Day 2 of the Oceans Calling Festival in Ocean City, Maryland, proved to be a vibrant mix of wet weather and ecstatic celebration, making it another successful event for the resort town. Despite the rain, attendees remained undeterred, embracing the festival’s spirit of joy, music, and community, which O.A.R. beautifully encapsulated in their on-stage remarks about friends and happiness.
As the festival progresses into its third day, forecasts predict clearer skies and an abundance of fun activities. Attendees can explore the festival grounds filled with food stalls, drink vendors, and local businesses on the historic Boardwalk, enhancing the vibrant festival atmosphere.
For sisters Emma and Karla Bradley, along with their husbands, the festival has become an annual tradition. This year, they brought along Emma’s newborn daughter, demonstrating the festival’s family-friendly nature with amenities like a family services tent. For millennials like Karla, the festival is a nostalgic trip with performances from favorite childhood bands.
Day 2 was highlighted by Devo’s electrifying set, blending synth-pop with punk rock, captivating a diverse crowd under the September sun. Local businesses like Fisher’s Popcorn thrived, enjoying steady customer streams despite the rain. Manager Leigh Smith attributes this to the festival’s consistent foot traffic and highlights the business’s preparedness with ample staffing.
Festival enthusiast Lilith Keller attended her first Oceans Calling festival, adding to her extensive festival experiences. She cherished the engaging and vibrant atmosphere, topped off with the much-anticipated performance by Fall Out Boy, a band she has long admired.
Meanwhile, longtime friends Bellini Camille and Crystal Roman enjoyed the VIP experience, thrilled to see Ziggy Marley live. The friends shared their excitement about the festival’s alignment with their Caribbean roots and praised the beachside venue.
With the sun making a welcome appearance on Day 3, festivalgoers eagerly anticipated acts from Fall Out Boy, Train, Weezer, and more. The festival continues to delight music lovers, turning Ocean City into a lively hub of rhythm and camaraderie. The positive turn in weather promises to enhance festival experiences and create lasting memories for attendees.