Vans Warped Tour Makes Epic Comeback to DC to Celebrate its 30th Anniversary [Photos]

For the first time in 26 years, Vans Warped Tour returned to Washington, DC, and it came back with relentless awesomeness. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the legendary punk-rock music festival took over the RFK Festival Grounds with a two-day, seven-stage explosion of music and community. With a turnout of 40,000 fans, this was the comeback of all comebacks. The last Warped Tour was in 2019, so this weekend was very much anticipated.

As an elder emo, this year’s Vans Warped Tour held a deeply personal meaning for me. Somehow, despite my years in the scene, this was my very first time attending Warped—and it absolutely blew me away. Warped Tour had always held this magical, mythical place in my heart, and the real-life experience surpassed all expectations.

Getting In & Festival Life:

Upon arrival, the first stop for nearly everyone was the giant inflatable schedule board, listing every band, time slot, and stage. Warped Tour also brought back its iconic half-pipe, where BMX riders and skateboarders shredded all day long as music blasted from every direction.

There were plenty of water stations, shaded rest stops, and food vendors, but with so much happening, it was easy to get distracted. The sound bleed between stages created a wild, immersive mashup—you’d catch the screams and bass drops from a band just beyond the trees and suddenly find yourself sprinting to catch a surprise set.

Early merch runs were crucial. I learned this the hard way. By the time I tried to buy a t-shirt Saturday night, most styles were already sold out. Lucky I did score some others I also had my eye on, plus more at the Vans tent. (Yes, there were several Vans tents with plenty of the namesake’s merch!)

Fans had the option to get GA tickets or VIP tickets. Both sections had amazing views of the stage, but there was definitely a bit of a crowd relief in the VIP section. If you went VIP, you got a slightly calmer view with less crowd-crunching, plus the hidden perk of free candy (the sour ones- game changers). Other unsung heroes of the weekend, the charging locker. I booked online, and check-in was a breeze. They doubled as a safe stash spot for merch, sunscreen, and an umbrella.

Saturday – Day One Highlights:

Weather: Hot and sunny

Essential Survival Tool: SOS Food Lab water packs—literally thrown into the crowd like hydrating confetti

Mayday Parade – Vans Right Foot Stage

From their first song, “By the Way,” Mayday Parade had the crowd screaming. Their signature emo heart and honesty brought pure joy—fans jumped, sang, and held onto every word like a memory they didn’t want to let go.

The Aquabats – Vans Left Foot Stage

The beautiful thing about Vans Warped Tour stages is that while waiting by one stage, you would be able to experience another band going on the adjacent stage. While fans gathered for Mayday Parade on the adjacent stage, I found myself pleasantly surprised by The Aquabats. Dressed in blue superhero outfits and launching blow-up toys into the crowd, they brought fun, theatrical energy that had both kids and adults rocking out. A true family-friendly punk party.

Chiodos – Vans Right Foot Stage

Taking over the Vans Right Foot Stage on Day 1 of Warped Tour DC, the band delivered a blistering, emotional set that reminded everyone why they’re still legends in the post-hardcore scene.

Cartel – Ghost Stage

Cartel wasted no time pulling everyone deep into their nostalgic music. As soon as they took the stage, the crowd was instantly transported back to their high school playlists. At one point, the lead singer stepped into the crowd, creating an intimate, chorus-of-old-friends vibe. Their sound was timeless, nostalgic, but still fresh.

Sublime – Vans Left Foot Stage

Sublime brought the ska-punk vibes to Warped like only they can. With two giant inflatable dogs, their set felt like a laid-back backyard party with thousands of fans.

They rolled through “40oz to Freedom,” “What I Got,” and “Doin’ Time,” with the crowd singing every word. It was nostalgic, chill, and full of love—pure Sublime energy from start to finish.

All Time Low – Vans Right Foot Stage

Talk about a showstopper! All Time Low made a grand entrance with a local marching band and colour guard, flags waving, and drums pounding. The energy was electric—constant crowd-surfing, screaming, dancing. Mid-set, they even had fans climb onto friends’ shoulders. They ended with “Dear Maria, Count Me In.” The moment they teased that opening riff, the crowd exploded.

Special guest: Mayday Parade joined them onstage for a collab that had fans losing their minds.

From Ashes to New – Beatbox Stage

From Ashes to New hit the Beatbox Stage like a controlled explosion. Blending rap-rock, metalcore, and high-voltage energy, they drew crowds from all over the festival.

3OH!3 – Ghost Stage

This set was pure chaotic fun. Hands were up in signature “3OH!3” shapes, and the crowd was bouncing to every beat. The background visuals flashed custom memes, symbols, and hilarious brand knockoffs (yes, even Taco Bell). It felt like the inside of a Tumblr gif in the best way.

Machine Gun Kelly – Vans Left Foot Stage

MGK closed out Day One with an emotionally charged set, packed with fan favourites. He debuted his song “Cliché” for the first time live, serenading a young fan in the crowd. One of the most touching moments was when he honoured his late friend Dingo, placing his ashes on the stage and telling him, “You made it to Warped Tour.”

Special guest: Mod Sun joined him during the set.

Vans Warped Tour Day One @ RFK Festival Ground (Washington, DC) on June 14th, 2025

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Sunday – Day Two Highlights:

Weather: Comfortable start, but rain rolled in by afternoon.

Father’s Day: Special mentions and shout-outs throughout the day from many bands.

Phineas & Ferb Experience – Festival Grounds

Phineas & Ferb activation, featuring Dr. Doofenshmirtz (voiced by co-creator Dan Povenmire) and even a life-sized inflatable Perry the Platypus. It was wild seeing so many adults and teens in cartoon hats, singing along to the theme song like it was a punk anthem. (Full review and interview later.)

Boys Like Girls – Vans Right Foot Stage

I only caught part of their set, but oh my god. The energy was undeniable. The crowd was locked in, singing along to every word of “The Great Escape.” One of my biggest regrets was not staying longer, but that’s Warped Tour—you win some, you sprint to others.

Less Than Jake – Vans Left Foot Stage

Walking into the stage area, fans noticed an unexpected sight: a performer on stilts. Was this a circus or Warped Tour? Actually, it was Less Than Jake and true to form, they went all out with this year’s theme for their current tour (“Less Than Jake Summer Circus”). They also had a shark-costumed people unleashing a toilet paper thrower all over the crowd.

Their fun music is an instant party. Warped Tour fans didn’t hesitate to crowd surf and dance.

Less Than Jake attended more Warped Tours than any other band, and it is clear to see why. Their super high-energy performance with fun party vibes, with ska music, is a perfect addition to the daily events. Fan favourites played included “Gainsville Rock City,” “All My Best Friends Are Metalheads,” and even “Animaniacs!”

Boys Like Girls – Vans Right Foot Stage

Boys Like Girls brought all the feels with a set full of fan favourites. “Love Drunk” had the crowd bouncing, and when they played “Two Is Better Than One,” voices filled the air in a massive sing-along.

Bowling for Soup – Beatbox Stage

A fan favourite. They crushed hits like “High School Never Ends,” “Almost,” and “Ohio (Come Back to Texas).” Of course, they also had everyone screaming along to “1985.” Such a fun and feel-good punk rock experience!

Surprise guest: Dan Povenmire appeared on stage in a white lab coat. Bowling for Soup performed the Phineas and Ferb theme song “Today is Gonna Be a Great Day” while beach balls flew and the entire field turned into a cartoon sing-along. So much fun.

Silverstein – Ghost Stage

The crowd ran across the fields to catch Silverstein’s emotionally charged performance. Shane Told encouraged circle pits in both GA and VIP areas—an unusual and thrilling twist. Fans roared to “Smile in Your Sleep” and “Smashed into Pieces,” and the energy stayed high from start to finish. This was post-hardcore catharsis in its truest form.

Simple Plan – Vans Right Foot Stage

Opening with an epic Star Wars-inspired lights and sounds, Simple Plan made their presence known at Warped Tour. People full on bolted across the festival grounds to catch sight of them. Mid-set, the sky opened up. Ponchos flew out. People ran. Others screamed through the rain like a badge of honour. As Simple Plan powered through everyone’s favourites, including “I’d Do Anything,” “Addicted,” and even “Scooby-Doo,” the storm gave it all the drama. You haven’t really done Warped Tour until you’ve screamed along to emo lyrics, soaked to the bone.

Final Thoughts:

Warped Tour DC 2025 was a celebration of music, nostalgia, and community. The core theme across both days? Love, unity, and acceptance. Whether you were a teen, a parent, or a scene kid who never outgrew black nail polish, this place welcomed everyone.

I didn’t see everything. No one could. But what did I experience? Unforgettable. My first Vans Warped Tour became a weekend I’ll be reliving for a long time. Warped Tour 2025 was a dream come true, and I’m already craving next year!

Vans Warped Tour Day Two @ RFK Festival Ground (Washington, DC) on June 15th, 2025

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