The 2025 “When We Were Young” festival lineup has been revealed, and it’s set to make waves in Las Vegas next October. Pop-punk and alternative rock fans, both nostalgic and new, are buzzing with anticipation, especially with Panic! At the Disco returning to headline alongside Blink-182.
This annual festival, known for curating a dynamic mix of punk, emo, and alternative rock, has quickly become one of the most anticipated music events in the U.S. since its debut. In 2025, the festival will feature several legendary acts and some rising stars in the genre, making it a haven for fans eager to reconnect with the music of their youth or discover these sounds for the first time.
Headlining the event, Panic! At the Disco will be making a special comeback after officially disbanding in 2023. Brendon Urie, the band’s lead vocalist and driving creative force, announced that Panic! At the Disco would perform their debut album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, in its entirety to celebrate its 20th anniversary. This album, released in 2005, became a staple for a generation, with tracks like “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” and “Lying Is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off” capturing the angst and energy of the mid-2000s. Fans can expect a full, immersive experience of this iconic album, as Urie aims to bring its signature theatrical energy to the Las Vegas stage.
Blink-182, another festival headliner, will also be making waves with their dynamic set. Known for high-energy performances and playful antics, the band is expected to perform hits spanning their career, which has consistently resonated with fans of all ages. Songs like “All the Small Things,” “What’s My Age Again?,” and recent releases are bound to create memorable moments.
Joining the headliners are a number of big-name acts that defined the pop-punk and alternative genres over the past two decades. Weezer, known for hits like “Buddy Holly” and “Island in the Sun,” brings a distinct mix of rock with a touch of irony that has endeared them to generations of fans. The Offspring, famed for songs like “Self Esteem” and “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” will also be performing, infusing the lineup with their classic punk rock energy. Avril Lavigne, who skyrocketed to fame in the early 2000s with her rebellious style and anthems like “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi,” is also set to make a major appearance, further adding to the nostalgia-driven lineup.
Additional performers scheduled for the event include a wide range of alternative, punk, and emo acts, ensuring that fans of every variation of the genre will find something to love. Iconic bands like The Used, known for their emotive lyrics and raw sound, will take the stage, alongside Yellowcard, Simple Plan, Taking Back Sunday, and All Time Low, all of whom have each made significant impacts on the genre and its fan base.
Festival-goers can also look forward to performances from Never Shout Never, Jack’s Mannequin, and The Story So Far, each known for bringing unique styles and emotional depth to the scene. Other major names include Alexisonfire, Bad Religion, and The Gaslight Anthem, whose distinct sounds add even more variety and appeal to the lineup.
A number of up-and-coming acts will perform as well, giving fans a chance to experience fresh talent. Artists like I Prevail, Beartooth, Ice Nine Kills, Motionless in White, and Mayday Parade promise to deliver high-energy sets that highlight the evolution of the genre. These newer bands, alongside veterans, showcase a range from melodic to heavier sounds, offering a well-rounded lineup for all tastes within the alternative scene.
The festival will also feature favorites like Loathe, The Plot In You, Boys Like Girls, and Story of the Year, among others, bringing a mix of nostalgic hits and new material to eager listeners. Bands such as Plain White T’s, Destroy Boys, and Straylight Run also bring their unique sounds to the lineup, while Asking Alexandria and Crown the Empire add a heavier edge.
However, attending this event comes at a premium. Tickets are expected to be several hundred dollars, and fans will need to prepare for the costs of accommodations, travel, and other expenses associated with attending a high-profile festival in Las Vegas. The steep ticket prices are a reflection of the extensive lineup, which includes a multitude of well-known and beloved bands, making it an unmissable event for fans who have followed these artists for years.
“When We Were Young” 2025 promises to be a defining event for the alternative music scene, celebrating the legacy of pop-punk, emo, and alternative rock with a lineup that captures the heart of a generation. Whether you’re an original fan of the mid-2000s hits or a newer listener drawn to the genre, the festival offers a chance to dive deep into a diverse lineup of artists who continue to shape and inspire the genre.
