The inaugural Ocean Way Festival in Santa Monica has been officially cancelled following the devastating impact of Hurricane Marie, which caused severe beach erosion along the California coastline. The two-day electronic music event, originally scheduled for September 26 and 27, was forced to pull the plug after the storm significantly altered the landscape of the planned festival site, leaving organizers with no viable path to ensure attendee safety.
Hurricane Marie reached Category 2 strength after developing off the Pacific coast, bringing powerful swells and winds reaching up to 100 mph to Southern California. The resulting surf and storm runoff caused extensive damage to coastal areas, leading the City of Santa Monica to declare an emergency due to flooding and property damage.
Impact on the Festival Site
The Ocean Way Festival was set to host a major lineup, including artists such as BLOND, Hot Chip, DJ Harvey, SG Lewis, Carlita, and Coco & Breezy. Organized by Goldenvoice, the event was expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Santa Monica Beach. However, after a thorough assessment of the beach, city officials determined that the usable space had been dramatically reduced, rendering it impossible to construct the necessary festival infrastructure safely.
“Storm surf and runoff has caused significant beach erosion and the festival can no longer be safely held as planned,” organizers stated in their official announcement on September 12.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Despite the disappointment, organizers have confirmed that plans for a 2027 edition are already underway. Mayor Caroline Torosis expressed her sympathy for the artists, fans, and local businesses impacted by the cancellation, emphasizing that public safety remains the top priority. Ticket holders for the 2026 event will receive automatic refunds as the city and Goldenvoice look toward a successful return to Santa Monica Beach next year.
