WASHINGTON, June 12, 2025 — The Vans Warped Tour, a cornerstone of punk, rock, and alternative music, will return to Washington, D.C., on June 14-15, 2025, marking its 30th anniversary with a two-day festival at the Festival Grounds at RFK Campus. After a six-year hiatus, the iconic event, in partnership with Insomniac, promises a mix of legendary and emerging artists, immersive experiences, and a celebration of music and community.
The 2025 event will feature 70 to 100 bands across genres like punk rock, pop punk, emo, and alternative, blending festival alumni with new talent. The lineup includes headliners Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan, Sublime, Ice Nine Kills, and Yung Gravy, alongside acts like 3OH!3, Bowling for Soup, Dance Hall Crashers, Fishbone, MGK, Origami Angel, Scene Queen, Senses Fail, The Wonder Years, and more. Fans can explore the full roster online to prepare for an epic musical journey.
“People are craving connection, live music, and the raw, unfiltered experience that Warped has always offered,” said Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman. “This return isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about giving a new generation the chance to feel that same sense of belonging and freedom that Warped has always championed.”
The festival, open to all ages, kicks off at 11 a.m. each day at 2500 Independence Ave SE. Attendees can expect classic Warped elements like the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands, nonprofit booths, meet-and-greets, eco-initiatives, and interactive art tents. Vert skating returns with pros performing on the Vans Vert Ramp all weekend, adding to the high-energy atmosphere. GHOST Energy will serve as the official energy and hydration drink partner, enhancing the fan experience.
Ticket options include two-day General Admission passes, priced at $149.98, and VIP passes offering dedicated viewing areas, temperature-controlled restrooms, expedited entry, and a 2025 Compilation CD from Smartpunk. Fans can also rent lockers (8 inches high, 12 inches wide, 18 inches deep) equipped with universal phone chargers for convenience. An Official Ticket Exchange allows secure buying and selling of passes. Presale began October 24, 2024, with D.C.’s event already sold out, though tickets remain available via secondary platforms like StubHub.
Emo Nite presents a “Befores” show on June 13 at Echostage, featuring Boys Like Girls, Four Year Strong, and Girlfriends. “Afters” shows, also at Echostage, include State Champs and Millionaires on June 14, and Sullivan King, From Ashes to New, and a Grave Rave set by Emo Nite on June 15. These performances extend the festival’s pop-punk and emo vibe.
Festival rules prohibit re-entry, non-clear bags, and unauthorized solicitations. E-cigs and hydration packs (with up to two main compartments and one smaller one, empty upon entry) are permitted. A valid photo ID is required for alcohol wristbands for those 21 and older. Parking passes are available for purchase.
Founded in 1995 by Kevin Lyman, the Vans Warped Tour became North America’s longest-running touring music festival, introducing fans to acts like Blink-182, Fall Out Boy, and Paramore. Its 2019 25th-anniversary events were its last before this 2025 revival, limited to three cities: D.C., Long Beach, and Orlando. Lyman told Rolling Stone the smaller scope reflects physical limitations but leaves room for future expansion if successful. The D.C. stop, a nod to the tour’s 1996 Capitol Ballroom show, aims to unite longtime fans and newcomers in a vibrant, community-driven setting.