If you’re heading to Country Calling 2026 in Ocean City, Maryland, get ready for two days of country music, beach vibes, boardwalk fun, and some of the biggest names in country music.

Taking place October 2–3, 2026, at Ocean City Inlet Beach, Country Calling brings more than 25 artists to three stages — two on the beach and one along the boardwalk. The 2026 lineup includes major names like Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Dustin Lynch, Russell Dickerson, Travis Tritt, and Charley Crockett, along with plenty of up-and-coming artists.

But Country Calling is about more than just the music. The festival footprint includes Ocean City’s famous boardwalk, local food and businesses, and even access to Jolly Roger at the Pier.

Whether you’re attending for one day or making a full weekend out of it, this guide covers everything you need to know — including the 2026 schedule, tickets, transportation, what to bring, where to stay, and our best tips for making the most of your Country Calling weekend.

Country Calling 2026 Schedule & Lineup

Country Calling kicks off Friday, October 2, with a full day of country music across the festival’s three stages. The day builds toward a packed evening lineup featuring Travis Tritt, Russell Dickerson, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, and Lainey Wilson, with Lainey Wilson closing out the night. Earlier performances from artists including Belles, Redferrin, Kaitlin Butts, Wyatt Flores, and Noeline Hofmann give fans plenty of opportunities to discover new favorites before the evening headliners take the stage. With music starting earlier in the day and continuing into the evening, Friday is the perfect time to arrive early, explore the festival grounds, and settle into the Country Calling atmosphere.

Saturday, October 3, brings another stacked day of country music, culminating in a huge evening lineup. Fans can catch performances from Rodney Atkins, Clay Walker, Dustin Lynch, Brothers Osborne, Miranda Lambert, and Chris Stapleton, with Chris Stapleton closing out the festival. The day also features artists including The Jack Wharff Band, Jackson Dean, Charley Crockett, Carter Faith, and Jimmy Charles, making it a great mix of established stars and rising talent. If you’re attending both days, Saturday is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the festival’s beach and Boardwalk setting before settling in for the final performances of the weekend.

Country Calling 2026 FAQs

What Time Should You Get to Country Calling?

If you want to catch the early artists, plan to arrive around the time gates open rather than showing up just before the headliner.

Getting there earlier has a few advantages:

• You’ll avoid some of the biggest entrance crowds.
• You’ll have time to activate and check your wristband.
• You can get familiar with the festival layout.
• You can grab food and drinks before the busiest periods.
• You’ll have more time to explore the Boardwalk and Jolly Roger at the Pier.
• You won’t have to rush between parking, rideshare, and your first set.

If you’re mainly coming for one headliner, you can arrive later, but remember that transportation and entry lines can become much busier toward the evening.

How Do You Get to Country Calling?

There are several ways to get to the festival.

Driving

If you’re driving into Ocean City, official parking options include: West Ocean City Park & Ride, Ocean City Convention Center Parking Lot, and 100th Street Municipal Parking Lot. Public transportation is available from these locations to and from the festival. There are no festival parking options from North Division Street south to the Inlet, so don’t plan on simply driving right up to the festival entrance.

Rideshare

The official rideshare drop-off and pickup location is 409 Baltimore Avenue (4th Street Municipal Parking Lot). From there, it’s approximately a 5–10 minute walk to the festival grounds.  One important tip: rideshare demand will be extremely high immediately after the final performances. The festival itself recommends considering leaving early or spending some time walking the Boardwalk while the biggest rush dies down.

Walking & Biking

Walking may be one of the easiest options if you’re staying near the Boardwalk. Bike parking is available between 2nd and 3rd streets. Bring your own lock if you’re biking.

What if I don’t have a hotel booked yet? 

Don’t stress! We have a guide for you for the best hotels to book for Country Calling here.

What Should You Bring to Country Calling?

The best festival packing strategy is to pack light but prepare for changing weather. The festival grounds include sand, paved areas, boardwalk surfaces, and gravel, so comfortable footwear is essential. The festival’s own welcome guides recommend a hat, sunglasses, and a jacket for potentially chilly evenings.

Country Calling Quick Tips

Download the festival app

The festival guide includes access to the official mobile app, map, schedule, andother important information. Having these resources available on your phone makes it much easier to navigate once you’re inside.

Don’t plan every minute

It’s tempting to create a perfect schedule and race from one stage to another. Resist the urge. Leave some room to grab food, explore the Boardwalk, watch an artist you don’t know, or simply sit down for a few minutes. Some of your favorite moments may come from the performances you didn’t originally plan to see.

Wear comfortable shoes & bring layers

This might be the single most important wardrobe tip. You’re potentially walking on sand, boardwalk, pavement, and gravel for hours. Your favorite cowboy boots may look great, but make sure they’re actually comfortable enough for a full day.

October on the Maryland coast can be beautiful, but evenings can feel much cooler than the afternoon. A lightweight jacket or sweatshirt that you can carry or stash away can make a huge difference.

Eat before you’re starving

Don’t wait until you’re desperately hungry to look for food. The best places to kick back and enjoy a festival meal in our opinion has to be Harrison’s Harbor Watch & The Wedge. Located within the festival footprint, but without festival prices. Great food and drinks, plus a killer view to boot.

Pick a meeting spot & have a plan for getting home

Cell service can be unpredictable when thousands of people are concentrated in one area. If you’re attending with friends, choose a meeting point before you split up. That way, nobody has to spend an hour trying to find someone near a crowded stage.

Don’t make your transportation plan at 11 PM. If you’re using rideshare, remember that demand will be highest immediately after the final set. If you’re taking a shuttle or public transportation, know where the pickup location is before the show ends.

The Ultimate Country Calling Weekend

The best way to experience Country Calling is to think of it as more than a concert. Yes, the lineup is the main attraction. But the real appeal is combining a huge weekend of country music with everything that makes Ocean City special… the beach, the Boardwalk, local food, rides, and the laid-back atmosphere of a fall weekend at the shore. Plan your must-see artists ahead of time, but leave yourself some flexibility. Arrive early enough to get settled, wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and have a transportation plan for the end of the night.

Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to see everything. Pick a few can’t-miss performances, discover an artist you’ve never heard before, grab something good to eat, walk the Boardwalk, and enjoy being in Ocean City. That’s what makes Country Calling more than just a music festival, it’s a full weekend at the beach with a country soundtrack.