Everyone’s favorite festival, When We Were Young, took over the Las Vegas Festival Grounds for the fourth year in a row on October 18 and 19. Once again, it proved that music and nostalgia are the ultimate unifiers.
As soon as doors opened, fans flooded in, decked out in everything from elaborate A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out-inspired outfits to chunky Demonias and MySpace-era staples, racing to claim barricade spots for their favorite artists. And who could blame them, with a lineup this stacked?
The day kicked off with a bang as East Nashville rockers Her Leather Jacket opened the festival. The early hours brought a whirlwind of scheduling conflicts between beloved veterans and promising newcomers alike, including The Summer Set, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and The Amity Affliction. The Allianz Stage in particular hosted a stellar run of performances: Arms Length drew in old and new fans with brutally honest lyrics and magnetic stage presence, followed by Taylor Acorn, whose high-energy, relatable anthems kept the crowd buzzing. As the day got heavier, Drain and Don Broco kept the momentum going with some of the first circle pits of the weekend.
A true highlight of the afternoon was The Cab’s triumphant hometown return on the Ghost Stage. After a decade-long hiatus, the Las Vegas natives celebrated their comeback with a new EP and a set that sent waves of nostalgia through the crowd. Fans sang every word to classics like “One of THOSE Nights” and “Angel With a Shotgun,” their excitement echoing across the grounds.
Several artists also used their massive platforms to speak out against injustice. Cove and K of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus opened their set by spray-painting “NO KINGS” onto a flag, The Used unveiled a “Freedom for Palestine” banner mid-set, and Noodles of The Offspring sported a “No Kings” shirt as well.
One of the best things about When We Were Young is that there’s truly something for everyone. The mid-afternoon lineup offered a diverse mix across the rock spectrum. Simple Plan brought a pop-punk party to the 7-Eleven Stage, running through hits like “I’d Do Anything,” “I’m Just a Kid,” and, of course, “What’s New Scooby-Doo?” complete with a stage full of Scoobys. Right next door, hardcore heavyweights Knocked Loose unleashed one of the loudest, most ferocious sets of the day on the Pink Stage. Meanwhile, the Ghost Stage hosted a powerhouse double feature: The Gaslight Anthem followed by punk legends Bad Religion.
Beyond the music, the festival grounds were packed with engaging activations, delicious food, and creative pop-ups. Panic! at the Disco transformed their space into a mini circus with stilt walkers and photo ops, while And Destroy Coffee served lattes inspired by fan-favorite bands like Weezer and Simple Plan. Festival sponsor 7-Eleven handed out free mini Slurpees to lines that wrapped around the grounds, and Sick New World teased its sister festival with a grungy photo set.
As the sun set and the desert heat finally eased, the energy only grew. Taking Back Sunday kept the crowd’s spirits high with a nostalgia-fueled singalong set featuring “A Decade Under the Influence,” “The One,” and the iconic “MakeDamnSure.” Decades later, the band remains in top form with sets that are just as lively and engaging as ever.
Then came two of the festival’s biggest names: Weezer and Blink-182. You can’t go wrong with either, even though their styles couldn’t be more different. Weezer delivered a set packed with hits and deep cuts, with Rivers Cuomo playfully declaring, “You just got Weezered!” Meanwhile, Blink-182 mixed in fan favorites and early-album tracks, their signature banter keeping fans laughing between songs. The back-to-back sets were a dream for rock fans – a rare, unforgettable double feature.
After fiery performances from I Prevail and Motionless In White, the night built toward its most anticipated moment: Panic! at the Disco’s reunion. Fans buzzed with speculation—Would Ryan Ross return? What would the set look like? Which songs would make the cut beyond the full performance of A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out?
When Panic! finally took the stage, it was as if no time had passed. Brendon Urie’s vocals were in top form, supported by a stunning band complete with strings and horns. Some songs hadn’t been performed live in nearly two decades, making the moment all the more special. After finishing A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out in full, Panic! continued with favorites like “This Is Gospel” and “Nine in the Afternoon,” closing with “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” featuring former drummer Spencer Smith, performing with the band for the first time since 2013.
Once again, When We Were Young proved why it’s one of the most beloved festivals on the circuit. From the moment the gates opened to the final note of the night, every second was filled with music, community, and pure joy. It’s a vivid reminder of the power of live music, and we already can’t wait to do it all again next year.
