Oceans Calling returns to the Ocean City Boardwalk in Maryland from 25–27 September 2026 with more than 40 performances spread across three stages.

And the top of the poster is stacked with familiar names.

Who is headlining Oceans Calling 2026?

Dave Matthews Band lead Friday alongside Hootie & the Blowfish.

Twenty One Pilots and Gwen Stefani take over on Saturday, while Mumford & Sons and Matchbox Twenty lead Sunday’s programme.

Other notable artists include Ludacris, Yellowcard, Shaggy, Liz Phair, Goo Goo Dolls, Third Eye Blind, All Time Low, 311, Caamp, My Morning Jacket, The Head and the Heart and Hanson.

O.A.R., who are closely involved with the festival, will perform twice during the weekend.

A festival powered by big catalogue artists

There’s an obvious theme running through Oceans Calling.

A huge percentage of the lineup consists of artists with deep catalogues and songs that audiences already know.

Dave Matthews Band, Matchbox Twenty, Hootie & the Blowfish, Goo Goo Dolls, Third Eye Blind, Shaggy and Hanson all bring substantial nostalgia appeal.

But Twenty One Pilots, Mumford & Sons and other newer acts prevent it from feeling purely retrospective.

When is Oceans Calling 2026?

Oceans Calling takes place from Friday 25 September through Sunday 27 September 2026 in Ocean City, Maryland.

With Dave Matthews Band, Twenty One Pilots, Mumford & Sons and Gwen Stefani at the top, this should be one of the busiest US festival searches during late September.