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The Killers, Jack White, Khruangbin, Alvvays & more playing new Goldenvoice fest Ocean Way
Goldenvoice has announced Ocean Way, a new two-day music festival on Santa Monica beach, scheduled for 26–27 September 2026. The event is notable as the first major music festival to be held on the beach there, and is intended to combine live music with food, wellness, design, sustainability and beach culture.
The Killers and Olivia Dean will headline the inaugural festival. Other announced performers include Jack White, Khruangbin, Sublime, Alvvays, Durand Jones and the Indications, SG Lewis, Hiatus Kaiyote, BLOND:ISH, Poolside and Hot Chip DJs; ticket sales began after a Santa Monica residents’ presale.
In short
- Goldenvoice launches Ocean Way on Santa Monica beach this September.
- The Killers and Olivia Dean will headline.
- Jack White, Khruangbin and Alvvays are also confirmed.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that Ocean Way brings a major cultural event to Santa Monica, giving residents and visitors access to a varied line-up while supporting local businesses and showcasing the beach as a public gathering place. Its emphasis on food, wellness and sustainability could also make the festival broader in appeal than a concert alone, provided those aims are reflected in its planning.
The case against
Critics could argue that a large festival on a beach risks adding noise, crowding, litter and pressure on coastal spaces that residents use throughout the year. They may also question whether claims of sustainability and community benefit can outweigh disruption to nearby neighbourhoods, or whether the event’s economic gains will be shared locally.
Explained simply
Goldenvoice is a major American concert promoter responsible for organizing large-scale festivals including Coachella and Outside Lands. Ocean Way is the company's newly announced two-day music festival set for Santa Monica beach on 26–27 September 2026, which will be the first major music festival held at that location.
The festival is designed as more than just a concert event, incorporating food vendors, wellness activities, design exhibitions and sustainability initiatives alongside live music performances. It will feature a substantial lineup of established touring artists from various musical genres.
The event represents an expansion for Goldenvoice into beachside festival territory in Southern California and is intended to appeal to both music fans and the broader beach culture community. Santa Monica residents received early presale access to tickets ahead of general public sales.