Get ready for some toe-tapping tunes and beachside fun in Firefly Music Festival! This fall, Ocean City, Maryland, is gearing up to host its first-ever Country Calling Festival, featuring big-name country stars like Eric Church, Tyler Childers, and Lainey Wilson. With tickets selling fast, there’s a lot of excitement brewing for this new event.

But here’s something interesting: Country Calling isn’t the only music festival coming to Ocean City this fall. Just a week before, the same folks are bringing the Oceans Calling Festival, headlined by rock bands Blink-182, The Killers, and Dave Matthews Band.

This two-festival approach might seem surprising, but it actually follows a similar strategy used by another popular festival – Firefly Music Festival in Dover, Delaware.

Firefly Music Festival Country Spinoff and a Muddy Mess

Firefly, known for its rock and indie acts, once tried its hand at a country spinoff called Big Barrel Country Music Festival back in 2015. Held a week after Firefly’s peak year, Big Barrel featured big names like Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert. However, the festival wasn’t quite the success story they’d hoped for. Rain turned the grounds into a muddy mess, and attendance paled in comparison to Firefly.

That same year, another country festival called Delaware Junction emerged, offering a fun vibe with big acts and activities. While Delaware Junction had its charm, both Big Barrel and Delaware Junction eventually faded away, leaving a gap in the Delaware country festival scene. (Firefly Music Festival)

The Killers: A Firefly Music Festival Tradition

Firefly fans know the drill – The Killers are practically a festival staple. This iconic rock band has headlined Firefly four times throughout the years, and their frequent appearances have become a bit of a running joke among fans. (Firefly Music Festival)

This year, when Oceans Calling announced their lineup, Firefly fans couldn’t help but notice The Killers were back on the bill. It seems The Killers are keeping the Firefly spirit alive at this new festival! (Firefly Music Festival)

Oceans Calling: The New Firefly?

For many Firefly fans, Oceans Calling feels like a nostalgic homecoming. Firefly originally focused on alternative and indie music, catering to a slightly older audience. Over time, however, the festival shifted towards attracting a younger crowd with more pop, rap, and EDM artists. (Firefly Music Festival)

The reasons behind Firefly’s recent hiatus are unclear, but increased competition certainly plays a role. Newer festivals like Oceans Calling, featuring bands popular in the 90s and 2000s, are offering a different kind of experience. (Firefly Music Festiva)

In fact, Oceans Calling’s lineup features several artists who’ve graced the Firefly stage before, including The Killers, Cage The Elephant, and Grouplove. This has Firefly fans excited, with many callings Oceans Calling the “new Firefly.” (Firefly Music Festival)

Ready to Catch Some Waves (and Tunes)?

The Country Calling Festival takes place in Ocean City, Maryland, on October 4th and 5th. Tickets start at $285 for a single day. Head over to countrycallingfestival.com to learn more and snag your tickets! (Firefly Music Festival)

Keys points you need to know:

Lineup: Get ready for a star-studded event featuring headliners like Jelly Roll, Tyler Childers, Lainey Wilson, and Eric Church. It’s a country music extravaganza you won’t want to miss!
Ticket Availability: Snag your spot now! While tickets for 1-Day General Admission+, 1-Day VIP, and 1-Day Platinum are still up for grabs, they’re selling out fast. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
Inspiration from Firefly: Oceans Calling is taking a page out of Firefly’s playbook. Just like the beloved Dover festival, Oceans Calling promises to deliver unforgettable performances and an electrifying atmosphere.
Eric Church Connection: Did you know Eric Church was originally set to perform at Firefly? Now, he’s headlining Country Calling Festival, making it a must-see event for country music enthusiasts.
The Killers’ Legacy: The Killers have become synonymous with Firefly, and now they’re bringing their magic to Oceans Calling. Fans are thrilled to see them grace the stage once again.
Oceans Calling vs. Firefly: Some fans are calling Oceans Calling the new Firefly, drawing comparisons between the two festivals. With a lineup reminiscent of Firefly’s early days, Oceans Calling is poised to capture the hearts of music lovers everywhere.
The Evolution of Firefly: Firefly has undergone changes over the years, catering to a younger crowd and expanding its musical offerings. Oceans Calling aims to recapture the essence of Firefly’s roots while embracing its own unique identity.
Community Buzz: Excitement is brewing among music fans, with many declaring Oceans Calling as the next big thing. Social media is buzzing with anticipation, solidifying the festival’s status as a must-attend event.
Ticket Details: Mark your calendars for October 4th and 5th! Single-day passes start at $285, so don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Oceans Calling. Visit countrycallingfestival.com to secure your tickets today.
Get Ready to Rock: Get ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with incredible music, unforgettable memories, and endless fun. Oceans Calling is poised to make a splash in the music festival scene, and you won’t want to miss out on the excitement!