The Killers, Olivia Dean to Headline Inaugural Ocean Way Festival in SantaMonica
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 6:00 pm
The Killers and Olivia Dean to Headline Inaugural Ocean Way Festival
The inaugural Ocean Way Festival is set to make waves on September 26-27, with rock band The Killers and singer-songwriter Olivia Dean announced as headliners. This marks the first major music festival to be held on the sands of Santa Monica Beach. The event is being produced by Goldenvoice, the promoter behind renowned festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach.
Tickets for the festival will go on sale to the general public on July 23, following a presale exclusively for Santa Monica residents on July 22.
Beyond the headliners, the festival boasts a diverse lineup featuring performances from Jack White, Khruangbin, Sublime, and Durand Jones and the Indicators. Also slated to perform are Alvvays, SG Lewis, 54 Ultra, Hiatus Kaiyote, BLOND:ISH, Poolside, and a DJ set by Hot Chip. The iconic Santa Monica Pier will serve as a backdrop for the main stage, with the festival aiming to draw inspiration from the city's rich musical heritage.
Nic Adler, Goldenvoice VP of regional festivals, highlighted Santa Monica's significant musical history, referencing past legendary shows and the origins of Ocean Way Recording. He stated that the festival is an opportunity to celebrate this legacy while creating something that feels authentically Santa Monica for years to come. The festival's name itself is a nod to Ocean Way Recording, founded in 1968 by musician and audio engineer Allen Sides on the street of the same name.
The festival's two stages will be situated on the beach between the Santa Monica Pier and Bay Street. Each day will feature five acts on the main stage, complemented by a smaller, more intimate second stage. The festival grounds will also include areas where attendees can relax on blankets directly on the beach, in addition to standing room.
Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis expressed enthusiasm for the festival, describing it as part of the city's ongoing renaissance and a way to ensure the local community is at the center of its cultural offerings. The festival will be anchored at the new Sandbox on the Beach, a revitalized beachfront area designated for major civic events and gatherings, including activations for the upcoming 2028 LA Olympics and Paralympics.
BNN's Perspective: The Ocean Way Festival's debut on Santa Monica Beach represents a significant addition to the Southern California festival landscape. By tapping into the area's musical history and partnering with an experienced promoter like Goldenvoice, the event has the potential to become a recurring fixture. The inclusion of both established headliners and a variety of supporting artists suggests a broad appeal, and its placement within a revitalized beachfront district indicates a commitment to community integration. The festival's success will likely depend on its ability to deliver a memorable experience that honors its location while attracting a diverse audience.
Tags: The Killers, Olivia Dean, Ocean Way Festival, Santa Monica Beach, Goldenvoice, Jack White, Khruangbin, Sublime, Durand Jones and the Indicators, Alvvays, SG Lewis, 54 Ultra, Hiatus Kaiyote, BLOND:ISH, Poolside, Hot Chip, Santa Monica Pier, Nic Adler, Caroline Torosis, Ocean Way Recording