Story perspectives

Santa Monica cancels Ocean Way Festival over Hurricane Marie damage

By Drooid · Sep 12, 2026, 4:00 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Santa Monica Cancels Festival

Santa Monica cancelled the inaugural Ocean Way Festival because Hurricane Marie caused severe beach erosion.
Erosion shifted the venue 96 feet inland and 500 feet north, leaving insufficient space.
Mayor Caroline Torosis said the damaged site could not safely hold the expected 45,000-person daily crowd.
Ticket holders will receive refunds within five to seven business days.
Promoter Goldenvoice pledged to bring the festival back in 2027.

Summary

Santa Monica Cancels

City officials said the Ocean Way Festival was meant to close a $29.6 million structural deficit.
The festival was a flagship of Santa Monica’s $60 million Realignment Plan to boost tourism.
Community benefit programs linked to Ocean Way such as local vendor markets will continue in 2026 despite cancellation.
Two-day general admission tickets started at $399, while Ohana Festival passes began at $199.

History

Historical Context

On August 24 1992 Hurricane Andrew made landfall near Homestead as a Category 5 storm, causing $25.3 billion in damage, 44 deaths, and prompting Governor Lawton Chiles to declare a state of emergency. The disaster spurred Florida’s first statewide reserve fund and stricter building codes, a legacy that frames today’s 2024 Ocean Way Festival cancellation after Hurricane Marie threatened Santa Monica’s beachfront.

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Santa Monica Cancels Festival

Santa Monica cancelled the inaugural Ocean Way Festival because Hurricane Marie caused severe beach erosion.
Erosion shifted the venue 96 feet inland and 500 feet north, leaving insufficient space.
Mayor Caroline Torosis said the damaged site could not safely hold the expected 45,000-person daily crowd.
Ticket holders will receive refunds within five to seven business days.
Promoter Goldenvoice pledged to bring the festival back in 2027.

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