Ocean City, Maryland, is preparing for an exhilarating weekend filled with electrifying rock music as the inaugural Boardwalk Rock Festival takes center stage on May 17-18, 2025. This highly anticipated event promises to be a landmark occasion for rock enthusiasts and music lovers alike, offering an unforgettable experience on the beautiful Maryland coast.

Over the span of two thrilling days, the festival will feature an impressive roster of legendary rock artists and contemporary favorites. The lineup is headlined by rock titans Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Nickelback, and Shinedown, ensuring that fans will be treated to a diverse range of musical performances that celebrate the rich history of rock and its evolution into the present day.

For aficionados of rock music history, this festival lineup is truly a dream come true. Def Leppard, renowned for their groundbreaking albums Pyromania and Hysteria, produced numerous Billboard Hot 100 hits that remain timeless classics, such as “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Love Bites.” Their continued relevance in the arena rock scene solidifies their status as one of the genre’s most influential bands, captivating audiences with their powerful performances.

Joining the stellar lineup is Mötley Crüe, a band that has left an indelible mark on the Billboard 200 with their iconic album Dr. Feelgood, which soared to No. 1. This album features unforgettable tracks like “Kickstart My Heart” and the title song, both of which have become anthems of rock culture. Nickelback, known for their modern rock sound and chart-topping hits such as “How You Remind Me”—which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2001—will also grace the stage, ensuring that audiences will rock out to some of the most recognizable songs in the genre’s history.

Rounding out the impressive headliners is Shinedown, a band that consistently dominates the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs Chart with an astounding 18 No. 1 hits. Their powerful and emotionally charged single “Second Chance” continues to resonate with fans, showcasing their ability to connect deeply through music. As a mainstay in the rock scene, Shinedown’s performance is sure to be a highlight of the festival.

Beyond the headliners, the festival promises an extensive lineup that includes Halestorm, whose acclaimed album The Strange Case Of… reached the top 15 on the Billboard 200 and earned the band a Grammy for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance. The legendary Alice Cooper, known for his theatrical stage presence and shock rock persona, will also perform, bringing his classic hits like “Poison” to life. Fans can also look forward to performances from other notable acts, including Bush, Chevelle, Three Days Grace, and Flyleaf featuring Lacey Sturm, ensuring a diverse array of rock talent.

The festival will feature a total of three stages—two located on the beach and one on the iconic Ocean City boardwalk—providing fans with a picturesque and immersive music experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy not only the music but also the vibrant atmosphere of the boardwalk, complete with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. Additionally, visitors can explore the Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement park, which boasts attractions like a Ferris wheel, double-decker carousel, roller coaster, and more, making it a perfect outing for families and fans alike.

Further enhancing the festival experience, a diverse range of additional performers will take the stage, including Bret Michaels, Puddle of Mudd, 3 Doors Down, Extreme, The Struts, Everclear, Candlebox, Night Ranger, Dorothy, Black Stone Cherry, Royale Lynn, Crossfade, Trapt, Fuel, Saliva, and Tim Montana. This eclectic mix of artists ensures that there will be something for every rock fan to enjoy throughout the weekend.

Tickets for the Boardwalk Rock Festival start at $165 for single-day general admission, providing an affordable option for fans eager to experience the event. For those wanting to enjoy both days, two-day passes are available for just $195. For the ultimate festival experience, the premium “Ultimate” pass priced at $3,950 includes exclusive perks such as front-of-stage access, golf cart transportation, and access to luxury lounges. Presale registration for this exciting event opens on December 13 at 10 a.m. ET, with general ticket sales kicking off the same day at 11 a.m. ET.

The Boardwalk Rock Festival is expertly organized by C3 Presents, a Live Nation-owned company known for producing major music festivals such as Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits. Their experience and dedication to delivering unforgettable experiences ensure that this festival will be a remarkable celebration of rock music.