This weekend, the Warped Tour returns with a celebration of its 30th anniversary.
In it’s original form, the iconic punk fest traveled around the country, leaving a wake of happy (and exhausted) music fans in its wake. This year, Warped changed things up and will instead do three separate festival weekends, each with a unique lineup of artists. The first event, taking place June 14-15 at the festival grounds at RFK Campus in Washington D.C., boasts an impressive collection of acts, including Sublime, Avril Lavigne and Simple Plan. Below, we’re highlighted seven of the performers we can’t wait to see.
In true Warped fashion, we don’t know when these artists will take the stage — the festival famously doesn’t announce set times until show day. Those unable to attend in person can stream performances via Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch starting at 4PM CT on Saturday (June 14) and running through 1AM Monday, June 16.
7 Bands We Can’t Wait to See at Warped Tour Washington D.C.
Jakobs Castle
Yes, the reunited Sublime is also on this lineup. And yes, we will absolutely catch that set as well. Still, we can’t help but be intrigued by Jakobs Castle, the solo project of new Sublime frontman Jakob Nowell (son of Bradley Nowell). While Sublime stays true to their reggae rock roots, Jakobs Castle’s material is more eclectic, with elements of hyperpop, punk and alt rock all mixed together. Jakob has already proven himself a dynamic performer, and this solo project allows him to flex his creative muscles even further. Jakobs Castle also just dropped a super-cool reinterpretation of Sublime’s “Garden Grove”, something of a full-circle moment for the Nowell family.
All Time Low
An engaging stage presence? Check. A reputation for putting on incredible performances? Check again. More than two decades of material to choose from, including an array of timeless pop punk bangers? Big ol’ check. In short, All Time Low has everything you look for in a Warped Tour set. The band also just dropped a new song called “Suckerpunch,” which means we’re likely to see a live debut in DC.
Scowl
We’ve been hyped on Scowl for about three years now and our excitement only seems to increase by the day. With dynamic frontwoman Kat Moss at the helm, this group has become a powerhouse. Their music is fierce, emotional and catchy as hell. Look for us in the front row during their set.
Less Than Jake
The elder statesmen of ska-punk, Less Than Jake still know how to bring it. With nine studio albums – and, most recently, a seven-song EP in 2024 – the band has plenty of incredible material to choose from. We’re hoping the set list includes plenty of early material – “All My Best Friends are Metalheads” and their cover of Cheap Trick’s “Surrender,” please! Regardless of the song choices, we know these guys will be overflowing with energy. Less Than Jake hold the record for Warped Tour appearances having performed on 16 previous editions. We’re guessing round 17 will be even more fun.
The Wonder Years
The Wonder Years are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, which is crazy since they still feel like pop-punk’s best kept secret. To be clear, their deeply relatable lyrics, catchy choruses and phenomenal live shows have earned them a passionate fanbase, and this will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting sets at DC Warped Tour. But it’s about damn time for mainstream America to embrace these guys so they can start selling out amphitheaters.
Machine Gun Kelly
Machine Gun Kelly may be the most polarizing star in rock. Some still hold a grudge for his genre swapping (he famously began his career as a rapper). Others have criticized his songwriting chops and bristled with his attitude. Then there’s the fellow musicians, like Slipknot’s Corey Taylor and All American Rejects’ Tyson Ritter, who have had personal feuds with MGK in the past. But at the end of the day, there’s something about the guy that’s captivating. Whether he’s on stage or sparring with paparazzi, MGK has a presence about him. Throw in the anticipation surrounding his upcoming album, Lost American, and you have all the makings of a must-see Warped Tour set.
Pennywise
It’s not like you need us to tell you to go see Pennywise. They’re fucking Pennywise, one of the fiercest punk acts of the last 30 years. All of the up-and-comers on Warped Tour’s lineup owe a debt to these dudes, who have consistently proven a band can maintain its DIY core while also becoming commercially successful (without going toothless in the process). This set will be an eye-opener for younger fans and artists alike, as Pennywise will surely turn Warped Tour into a blitzkrieg of mosh pits and crowd surfing. Come ready to take notes.
