When We Were Young 2025 Returns to Vegas With an Unmissable Lineup

By Caitlin Schmidt

When We Were Young is back at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds for its fourth consecutive year, and as someone who has attended every single installment, I can confidently say that this festival never fails to deliver. Each year has had its own unique vibe: year one and year three definitely leaned heavily into emo and post-hardcore, drawing fans craving the angst and the intimate sing/scream-alongs. Year two shifted a bit more toward pop-punk, with high-energy anthems and a whole lot of jumping dominating the weekend. This year, however, feels like the perfect mix of both worlds, with pop-punk and emo staples sitting alongside hints of indie, more post-hardcore, punk, and even theatrical, horror-themed metalcore (looking at you, Ice Nine Kills). Scheduled for October 18 & 19, 2025, the festival promises a weekend where nostalgia meets discovery, giving every fan something to scream along to.

The 2025 lineup is absolutely unmissable. Panic! At The Disco will celebrate the 20th anniversary of A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out with a full album playthrough, something last year’s festival also centered around, letting fans relive every iconic moment in real time. blink-182 will hit all the classics from Enema of the State, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, Self-Titled, and more, ensuring there’s something for every era of blink fans to sing, jump, and scream along to. You’ll also catch Weezer, Avril Lavigne, The Offspring, All Time Low, The Used, Knocked Loose, and dozens of other bands taking over multiple stages. For fans like me, it’s a thrill to move from one stage to the next, chasing different vibes—from the heartfelt sing-alongs of emo legends to the adrenaline-pumping chaos of heavier acts. Every year, I leave exhausted, sunburned, and already planning my next trip back.

Tickets are still available. General Admission starts at $425, GA+ at $595, and VIP packages—including lounge access and exclusive viewing areas—start at $695, while ticket and hotel packages actually start at $577—what a steal! Whether you’re in it for the full Vegas weekend experience or just want to soak up the sun to your favorite sets, there’s a ticket tier that fits your style. Beyond the music, the festival is all about the little moments—the late-night laughs with friends, the shared nostalgia with strangers, and the pure thrill of being part of a massive crowd of devoted fans who live and breathe the songs you grew up on.

Full 2025 Lineup:

• Panic! At The Disco
  
• blink-182
  
• Weezer
  
• Avril Lavigne
  
• The Offspring
  
• All Time Low
  
• The Used
  
• Knocked Loose
  
• The Gaslight Anthem
  
• Bad Religion
  
• Yellowcard
  
• Ice Nine Kills
  
• Motionless In White
  
• I Prevail
  
• Beartooth
  
• Simple Plan
  
• Kublai Khan TX
  
• The Plot In You
  
• Mayday Parade
  
• Loathe
  
• Asking Alexandria
  
• Pvris
  
• We Came As Romans
  
• Boys Like Girls
  
• The Cab
  
• Taking Back Sunday
  
• The Maine
  
• Letlive
  
• Story Of The Year
  
• Sleeping With Sirens
  
• Breathe Carolina
  
• Jack’s Mannequin
  
• Set Your Goals
  
• Crown The Empire
  
• The Starting Line
  
• Plain White T’s
  
• Destroy Boys
  
• The Story So Far
  
• We The Kings
  
• Sunami
  
• The Amity Affliction
  
• The Summer Set
  
• The Rocket Summer
  
• Never Shout Never
  
• Don Broco
  
• The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
  
• Taylor Acorn
  
• Holding Absence
  
• The Movielife
  
• Alexisonfire
  
• Her Leather Jacket
  
• Arm’s Length
  

I’ve had the chance to see and cover several of these artists on their tours this year, and trust me—you won’t want to sleep on any of them.

Each year, When We Were Young strikes the perfect balance of nostalgia, energy, and unforgettable live performances, and 2025 looks set to continue that tradition. Whether it’s your first time or your fourth, the feeling of tens of thousands of fans screaming in unison, the excitement of discovering new acts, and the unfiltered joy of hearing your favorite songs live makes this festival something truly unforgettable. The festival captures the spirit, excitement, and sense of community that have made it a must-attend event for fans of every generation.

For those looking to make the most of their Vegas trip, the festival weekend is also packed with side shows every year. These intimate performances offer fans the chance to catch even more of their favorite acts in a non-festival setting:

• Taking Back Sunday with letlive & Straylight Run – Friday, October 17 at Fontainebleau
  
• Ice Nine Kills with The Plot In You – Friday, October 17 at Pearl Concert Theater
  
• Story Of The Year and The Cab with The Rocket Summer & Her Leather Jacket – Friday, October 17 at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas
  
• The Story So Far with Sunami & Set Your Goals – Friday, October 17 at AREA15
  
• Emo Night Brooklyn (Late Night Show) – Saturday & Sunday, October 17 & 18 at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas
  

These side shows give fans a chance to extend the weekend, see more of their favorite artists up close, and dive even deeper into the music that makes When We Were Young such a special experience.