Get ready to turn up the volume! Boardwalk Rock Festival is officially returning to Ocean City, Maryland, May 14–16, 2027, and the newly announced lineup is giving rock fans plenty of reasons to plan a beach getaway. Featuring legendary heavy metal icons, alternative rock favorites, and today’s biggest hard rock acts, Boardwalk Rock 2027 is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend on the coast.
After a year away, the festival is back with three powerhouse headliners: Iron Maiden, Korn, and Bad Omens. With more than 40 bands scheduled to perform across three stages, there’s no better time to start planning your Ocean City vacation. And with the beach, Boardwalk attractions, restaurants, and local hotels just steps away, this is one music-filled weekend you won’t want to miss. It’s the perfect combination of high-energy live music and a classic Ocean City beach vacation!
The Boardwalk Rock Festival 2027 Lineup
The official lineup features an exciting mix of rock and metal legends, alternative favorites, and modern heavy music stars. Here’s a look at who’s performing each day.
Friday, May 14: Korn Takes the Stage
Kicking off the weekend, Korn will headline Friday with a lineup packed with hard-hitting rock and alternative favorites. From Korn’s unmistakable nu-metal sound to Slash’s legendary guitar work, Friday offers a powerful start to three days of live music in Ocean City.
Friday’s featured performers include:
- Korn
- Breaking Benjamin
- The Prodigy
- Cypress Hill
- Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators
- Clutch
- Sevendust
- Theory of a Deadman
- Filter
- All Them Witches
- Corrosion of Conformity
- Eve 6
- Local H
- Nonpoint
- Soil
Saturday, May 15: Bad Omens Headlines Day Two
Saturday brings a mix of modern metal, alternative rock, and established hard rock acts, with Bad Omens leading the bill. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Good Charlotte or looking forward to seeing Bad Omens live, Saturday offers plenty of reasons to stay for the entire day.
Saturday’s featured performers include:
- Bad Omens
- Good Charlotte
- Marilyn Manson
- Motionless in White
- Bullet for My Valentine
- Poppy
- Tesla
- Buckcherry
- Superheaven
- Drowning Pool
- Sponge
- Showing Teeth
- Tetrarch
- Asava
Sunday, May 16: Iron Maiden Closes Out the Weekend
Boardwalk Rock wraps up Sunday with heavy metal royalty. Iron Maiden headlines the final day, joined by an impressive roster of rock and metal performers. With Iron Maiden and Judas Priest on the same day’s lineup, Sunday promises a memorable finale for fans of classic heavy metal and hard rock.
Sunday’s featured performers include:
- Iron Maiden
- Alice in Chains
- Judas Priest
- Sleeping With Sirens
- The Pretty Reckless
- Down
- The Warning
- Loathe
- The Hu
- Apocalyptica
- GWAR
- Dirty Honey
- The Flys
- Mac Sabbath
For the complete lineup and the latest performance details, visit the official Boardwalk Rock Festival website.
When Do Boardwalk Rock 2027 Tickets Go on Sale?
If you’re ready to experience Boardwalk Rock in person, now is the time to start planning. The festival’s ticket presale begins Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET. Fans who sign up for a presale passcode can access the guaranteed lowest-price general admission tickets for the first hour, with the general public on-sale scheduled to follow at 11 a.m., if tickets remain.
Ticket options include one-day and three-day general admission passes, along with GA+, VIP, and Platinum experiences.
Make It a Beach Getaway: Where to Stay for Boardwalk Rock
A great festival weekend deserves a great place to stay. Rather than making a quick trip just for the concerts, turn Boardwalk Rock into a full Ocean City getaway. Booking your hotel in advance gives you time to find accommodations that fit your budget, travel plans, and preferred location. Whether you want to wake up to ocean views, stay close to the Boardwalk action, or find a convenient home base for exploring town, Ocean City offers accommodations for a variety of travel styles.
Here are a few tips for planning your festival stay:
- Book early. A major three-day music festival can increase demand for accommodations, so start exploring hotel options as soon as possible.
- Choose your location wisely. Consider whether you prefer staying near the Inlet and festival grounds or along the Boardwalk and Coastal Highway.
- Plan for more than concert time. Leave room for beach walks, local restaurants, shopping, and Ocean City’s attractions between performances.
- Consider a multi-night stay. Arriving before the festival starts and staying through Monday can give you more time to enjoy the beach without rushing home after the final set.
Ready to find your festival weekend accommodations? Browse all of our hotels on this page to explore places to stay and start planning your trip.
Explore Ocean City Between Sets
One of the best things about Boardwalk Rock is its setting. You’re not just attending a music festival; you’re experiencing one of Maryland’s favorite beach destinations. Between performances, make time to enjoy everything Ocean City has to offer.
Take a stroll along the Boardwalk. Browse local shops, grab a classic Boardwalk treat, and soak up the lively atmosphere that makes Ocean City a summer favorite.
Visit Jolly Roger at the Pier. Located within the festival grounds, this Ocean City landmark offers amusement rides and games for a little extra fun between sets.
Grab a bite to eat. Check out local restaurants, bars, and food vendors for everything from quick festival-day bites to a sit-down meal after the music winds down. (We suggest Harrison’s Harbor Watch or The Wedge!)
Enjoy the beach. May is a wonderful time to experience Ocean City’s shoreline, whether you want a morning walk along the sand or a relaxing break from the crowds.
With live music, ocean views, and plenty to explore, Boardwalk Rock offers an excellent excuse to kick off your 2027 beach season early.
Start Planning Your Boardwalk Rock 2027 Weekend
With Korn, Bad Omens, and Iron Maiden leading a lineup of more than 40 bands, Boardwalk Rock Festival is set to bring three days of rock music to Ocean City, Maryland, May 14–16, 2027.
Whether you’re traveling with fellow rock fans, planning a weekend with friends, or simply looking for a new reason to visit the Maryland coast, this festival combines the excitement of live music with the laid-back atmosphere of a beach getaway. Don’t wait until the last minute to make your plans. Check the official festival website for tickets and lineup updates, then explore your options for accommodations.
Find your perfect place to stay with OCMD Hotels and get ready to rock Ocean City in May 2027!
