The Vans Warped Tour, a staple of punk rock and alternative music, is making a long-awaited comeback in 2025. After a six-year hiatus, the festival that shaped generations of fans is set to return with a fresh lineup while honoring its legendary past.
A Look Back at Warped Tour
Founded in 1995 by Kevin Lyman, the Warped Tour quickly became synonymous with summer for many music enthusiasts. Initially conceived as a showcase for punk rock, the festival’s lineup evolved over the years to include a diverse array of genres, from ska and pop-punk to metalcore and hip-hop. Its unique blend of music and extreme sports, featuring skateboarding and BMX demonstrations, set it apart from other festivals.
Throughout its run, the Warped Tour served as a launching pad for numerous bands that would go on to achieve mainstream success. Acts like blink-182, Green Day, and Paramore graced its stages early in their careers, solidifying the tour’s reputation as a breeding ground for emerging talent. By 2015, it had earned the distinction of being the largest traveling music festival in the United States and the longest-running touring music festival in North America.
However, in 2018, after 24 years on the road, the Warped Tour announced it would embark on its final cross-country run, citing declining ticket sales and the changing landscape of the music industry. The announcement marked the end of an era, leaving a void in the summer festival circuit– until now.
Warped Tour 2025: Dates and Locations
The 2025 Warped Tour will take place across three weekends in different U.S. cities:
- Washington, D.C. – June 14-15, 2025 (Festival Grounds at RFK Campus)
- Long Beach, CA – July 26-27, 2025 (Shoreline Waterfront)
- Orlando, FL – November 15-16, 2025 (Camping World Stadium Campus)
Who’s Playing?
One of the most anticipated aspects of any festival is its lineup, and the 2025 Warped Tour does not disappoint. The organizers have curated a mix of legacy acts and contemporary artists, ensuring a blend of nostalgia and fresh sounds. Some of the notable performers include:
This selection represents just a fraction of the extensive lineup planned for each weekend, with more artists to be announced as the dates approach.
A New Era for Warped Tour
The return of the Warped Tour in 2025 signifies more than just a series of concerts; it represents the enduring spirit of a community that thrives on music, camaraderie, and underground counterculture. As the festival adapts to contemporary trends while honoring its legacy, attendees can anticipate an event that celebrates both the past and the future of alternative music.
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Warped Tour 2025 is shaping up to be a must-attend event.
Find out more here.
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