Attention, emos… the Vans Warped Tour is officially back! The first of three 30th anniversary events took place last weekend in Washington, DC, with all your favorite alternative bands using the parking lot as their playground. Featuring over 90 groups ranging from childhood favorites (hello, Avril!) and bands making a comeback to up-and-comers, it was an exciting two days for every retired emo who hit the pavement. Here are the highlights from Warped DC:
Avril Lavigne Covers Sum 41…with Her Ex!
Avril is a pop-punk princess in her own right, but things escalated when she brought Sum 41 singer Deryck Whibley out for a cover of the band’s signature song, “In Too Deep.” Did we mention that he’s also her ex-husband?
Sum 41 wrapped up their farewell tour earlier this year, signaling the end of an era for the band of pop-punk royalty. Therefore, Avril paying tribute to the group was an honor in more ways than one, and those lucky enough to witness it at Warped DC were all in on the fun.
See Avril Lavigne’s full setlist at Warped Tour DC
Bands Reuniting Where it All Began
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Remember how we told you that your favorites would make a grand return at the OG festival for alt kids? Dance Hall Crashers took the stage at Warped Tour DC after a 21-year-hiatus, with plans to return next month for the Long Beach, CA, date! Other groups, including Millionaires and Scary Kids Scaring Kids, also made a comeback after many years away from the spotlight.
See Dance Hall Crashers’ full setlist at Warped Tour DC
A Live Debut, or Two
When you put the majority of the alt scene standouts in one place, there’s bound to be a bit of overlap in who joins you onstage. And to say that All Time Low delivered would be an understatement. They live-debuted their new track with I Prevail, “Hate This Song,” at Warped Tour DC… and even brought out Eric Vanlerberghe for the screaming breakdown!
All Time Low also performed “Monsters” with Four Year Strong, “PMA” alongside The Paradox, and sang through one of their biggest hits, “Dear Maria, Count Me In,” with help from Mayday Parade’s Derek Sanders. What can we say, Alex Gaskarth and Co. have a lot of friends!
See All Time Low’s full setlist at Warped Tour DC
Simple Plan’s Entire Set. Period.
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Simple Plan always puts on a spectacular show, and they pop-punk veterans went above and beyond in DC. Where do we even begin? Is it the nostalgic tracks like “I’d Do Anything” and “Welcome to My Life?” Or maybe the life-size Scooby Doo’s they brought out during “What’s New Scooby Doo?”
The band also brought out some very special guests, starting with State Champs and We the Kings on “Where I Belong.” These two stayed put for “I’m Just a Kid,” where Simple Plan also pulled Boys Like Girls and Bowling For Soup onstage to create a pop-punk mashup for the ages. Nostalgia, anyone?
See Simple Plan’s full setlist at Warped Tour DC
Emerging Artists Take the Torch
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While quite a few alternative artists — including Machine Gun Kelly, Scene Queen, Fever 333, and Rain City Drive — have gained momentum in recent years, they weren’t around for prime years of Warped Tour. Trust us, we all shed a tear when the touring festival ended in 2018 after nearly 25 years.
Now that it’s back in 2025 for the 30th anniversary special? These artists took their rightful place atop the emo throne. All of them (and many more!) put on a sensational show that resonated with both Warped Tour veterans and newcomers. And it only proves that they’re just getting started in the alternative music scene.
See MGK’s full setlist at Warped Tour DC
Relive the Magic of Warped DC
For those who weren’t able to attend Warped Tour DC, don’t fret! A comprehensive playlist of all your favorite band setlists are available here. Additionally, they’re stopping in Long Beach, CA on July 26-27 and Orlando, FL from November 15-16 for a full-circle moment that any emo can enjoy.
