Oceans Calling Music Festival: A Family Review

The Ferris Wheel provided great views of the huge concert grounds, looking here to the north at the Sea Bright stage on the final night.

Annapolis Moms were there!

By Chelsea Harrison

When my husband and I bought tickets to the Oceans Calling Music Festival a few months ago, we thought optimistically, we can take the kids for free (ages 8 and under free). As we got closer to the festival, I imagined the rock concerts of my younger years (HFStival, anyone?) and I began to wonder if we made a mistake- would they get bored? Would it be totally inappropriate for their ages (8 and under)?

I am happy to report that none of my concerns were warranted, and I would definitely recommend the festival as a family friendly experience as well as a great date night. We were very fortunate to have grandparent babysitters, so the kids went with us for two days and my husband and I got a date night, as well. So if you’re thinking to go next year, here are some top tips from our festival experience-

What We Loved:

• Sharing food so we could try all the food stands
• Giveaways! Our favorites were the clear plastic fanny packs and rubber duckies.
• Pier rides were free during the festival! Seeing the whole spread of the concert from top of the Ferris Wheel was pretty amazing!
• My oldest and I wandered into the crowd for part of Michael Franti’s set and got the full concert experience- the pumping bass, lights, craning to see the singer, and trying to move up just a little closer… I like to think he “gets” the experience of live music a little better now. 
• Two out of the three stages had some viewing space actually in the sand. We brought a blanket and everyone was happy while mom and dad watched Dispatch’s set and the kids played in the sand.
• The Rock & Recycle promotion allowed concertgoers to fill a plastic bag with empty aluminum cans in exchange for a free t-shirt. Although it felt a little weird to be collecting trash for “fun,” it kept the kids busy for awhile.
• Free hydration stations: You could bring reusable water bottles and water was free at one of two hydration stations located conveniently at either end of the grounds.
• Kid registration- At a booth near the entrance, you could register your kids using a QR code and wristband system that would alert concert staff of my cell phone number if they got separated from us.

What We Didn’t Love:

• If I could give the festival organizers one opportunity for improvement, it would be transportation. The city busses were running as much as they could but during peak times, they just couldn’t keep up. The festival recommended folks walk during peak hours but walking 40 blocks with toddlers wasn’t an option. Ride sharing services like Lyft and Uber can also be tricky for families who need car seats. I recommend the city look into more shuttle options and/or trying to attract more drivers for the event next year. (And yes- there will be a next year! The festival has already changed the title of their Facebook page to Oceans Calling 2024!)
• Standing around for full sets. If you’re doing the festival with kids, don’t get your hopes up to savor every note of your favorite band. We liked to watch 4 or 5 songs and then move on to another stage or activity. This one depends on your kids’ ages and attention-spans, of course.
• No outside food was allowed through the gate. I understand why this policy exists, but with kids it’s always nice to have kid-friendly snacks on hand; a bag of crackers or a lollipop can go a long way in keeping the kids happy.

Overall, I would say the festival did a great job, especially in its first year. (The inaugural concert was slated for 2022 but was cancelled due to Hurricane Ian.) Bathrooms were clean, food and entry lines were mostly short, concertgoers were polite and respectful—what more could you ask for?

There is really something unforgettable about watching some amazing, nostalgic bands (if you haven’t seen the line-up, think bands you may have listened to in high school and college) with the stars above and sand under your feet. Swaying along to the music with my three-year-old on my shoulders is a memory well made. As Michael Franti sang in his set closer: “Close your eyes, throw your hands up to the sky, I know love was here tonight.”