Guster Announces Lineup and Activities for On the Ocean Weekend in Portland, ME

PORTLAND, ME — Thousands of music fans from across New England and beyond are preparing to descend upon the Maine coast this summer. Guster has officially pulled back the curtain on the 2026 lineup for On The Ocean, the band's signature three-day festival held in Portland from August 7–9.

Now in its eighth year, the destination weekend has become a staple for the Guster community, blending high-profile performances with local Maine culture.

A Weekend of Unique Performances

The festivities kick off on Friday, August 7, with a monumental (and already sold out) collaboration. Guster will take the stage at Merrill Auditorium alongside the Portland Symphony Orchestra, offering fans a rare, orchestral reimagining of their catalog.

The music moves outdoors to Thompson’s Point for the remainder of the weekend:

• Saturday, August 8: Guster will be joined by indie-folk heavyweights Iron & Wine, along with The Barr Brothers, Bebe Stockwell, Dave Butler & Friends, and Cilla Bonnie.
• Sunday, August 9: A treat for long-time fans, Guster will perform their seminal album Ganging Up On The Sun in its entirety to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The Sunday bill also features Watchhouse, Neal Francis, Eggy, and Khatumu.

"On The Ocean has become our way of sharing [Maine] with fans from everywhere," says Guster’s Adam Gardner. "We try to build a weekend that’s more than concerts — it’s a curated chance to experience the music, the water, and the neighborhoods."

Beyond the Main Stage

True to the festival's "community-first" ethos, the weekend includes several curated activities throughout the city:

• On the Water: Daily harbor cruises on Casco Bay and kayak rentals.
• On the Trails: Guided lighthouse loop bike tours and the inaugural Easy Wonderful 5K fun run/walk.
• For the Families: Free admission to the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine.
• Giving Back: A REVERB trail cleanup and a special beer collaboration with local favorite Bissell Brothers Brewery.

Ticket Information

While Friday night and VIP packages are already sold out, tickets for the Thompson's Point shows are currently available. The festival notably offers discounted rates for younger fans to keep the event family-friendly.