Santa Monica Beach Festival Canceled Due to Hurricane Erosion

The inaugural Ocean Way music festival in Santa Monica has been canceled just two weeks before its scheduled debut due to significant beach erosion caused by Hurricane Marie. The two-day event, set for September 26-27, 2026, was to be held on the beach south of the Santa Monica Pier and was promoted by Goldenvoice, the company behind the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Organizers announced the cancellation in an email sent through the ticketing platform AXS. "Due to the impacts of Hurricane Marie, the City of Santa Monica has canceled the inaugural Ocean Way festival," the statement read. "Storm surf and runoff has caused significant beach erosion and the festival can no longer be safely held as planned." The decision was made in coordination with city officials. Santa Monica City Councilmember Dan Hall stated that the rapid erosion near the planned Sandbox event space was "deeply concerning." He noted that the city was working to repair the Pico storm drain and shoreline. "The safety of festivalgoers, our residents, and the Pier must remain our priority," Hall said.