Article Contributed by CK Communications Group
Published on 2026-04-27
Summer in Portland, Maine gets a little brighter this August as Guster once again brings fans together for one of the most unique destination music weekends in the country.
Guster has announced the lineup and activities for On The Ocean Weekend, returning to Portland, Maine August 7–9, 2026.
Thousands of fans from across the country will gather in Portland for Guster’s On The Ocean 2026, a three-day celebration of music, community, and curated experiences across one of New England’s most beloved coastal cities.
Now in its eighth year, the annual destination weekend invites fans to experience Portland through performances, outdoor adventures, conversations, and family-friendly programming alongside multiple sets from Guster — including a special anniversary performance of Ganging Up On The Sun.
Single-day and weekend tickets — including discounted tickets for kids — are on sale now at ontheoceanfest.com.
The weekend begins Friday, August 7 at Merrill Auditorium with a special sold-out performance by Guster with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, a unique collaboration that will set the tone for the weekend.
Concerts continue Saturday and Sunday with performances at Thompson’s Point.
Guster will be joined on Saturday by Iron & Wine, The Barr Brothers, Bebe Stockwell, Dave Butler & Friends, and Cilla Bonnie.
On Sunday, Guster will perform the full album Ganging Up On The Sun to mark the 20th anniversary of the release. In addition, Watchhouse, Neal Francis, Eggy, and Khatumu will perform.
“It means a lot to me personally to welcome everyone to Maine,” said Adam Gardner of Guster. “This is a beautiful area that I’m proud to call home, and On The Ocean has become our way of sharing it with fans from everywhere. We try to build a weekend that’s more than concerts — it’s a curated chance to experience the music, the water, the neighborhoods, and all the things that make it such a special place.”
Beyond the music, On The Ocean 2026 will once again offer a wide range of optional fan experiences and community activities across the city, including daily harbor cruises on Casco Bay (Saturday and Sunday), guided bike tours of Portland’s lighthouse loop, kayak rentals on the bay, a partnership with Bissell Brothers Brewery featuring an exclusive beer co-created with Adam Gardner, free admission for families to the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, a REVERB trail cleanup, and new this year, the Easy Wonderful 5K, a casual run or walk designed for all levels.
Together, the events transform the weekend into a city-wide gathering that blends live music with outdoor exploration, creativity, and opportunities for Guster fans and families to connect.
More details including registration information and hours of the On The Ocean weekend activities will be announced soon.
Two-day general admission passes are available for $130, with single-day tickets priced at $70 in advance and $75 day-of-show for both Saturday and Sunday.
Specially priced kids tickets include $20 for single-day admission (Saturday or Sunday) or $30 for a two-day combo pass. VIP tickets and Friday admission are now sold out. All ticket prices are listed before applicable fees.
Tickets and more information are available at ontheoceanfest.com.
Follow @ontheoceanfest on Instagram for updates and weekend announcements.
On The Ocean 2026 Lineup
Friday, August 7
Guster with Portland Symphony Orchestra
Merrill Auditorium (Sold Out)
Saturday, August 8
Guster
Iron & Wine
The Barr Brothers
Bebe Stockwell
Dave Butler & Friends
Cilla Bonnie
Sunday, August 9
Guster performs Ganging Up On The Sun
Watchhouse
Neal Francis
Eggy
Khatumu
