Missing out on Country Calling Festival 2025? Fear not! Thanks to these six strategically placed festival cams on the Ocean City Boardwalk, you can still experience some of the magic of the Country Calling Festival from the comfort of your own home. Experience the crowds, the Boardwalk, the lights and the noise. Let’s take a virtual tour of these Festival Cams:
The Ocean 1 Hotel & Suites Festival Cam – Entrance and back of Stage
This webcam offers a prime view of the Boardwalk just north of Dumser’s from the North end of the Dough Roller building. Watch as eager festival-goers stream in, decked out in their finest festival attire. You’ll also catch glimpses of the bustling food vendors and merchandise stalls lining the Boardwalk.
Dough Roller at S. Division St Facing East to the beach
Located between Dumser’s and Kohr Bros. Ice Cream near S. Division Street, this camera brings you the energy of the crowd. Watch the Timelapse to see the empty boardwalk swell with the crowds and then calm down for the night before ramping up again for the next day’s concerts.
This webcam is all about the fun and games! Get a close-up look at the iconic Ferris wheel, as well as other exciting rides and attractions. You might even witness a few brave souls taking on the thrill rides!
Ocean City Inlet Parking Lot Webcam from Trimper Rides
Get a bird’s-eye view of the festival grounds and surrounding areas with this webcam perched atop Trimper Rides. This panoramic view gives a better view into the concert grounds and the excitement buzzing throughout Ocean City.
Disclaimer: Please note that the availability and quality of these webcam feeds may vary depending on weather conditions and internet connectivity.
So, grab your favorite festival snacks, crank up the volume, and tune into these live webcams for a taste of the crowds for Country Calling 2025. Even though you can’t be there in person, you can still experience the energy and excitement of this amazing festival!
Travelers looking to hop from Florida’s beaches to Maryland’s Eastern Shore now have a new, affordable option. Breeze Airways has officially launched nonstop service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY), to visit Ocean City, Maryland with the maiden voyage taking flight on Monday, October 1.
This new route marks an exciting development for Breeze, the low-cost carrier founded by JetBlue’s David Neeleman, known for connecting underserved city pairs with affordable, comfortable flights. With introductory fares starting at just $89 one-way (before taxes and fees), the new Orlando–Salisbury route brings a much-needed link between two popular leisure destinations.
Flights on Mondays and Fridays
A short 2.5 hour flight is all is takes from Orlando with Breeze Airlines newest route to Salisbury.
As of now, Breeze is offering flights twice weekly—on Mondays and Fridays, making it ideal for long weekend getaways or extended stays. While daily service isn’t available yet, the timing is perfect for vacationers and second-homeowners looking to head from one beach town to another.
The flight time clocks in at just 2.5 hours, providing a swift and scenic alternative to what would otherwise be a lengthy and complex multi-leg trip, or a full day of driving. It’s especially notable for travelers heading to Ocean City, Maryland—a hot summer destination that’s just under an hour’s drive from the Salisbury airport. That’s roughly the same drive time Baltimore residents face when heading to the shore.
A Tiered Fare System with Perks
A quick non-stop flight to Orlando can be as low as $89!
Breeze Airways is known for its flexible pricing and tiered fare system: Nice, Nicer, and Nicest. These tiers cater to different types of travelers, from budget-conscious fliers to those seeking added comfort. The “Nicest” fare includes perks like extra legroom, carry-on bags, checked baggage, and priority boarding—features that would normally rack up additional charges on other budget carriers.
Though the airline doesn’t currently offer daily flights or full-service options like in-flight meals, the comfort and price point strike a strong balance. Breeze also has a loyalty points program, rewarding frequent fliers and adding even more incentive for those who might make this beach-to-beach route a regular journey.
A New Option for Eastern Shore Travelers
Breeze Airways is bringing beaches together one flight at a time.
For Salisbury-area residents and Ocean City vacationers, this new route opens the door to Florida vacations with ease. Rather than driving several hours to Baltimore or D.C. to catch a flight, locals can now jet off to Orlando—home to world-famous theme parks and sunshine—right from their regional airport.
We also can’t forget the fishing community! With anglers eager to participate in the great fishing in Ocean City, they also have an option to hop on down to the Floridian coast and get the best of both worlds.
Conversely, Floridians now have a direct path to explore Maryland’s charming Eastern Shore, complete with boardwalks, seafood, and Atlantic coastlines.
Whether you’re chasing summer vibes year-round or just looking for a quicker way to get to the beach, Breeze’s new Orlando-to-Salisbury service delivers. With competitive pricing, modern aircraft, and thoughtful fare options, we can’t wait to catch a flight from one beach town to another!
After years of festival weather setbacks, the forecast finally looks fabulous for this weekend’s Country Calling festival.
For years, big festivals in Ocean City have had one stubborn rival: bad weather. From canceled shows to rain-soaked crowds, hurricanes, tropical storms and heavy rain and winds have repeatedly made an impact on past festivals.
But this weekend, Oct. 3–5, Country Calling 2025 arrives with something new on its side — a forecast that looks sunny, mild, and almost too good to be true. After years of washouts, could this be the weekend that Ocean City finally breaks its so-called “festival weather curse”?
A History of Wet Festivals
A rainy Friday night at Oceans Calling
Ocean City is establishing itself as a major music hub, but weather hasn’t always cooperated.
In 2022, the inaugural Oceans Calling was canceled before the first guitar chord was strummed. The remnants of Hurricane Ian brought dangerous winds, tidal flooding, and storm surge forecasts that forced organizers to pull the plug.
2023: The festival’s first two days were windy and rainy (linked to the remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia).
2024: Day 1 opened in steady rain.
2025: This past weekend’s Ocean’s Callings festival soaked festival attendees on Friday night with heavy rains. That didn’t stop the revelry however.
Even non-music events weren’t spared: the Ocean City Air Show was canceled earlier this year when low cloud ceilings and persistent rain made aerial performances unsafe.
Local fans and business owners started to joke about a festival weather curse — a dark cloud that seemed to hover over every big event.
Why Country Calling Might Be Different
This time, the outlook is much brighter. With Hurricane Imelda and Humberto fortunately headed East and sparing Ocean City.
Forecasts for Oct. 3–5 point to clear skies and comfortable fall temperatures in the low 60s to 70s°F, with little chance of rain or storms.
October is generally kinder to Ocean City than late summer, which overlaps with hurricane season. While the month averages around a week of rainy days, this particular weekend looks poised to be one of the drier stretches — a welcome change for festival organizers and fans alike.
What’s at Stake for Ocean City
Weather doesn’t just shape the mood — it shapes the economics.
Tourism officials estimated that Oceans Calling 2025 brought in over 160,000 people over three days and pumped around $150 million into the local economy, with packed hotels, busy restaurants, and crowded boardwalk shops. Many businesses are hoping for an encore this weekend. (Delmarva Now/USA TODAY Network )
Hotels report strong bookings, and boardwalk vendors are stocking up for another surge in traffic. After a challenging summer of hit-or-miss weather, a sunny festival weekend could provide momentum that carries well into fall.
Country Calling Lineup & Festival Highlights
Fans will find three days packed with country music’s biggest names. From headliners on the main stage to emerging artists on secondary stages, the event promises wall-to-wall performances against Ocean City’s iconic Inlet backdrop.
FRIDAY Line-Up Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Jon Pardi, Tyler Hubbard, Tucker Wetmore, Chase Ride, Leann Rimes, & more
SATURDAY Line-Up Luke Bryan, Zach Top, Jordan Davis, Treaty Oak Revival, Flatland Cavalry, Wynonna Judd, & more
SUNDAY Line-Up Luke Combs, Koe Wetzel, Ryan Bingham, Gary Allan, Gavin Adcock, & more
Beyond the music, festival-goers can enjoy:
Boardwalk eats — everything from Thrasher’s fries to crab cakes just steps away from the venue
Local restaurants & bars rolling out extended hours and specials for fans
Merch tents and vendors offering one-of-a-kind souvenirs
Arrive early: Expect traffic delays near the Inlet and limited parking. Consider shuttles or ride-share drop-offs.
Pack smart: Even with sunshine expected, evenings may be cool. Bring layers, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket just in case.
Stay hydrated & fueled: Take advantage of local food stalls and refill stations throughout the festival.
Stay in Town: If you don’t have a hotel booked there are still some great last minute lodging deals as some rooms tend to open up just before the festival. Check rates and availability for Ocean City hotels.
Breaking the Curse?
If the skies stay clear, Country Calling 2025 could become a turning point in Ocean City’s festival history — proving that the town can host large-scale events without being overshadowed by storm clouds.
Locals are hoping the curse is finally broken. Visitors are simply hoping for great music and good times.
Either way, this weekend promises something Ocean City hasn’t had in years: a major festival weekend where the biggest story might not be the weather.
Harmonizing Again – One Year Later. The Highs and Lows
Green Day
Oceans Calling 2025 insights
This past weekend’s Oceans Calling, a three-day (September 26th to 28th) music festival came roaring back to Ocean City. The footprint of the event was located in the southern end of Ocean City on the beach and boardwalk. This was the third year of Oceans Calling in Ocean City, not counting the cancelled event due to poor weather in 2022. It was estimated that the daily count was about 55,000 attendees each of the three days! So, let’s recap and review what worked well and share some recommendations for future events.
Event list of bands
The OceanCity.com Assessment of Oceans Calling 2025
Below are some of our findings based on observations, while attending each of the three days, speaking with festival attendees, monitoring Face Book comments, and getting feedback from several business owners inside and outside of the festival grounds. We attended the 2023 and 2024 Oceans Calling events to compare, too.
Attendees
As the past years, attendees came from all over the country. Most seemed to come from the Mid-Atlantic states but we ran into people from Florida, California, Washington and even some Europeans! As in past years some were returning festival goers but many were new to Oceans Calling and many of these were first time visitors to Ocean City. But they came for the same reason; to hear a variety of good music in a festival atmosphere.
Oceans Calling fans on a wet SaturdayGroup of friends at event
Overall impressions
As we found last year, most attendees loved this event. They were a well behaved crowd and all seemed respectable of others.
C3 Presents, the promoters and managers of this event, made a number of changes from last year and all seemed to improve the attendee experience. We’ll highlight some below.
Friday’s weather was pleasant while Saturday’s weather turned out quite rainy, particularly as the day went on. Sunday was partly sunny with moderate temps and breezy. If you recall, last year on Friday, the first day weather of the event, was rainy with thunderstorms at night. As with last year’s event, even with this one day of rain during the three day fest, spirits remained high.
The Highs
The music!
Sea Bright stage with Franz Ferdinan
As in the previous two Oceans Calling events, the music was outstanding! The Black Crowes, Lenny Kravitz, and Green Day were the most touted music groups on Friday but other groups rounded out this firs day of lively music. The Rockville, Maryland based O.A.R. band once again played host at this year’s event with their band performing on Friday and then subsequently playing with other musicians on Saturday and Sunday as O.A.R. & Friends. On Saturday, the list of strong bands continued with Noah Khan, Good Charlotte, and Vampire Weekend performing. On Saturday, the quality of performance was sustained with Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Train and many others. A total of forty three (43) bands performed at this year’s Oceans Calling.
Devo on stageNatasha BedingfieldZiggy Marley
The Festival Set-Up
Festival footprint
The organizers of Oceans Calling (C3 Presents) made several significant revisions from last year’s festival footprint and all seemed to improve the music experience for attendees. The three stages (Sea Bright, Rockville, and Carousel) were located to allow proper sound distancing from each other. However, this year the food and beverage vendors were moved away from the stages to allow more space for music listeners. Additional restroom facilities were added along the north and south of the OC Pier building which worked nicely and were convenient. The VIP and G+ designated spaces were also modified in the festival to “open up” the general concert areas even more. This year, the Carousel Stage was an open stage (removal of overhead tent) which made for better viewing, listening, and maneuvering of passersby. Some missed this tented area as a refuge from the Saturday rain, but overall a good change by C3.
Beach Sidewalk
A major addition this year was the Beach Sidewalk connecting the areas north and south of the pier amusements. This Beach Sidewalk connected to the boardwalk on its north side. This wide “sidewalk” made of beach planks provided a solid footing and pathway for the thousands moving around the festival event.
beach sidewalk above view
New this year was the sponsor stations that provided free samples from Dave’s Killer Bread, Cabot and electrolyte drinks. There were several other minor changes, too.
The Festival Amenities
The event provided hydration stations, ample restroom facilities (with flushing toilets, not just your regular porta potties), charging stations for cell phones, lockers, ADA viewing areas, free rides at the Jolly Roger Amusements on the OC Pier, a first aid tent, and more. All were well used facilities.
Novel idea: Several attendees mentioned, given the wet conditions on select days for each of the past three Oceans Calling event, that a human dryer as found at Universal and Legoland water parks would be a great addition. These are full body dryers which uses warm air and infrared lamps to quickly dry wet attendees. I am not familiar with these box style dryers but sounds like an interesting idea. Of course, even with the wet conditions, attendees came in droves to see their favorite musicians on Saturday’s event day. But being dried off would have been nice, too.
Food and drink
event beverage vendors
The food and beverage options were well received. So many choices of food. And the lines moved very well. The lines also moved well with the beverage lines. Prices were similar to last year and may seem high when compared with regular food and bar establishments, but not outrageous when compared with special event facilities like concert and sports venues.
event eateries
Participation of Boardwalk businesses
The inclusion of the boardwalk businesses located south of North Division Street was again crucial to the success of this year’s event. The new Flamingo Coast restaurant and its retail stores just north of N. Division Street were added to the festival footprint.
Dumsers ice cream store at this busy event
The southern end of the boardwalk contains many of the iconic businesses that Ocean City regular visitors come to expect: Dolle’s Candyland, Fisher’s Popcorn, Dumsers Dairyland ice cream, Dough Roller pizza, Candy Kitchen, and more. In addition, festival goers were also able to visit some of the popular downtown bars on and just off the boardwalk that enhanced the festival experience and also enlarged the financial impact of the event.
Thrasher French Fries line during event
These eateries and bar establishments being in the festival footprint were a vital complement to the event vendors. Their inclusion in the festival footprint, again allowed attendees to be able to have the full Ocean City experience. More importantly, their inclusion provided much of the community and business support to this third-year event.
Dough Roller Restaurant business
Entrance and Re-entrance gates
Main Entrance gate at N. Division Street
For the most part, accessing and exiting the event went smoothly. A few new entrances were provided on the side streets which helped, too. Wait lines were acceptable and maybe a little longer on Saturday given the rainy conditions. Many people were wearing ponchos and taking items out of pockets and bags that took a little longer to go through security.
Security
The event sponsors and the Town of Ocean City did a nice job in ensuring the event was safe. Security personnel inside and outside of the perimeter were visible and friendly. The bag checkers at the entrance points were friendly. Given this large crowd, I did not see or hear of any confrontations with police actions. As stated previously, the attendees seemed very cordial and pleased to be at this event.
Cleanliness
This year trash bags were regularly changed along the Boardwalk and beach area. Just like last year, we felt like there was an army of volunteers (thanks to the Ocean City Surfriders Club, OC Go Green, and OC Beach Heroes) holding recycle bags and picking up the empty aluminum cans for recycling.
Recycling with Santa volunteer
The public restrooms brought in for the event had few complaints with some favorable comments on their cleanliness. Several noted as last year, the hand sanitizers did run out of fluid. The 9th Street public restroom on the boardwalk was open later to allow the thousands of walkers and bikers a facility to stop in on their trek to the north. For some reason, the permanent public restrooms on the boardwalk at Wicomico Street were closed and signs informed attendees to use event restrooms, which were ample. For the guys, trough style urinals were provided at two locations. Very easy to use and helped free up the porta let units for others.
Bicycles
The use of these two wheeled means of transport seemed to be a popular and growing way to get to the event. Bikes were everywhere! Bikes were also parked everywhere for the event. The large bike rack space provided by the event off the boardwalk was overflowing. As several Facebook commenters mentioned, “how did people find their bikes in this area at the end of the day”; but somehow they did. Several of the local bicycle shops were renting out their bikes to attendees for this three day event. Some of the bike shops even provided their surreys to be rented on one way trips for attendees to enjoy this unique experience.
Bike racks
Only comment, as from last year, was the lack of bike lights for those riders traveling the Ocean City streets at night. And there were many bikers. Same comment for those that travelled via e-scooters.
Other transportation modes:
Personal vehicles. Many attendees ventured to drive to the downtown area to this event. Public parking filled up quickly and parking lots charged upwards of $100 per space in the south end. The Presbyterian Church at 13th Street and St. Louis Avenue was requesting a $30 donation to park. At 17th Street and Philadelphia Avenue the Holy Savior Catholic Church was requesting a $15 donation per space. But even these church parking lots filled up, too. Earlier departees fared much better in driving back to their nightly accommodations.
Ride sharing options – The main location for these users was at the designated ride sharing public parking lot at Baltimore Avenue and 4th Street. This option was very popular particularly on the rainy Saturday, to and from the event.
Water transportation – there were several area boat providers who “taxied” attendees to and from the event for a specific fee. OC Bayhopper, a local water taxi and water cruise company, stated that it transported over 1,000 people for this event over the three days. Last year they transported 800 people for this same event.
Walking – sometimes the most basic method is often the best. Scores of event attendees walked several miles from the north part of the boardwalk and beyond as well as from the west (over the Route 50 Bridge). They planned to stay in area hotels and residential units within a specific walking proximity. Others walked a distance back to their parked vehicles.
Lessening concern
Crowding
Sea Bright stage as seen from afar
This was a major concern last year, however given the number of improvements this year, such as the relocation of vendors, removal of Carousel tent for better viewing, and improved pathways like the Beach Sidewalk, this year seemed better even given the large size of 55,000 people. Maybe people are getting more accustomed to these large crowds and thus more accepting? There were options for attendees:
Those that didn’t mind the large crowd and wanted to get close to the stage, then best to arrive early to that music stage: or
Just interested in enjoying the festival atmosphere, then just hang back out of the crowd and stand with your friends or sit on the designated towel zones. Lots of these Fringe People: or
Go venture in between these options for better listening but not the shoulder to shoulder feel: or
And many were hanging out on the OC fishing pier where the Sea Bright and Rockville stages could be seen and heard.
Transportation
Bus Service
Buses on S. Baltimore Avenue
In past years, we had commented there were concerns with the bus system being able to transport these large crowds to and from the event. Things seemed to get better last year and much better than the first year. For this year’s event, the bus transportation appeared to be able to better handle the larger crowds given this past experience. The addition of more buses and past experience was appreciated. The Ocean City Transportation Department should be applauded for addressing this important area of service.
Cell phone reception
As last year, cell reception was a concern as the day went on and more people entered the event. Some people resorted to the WhatsApp to connect with family and friends. Some had personal walkie talkies. But for regular cell phone, reception and texting could get challenging. Best to take a picture or store a video of your favorite band and song and text or email it after the day’s event when one had access to Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
Almost every attendee that I spoke with, veteran and first time Oceans Calling attendees, all thought this year’s event was outstanding and well managed.
This event provided a major economic surge to numerous businesses, particularly the downtown hotels, restaurants and bars. The easy access into and out of the event allowed attendees to visit businesses outside of the festival footprint, too.
As we highlighted in last year’s review, C3 Presents, the company behind Oceans Calling handled the music lineup, setting up, coordinating the logistics, and marketing. Their goal, from its website, “We’re in the business of putting smiles on people’s faces.” C3 again delivered.
For most, this event was a tremendous experience and attendees look forward to returning to Ocean City in 2026 for the next one.
Friends under Oceans Calling archway
Event Survey
After this event, ticket purchasers should have received an emailed survey from Oceans Calling asking for input. The survey is long but easy to complete. It includes questions about your experience at the festival, arrival and departure experience, favorite group, artists you wish to see next year, feelings on personal security, directional signage, expenditures for food/drink/apparel, ticket pricing, and more. We believe the Oceans Calling Festival people are listening, so please complete. It was evident that some adjustments were made from last year to increase your attendee enjoyment. Please complete this survey.
Next up this weekend is the Country Calling music event. Enjoy!!
After two days of clouds and scattered showers…rain, Day 3 of Oceans Calling 2025 delivered what everyone had been waiting for — sun!
Here Comes the Sun
IT was a great feeling to have the sunshine on our skin after the rain.
Festivalgoers felt the sun on their skin- different from feeling the rain on their skin and a singalong with Natasha Bedingfield the night before. The shift in weather brought fresh energy, and with band tees proudly on display, the crowd was ready to rock out to a stacked Sunday lineup — capped off by none other than headliner, Fall Out Boy.
Kicking off Day 3
Blind Melon was lit at the Carousel Stage at Oceans Calling.
The day kicked off strong with Eric Hutchinson, whose upbeat set set the tone early. But fans were in for a surprise when he reappeared later in the day for a special cameo with O.A.R. and friends, blending seamlessly into the collaborative magic onstage.
Over at the Carousel Stage, Blind Melon brought the 90s vibes hard, complete with trippy neon backdrops and a surprise audience member in a full bee costume — a nostalgic nod to their iconic No Rain video that had fans cheering with delight.
Ziggy Gave Us Giveaway Tickets!
Ziggy Marley brought the reggae to the beach and it was in fact a vibe.
Meanwhile, Ziggy Marley brought his signature chill to the beachfront, reminding everyone to leave their worries behind. Contest winners Celeste and Steven were spotted dancing barefoot in the sand, thrilled to have won their tickets. For Steven, it was his very first concert — and in his own words, “the best day of his life!” Celeste is now officially “hooked” and counting down the days to Country’s Calling.
As the sun began to set, Devo took the stage and got the crowd cracking that whip, followed by a high-energy, nostalgia-filled set from Weezer that transported fans straight back to their high school and college days. Train lit up the Rockville Stage with an explosive performance where, truly, everyone knew every word to every song.
Fall…Out…Boy
Everyone waited anxiously for Fall Out Boy to hit the stage at 9:15.
But the moment everyone had been waiting for came as the pyrotechnics blasted and Fall Out Boy hit the stage. Fans had camped out at the barricade since noon — nine hours of anticipation that erupted in an electrifying finale. From the first note to the last firework, the band delivered a high-octane set that shook the boardwalk. From the photo pit to the VIP bleachers (shoutout to the Thrashers fries I had during their set), the view was unforgettable.
A Wow Moment
We all felt the love from Train as their hits vibrated through the air.
As I looked out over the packed crowd in our little downtown, it hit me — Oceans Calling isn’t just about music. It’s about shared moments, boardwalk bites, beachside beers, and off-key singalongs with strangers who feel like friends. Now, it’s time to rest up and do it all over again at Country’s Calling- just three days away!
For the third year in a row, celebrity chef and philanthropist Robert Irvine returned to Ocean City, Maryland, for the annual Oceans Calling Festival—bringing not just his culinary expertise but also his deep appreciation for community and service. As part of his now-cherished tradition, Irvine hosted his signature Sunday morning event, Breaking Bread with Heroes, at the stunning Spain Wine Bar, located atop the Cambria Hotel and owned by local restaurateur Peter Elias.
What an Honor
First responders has breakfast atop Spain Wine Bar hosted by Irvine to show how appreciative he was for their work.
The breakfast honors Ocean City’s first responders, recognizing the tireless efforts of the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD), Fire Department (OCFD), and local EMTs who serve and protect the community year-round. This year, several members of the Ocean City-based organization O.A.R. (Ocean City’s All-Rescue team and a personal favorite of Irvine’s) were also in attendance—further amplifying the sense of camaraderie and gratitude in the room.
Light Hearted Moments
Peter Elias, owner of Spain Wine Bar, accepts a gifted chef’s coat with the OCFD patch.
In a moment both lighthearted and symbolic, Peter Elias was presented with a chef’s jacket—slightly snug for his broad-shouldered frame—bearing the fire department insignia. Laughing, someone joked that maybe the police department might gift him a badge next year, adding a warm and human touch to the celebration.
Deep Gratitude
Chef Irvine, never one to shy away from genuine emotion, spoke from the heart during the breakfast. His words were filled with sincere thanks to the first responders, acknowledging their dedication, bravery, and sacrifices made for the Ocean City community. His heartfelt message resonated deeply with all in attendance.
Music, Food, and Art Bring People Together
Peter Elias shows off the most requested breakfast item, lamb benedict.
I had the opportunity to sit down briefly with Chef Irvine, and in that short conversation, his compassion and charisma were unmistakable. He shared a beautiful reflection: “People come together in harmony for three things—music, food, and art.” With Oceans Calling, and what he jokingly called “the cowboy one” (in reference to the country music festival set to take place the following weekend), he remarked on how Ocean City becomes a place of friendship and unity. “Whether you’re walking the boardwalk to see Green Day or jamming out at the Rockville Stage for Lenny Kravitz,” he said, “everyone melted together in perfect musical harmony.”
A Peaceful Feeling in Ocean City, Maryland
EMTs, police officers, and firefighters chat with Irvine.
Having just returned from traveling through Europe, Irvine expressed how much he had been looking forward to his Ocean City visit. “There’s something peaceful about being here,” he shared, a poignant compliment from a man whose life is a whirlwind of global travel and high-impact charity work.
The Robert Irvine Foundation
A group shots of people coming together for music, food, art, and of course Oceans Calling!
Through the Robert Irvine Foundation, he continues to support military personnel and their families—often through food, his lifelong craft. From giving back to veterans to honoring first responders in Ocean City, Chef Irvine proves that kindness and leadership can go hand in hand.
We’re grateful to Chef Irvine for continuing to shine a spotlight on the real heroes of our town. And Chef—if you ever want to grab a drink at the Purple Moose, the first round’s on us.
Day 2 of the Oceans Calling Festival 2025 brought another unforgettable wave of music and energy to the Ocean City, MD Boardwalk. From early afternoon sets to late-night headliners, the lineup delivered nonstop performances that kept the crowd dancing—rain, wind, and all. Fans braved sprinkles, showers, and even downpours to experience their favorite artists and discover new ones, proving that nothing can dampen the spirit of this iconic beachside festival.
➡️ Planning ahead for the rest of the weekend? Don’t miss our complete Oceans Calling Festival Guide, featuring the festival map, downloadable tool kit, interviews, videos, stage schedules, and insider tips to make the most of your experience.
Oceans Calling Festival 2025 Day 2 Saturday Photo Gallery Highlights
Day 2 of Oceans Calling 2025 will go down as the day the rain came — but the music never stopped. Despite intermittent showers and increasingly soggy sneakers, the spirit of the festival crowd was unwavering. The beats rolled on, the fans stayed loud, and somehow, the rain only added to the magic.
Soul + Reggae= A Great Beginning
Bumpin Uglies is a local Maryland based band that loves performing in OC.
The day began with Rachel Ana Dobken, whose soul-stirring performance set a reflective tone. Her emotive vocals and raw energy broke through the morning drizzle, capturing hearts and silencing chatter — even the skies seemed to listen for a moment.
Up next were Bumpin Uglies, Ocean City’s own reggae-rock boys, who brought the sunshine vibes even as clouds rolled in. The crowd erupted for the hometown heroes, dancing barefoot in the wet sand like it was all part of the plan. It was gritty, real, and beautiful — exactly the kind of set that makes festivals like this unforgettable.
Mother Nature’s With the Band
Natasha Bedingfield literally had people feeling the rain on their skin!
Natasha Bedingfield brought her “Pocketful of Sunshine,” but Mother Nature had other plans. Still, she shined. When she launched into “Unwritten,” the heavens opened and the crowd cheered louder than ever. Soaked to the bone, people threw their arms in the air and, quite literally, felt the rain on their skin. It was one of those surreal festival moments where the lyrics and the world collide in perfect harmony. Should we thank Mother Nature? Maybe… just this once.
And at the Carousel Stage…
Jacks Mannequin took the stage by storm getting people energized.
By afternoon, the Carousel Stage was lit with fierce energy as En Vogue brought timeless beats and style. Their harmonies sliced through the rain, reminding everyone that power and grace don’t melt in the weather. Shortly after, Jack’s Mannequin brought waves of nostalgia and emotion to their set, drawing both new fans and old into their melancholic, melodic world.
Good Job, Good Charlotte!
Good Charlotte was grateful to be back home performing for die hard fans.
But the biggest buzz of the night centered around yet another hometown favorite: Good Charlotte. As the rain intensified, so did the crowd’s energy. Benji Madden took a moment between songs to share a little truth: “Yeah, I still sleep at my mom’s house when I’m back here.” The crowd roared with laughter and pride. There’s something uniquely grounding about seeing massive stars come home — especially when the skies are pouring and they’re still giving it everything they’ve got.
I Tapped Out Early…Sorry Not Sorry
Singer Mat Kearney wowed the crowd with a new favorite of theirs, Anywhere With You.
As the rain pelted harder and harder, I’ll be honest — I tapped out after Good Charlotte. I was soaked, freezing, and dreaming of a hot shower. But as I made my way toward the exit, poncho-clad super fans were still pouring in, braving the weather to see Vampire Weekend and Noah Kahan. And by all reports? They brought the house down — or rather, lifted it up.
So here’s to Day 2: wet, wild, and worth of every second. Whether you stayed till the end or made a dash for dry clothes, you were part of something unforgettable.
Now it’s on to Day 3. The forecast looks promising, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned — rain or shine, Oceans Calling shows up.
Take your hot shower. You earned it. See you tomorrow.
A WEEK IN REVIEW OF OCEAN CITY PICTURES – Week 39th of 2025
Green Day opening
Let’s look at several pictures taken in Ocean City, Maryland over this past week between September 20 and September 26th.
Here’s some pictures of this thirty ninth week of 2025 in Ocean City.
For the most part a pleasant and mild weather this past week in Ocean City. All anticipation was with the start of the 2025 Oceans Calling music event in Ocean City. We include pictures from the first day of this fun event.
Sunrises in Ocean City
Always great in Ocean City.
Beach sunriseSunrise at the OC inlet
Ocean City Boardwalk
It was bike weather this week. Some wind but pretty nice overall.
Boardwalk during mid weekBiking the boards midweek
First of three days and the first day was spectacular with music and weather.
picture time at Oceans CallingLarge crowds at Oceans CallingBallyhoo at Oceans CallingOAR at the Rockville Stage at Oceans Calling.Boardwalk view at Oceans CallingBike racks prior to Oceans Calling event
The first day of Oceans Calling 2025 was nothing short of spectacular. With clear skies, warm sunshine, and a cool coastal breeze, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect — setting the stage for an unforgettable kickoff to one of the most anticipated weekends of the year.
Eat, Drink, and Dance Dance Dance!
The Seabright Stage was jam packed hours before Green Day even hit the stage.
Thousands of festivalgoers poured into Ocean City, Maryland, ready to eat, drink, dance, and lose themselves in the music — and they did just that. From the very first notes to the final pyrotechnic blast, Day 1 delivered in every way imaginable.
First Timer
One of the most heartwarming highlights came early in the day with Izzy Escobar, who graced the stage for her very first festival performance. Not only did she captivate the crowd with her stage presence, but she also performed her brand-new single, “Vendetta,” which dropped that very day. The moment felt destined — a breakout debut under the sunny skies of Oceans Calling.
Nostalgic Music
OAR loves the Rockville Stage at Oceans Calling. Perhaps it’s because that’s where they got their start?
As the sun began to dip, the stages lit up with unforgettable performances. LIVE brought a wave of nostalgic energy, reminding everyone why their sound remains timeless. Then came O.A.R., the hometown heroes, who drew an electric crowd that sang and danced as if the Boardwalk itself was bouncing. Their connection to the local scene made the set feel like a massive, joyous reunion.
Foodies
Earlier in the day, the culinary stage added a flavorful twist to the festivities. Festival favorite and long-time emcee Jason Biggs teamed up with celebrity chef Antonia Lofaso for a lobster demo that was equal parts delicious and hilarious. It’s not Oceans Calling without a little flair from the food world, and these two brought it in spades.
Music for Miles
It was a first day to remember for sure at Oceans Calling 2025.
As night fell, Lenny Kravitz sent sonic waves all the way down to 1st Street — where this year’s newly relocated box office buzzed with energy. His set was pure rock and roll soul, a thunderous performance that echoed across the shoreline.
Can We Say Green Day?!?!
Green Day stole the entire day on the Seabright stage!
But the undisputed highlight of the night? Green Day. Fans began lining up at the Seabright Stage a full hour before the band was set to appear, buzzing with anticipation. When they finally hit the stage with a blistering rendition of “American Idiot,” the crowd exploded. Pyrotechnics lit up the night sky with electric gold and fire, and the energy was unreal.
The moment that stole everyone’s heart came when Billie Joe Armstrong pulled a lucky fan, Alanna, on stage. With mic in hand and the crowd roaring behind her, she sang her heart out alongside her heroes — a moment she (and everyone else) will never forget.
Oceans Calling has set the bar sky-high with Day 1, but if this festival has taught us anything, it’s that it always finds a way to top itself.
The Oceans Calling Festival 2025 kicked off Friday in Ocean City, MD with an unforgettable Day 1 full of live music, beachside energy, and excited crowds. Fans packed the Boardwalk to catch performances across multiple stages, sample local food and drinks, and soak in the oceanfront festival atmosphere. These photos capture the highlights of Friday’s celebration, but there’s even more to explore—check out our full Oceans Calling Festival Guide for exclusive videos and interviews, a detailed festival map, the complete band schedule, a downloadable toolkit, and everything you need to make the most of your weekend.
OCEAN CITY, MD — Sept. 26, 2025 — The Art League of Ocean City announces a new art show at the Ocean City Center for the Arts with the theme “Visionary Voyage.” Curated by Deborah Rolig of Berlin, Md., the exhibit is also the artist’s first solo show of her own work.
The public is invited to attend this free event on First Friday, Oct. 3, 5-7 p.m. at 502 94th St. bayside with refreshments sponsored by PKS Investments and complimentary hors d’oeuvres.
Rolig’s show in the Thaler Gallery is a solo retrospective of art, soul, and evolution, spanning decades of creative exploration. Her work defies categorization, moving fluidly from painting to assemblage to illustration, while revealing the inner pulse of a life devoted to art. Each piece in the exhibit is both a milestone and a mirror: evidence of technical discipline, emotional insight, and unflinching authenticity.
A focus of the show is a wall of small portraits Rolig created of 36 personas where she painted stylized faces of imagined people and gave them names and backstories. Rolig is asking guests to “Adopt a Friend” for $150. The artist is donating a portion of the sale towards funding the monthly “heART & Soul” classes at the Arts Center, geared towards those dealing with stress, trauma, or grief using projects designed to focus on centering and healing.
In tandem with this retrospective, the Art League’s Sisson Galleria upstairs will host a companion exhibit featuring member artists responding to the theme of “Visionary Voyage.” These works in all media explore personal or creative departures, moments when artists stretched beyond expectation, comfort, or technique to reach something more instinctual. Rolig will judge the show, and the Art League will award cash prizes to the winners.
Rolig continues her presence in the Artisan Showcase for the month, teaming with her sister, Dee Grey, in a show and sale of their hand-crafted jewelry, inspired by vintage colors and themes.
In Studio E, Debbi Dean’s show is entitled “Nature’s Organic Palette: Interplay of Land, Sea & Sky,” and invites viewers to explore the intricate relationships among terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric elements through the lens of organic materials. Dean’s artwork is crafted from wood, beachcombing finds, metal, and other found objects. “Through the thoughtful use of these materials, the exhibit emphasizes sustainability and the beauty found in nature’s remnants,” she said.
The Schwab Spotlight Gallery will host artwork by pastel painter Donna Finley. “The immediacy, vibrancy, and luminosity of soft pastels fulfill my instinctive need to permanently capture moments in time to emphasize their beauty,” she said. Finley creates representational still life and landscape paintings with the recurring themes of water and sunsets.
Aria Islam continues her exhibit in the Burbage Staircase Galley. Art League class instructors will be on hand with demonstrations and previews of upcoming learning events.
In the satellite galleries, Anabela Ferguson presents her artwork at the Princess Royale, 9110 Coastal Hwy. Born and raised in Santiago, Chile, where her grandfather and grandmother were nationally-renowned artists, Ferguson is a third-generation impressionist artist. In 1979, she immigrated to the United States to Northern Virginia, where her creativity gave rise to acrylic and oil painting.
Gail Stern exhibits her artwork at the Coffee Beanery on 94th St. Stern began painting in retirement and loves the color and tactile use of pastels. “I work in a spontaneous and expressive way to show the beauty and color of a scene,” she said. “I am a lifelong birder and naturalist and hope to support our environment through my art.”
Exhibits at the Arts Center run through Nov. 1; satellite galleries through Dec. 27. More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410-524-9433.
The Art League of Ocean City is a non-profit organization dedicated to artistic expression and appreciation for the creative arts in our communitythrough education, exhibits, scholarship, programs, and community art projects. Funding is provided in part by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council, and the National Endowment of the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.
BEL, whose music has captivated fans across social media, joins the Oceans Calling Festival 2025 lineup in Ocean City, MD. In this interview, she opens up about why emojis matter to her, how she’s finally realizing a fourth-grade concert dream, and what she can’t wait to bring to her performance on the boardwalk.
Katie got the chance to catch up with singer, BEL, who’s performing at Oceans Calling 2025. With a girl boss vibe, we couldn’t wait to learn more about her style, musical influences, and future plans. Let’s learn more about BEL!
Oceans Calling 2025 performer BEL will be on the Rockville Stage this Friday.
K: First off, BEL!! Oceans Calling 2025 — how are we FEELING?? What’s the vibe check heading into that stage??
B: I’m feeling so excited and grateful to be sharing the stage with some names in music I’ve looked up to for forever!! Can’t wait to get people dancing and to play right on the beach! Also so excited to see Green Day live for the first time. My parents didn’t let me go to their concert in 4th grade so this is my redemption!! K: Your music gives main character energy, but also feels like a late-night cry in the best way. What’s your go-to sad girl anthem right now (besides your own, of course)?
B: Hahaha I love that description thank you. Broken Glass by Lorde is a really good sad girl anthem for me right now for sure. I loved her new album. K: If you could describe your set at Oceans Calling using only emojis, what’s the lineup?
B: 💡🍻🌆💎📖🏆👑👸🏻🏰🎸💃🏻✨💖🐟 K: You’ve got this dreamy indie-pop thing going on — who were your big inspo artists growing up? Anyone that might surprise us?
B: I grew up listening to a lot of Fleetwood Mac, Sheryl Crow, Joni Mitchell, The Beatles… so there’s a lot of vocal and lyrical influences from them for sure. I also loved Coldplay. Maybe the most surprising for people would be Kelly Clarkson. I was obsessed with her as a kid and grew up watching American Idol.
K: Let’s say you’re curating your own stage at a future festival. Who are your top 3 must-have artists on the lineup?
B: Stevie Nicks, Charli XCX, The Marias
K: Your lyrics hit HARD. Do you write more from experience, imagination, or are you just reading all of our minds??
B: I write mostly from personal experience but I take some liberties every once in a while or get inspired by people close to me. I really admire songwriters that write fully from their imagination in a storytelling style so I would love to try that out at some point.
K: Okay last one — after Oceans Calling 2025, what’s next for BEL? Tour? New drops? A well-deserved nap?
B: MY DEBUT ALBUM Holy Grail COMES OUT OCTOBER 17!!!!! I’m so so excited for it to be out in the world. It feels so special. I had so much fun creating the world it lives in both sonically and visually. No tour yet but I’m manifesting. A nap would also be beautiful.
K: Thank you for spending some time letting our readers get to know you! We can’t wait to catch your set at Oceans Calling on Friday at the Rockville stage at 1pm!
Whelan, who was born in Clovis, California, began performing as a solo artist in 2017 while attending college at UCLA.[2] In 2020, she released her debut single, “Silver Line”, which received critical acclaim
Oceans Calling in Ocean City, Maryland is one of the most exciting festivals on the East Coast. With world-class music, amazing food, and three full days of fun on the beach and boardwalk, it’s an event you don’t want to miss. The good news? The festival is rain or shine—and with a little preparation, you’ll stay comfortable even if a few showers pass through.
Remember, forecasts often call for spotty showers that never materialize, so don’t let the chance of rain keep you from experiencing everything Oceans Calling has to offer. Here’s how to get ready.
Leave the Umbrella at Home!
While umbrellas might seem like the obvious choice, they’re actually on the prohibited items list at Oceans Calling. For safety and visibility reasons, you will not be able to bring one into the festival grounds. Save yourself the hassle and keep your umbrella in the car or at home.
For a complete list of what you can and cannot bring into the festival, click here.
Pack a Lightweight Rain Jacket or Poncho
Instead of an umbrella, bring a rain jacket or poncho. These are easy to throw on if a shower pops up and just as easy to tuck away when the sun comes back out. Lightweight, breathable rain gear keeps you dry without overheating, perfect for dancing in the crowd or walking between stages.
Take Advantage of On-Site Lockers
Don’t want to carry extra gear all day? Lockers are available to rent on the festival grounds. They’re the perfect spot to stash your raincoat, hoodie, or other personal items while you enjoy the music. With unlimited access throughout the day, you can grab your jacket if clouds roll in, then return it when the sun comes back out.
Wear the Right Shoes
Wet flip-flops are no fun. Consider waterproof sandals, quick-dry sneakers, or boots that can handle a little puddle jumping. Comfortable footwear is key—you’ll be on your feet most of the day.
Stay Positive—Showers Don’t Stop the Fun
Oceans Calling is this weekend! Ocean City often enjoys gorgeous weather in early Fall. While forecasts may hint at a chance of rain for the weekend, it won’t stop the fun. Check out WBOC’s weather for an up-to-date forecast. (We like that one best!) With the right gear, you won’t miss a beat.
Quick Packing Checklist for Rainy Weather
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
Comfortable, water-friendly shoes
Extra layer stored in a rented locker
A positive, festival-ready attitude (umbrellas not allowed!)
Final Word
Don’t let the possibility of rain dampen your excitement. Oceans Calling is about celebrating music, food, and community in the heart of Ocean City, MD. With a little planning—rain jacket instead of umbrella, lockers for storage, and the right shoes—you’ll be ready for anything the skies bring.
Tip: Whether it’s blue skies or passing showers, Oceans Calling is always an unforgettable experience. When the music stops, head uptown to spread the cheer in North Ocean City. Once you clear away from the traffic downtown, you will find that the restaurants and activities uptown will have shorter wait times!
Katie talks with Erik Hutchinson, a first time Oceans Calling performer, here at Oceans Calling 2025. You’d be surprised at the five things he has on his essentials list. You can catch Erik performing on the Rockville stage on Sunday kicking off the last day at 12:30.
K: Welcome to Ocean City, Eric! I know you grew up in Maryland! Have you ever been to Ocean City, Maryland before?
E: Yes! My family has been coming to Fenwick Island every summer since before I was even born! I have the best memories of coming to the beaches, and visiting the Ocean City boardwalk at night with my uncle and brother and sisters!
K: I’m hoping you get to stay at least a day and get to enjoy some of what Ocean City has to offer. Are you a beach person? We’re not judging if you say no…but we love our beach here in OCMD!
E: Yes I love the beach! I’ve been all over the world and put my feet in a lot of bodies of water, but the Mid-Atlantic Ocean always feels like home.
K: I see you’re currently on your Best of Eric Hutchinson Tour- Solo and Acoustic. Are you planning on showering us with your acoustic sounds this weekend? And how does playing acoustic music make you feel versus music with accompaniment?
E: I’ll be playing solo acoustic, so it’ll be a mellow but fun set from me. I hope people will get there bright and early and come sing along!
K: I came across your 5 essentials video: tiny alarm clock, a good wine key opener, Shinola watch, Le Creuset, a Roger Federer hat.
What time do you wake up in the morning? I wake up at 6:55am to get my 7-year old daughter off to school. I sleep in more when I’m on the road.
What’s your go to wine? I like natural wines and weird stuff with no sulfur. When I’m at the beach Bin 66 is my go-to spot in Rehoboth!
Name a time in your life where you wanted time to stop so you could enjoy that moment longer? When the day is over at the beach and I’m still sitting there reading a book.
Can you give us a good recipe to cook in our Le Creuset?? I like to make chili in there.
Who would win in a tennis match? You or Roger Federer? Roger Federer. But I’d definitely take him to 5 sets.
K: I love your Dear Me videos on Instagram! They really made me think about how I spend my time doing things that I love and making time for things that are important to me. What are three things that you love spending time doing?
E: I love dining at restaurants, going to the movies, and listening to music! I’ve just recently gotten into buying vinyl which is already a real problem for me.
K: One of your videos posed the statement, “Pay attention to those who keep you inspired.” Who or what inspires you and how do you reflect that in your music?
E: My family inspires me. And people who are doing their best in the world and making art to reflect that. Nora Ephon, Julia Child, Joan Miro, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Shohei Ohtani are a few people who make me excited to create something.
K: “Growing up rarely feels how you imagined it would.” Did you imagine your life touring when you were younger? Are you doing what your younger self wanted? And did you think when you were younger this is what your life would be like?
E: I’m doing exactly what I wanted to be doing when I was a kid, which is really insane! I had no idea what the music business looked like, but I wrote my first song at 8 years old and was always driven to share my music with other people. That I get to do that for a living is never lost on me. I’m very lucky!
Boardwalk Businesses Inside Oceans Calling Festival Announced!
Get ready to discover an amazing selection of local shops, restaurants, bars, arcades, and more! The Oceans Calling Festival team just released their list of businesses – in the graphic below. There are many winners of the OceanCity.com Best of Ocean City® awards over the last few years in this list too. All of these hidden gems are located at N. Division Street or south as you move towards the inlet. They are also within the festival grounds so you can access them to get food, go shopping, or enjoy a drink.
Remember, these businesses will only be accessible from inside the festival and will operate during festival hours.
Want to learn more about each local business? Head over to the Beyond The Music page for all the details. You can also head to OceanCity.com’s Best of Ocean City® section to find businesses that aren’t just there, but are also excellent.
Indulge in local favorites like The Wedge, the Dough Roller, Harrison’s Harbor Watch, Ocean Bites, Fisher’s Popcorn and Kohr Bros Frozen Custard and explore exciting attractions like Trimper’s Haunted House, and Marty’s Playland Arcade. There’s so much to see and do!
THE BEST OF OCEAN CITY® WINNERS INSIDE THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS
The Best of Ocean City® awards highlight the top local businesses that make Ocean City a beloved destination. For visitors and residents alike, these awards serve as a trusted guide to exceptional experiences, ensuring they can enjoy the best Ocean City has to offer. The businesses that win these awards do so based on votes or they are chosen as the very best by a panel of local experts. All of the businesses listed below have won our Best of Ocean City® award within the last few years.
As you explore the Oceans Calling festival, be sure to check out these boardwalk businesses within the festival footprint that have earned the coveted OceanCity.com Best of Ocean City® recognition. Please, don’t forget to vote for your favorite businesses while you are in town!
And our Honorable Mention is Ocean Bites on the Boardwalk just round the corner from Thrashers! Their freshly squeezed lemonade will truly refresh you!
