After its final cross-country run in 2018 and a memorable 25th anniversary, Vans Warped Tour is back to revive the magic for both longtime fans and newcomers for its 30th anniversary. Widely recognized as one of the most successful and longest-running music festival tours in North America, Vans Warped Tour returns with a renewed focus on community and nurturing the next generation of punk artists, skateboarders and musicians across three cities.
Kicking off in Washington, D.C., the Vans Warped Tour will carry on to city number two as it takes over the Shoreline Waterfront in Long Beach, California on July 26-27, where it will wrap up in Orlando, Florida on November 15-16. Each stop will showcase 70 to 100 bands, spanning rock, punk, alternative, pop punk, emo, and more.
If you’re a Warped OG now in your mid-30s (or older), you’re probably equal parts hyped and apprehensive. With three massive two-day festivals in 2025, nostalgia is in the air—and so is the potential for overstimulation. The festival has evolved, and so have you—so here’s your grown-up guide to surviving Warped Tour 2025 with your dignity (and hearing) intact.
1. Choose your Top 5 artists, but don’t overplan
Gone are the days of rolling out of bed at noon and catching the second half of the lineup. Get there early to beat the crowds, snag shade, and scope out the best spots. Early entry also means shorter lines for merch and food—crucial for those who now value comfort over chaos. But if it’s anything like When We Were Young Fest (WWWY), snagging merch first thing is usually the best plan, otherwise you’ll be spending most of the set times waiting hours in line.
With daily lineup drops and over 100 bands across multiple stages, it’s tempting to make a spreadsheet. Instead, circle your top 5 must-sees, but leave room for surprises. Like many When We Were Young Fest veterans, embrace the art of the flexible plan: don’t sweat the FOMO, and let yourself wander.
Each city’s lineup has unique additions, but the overall bill is stacked with acts representing the full spectrum of Warped’s history, from 2000s nostalgia to current viral favorites. Here’s a few that are always guaranteed a good time:
Avril Lavigne
Currently on her Greatest Hits Tour, Avril’s Warped sets blend classics and new material, with special acoustic moments and crowd singalongs. Her energy and stage presence have made her a festival standout, regardless of age.
[Update as of 6/30/2025] Avril is riding high on her 2025 extension of the Greatest Hits Tour, featuring a revamped setlist packed with classics and new material like “Young & Dumb” (her recent collab with Simple Plan). From what we’ve been told, her Warped Tour sets have been energetic, nostalgic, and full of crowd singalongs, with special acoustic moments and even a mash-up of “Warrior” and Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.” Millennials have even praised her for balancing hits, covers, and new anthems, turning every show into a pop-punk celebration.
Pennywise
If you’re new to punk, Pennywise is a must-see. Known for their high-octane, circle-pit-inducing sets, they’ve been a Warped staple for decades. Their 2025 shows are as fierce as ever, with the band leaning into fan favorites and anthems like “Bro Hymn.” Expect a welcoming, rowdy crowd—perfect for both longtime punks and newcomers.
Yellowcard
Yellowcard’s return to Warped is a highlight for many. They’ve been delivering emotional, violin-fueled sets heavy on nostalgia, especially “Ocean Avenue,” which remains a massive singalong moment. Their 2025 performances have been tight, heartfelt, and a reminder of their enduring influence on the pop-punk scene.
Simple Plan
Touring alongside Avril Lavigne on her Greatest Hits dates, Simple Plan continues to bring infectious energy and crowd interaction to every Warped set. Their 2025 shows feature all the classics (“I’d Do Anything,” “Welcome to My Life”) and their recent collab with Avril. Expect plenty of humor and an infectious energetic atmosphere.
Bowling For Soup (BFS)
BFS are festival favorites for their witty banter and pop-culture-laced pop-punk. Their 2025 Warped sets are packed with hits like “1985” and “Girl All the Bad Guys Want,” plus plenty of crowd participation and jokes. They’re the band to see if you want fun and nostalgia in equal measure.
Less Than Jake
Ska fans, don’t miss Less Than Jake. Their horn-driven, high-energy shows have been a Warped staple, and 2025 is no different. Expect a mix of old-school ska-punk, new material, and plenty of on-stage antics that keep the crowd moving.
August Burns Red
Bringing the heavy, August Burns Red’s 2025 sets are a masterclass in metalcore precision. Their technical riffs and relentless energy have been drawing huge crowds, and their live reputation remains untouchable for fans of breakdowns and mosh pits.
Cartel
Cartel’s melodic pop-punk is tailor-made for summer festivals. Their Warped sets this year have leaned into their classic album Chroma, with fans turning out in force for “Honestly” and other mid-2000s favorites such as “Lucky St.”
Knuckle Puck
Representing the new wave of pop-punk, Knuckle Puck’s sets are raw, emotional, and high-energy. Their 2025 Warped shows have been praised for passionate performances and crowd connection, making them a must-see for fans of the genre’s current sound.
Ice Nine Kills (INK)
Known for their theatrical, horror-inspired metalcore, Ice Nine Kills have been turning heads with elaborate stage setups and a setlist stacked with horror-movie references. INK’s discography is a journey through both classic and cult horror films, with albums like Every Trick in the Book and The Silver Scream series directly referencing movies through lyrics, visuals, and even on-stage theatrics.
Their live shows are renowned for elaborate costumes, props, and a sense of spectacle that transforms each set into a horror movie come to life. If you’re seeking a festival experience that’s as much about the show as the sound, Ice Nine Kills is a must-see—they bring the thrills, chills, and breakdowns that have made them a standout on this year’s tour.
Saosin
Saosin’s post-hardcore blend of soaring melodies and heavy riffs is as strong as ever, making their return a treat for longtime fans. Straight out of Orange County, California, Saosin quickly made waves in 2003 with their debut EP, Translating the Name, featuring original vocalist Anthony Green. The EP became an instant classic, influencing a generation of bands with its blend of technical musicianship and raw emotion.
After Green’s departure, Cove Reber took over vocal duties, and Saosin released their self-titled debut album in 2006. Tracks like “Voices” and “You’re Not Alone” became anthems, and the band’s dynamic sound—balancing aggression with melody—earned them a devoted following and spots on major tours, including previous runs on Warped Tour. Saosin’s lineup has seen several changes over the years, but their core—guitarists Beau Burchell and Justin Shekoski, bassist Chris Sorenson, and the return of Green—has kept the band’s spirit alive. Their 2016 album, Along the Shadow, marked Green’s return and was met with critical acclaim, showcasing both their evolution and their roots.
Whether you’ve been with Saosin since the beginning or are discovering them for the first time, their live show is a powerful, cathartic experience that captures the essence of what makes Warped Tour special.
Machine Gun Kelly (MGK)
MGK continues to blur the lines between pop-punk and hip-hop. His previous performances have been high-energy affairs, with a mix of hits from his punk and rap catalogs, drawing massive, diverse crowds. You won’t be disappointed here.
Scary Kids Scaring Kids
Scary Kids Scaring Kids are back as they continue delivering emotional, post-hardcore anthems with a renewed energy. Their 2025 sets have been praised for both nostalgia and their tight, passionate performances. Those new to SKSK, the Arizona-based band quickly gained traction with their self-released EP After Dark while still in high school. Their early years were marked by relentless touring and a DIY spirit, including famously hosting nude car washes and taking out loans to fund their ambitions. The band’s sound, both “shriekingly spastic and soothingly melodic,” set them apart in the mid-2000s post-hardcore landscape.
With a lineup now including founding members Chad Crawford and Pouyan Afkary, the band continues to deliver cathartic performances that resonate deeply with longtime fans and newcomers alike. Tragically, original vocalist Tyson Stevens passed away in 2014, but the band reunited in 2019, honoring his legacy and introducing new material to a new generation of fans.
Sublime
With the next generation at the helm, Sublime’s sets blend classic ska-punk hits and new material, with “Santeria” and “What I Got” still igniting massive singalongs.
2. Pack less, but pack right
Your lower back will thank you, trust me. By now, you know that less is more—ditch the heavy chains, studded belts, and anything you won’t actually use. If you’re a seasoned festival-goer, you probably breeze through security.
First, choose the right bag! Don’t be that person holding up the line with an oversized backpack that’s clearly not on the approved list. Check the festival’s guidelines before you pack, and opt for a small, compliant backpack or crossbody bag. It saves time for you and everyone behind you.
Essentials Only: refillable water bottle, sunscreen, lightweight poncho, portable phone charger, sunglasses/hat, and earplugs. Remember to pack light, pack smart, and get in faster so you can spend more time enjoying the music and less time sweating in line.
3. Protect your ears and find your sensory zones
The Warped Tour’s iconic wall of sound is just as intense as you remember, but let’s face it—your ears aren’t as resilient as they were in the ’90s or early 2000s. That’s why I highly recommend picking up high-fidelity earplugs like Eargasm. These earplugs lower the volume to safe levels without muddying the music, so you can soak in every riff and lyric without that dreaded ringing afterward. For 2025, Eargasm is the Official Earplug of Warped Tour, and you’ll spot their team on-site selling the exclusive Warped Tour x Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs.
Speaking from experience as an Eargasm brand ambassador, I never hit a festival without mine—they’re always clipped to my keys for easy access. Each pair is engineered to reduce dangerous sound levels while preserving audio clarity, and they come with two shell sizes for a personalized fit plus a collectible Warped Tour aluminum case. While there are other options out there, Eargasm stands out for being festival-friendly and inclusive, especially for neurodivergent or sensory-sensitive fans.
Many festivals, including Warped and When We Were Young, now offer sensory inclusion zones and quiet spaces—check your event map for these chill-out areas if you need a break from the noise. Eargasm’s presence at Warped Tour includes on-site education, easy access to earplugs at merch booths, and support for sensory inclusion zones, ensuring everyone—especially returning “elder emos”—can experience the festival without sacrificing their hearing health.
Don’t have a pair of Eargasm’s? Enter CYBERGUY at checkout for a 10% discount.
4. Find your people—and your pace
Warped Tour is all about community, but the vibe has shifted. Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner elder emo: connect with fellow returning fans, share stories, and maybe even organize a group meetup. If the pit isn’t calling your name, there’s no shame in enjoying the show from the back with a cold drink and a lawn chair (they’re allowed in some areas—check the rules).
There’s no better place to be you while you dance, jump, scream, twirl, or whatever other fun moves you are brave enough to bust out. You’re in a judgment-free zone, literally. So be a punk and don’t apologize – just don’t be a douche.
5. Honor your limits: FOMO fades
Between the music, crowds, and sensory overload, it’s easy to feel fried. Listen to your body and mind, otherwise you’re going to be ending your evening much earlier than you had planned for.
- Take regular breaks in shaded or designated sensory-friendly areas.
- Use noise-canceling headphones or Eargasm earplugs when needed.
- Don’t skip meals—fuel up with protein-heavy snacks.
- If you need to leave early, do it. The FOMO fades; your well-being doesn’t.
If you’re heading to Vans Warped Tour 2025 for the first time, you’re in for something truly special. This isn’t just another music festival—it’s a living, breathing community that’s brought together punk, emo, and alternative fans for three decades. Warped Tour is known for its genuine sense of belonging, legendary lineups, and a spirit that welcomes everyone, whether you’re discovering these bands for the first time or coming back for the nostalgia. You’ll find yourself surrounded by people who share your love of music and the energy of a scene that’s always been about more than just the songs—it’s about connection, discovery, and making memories that last.
Bonus Tip: GUARD YOUR PHONE
Let’s be real: phone theft at festivals is at an all-time high, and the schemes are more sophisticated than ever. It’s not just one sneaky pickpocket anymore—groups work in coordinated teams, especially in dense crowds and near main stages.
Many use a combination of phone leashes, anti-theft bags, and group check-ins throughout the day to keep everyone’s gear safe. Stay vigilant, and your phone (and memories) will make it home with you.
For more information, visit https://www.vanswarpedtour.com.
