Festival Review: Oceans Calling Festival 2025

Aerial by Ismael Quintanilla III

The Ocean City boardwalk has always had its own soundtrack: the crash of waves, the hum of arcades, the rattle of roller coasters, and the hiss of fryers turning out another round of Thrasher’s fries. But for three days in late September, the soundtrack was bigger, louder, and impossible to ignore. Oceans Calling Festival returned to the shore with its strongest year yet - and if the music didn’t pull you in, the atmosphere did.

For Marylanders like me (whether current or former) who grew up walking these planks and sneaking late-night funnel cakes after a day in the sand, it’s almost surreal to see a festival of this scale rooted here.  But that’s exactly why it works. Oceans Calling feels less like an outside event taking over Ocean City and more like the boardwalk finally leaning into what it was always meant to be.

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The Music

The 2025 lineup stretched across three days, blending legacy acts, modern hitmakers, and nostalgic throwbacks in a way that gave every generation something to sing along to.

[Green Day] Photo by Chad Wadsworth

Friday set the tone early. On the Sea Bright Stage, rising star Izzy Escobar opened with fire and confidence, while BEL brought a dreamy energy to the Rockville Stage. 

Letters to Cleo and Spin Doctors brought a wave of smiles and nostalgia, their catchy riffs and harmonies pulling fans toward the stage. By mid-afternoon, Nelly and CAKE delivered crowd-pleasing sets that had everyone dancing on the beach and along the boardwalk.

The Fray delivered a standout moment with a stirring cover of The Cranberries, captivating the audience before transitioning into more of their hits, including How to Save a Life. Their performance reminded fans why their sound remains so impactful, with crisp instrumentation and emotionally resonant vocals.

The Black Crowes added a classic rock flourish to close out the night, their raw, bluesy sound perfect for the warm seaside evening.

Headliners Lenny Kravitz and Green Day commanded the evening with unmatched stage presence. Lenny brought a mix of rock, funk, and soul, leaving the audience mesmerized with his guitar solos and charismatic vocals, while Green Day exploded with high-octane punk energy that had fans singing every word. Talk about THE perfect Friday night!

[Noah Kahan] Photo by Mandolyne Eleazar

Saturday leaned fully into its own flavor of energy and excitement. Wheatus drew a massive crowd to the Carousel Stage, sparking sing-alongs and an infectious, raw energy that had fans bouncing from start to finish. Despite the rain, everyone was singing and dancing along to Teenage Dirtbag. How could you not?! 

Jack’s Mannequin offered a more introspective counterpoint, weaving emotive lyrics with soaring melodies that resonated across the festival grounds, while Franz Ferdinand brought danceable, artful indie-rock hooks that kept the crowd moving between stages.

One of the weekend’s standout moments came courtesy of Maryland's own, Good Charlotte, who elevated their set with a surprise appearance by Deryck Whibley from Sum 41. The collaboration brought waves of excitement and amplified the punk energy, creating a moment fans would talk about long after the festival ended.

The night crescendoed with Vampire Weekend and Noah Kahan, whose layered, playful sets felt tailor-made for the coastal backdrop - rain and all. Vampire Weekend’s intricate rhythms and clever arrangements, followed by Kahan’s heartfelt folk-pop storytelling created a night that was both whimsical and deeply immersive. 

[Fall Out Boy] Photo  by Taylor Regulski

Sunday delivered non-stop energy, with an all-star lineup that kept fans engaged from start to finish. The day began with Eric Hutchinson and Marcy Playground, whose early sets warmed up the boardwalk and set a playful, upbeat tone for the afternoon.

As the day progressed, the energy ramped up with performances from 4 Non Blondes and Blind Melon, whose nostalgic hits had fans singing along with joy. Ziggy Marley brought reggae grooves that had the crowd swaying in the sand, while Devo’s quirky, iconic sound added a fun, unpredictable edge. O.A.R. & Friends then treated the audience to one of the day’s most memorable moments, with a surprise appearance from John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, sending waves of excitement through the crowd.

The evening brought some of the festival’s most anticipated acts. Weezer delivered a high-energy, sing-along set that spanned generations of fans, Vance Joy added his signature heartfelt folk-pop melodies, and Train’s polished, melodic hits created the perfect late-day vibe.

But it was Fall Out Boy who stole the night. Their set was pure adrenaline, and when the fireworks exploded over the ocean during the encore, the crowd roared in unison. It was a goosebumps moment, the kind you replay long after the music fades.

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The Flavor

Photo by Andrea Escobar Garcia

Music may have been the heartbeat of Oceans Calling, but food was its pulse - and the daily chef demonstrations added a layer of artistry that felt every bit as celebratory as the sets on the Carousel Stage.

Antonia Lofaso wowed crowds with Lobster Pasta, blending elegance with approachability in a way that made the demo stage feel like the hottest restaurant in town. Michael and Bryan Voltaggio leaned into their Maryland roots with elevated Crab Cakes, reminding everyone why local flavors belong at the center of this festival. And Robert Irvine brought his signature energy to the kitchen with a decadent Crab Po’ Boy - equal parts comfort food and indulgence.

Photo by Taylor Regulski

These appearances weren’t just cooking demos; they were performances in their own right. Each dish celebrated the essence of the Eastern Shore, marrying festival fun with the culinary traditions that make Maryland a food destination all its own.

Photo by Chad Wadsworth

The honorable food vendor mentions of the weekend? Island Noodles, Bun’d Up, and Lumpia Bros, who each served up festival bites that were as satisfying as they were Instagram-worthy. But nothing could touch the eternal champion of Ocean City eats: Thrasher’s Fries. Their stand commanded the longest line all weekend long, proving once again that some traditions never fade.

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Layout, Comfort, & Care

Photo by Taylor Regulski

The magic of Oceans Calling lies in its setting. Where else can you catch a headliner with your feet in the sand, carnival rides spinning behind you, and the boardwalk lights twinkling in the distance?

This year’s layout changes made room for everyone to enjoy the scenery without feeling packed in. The three stages (Sea Bright, Rockville, and Carousel) remained, but the Carousel Stage was larger and no longer covered as in previous years, offering better sight lines. Additional sand areas were added around all stages, along with expanded viewing spaces for those with mobility needs, making the festival more accessible for everyone.

Restrooms were plentiful, with air-conditioned options in the VIP and Platinum areas. The box office was also relocated to the boardwalk, making it much easier to find.

Photo by Mandolyne Eleazar

Safety and care were woven seamlessly into the experience. BeThePlace hosted an overdose prevention booth, offering free naloxone kits and educational resources to anyone who needed them. Medical and security staff were attentive and visible, ensuring attendees could relax and enjoy the festival with confidence.

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The Conversations

One of the festival’s greatest gifts, to me, this year was the opportunity to connect directly with artists. I had the honor of speaking with Izzy Escobar, BEL, and Wheatus - each of them offering unique perspectives on performing at a festival rooted in such an iconic coastal town. Their stories, their gratitude, and their excitement for what’s ahead will be featured in a future piece, but the energy they brought to their performances carried through the entire weekend.

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The Heart of It: O.A.R. & the Partnerships

[O.A.R] Photo by Ismael Quintanilla III

No conversation about Oceans Calling would be complete without mentioning O.A.R. - the hometown heroes who helped dream this festival into existence. Their fingerprints are all over the weekend, not just in their special “O.A.R. & Friends” sets, but in the very spirit of the event. They’ve become the bridge between Ocean City’s boardwalk culture and the national stage, making it possible for this festival to thrive where it does.

Alongside O.A.R., the partnerships behind Oceans Calling - from seasoned promoters like C3 Presents to local stakeholders and the town of Ocean City itself - deserve appreciation. Together, they’ve created more than a festival. They’ve given Maryland’s Eastern Shore a cultural landmark, one that draws visitors from across the country while still honoring the community it grew from. It’s a rare balance, and one that makes the festival feel both world-class and homegrown.

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The Takeaway

Photo by Taylor Regulski

Oceans Calling 2025 wasn’t just a music festival; it was a celebration of memory, community, and the enduring pull of the Ocean City boardwalk. With its blend of rock icons, modern stars, and nostalgia-heavy acts, the lineup managed to strike a balance that felt both fresh and familiar. Every song seemed to unlock a memory - of high school road trips, summers at the shore, or the first time you heard a band that changed your world.

On the final day, as the final notes of Fall Out Boy’s encore faded into the night sky, punctuated by fireworks, one truth was clear: Oceans Calling isn’t just getting bigger - it’s getting better. And for those of us lucky enough to grow up here, it’s the perfect reminder of why we fell in love with this place in the first place.

Photo by Taylor Regulski

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To see additional information on Oceans Calling, visit https://www.oceanscallingfestival.com/

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Lineup by Day

Friday, September 26

Headliners: Green Day, Lenny Kravitz

Supporting Acts: The Black Crowes, Nelly, O.A.R., CAKE, Live, The Fray, Fountains of Wayne, B-52s, Spin Doctors, Letters to Cleo, Ballyhoo!, BEL, Izzy Escobar

Chef Appearance: Antonio Lofaso – Lobster Pasta

Saturday, September 27

Headliners: Noah Kahan, Vampire Weekend, Good Charlotte (with special surprise guest Deryck Whibley from Sum 41)

Supporting Acts: Modest Mouse, Jack’s Mannequin, O.A.R. & Friends (The Friendship Set), Collective Soul, En Vogue, Franz Ferdinand, Natasha Bedingfield, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mat Kearney, Wheatus, Bumpin’ Uglies, Rachel Ana Dobkin

Chef Appearance: Michael and Bryan Voltaggio – Crab Cakes

Sunday, September 28

Headliners: Fall Out Boy, Weezer

Supporting Acts: Train, O.A.R. & Friends (Special Festival Surprise Guest – John Rzeznik from the Goo Goo Dolls), Devo, Vance Joy, Ziggy Marley, 4 Non Blondes, Michelle Branch, Blind Melon, Burning Spear, Marcy Playground

Chef Appearance: Robert Irvine – Crab Po’ Boy

Additional photos by Mandolyne Eleazar