Vans Warped Tour is Coming Back in 2025

Fans of the Vans Warped Tour can rejoice—the iconic punk-rock festival is making a return in 2025. Known for its high-energy shows and lineup of both well-known and up-and-coming artists, the Warped Tour has long been a staple in the world of punk, rock, and alternative music. After its last nationwide tour in 2018, and a brief return for its 25th anniversary in 2019, the festival is gearing up to celebrate its 30th anniversary in a big way.

The Return of a Music Icon

The Vans Warped Tour first launched in 1995 and quickly became the go-to summer music festival for punk and alternative rock fans. Founded by Kevin Lyman, the festival traveled across the country for years, hosting performances in cities from coast to coast. In 2018, the Warped Tour embarked on what was called its final nationwide run, and it seemed like the end of an era for the festival’s dedicated fans. However, 2025 marks a new chapter as the festival returns for a limited run in three major cities.

Lyman, who has been at the helm of the festival since its inception, hinted at the reason for bringing Warped Tour back. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he shared his desire to see someone take the festival concept and improve upon it. “Since 1997, I said I was hoping that there was some kid in a garage that was going to come out and kick Kevin Lyman’s ass someday, and put on a better festival,” he said. But no one has yet answered that call, so Lyman decided to bring back Warped Tour himself. He believes the time is right, especially since fans have expressed just how much the festival meant to them after it was gone. “People start remembering once something’s gone that it was important, it was fun—and I’m hoping to recapture a lot of that again,” he added.

Three Cities, Two-Day Shows

Warped Tour 2025 will be a bit different from the festival’s past cross-country tours. Rather than traveling to dozens of cities, this time the festival will hit just three major locations. The tour will begin in Washington, D.C., at the RFK Campus on June 14 and 15, 2025. From there, it will head to Long Beach, California, at the Shoreline Waterfront for shows on July 26 and 27. The final stop will be in Orlando, Florida, at the Camping World Stadium Campus on November 15 and 16. Each stop will feature two full days of performances, giving fans plenty of opportunities to see their favorite bands.

When asked why the festival is limiting its stops to just three cities, Lyman explained that it’s partly due to the physical demands of touring. “My body won’t take riding around on a tour bus for 40 cities,” he admitted. However, Lyman also left the door open for the possibility of expanding the festival in the future if the 2025 edition is a success. “If it works, we’ll look to the future to do more,” he said, offering hope that this might not be the last we see of Warped Tour.

A Diverse Lineup

One of the most exciting parts of any Warped Tour is the lineup, and 2025 promises to deliver a mix of both old favorites and new artists. While the official lineup hasn’t been announced yet, Lyman has hinted that fans can expect a balance between iconic bands from the festival’s past and fresh, emerging talent. “We’re getting very, very selective in trying to find some unique twists to the lineup,” Lyman said, adding that there will be between 70 and 100 bands performing at each stop.

In the past, Warped Tour has hosted a wide range of acts, from punk legends like Blink-182, Green Day, and Fall Out Boy to pop-punk favorites like Paramore and Simple Plan. Even pop stars like Katy Perry have taken the stage at Warped Tour, showcasing the festival’s ability to blend genres and bring together different kinds of music fans. Bands like Less Than Jake and Simple Plan have become Warped Tour regulars, with more than 10 appearances each over the years. Fans are eagerly waiting to see which bands will be part of the 2025 lineup, and whether any surprises are in store.

What to Expect in 2025

Warped Tour 2025 is shaping up to be a must-attend event for fans of punk, rock, and alternative music. The decision to limit the tour to three cities means that each stop will be packed with performances, giving attendees a festival experience that’s concentrated but still full of energy. With two days of shows in each city, fans will have plenty of opportunities to see their favorite bands and discover new ones.

While the lineup is still under wraps, the promise of a mix of classic Warped Tour acts and new talent ensures that there will be something for everyone. Whether you’ve been attending Warped Tour for years or are planning to go for the first time, 2025 offers a chance to experience the festival’s unique vibe and musical diversity.

Conclusion

The Vans Warped Tour’s return in 2025 is an exciting development for music lovers. As it celebrates its 30th anniversary, the festival is bringing back the same energy and excitement that made it a cultural phenomenon in the first place. With its limited stops, diverse lineup, and the possibility of future tours, Warped Tour 2025 is set to remind fans why it became such an iconic event in the first place. Get ready to lace up your Vans sneakers and relive the magic of Warped Tour once again.