Oceans Calling brought music, spectacle, and seaside charm together in a way that few festivals manage to pull off. Held along the Ocean City boardwalk, the setting itself felt like part of the show. On one side stretched the beach and ocean, on the other the glow of fairground rides and carnival games. The unique location gave the entire weekend a distinct atmosphere, with food vendors and boardwalk staples ensuring that the usual long lines for drinks and snacks were never an issue. It felt less like a typical festival ground and more like a celebration woven into the heart of a beachside town.

What made the festival even more special was the abundance of things to do beyond the stages. Between sets, fans could wander the boardwalk, grab a slice of pizza, play a quick game, or even duck into attractions like “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” for a dose of quirky fun. The balance of music and entertainment meant there was never a dull moment, and it gave the festival an added layer of personality that made it stand out from other large-scale events.

The music delivered just as much as the surroundings. Green Day kicked things off with a set that was nothing short of electric nostalgia, complete with a fireworks display that rivaled a New Year’s Eve celebration. As one of those legacy bands you’ve grown up hearing on the radio, finally seeing them live carried a special weight, and they rose to the moment with anthems that had the crowd screaming every word.

Noah Kahan followed with an entirely different kind of intensity, filling the air with raw emotion. Fans could be seen crying during his performance, a testament to how deeply his songs resonate beyond his radio singles.

Weather played its part on the second day, when storms rolled in and hours of rain tested both gear and patience. Even so, the beach setting kept the worst at bay—no mud pits or puddles to wade through—and the crowd pressed on undeterred. That determination was rewarded with Vampire Weekend’s set, which became one of the weekend’s most memorable performances. Both band and fans donned rain gear, turning what could have been a washout into a shared celebration that felt almost defiant in the downpour.

On Sunday, the festival closed with Fall Out Boy, who proved to be the ideal headliner. Their show was a full-scale production, complete with fire bursting from the stage, fireworks exploding from every angle, and a constantly shifting set design that made the performance as visually striking as it was musically powerful. It was the perfect ending to a weekend that balanced nostalgia, discovery, and sheer spectacle.

Oceans Calling wasn’t just another festival; it was an experience that blended music, atmosphere, and location into something unforgettable. Between the boardwalk setting, the variety of performances, and the resilience of fans who refused to let the weather dampen the mood, it stands out as the best festival I’ve attended.