Festivals
Def Leppard, Nickelback, Mötley Crüe, Shinedown To Headline Inaugural Boardwalk Rock 2025
Def Leppard, Nickelback, Mötley Crüe, and Shinedown are set to headline the inaugural Boardwalk Rock, bringing some of the most legendary names in rock and roll to Ocean City, Maryland, May 17-18. From C3 Presents, producers of the beloved Oceans Calling and Country Calling festivals, and hosted by legendary radio personality Eddie Trunk, the two-day powerhouse lineup debuts with over 25 artists across three stages on the shores of Ocean City Inlet Beach at the historic Ocean City Boardwalk. Three Days Grace, Alice Cooper, 3 Doors Down, Halestorm, Bush, Chevelle, Bret Michaels, Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm and more are also set to take the stage, and fans can find the entire lineup and by-day breakout on the Boardwalk Rock website. Tickets will be available on Friday, December 13 with the presale beginning at 10am ET, followed by the public on-sale if tickets remain at 11am ET.
Boardwalk Rock festival-goers will not only be able to enjoy two full days of live music with the purchase of a festival ticket but will also have access to the Iconic Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement park located inside festival grounds. Additionally, fans will be able to frequent festival food vendors as well as the many Ocean City Boardwalk businesses including restaurants, bars, shops and more.
Boardwalk Rock ticket types include 1-Day and 2-Day General Admission, GA+, VIP, and Platinum – layaway payment plans start at $20 down. GA+ Tickets grant entry to the festival alongside access to a private lounge with shade and seating, air-conditioned restrooms, concierge service, complimentary water, and a private bar with drinks for purchase. VIP Tickets provide dedicated viewing areas at every stage, including a viewing platform at Main Stage with elevated sightlines, access to two VIP Lounges that both include a private bar with drinks for purchase, air-conditioned restrooms, relaxed seating, lockers and mobile charging units for rent, and more. Platinum Tickets offer front-of-stage viewing at all stages, access to two Platinum Lounges that include complimentary full-service bars and all-day dining, air-conditioned restrooms, complimentary lockers and mobile charging, a dedicated festival entry lane, all the amenities of VIP, GA+, GA, and more. For the full list of ticket offerings, and to purchase tickets, visit www.boardwalkrockfest.com/tickets.
More festival information at www.boardwalkrockfest.com.
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – Kaytranada
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at the PNE closed out another memorable week on Sunday with the biggest match in world football and a fitting musical finale. Fans packed the site well before kickoff, creating a sea of jerseys, flags, and face paint as they gathered to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina. Every big chance was met with gasps and cheers, and when Spain secured the victory, the celebrations spread across the festival grounds as supporters soaked in the final moments of a month-long tournament.
There was little time for the excitement to settle before the day’s entertainment shifted from football to live music. Montreal’s Kaytranada took over the Amphitheatre stage, giving fans one last reason to keep the energy going after the trophy presentation. Known for blending house, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music into a sound that feels uniquely his own, Kaytranada delivered exactly the kind of set the festival needed to close the weekend.
With Spain crowned world champions and Kaytranada providing the soundtrack to the celebration, the FIFA Fan Festival wrapped up another successful day at the PNE. It was a reminder that throughout the tournament, football and music proved to be the perfect combination, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate on and off the pitch.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
KAYTRANADA
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – The Dead South, Jesse Roper, Colin James
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at the PNE Grounds delivered another full day of football and live music on Saturday, July 18, as fans packed the site to watch the FIFA World Cup third-place match before spending the afternoon discovering Canadian talent across the festival stages.
The day opened with one last piece of World Cup drama before the tournament finale. England defeated France in the third-place match, giving English supporters plenty to celebrate before the music began. Groups wearing England shirts could be spotted throughout the grounds after the final whistle, adding to the lively atmosphere that has become a daily feature of the Fan Festival.
Once the football wrapped up, the focus shifted to the Amphitheatre and Park Stage. Vancouver’s own Jesse Roper was among the first artists we caught, bringing his signature blues-rock sound to an enthusiastic crowd. His guitar work and easy stage presence made for a strong start to the afternoon, with plenty of fans gathering in front of the stage despite a full day of entertainment still ahead.
Over on the Park Stage, Canadian blues-rock legend Colin James reminded everyone why he has remained one of the country’s most respected performers for decades. His set mixed polished musicianship with plenty of groove, drawing listeners of all ages who appreciated every guitar solo and familiar chorus.
The Dead South closed out the day. The Saskatchewan quartet’s blend of bluegrass, folk and country proved to be a perfect fit for the outdoor setting. Fans sang along, clapped in time and danced throughout the performance.
With the World Cup final less than 24 hours away, there was already a sense that the tournament was nearing its conclusion. Even so, July 18 showed that the FIFA Fan Festival remained much more than a place to watch football. It continued to bring together sport, live music and community in a way that has made it one of Vancouver’s standout events of the summer.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
THE DEAD SOUTH
JESSE ROPER
COLIN JAMES
FANS
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer