“I couldn’t wait for the summer and the Warped Tour!” For the first time in years, we’ll be able to sing these Blink 182 lyrics as we slather on sunscreen for the iconic festival. And while Tom Delonge and Co. won’t be there, the lineup is still packed with all your favorite veteran bands, up-and-comers, and nostalgic favorites under the sun. Are you ready to kick things off with Warped Tour in Washington, DC, this June 14-15th?
The touring festival — which has hosted everyone from Green Day and My Chemical Romance to Bad Religion and Katy Perry — ran for 25 years before closing the gates for good. However, they promised that the Warped Tour would make a return for special occasions, and they’re definitely going to deliver for the 30th anniversary. Here are your favorite bands, tips, and more to make the most of your Warped experience:
The Lineup
Veteran Bands
Less Than Jake: These ska-punk icons first played Warped Tour back in 1997, and now they’re back for more.
Bowling for Soup: Famous for hits like “1985” and “Punk Rock 101,” it’s safe to say the Bowling for Soup set will be oodles of fun.
Simple Plan: Are you really an elder emo if you don’t scream Simple Plan’s famous lyrics, “I’m just a kid, and my life is a nightmare!,” in the middle of the Warped crowd?
Avril Lavigne: The pop-punk princess herself is making an appearance at Warped Tour in DC, singing classics like “Complicated” and “Sk8r Boi” along with her latest hits.
Pennywise: Warped Tour in 2025 presents a full-circle moment for the legendary punkers, who’ve been playing the festival since the '90s.
Groups Making a Comeback
Dance Hall Crashers: Despite being quieter in recent years, the '90s ska-punk group couldn’t resist the chance to play the Warped Tour once again.
Hidden in Plain View: Remember this 2000s emo/pop-punk band known for “Life in Dreaming” and “Bleed For You?” They’re making a comeback.
Scary Kids Scaring Kids: Grab your early 2000s covers of Alternative Press, because this post-hardcore band is back and better than ever.
Millionaires: Remember their vulgar, but also vibe-worthy MySpace songs from the early 2000s? The original scene queens are ready to take the stage again.
Chiodos: Even over a decade after their last album, Craig Owens provies that Chiodos will always be a force among the emo crowd.
Iconic Bands for the Alternative Crowd
All Time Low: Call them pop-punk royalty, Warped icons, whatever… All Time Low will light up the parking lot with their upbeat anthems and chaotic (in the best way) performance.
3OH!3: It’s always a dance party with this duo, who owned the early 2000s with singles like “Don’t Trust Me,” “STARSTRUKK,” and “My First Kiss.”
Hawthorne Heights: If we had to pick just one band (besides MCR, of course) synonymous with 2000s emo, it may just be Hawthorne Heights. Ready to sing along to these nostalgic, angsty songs?
Mayday Parade: After wrapping up their 20th anniversary tour this year, Mayday Parade couldn’t resist the chance to return to where it all began: Warped Tour.
The Maine: Known for their evolution from pop-punk to alternative rock with anthemic hooks, The Maine delivers a solid dose of nostalgia and new hits.
Up-and-Coming Bands
Rain City Drive: Born from the ashes of Slaves, Rain City Drive is quickly becoming one of DC’s most exciting alternative exports. With a new name and a fresh sense of purpose, they’re winning over fans with slick, radio-ready hooks and that trademark post-hardcore punch.
Origami Angel: If you’ve spent any time in the DC basement scene, you’ve probably caught Origami Angel’s hyper-charged, mathy emo-pop sound. They’re the kind of band that makes you want to scream every word — equal parts confessional and cathartic.
Nothing,Nowhere: Nothing,Nowhere, also known as Joseph Mulherin, is quickly gaining traction with a blend of emo, rap, and indie rock… all the genres that Warped holds dear!
Point North: Bred in Los Angeles with a hint of edgy, DC energy, Point North is guaranteed to be a standout at Warped Tour. Trust us, their shows are high-impact affairs with enough pop-punk hooks to make any festival vet feel right at home.
Bands Playing ONLY Warped DC
Ice Nine Kills: The horror-inspired metalcore troops are heading to Warped DC, and they’re bringing the masks, fake knives, and scary-good times with them.
Big Ass Truck I.E.: A lesser-known but always-fun group that brings unique sound to DC — in particular, a fusion of rock, funk, and jam influences.
Carpool: A rising pop-punk/emo revival band with a fresh sound and catchy hooks. They’re perfect for fans looking to discover new music while maintaining the nostalgic vibes of Warped Tour.
I Am the Avalanche: A beloved emo-punk act fronted by Vinnie Caruana (formerly of The Movielife), this group has built a grand reputation that’s following them all the way to DC.
Warped Tour Tips & Tricks
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Between the sun, the sweat, and the headbanging, you’re going to get thirsty. And fast. Bring a refillable water bottle and scope out the hydration stations as soon as you arrive.
2. Wear Sunscreen (and Reapply!)
Aside from the occasional relaxation tent, there’s very little shade at Warped Tour — just a sea of asphalt and stages. Slather on the SPF and reapply every couple of hours so you don’t end up redder than your favorite band tee by the time your favorite hits the stage.
3. Plan Your Day, But Stay Flexible
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with so many bands playing at once. Our advice? Take a photo of the set times with your phone and make a rough schedule, but leave room to discover new acts.
Some of the best Warped Tour memories come from stumbling onto a surreal set you never expected — with major players like My Chemical Romance, Paramore, and Bad Omens all playing the smaller stages at one point in time.
4. Bring a Portable Charger
Between Instagram stories, TikToks, and texting your friends to find them in the crowd, your phone’s gonna die. And quick. A portable charger will save you from the dreaded 1% panic.
5. Pack Light, but Be Smart
Leave the big backpack at home, but bring essentials: water, sunscreen, a snack, earplugs (seriously, protect your hearing!), and maybe a small towel to mop up the sweat.
6. Wear Comfortable Shoes
We don’t know who needs to hear this, but please leave your flip-flops or platform boots at home. You’re going to be walking and standing all day long at Warped Tour, and need a supportive pair of sneakers to carry you from morning until night.
7. Hit the Merch Stand Early
If there’s a must-have shirt or a limited-run vinyl you’ve been eyeing, buy it early. Popular items can sell out fast, and you don’t want to leave empty-handed (or have to resort to overpriced resale items later).
8. Meet the Bands (When You Can)
A lot of bands at Warped Tour do signings or hang out at their merch tents between sets. Keep an eye on their social media or posted schedules for times, as some of the best moments happen in those short, informal meet-and-greets. You could be meeting tomorrow’s most popular metalcore frontman, and not even know it yet!
9. Take Breaks and Find Shade
It’s easy to push yourself too hard at Warped. Make sure to grab a snack, sit down, and catch your breath between sets. Your energy will last longer, and so will your fun.
10. Take Lots of Photos
Not to drain your phone battery too much, but Warped Tour revivals only come around every so often! Don’t forget to capture your favorite moments and look back on them with fondness, just like all the “elder emos” did back in the day with their digital cameras.
Warped DC Is Almost Here
Merch tents, inflatable band lineups, meet & greets…oh my! Warped Tour in DC will be an exciting mix of nostalgia and new music that no alternative music lover can resist. And there’s still time to get your resale tickets. We’ll see you in the parking lot!
