Guster’s On the Ocean returns to Portland, Maine from August 7-9, 2026, and the eighth edition of the annual destination weekend is shaping up to be the most fully realized yet. Three days of music, outdoor adventures, and community programming spread across one of New England’s most beloved coastal cities, with multiple Guster sets anchoring each day and a stacked supporting lineup filling out the rest.
The weekend opens Friday, August 7 at Merrill Auditorium with a special Guster performance alongside the Portland Symphony Orchestra. That show is sold out. Concerts continue Saturday and Sunday at Thompson’s Point, with Saturday featuring Iron & Wine, The Barr Brothers, Bebe Stockwell, Dave Butler & Friends, and Cilla Bonnie. Sunday brings Watchhouse, Neal Francis, Eggy, and Khatumu, and closes with Guster performing ‘Ganging Up On The Sun’ in full to mark the album’s 20th anniversary.
“It means a lot to me personally to welcome everyone to Maine,” said Adam Gardner of Guster. “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 stages, On the Ocean 2026 delivers a full slate of optional experiences across the city. Daily harbor cruises on Casco Bay, guided bike tours of Portland’s lighthouse loop, kayak rentals, a REVERB trail cleanup, free family admission to the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, and a partnership with Bissell Brothers Brewery featuring an exclusive beer co-created with Adam Gardner. New this year is the Easy Wonderful 5K, a casual run or walk open to all levels.
Two-day general admission passes are $130, with single-day tickets at $70 in advance and $75 day-of for Saturday and Sunday. Kids tickets are $20 for a single day or $30 for a two-day combo. VIP tickets and Friday admission are sold out. Tickets and full details are available at ontheoceanfest.com.
2026 On the Ocean Schedule:
Fri Aug 7 — Portland, ME @ Merrill Auditorium (Guster with Portland Symphony Orchestra) [SOLD OUT]
Sat Aug 8 — Portland, ME @ Thompson’s Point (Guster, Iron & Wine, The Barr Brothers, Bebe Stockwell, Dave Butler & Friends, Cilla Bonnie)
Sun Aug 9 — Portland, ME @ Thompson’s Point (Guster performing ‘Ganging Up On The Sun’ in full, Watchhouse, Neal Francis, Eggy, Khatumu)