The Ocean met the Honky Tonk at Country Calling in Ocean City, MD last weekend.

Ocean City, Maryland turned into the heart of country music this past weekend as Country Calling 2025 brought two days of southern soul, sea breeze, and unforgettable performances to the shore. What started as a new addition to the festival circuit has quickly become a can’t-miss weekend, and this year’s lineup proved that the East Coast can hold its own alongside Nashville and Austin.

Fans doubled down on the energy, embracing the beachside magic that made Country Calling feel more like a community than a concert.

The Artists: Two Lukes, Tons of Legends, and a Few Rising Stars

If Country Calling’s goal was to blend country’s biggest names with the genre’s freshest blood, they nailed it.

Luke Bryan hit the stage with the swagger and polish that only years of stadium touring can bring. From “That’s My Kind of Night” to “Play It Again,” every song felt like an anthem. The boardwalk crowd sang word-for-word, beer in hand, boots in the sand, and smiles that didn’t fade even as the lights dimmed. Bryan’s charisma hasn’t waned a bit—he commanded the crowd with easy confidence, mixing humor, gratitude, and those classic dance-floor choruses that define his shows.

Luke Combs, in contrast, brought the grit. He’s a powerhouse of authenticity, and his set felt less like a performance and more like a shared experience. Songs like “Hurricane,” “Fast Car,” and “Beer Never Broke My Heart” hit the audience straight in the chest—raw, emotional, and perfectly unpolished. There’s something about Combs’ delivery that feels bigger than music; it’s a reminder of why country still connects across generations. Watching him play as the sun went down over the Atlantic felt almost cinematic.

And then there was Wynonna Judd, who might’ve been the weekend’s biggest surprise. She walked onstage like she owned it—because she did. Her voice? Still thunderous. Her energy? Pure rockstar. You could feel the admiration ripple through the crowd as she belted her classics with the same fire that made her a legend decades ago. At 61, she looked like she was 25 up there—radiant, defiant, and utterly magnetic. Her set was less nostalgia and more testament: real talent never fades.

Treaty Oak Revival brought chaos in the best possible way. Their performance was rowdy, loud, and exactly what a Saturday afternoon in the sun called for. The Texas rock-country fusion they’ve become known for hit differently live—electric guitars slicing through the coastal air, fans crowd-surfing and two-stepping in the same breath. It was pure madness, the good kind that festivals are built for.

Then came The Castellows, one of country’s brightest new groups. Their harmonies drew in even casual passersby, and by the second chorus, everyone within earshot was singing along. There’s a refreshing sincerity to their music—rootsy yet modern—that feels like a sign of where country’s headed next. You could sense that same “I saw them before they blew up” excitement humming through the audience.

Gavin Adcock was purely chaos with a chug, Jack Daniels Whiskey in one hand and a Miller Lite in the other truly set the mood.

If there was one artist who perfectly captured the wild-at-heart spirit of Country Calling, it was Gavin Adcock. Equal parts outlaw, party starter, and emotional powerhouse, Adcock brought a refreshing unpredictability to the weekend. He strutted onto the stage with that signature mix of grit and humor, beer in hand, and the crowd knew instantly they were in for a show.

From “Ain’t No Law in Georgia” to “Whiskey Built,” his set was a rowdy celebration of Southern roots and blue-collar heart. Between the anthems and his charismatic crowd banter, Adcock blurred the line between performer and fan — he wasn’t playing to the audience, he was partying with them. By the time he crushed his final beer and thanked the crowd, Ocean City was roaring like it had just watched a home team win.

Brooks & Dunn are truly one of the few duos in country music history can command a crowd quite like them, and their set was living proof that legends never fade. The instant that first riff of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” hit, it was like time stopped — the crowd turned into one giant dance floor.

They moved effortlessly between high-octane hits and heartfelt ballads, their harmonies still as crisp as ever. The chemistry between Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn is timeless — the kind that can only be built from decades of friendship and thousands of shows. By the time “Neon Moon” rolled through, phones lit up like a starfield across the beach, and even the security staff were singing along. It was a masterclass in how to headline with grace, power, and nostalgia.

Carrie Underwood’s performance was pure spectacle — a mix of vocal precision, arena-level production, and emotional storytelling that left no doubt she’s one of country’s reigning queens. She strode onstage like a force of nature, effortlessly commanding attention with every note.

“Blown Away” and “Before He Cheats” sent the crowd into full voice, while “Something in the Water” became one of the most transcendent moments of the entire festival. Underwood’s voice soared over the ocean breeze, clear and cutting, the kind of sound that doesn’t just entertain — it stuns.

She balanced her powerhouse delivery with moments of vulnerability and gratitude, thanking fans and shouting out the festival crew. It was elegance and edge wrapped into one — and she delivered it with the confidence of someone at the top of her game.

In a weekend dominated by spectacle, Flatland Cavalry offered something quieter but equally powerful. Their set was storytelling in its purest form — warm harmonies, vivid lyrics, and the kind of melodies that settle into your chest and stay there.

“Gettin’ By” and “A Life Where We Work Out” resonated deeply with fans, while newer material showcased just how much this Texas outfit has grown. They have that rare ability to make a festival stage feel intimate, pulling you in until you forget you’re surrounded by thousands. The crowd swayed, sang softly, and soaked up every word. It was a reminder that sometimes the best moments are the ones that don’t shout — they speak.

Beyond the some of our previously mentioned favorite heavy hitters, Country Calling 2025 was stacked top to bottom with artists who made every hour worth showing up early and staying late. Each day felt like a carefully crafted playlist come to life — from the radio favorites to the ones destined to break out soon.

Friday’s lineup set the tone early with Jon Pardi, Tyler Hubbard, Tucker Wetmore, Chase Rice, and LeAnn Rimes, each blending their own flavor of country into the night. Rising acts like Avery Anna, John Morgan, Drew Baldridge, Timmy McKeever, Luke Borchelt, and Ian Harrison carried that energy through the daylight hours, delivering feel-good, singalong sets that had the boardwalk crowd swaying long before sunset.

Saturday was pure country chaos — in the best way. Alongside Luke Bryan, Treaty Oak Revival, Flatland Cavalry, and Wynonna Judd, fans got unforgettable sets from Zach Top, Jordan Davis, Gretchen Wilson, LOCASH, Ingrid Andress, and The Band Perry. The day felt like a love letter to every corner of the genre — traditional, outlaw, pop, and Americana all colliding beautifully. Local favorites like Jimmy Charles, Jack Van Cleaf, and Colton Bowlin rounded things out with authentic, grounded performances that reminded everyone how deep the roots of this music go.

By Sunday, the beach was buzzing with anticipation for Luke Combs — and the lead-up was nothing short of a showcase. Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen, Gary Allan, Gabby Barrett, and Chase Matthew each brought arena-level energy to the stage, while Stephen Wilson Jr., Margo Price, The Castellows, Colby Acuff, Laci Kaye Booth, and Thelma & James gave the final day a mix of grit, soul, and surprising tenderness. Though Koe Wetzel’s absence was felt, Gavin Adcock’s set helped keep the fire burning — proof that the spirit of the weekend was impossible to dampen.

From sunrise to encore, Country Calling 2025 delivered a true mosaic of country music’s present and future. Whether it was a headliner commanding the main stage or a newcomer winning over the early crowd, every artist left their mark — and together, they turned Ocean City into the loudest, proudest corner of the country for one unforgettable weekend.

US Pride, Patriotism, and People

Country Calling leaned proudly into its patriotic roots this year. Between sets, flags waved high above the crowd, veterans were honored onstage, and the pledge of allegiance before the sets became one of the most emotional moments of the entire weekend.

But it wasn’t performative—it felt earned. The energy in Ocean City wasn’t about division or slogans; it was about shared appreciation. The red, white, and blue didn’t separate anyone—it brought everyone together. Whether you were from Maryland, Texas, or Tennessee, it was a reminder of the common thread that runs through country music: pride, storytelling, and connection.

The Setting & the Spirit

There’s something about country music meeting the ocean that just works. The juxtaposition of cowboy boots on sand, fiddles echoing off the waves, and neon lights bouncing off the boardwalk made it uniquely Maryland.

The festival layout was clean and intuitive—multiple stages but never too far apart, with enough open space to dance, sit, or just breathe it all in. The breeze off the water kept things comfortable, and every sunset turned the sky into its own light show behind the stage with the full moon seeming like a paid actor.

Crowds were massive but friendly, full of that small-town generosity that’s hard to fake. You saw families, couples, lifelong fans, and first-timers all finding their place in the rhythm of it. Strangers shared beers, sang together, and swapped stories about past shows and favorite artists.

From behind the lens, those were the real shots worth capturing—the candid ones, the honest moments that told the story better than any headliner could.

The Flavor of the Festival

No great festival thrives on music alone, and Country Calling knew that well. The vendors and food trucks turned the beach into a gourmet playground. There was the smell of barbecue smoke drifting over the crowd, fresh seafood sizzling on grills, and cocktail tents shaking up frozen lemonades, whiskey sours, and Maryland’s own.

The beer stands and boardwalk favorites added authenticity—like the OC Boardwalk fries and hand-scooped ice cream that had lines all weekend long.

The merch setup was top-tier, too. The official Country Calling apparel (those soft, sand-colored tees and denim skull logo hoodies) seemed to sell out almost immediately. Fans wore them proudly within hours, turning the boardwalk into a walking advertisement for next year’s fest.

Final Thoughts

Country Calling 2025 wasn’t just a festival; it was proof that country’s heart beats just as strong on the coast as it does in the South. Between the legendary icons, the rowdy newcomers, and the ocean-soaked atmosphere, this year delivered everything fans could’ve hoped for.

The weekend felt whole—like a celebration of not just music, but belonging.

As the last notes faded into the night and the crowd lingered under the lights, one thing was clear: this isn’t just another stop on the tour circuit. Country Calling is becoming a tradition—one that’s here to stay, and we can’t wait to be back next year to share it all with you.

Stay up to date for next year’s festival at: https://www.countrycallingfestival.com/ – Ticket Presales will go live soon!