Ocean Way Festival Canceled After Hurricane Marie-Induced Beach Erosion

On Friday, September 11, 2026, the City of Santa Monica and Goldenvoice pulled the plug on the inaugural Ocean Way music festival, slated for September 26‑27 on Santa Monica Beach. The decision came after storm surf and runoff from Hurricane Marie carved a deep trench of erosion along the stretch of sand south of the Santa Monica Pier, making the venue unsafe for the planned two‑day lineup.

The festival had been announced in July with a headline roster that included The Killers, Olivia Dean, Khruangbin, Sublime, Jack White, and several other artists. Goldenvoice, the Los Angeles‑based company that runs Coachella and Stagecoach, described Ocean Way as a car‑free, beachfront celebration of music, food, wellness and California culture. Ticket sales were handled through AXS, which now lists the event as canceled.

Hurricane Marie, a Category 2 storm that generated a large south swell and high tides in early September, produced surf and runoff that eroded the sand along the beach south of the pier where the festival was to be held. According to the city’s press release, “Due to the impacts of Hurricane Marie, the City of Santa Monica has canceled the inaugural Ocean Way festival. Storm surf and runoff has caused significant beach erosion and the festival can no longer be safely held as planned. Plans are already underway to bring the festival back to Santa Monica in 2027.”

The cancellation follows a pattern of weather‑related disruptions for beachside events in the Los Angeles area. The LA Jazz Festival, which had planned concerts through August and a “Jazz on the Beach” show on August 22‑23 at Dockweiler Beach, was canceled on August 7 after organizers cited public‑safety concerns and mounting municipal permitting costs.

Goldenvoice’s Ocean Way was intended to complement the city’s growing lineup of cultural events. The festival’s concept emphasized a pedestrian‑friendly environment, encouraging attendees to use public transportation rather than drive to the beach. The event was to feature a mix of live music, local food vendors, wellness activities and design installations, all set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

The cancellation was announced via an email to ticket holders, which confirmed that the event would not proceed and that refunds would be processed through AXS. The email also noted that the festival’s organizers were working with city officials to assess the feasibility of a 2027 return.

Hurricane Marie’s impact on Southern California beaches was documented by several local news outlets. The storm’s surf and high tides caused erosion along multiple stretches of coastline, prompting city officials to issue beach closures and safety advisories. The Santa Monica government’s website lists the beach damage as a primary reason for the festival’s cancellation.

Goldenvoice’s involvement in Ocean Way reflects its broader strategy to expand beyond the desert and into coastal markets. The promoter, a subsidiary of Anschutz Entertainment Group, has long been associated with large‑scale festivals such as Coachella, Stagecoach and the newly launched Lollapalooza Los Angeles. The company’s decision to cancel the 2026 event, while disappointing for fans, is consistent with its focus on safety and logistical feasibility.

The festival’s lineup, which included high‑profile acts like The Killers and Jack White, had generated significant anticipation. Ticket sales had begun in early August, and many purchasers had already planned travel and accommodation. The cancellation notice included a statement that refunds would be processed automatically by AXS, with no additional action required from ticket holders.

While the 2026 festival was called off, organizers have expressed intent to return in 2027. The city’s statement indicated that plans are underway to assess beach conditions and secure necessary permits for a future iteration. Goldenvoice has not yet released a detailed timeline for the 2027 event.

The cancellation of Ocean Way, together with the earlier LA Jazz Festival shutdown, highlights the vulnerability of beachside music events to weather events and regulatory hurdles. Organizers in the region are likely to reassess venue selection, infrastructure resilience and contingency planning in the coming months.

For now, fans of the canceled acts will have to wait for future opportunities to see the performers live. The City of Santa Monica and Goldenvoice have confirmed that the decision was made in the interest of public safety and the integrity of the festival experience.