordable prices, and don’t miss the opportunity to camp for Oceans Calling.

Smiling woman in a crowd attending Oceans Calling festival

What to Pack

You don’t want to show up to the festival unprepared! Here’s a list of suggested things to pack:

  • Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing: Shorts, T-shirts, and sandals are a good choice for the hot and humid weather in Ocean City in September. If you’re camping, be sure to pack some warm clothes for nighttime.
  • Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential for protecting yourself from the sun.
  • Water bottle: A water bottle is essential for staying hydrated.
  • Snacks: You’ll also want to pack some snacks to keep you going throughout the day.
  • First-aid kit: A first-aid kit is always a good idea to have on hand, just in case.
  • Cash: Some vendors at the festival may not accept credit cards, so it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand.
  • Portable charger: If you’re planning on taking a lot of pictures or videos, be sure to pack a portable charger so you don’t run out of battery power.
  • Rain gear: If there’s a chance of rain, be sure to pack some rain gear. A rain jacket and umbrella will come in handy if it starts to rain.
  • Camping gear: If you’re camping, be sure to pack all of your camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and lantern.
  • Other items: You may also want to pack some other items, such as a book, sunscreen, a deck of cards or a journal.

Bags are allowed, but they need to be smaller than 6″ x 9″ or clear. All bags will also be searched on entry. Prepare accordingly so you don’t get held up by security.

What to Expect

The Oceans Calling festival features a diverse lineup of artists from all genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic and more. In addition to the music, Oceans Calling also offers a variety of art installations, food vendors, and other activities and attractions.

The music at Oceans Calling Festival is always top-notch. This year’s lineup is no exception, with headliners including John Mayer, Weezer and Michael Franti. The art is also a major draw. The festival grounds are filled with large-scale sculptures, interactive installations, and other works of art. In addition to the permanent art installations, the festival also hosts several temporary art exhibits. One of the most popular art installations at Oceans Calling is the “Ocean’s Calling Lighthouse.” This interactive installation allows festival-goers to climb to the top of the lighthouse and take in the views of the festival grounds and the Atlantic Ocean.

The food at Oceans Calling Festival is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. There are a variety of food vendors on-site, offering everything from traditional festival fare to more exotic cuisine. You can also find a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Two celebrity chefs will also be making an appearance at the festival, so don’t miss out on Robert Irvine and Amanda Freitag. 

In addition to the music, art, and food, Oceans Calling also offers a variety of other activities and attractions. There is a marketplace where you can buy festival merchandise, jewelry, clothing, and other items. There is also a family-friendly zone with activities for kids of all ages. So, what are you waiting for? If you are looking for a weekend of music, art, and fun on the East Coast, then Oceans Calling is the perfect event for you. The festival is known for its electric atmosphere and its commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. 

Must-See Acts

You will find so many talented people and bands performing at the Oceans Calling festival. However, there are some that you just have to see:

  • Jack Johnson: Jack Johnson is a singer and songwriter and surfer from Hawaii. He is known for his laid-back, acoustic music and his positive lyrics.
  • John Mayer: John Mayer is a singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is known for his bluesy, soulful music and his catchy melodies. 
  • Weezer: Weezer is an alternative rock band from Los Angeles. They are known for their catchy melodies, their nerdy sense of humor, and their frontman Rivers Cuomo’s distinctive voice.
  • Alanis Morissette: Alanis Morissette is a singer and songwriter from Canada. She is known for her powerful vocals and her personal lyrics. 
  • Michael Franti & Spearhead: Michael Franti & Spearhead is a reggae rock band from Oakland, CA. They are known for their positive messages and their energetic live shows. 
  • The Lumineers: The Lumineers is an indie folk band from Denver, CO. They are known for their folky sound and their catchy melodies. 
  • O.A.R.: O.A.R. (Of A Revolution) is an alternative rock band from Rockville, MD. They are known for their catchy melodies, their positive lyrics, and their energetic live shows. 
The Lumineers performing on an Oceans Calling stage in Ocean City

Stages

Oceans Calling Festival has three different stages where all of the musical and culinary performances happen. Each stage has its own schedule and vibe. 

  • Sea Bright Stage: The Sea Bright Stage is the main stage at Oceans Calling Festival. It is located near the entrance of the festival grounds and is the largest stage. 
  • Carousel Stage: The Carousel Stage is located down the road from the entrance to the festival grounds. It is a smaller stage, but it is still a great place to see some up-and-coming artists.
  • Rockville Stage: The Rockville Stage is located near the beach. This is a smaller stage that is great for seeing acoustic artists.

Don’t be afraid to enjoy the fairgrounds and various food vendors in the center of the festival, along with the music.

Schedule

If you’re not sure where to start with planning your vacation to Oceans Calling, check out this sample schedule that will allow you to enjoy all different kinds of fun:

Day 1

  • 12 pm – Arrive at the festival grounds and check in
  • 1 pm – See a demonstration by Chef Robert Irvine on the Carousel Stage
  • 2 pm – Explore the festival grounds and check out the art installations
  • 3 pm – See Peach Pit on the Sea Bright Stage
  • 4 pm – Grab lunch at one of the food vendors
  • 5 pm – See Slightly Stoopid on the Sea Bright stage or Declan Mckenna on the Carousel stage
  • 6 pm – Catch Third Eye Blind on the Rockville Stage
  • 7 pm – See Alanis Morissette on the Seaside Stage or Michael Franti & Spearhead on the Carousel Stage
  • 8 pm – See O.A.R. on the Rockville Stage
  • 9 pm – See Jack Johnson on the Sea Bright Stage
  • 11 pm – Head back to your campground

Day 2

  • 12 pm – Have breakfast at one of the food vendors
  • 1 pm – See Pup Punk on the Rockville Stage
  • 2 pm – Explore the festival grounds and check out the art installations
  • 3 pm – See Gin Blossoms on the Seaside Stage or White Reaper on the Carousel Stage
  • 4 pm – Grab an early dinner at one of the food vendors
  • 5 pm – See Matt & Kim on the Carousel Stage
  • 6 pm – Check out Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals on the Rockville Stage
  • 7 pm – Grab a snack or another meal from one of the vendors
  • 8 pm – See Incubus on the Rockville Stage
  • 9 pm – See John Mayer on the Sea Bright Stage
  • 11 pm – Head back to your campground

Day 3

  • 12 pm – Have breakfast at one of the food vendors
  • 1 pm – See Joe P on the Rockville Stage
  • 2 pm – Catch Amanda Freitag’s demonstration on the Carousel Stage
  • 3 pm – Grab lunch at one of the food vendors
  • 4 pm – See Fitz & the Tantrums on the Rockville Stage
  • 5 pm – See the Wallflowers on the Carousel Stage
  • 6 pm – Check out O.A.R. and Friends on the Rockville Stage
  • 7 pm – Grab dinner at one of the food vendors
  • 8 pm – See Weezer on the Rockville Stage
  • 9 pm – Finish off the festival by catching The Lumineers on Sea Bright Stage
  • 11 pm – Head back to your campground

This schedule allows you to see a variety of artists and experience all three stages at the festival. Of course, you can adjust the schedule to fit your own preferences. For example, if you’re a big fan of smaller artists, you might want to adjust your schedule to see the shorter acts. Or, if you’re looking to spend more time with the art or on the fairgrounds, you can adjust your schedule accordingly.

No matter how you choose to spend your time at the Oceans Calling festival, you’re sure to have an amazing experience.

The fairgrounds on the pier where Oceans Calling Festival takes place in Ocean City

Find the Music

If you’re a music lover looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Oceans Calling festival is where you need to be this fall. Don’t miss out on the chance to see amazing acts like the Lumineers, Fitz & the Tantrums, O.A.R., Weezer, and so many more. Oceans Calling is a chance to celebrate old favorites and possibly discover new obsessions. With an easy-going, fun atmosphere and amazing food, it will be a good time for you and all your friends. And, with GoCamp, you can create an unforgettable trip of excitement, music, and connection.

Get your trip started today with GoCamp!