The Killers, Olivia Dean & More Hit The Sand Sept. 26-27
Santa Monica has been teasing a comeback for years. Now, it’s official, and it comes with a killer lineup. Goldenvoice, the powerhouse behind Coachella and Stagecoach, just announced the Ocean Way Festival, a brand-new two-day music festival landing on Santa Monica Beach on Sept. 26-27, 2026. This is the first major music festival ever held on the city’s iconic coastline. Consider the bar officially raised.
Headlining the first night is The Killers, topping a rock-heavy bill that includes Jack White, Sublime and Alvvays. Night two belongs to Olivia Dean, joined by Khruangbin and Durand Jones & The Indications for a soulful, groove-forward close to the weekend. The full lineup also pulls in SG Lewis, Hiatus Kaiyote, 54 Ultra, BLOND:ISH, Poolside, Hot Chip DJs and more. Two stages. Two nights. Zero excuses to miss it.
The main stage sits with the Santa Monica Pier as its backdrop: all golden light, ocean air and live music. This is what California was made for. The festival map stretches south from the pier to Bay Street, roughly a half-mile of beach, with a second stage, food vendors and other activations along the oceanside path. Capacity runs up to 35,000 concertgoers per day. The layout mixes standing room with open blanket areas, so come in whatever form serves you best.
Ocean Way Festival takes its name from Ocean Way, the Santa Monica street where Allen Sides founded Ocean Way Recording Studios over 40 years ago. It’s a nod to the city’s deep music production legacy. For Goldenvoice, it’s also a reunion of sorts. The company built its early reputation producing landmark shows at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, blocks from the festival site. “From legendary shows at the Civic Auditorium to the origins of Ocean Way Recording just steps from the beach, there’s a creative legacy here that’s unlike anywhere else,” Nic Adler, VP of Regional Festivals at Goldenvoice, said in a statement.
Beyond the music, the festival elevates the beach experience. Ocean Way Festival introduces the Proper Beach Club, a beachfront hospitality experience designed in partnership with Proper Hotels and featuring a premier lounge designed by Kelly Wearstler Studio. Think elevated service, creative design, salt air and a curated crowd. Proper Beach Club tickets are already on sale at the festival website.
The festival also plays a civic role. Goldenvoice was selected through a competitive process by the City of Santa Monica to produce the festival. It’s part of the city’s $60M+ Realignment Plan, a civic investment in public safety, business growth and cultural programming. In a statement, Mayor Caroline Torosis said, “Santa Monica is in the middle of a renaissance. The city is welcoming the world to its shores, and Ocean Way Festival is how we’re making sure our own community is at the center of it.” No pressure or anything, but this might be the event of the fall.
Ocean Way Festival has no on-site parking, but official off-site lots with complimentary shuttles are available for $60 per day. LA Metro’s E Line stops steps from the entrance, with Big Blue Bus routes, dedicated shuttles and bike valet providing transit-first access to Santa Monica Beach. Plan your ride now because traffic on the 10 will not be your vibe that weekend.
General ticket sales for Ocean Way Festival begin Thursday, July 23 at 11 a.m. PT. Santa Monica residents can access presale one day earlier on July 22. Two-day general admission passes start at $399, single-day passes at $229, Premium Pit packages at $749 and single-day Pit at $449. Payment plans are offered.
Get your passes, pack your blanket and let The Killers do the rest.
Ocean Way Festival
Address: Santa Monica Beach, between the Santa Monica Pier and Bay Street
Event Dates: Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026.
General On Sale: Thursday, July 23 at 11 a.m. PT at oceanwayfestival.com
Santa Monica Resident Presale: Wednesday, July 22 at 11 a.m. PT.
Q&A
Q: What is Ocean Way Festival?
Ocean Way Festival is a new two-day outdoor music festival on Santa Monica Beach, produced by Goldenvoice, taking place Sept. 26-27, 2026.
Q: Who is headlining Ocean Way Festival 2026?
The Killers headline night one and Olivia Dean headlines night two, with Jack White, Khruangbin, Sublime, Durand Jones & The Indications and more also performing.
Q: How do I buy tickets to Ocean Way Festival?
Tickets go on general sale Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 11 a.m. PT at oceanwayfestival.com. Santa Monica residents can access a presale starting Wednesday, July 22 at 11 a.m. PT.
Q: How much do Ocean Way Festival tickets cost?
Two-day GA tickets start at $399. Single-day GA starts at $229. Two-day Premium Pit passes start at $749, and single-day Pit starts at $449. Payment plan options are available.
Q: Where exactly is Ocean Way Festival located?
The festival takes place on Santa Monica Beach, stretching from the Santa Monica Pier south to Bay Street. The main stage is set against the pier, with a second stage and vendor areas along the beach path.
