Music festivals are great for performances, of course, but there's always another unspoken hero: the food. At the Oceans Calling Festival in Ocean City this weekend, the food scene will be as delicious as the beats. Whether you're strolling the promenade and enjoying your favorite seaside fare or diving into the creations of festival vendors, the flavors are sure to hit just the right note. While you enjoy performances from Blink-182, OAR, The Killers, The Beach Boys, Dave Matthews Band, Boyz II Men and many, many others, here's a breakdown of some of the best bites you'll find there.

Shops on the promenade

Dumser's Dairyland

Dumser's Dairyland has been an Ocean City staple, serving up some of the best homemade ice cream flavors since 1939. Nothing beats grabbing a vanilla soft serve dipped in warm chocolate and strolling over to your favorite stage. Their nostalgic aromas, such as the orange and vanilla notes, will take you back to the good old days of beach fun.

The rolling pin

The Dough Roller has been serving pizza and pancakes to hungry beachgoers for decades. This family-run spot is perfect for festival-goers looking for a quick drink or a quick bite to kickstart the upcoming dance marathon. Whether you're craving a cheesy, gooey pizza or a hearty pre-show breakfast, this Ocean City classic will satisfy. Grab a slice, a beer and hit the sand to catch the next band without missing a beat.

Thrasher's French fries

Thrasher's French Fries is a legendary beach bar known for its perfectly crispy fries and has a line that's definitely worth the wait. The smell of freshly fried potatoes wafts from every corner of the festival grounds, so stick to your nose between sets and enjoy a tasty snack that's as much a part of the Ocean City experience as the live music. Festival hack: If you're a fan of vinegar, fill twice as many cups so the bottom doesn't get soggy and tear through, causing you to lose your fries on the boardwalk below.

Sweets kitchen

Since 1937, Candy Kitchen has been Ocean City's sweet retreat, serving homemade fudge, saltwater taffy and other beach treats. Strolling the boardwalk with a pound of homemade fudge or a bag of taffy is the perfect way to soak up the festival atmosphere. And don't forget to grab a few extra treats to boost your post-show blues.

Bull on the beach

Bull on the Beach keeps things hot with its open-faced beef and Maryland-style smoked meats, including brisket and pork. They've been serving up hearty BBQ to the boardwalk crowds for over 40 years, making it a filling choice for festival-goers in need of some serious energy. With a hearty sandwich in hand, you'll be ready to rock the night away.

Fischer's popcorn

A whiff of caramel popcorn in the salty ocean air can only mean one thing: Fisher's Popcorn is nearby. Their signature handcrafted caramel corn is a perfect festival companion, easy to nibble on while searching for the next band. With 11 flavors to choose from, you can satisfy any popcorn craving, whether it's your first taste or a childhood favorite.

Festival vendors

Mac and me

Mac n' Me is your go-to source for nutritional convenience and inclusivity. Whether you try four-cheese cavatappi, gluten-free penne, or vegan mac, the holiday-worthy toppings are sure to delight. Their signature Chicken Bacon Jam Ranch, made with maple-sweetened bacon jam, is a showstopper, while the smoked carrot “bacon” on the Sounds Crunchy offers a deliciously inventive vegan option.

WookieDogs

WookieDogs delivers a concert-worthy take on corn dogs, combining savory and cheesy into one epic bite. The Korean-style dish has a crispy yeast dough and a gooey cheese filling, making it the perfect seaside snack. Bite into the cheese-filled top half and it's like a mozzarella stick turned up to 11. The seller has been to some of the biggest festivals and now they are ready to bring their tasteful creations to Oceans Calling.

Pizza Nova

Pizza Nova takes festival dining to the next level with its fresh, wood-fired pizza offerings. Grab a slice of their classic cheese or pepperoni on the way between stages, or go beyond the norm with their creative “Eat a Peach” pizza with goat cheese, peach slices, candied bacon and balsamic drizzle. With options for gluten-free and vegan fans, everyone can join in.

Get baked

Get Baked puts a new spin on the classic pretzel with its filled, foot-long pretzel rolls. Imagine a wafer-thin pretzel dough filled with premium ingredients and freshly baked right in front of your eyes. Your local specialty? A pretzel with fresh Maryland blue crab claw meat, cheese and Old Bay seasoning. It's the perfect snack to capture the East Coast vibes while the bands play. Look for the 90s-style tram and glowing tent, grab a stuffed pretzel and let the good times roll.

And there's more than just good food at Oceans Calling. Be sure to check out the live cooking demonstrations from world-renowned chefs like Robert Irvine, Amanda Freitag and Marc Murphy. These kitchen rock stars share tips and tricks and give you a behind-the-scenes look at how they celebrate the region's flavors. It's a rare opportunity to hone your cooking skills while jamming to your favorite bands.