Punk Rock Festival Set to Make Comeback in 2026
After a six-year hiatus, the iconic Vans Warped Tour, a beloved punk rock music festival, is set to make a comeback in 2026. Fans of punk music have reason to celebrate as organizers have officially confirmed the return of this popular traveling music festival. The revival began in 2025 for the festival’s 30th anniversary and was met with great enthusiasm at its locations in Washington, D.C. and Long Beach, CA.
Following the success of the 2025 revival, the Warped Tour will return to the RFK Stadium festival grounds in D.C. on June 13 and 14, 2026, and the Shoreline Waterfront in Long Beach on July 25 and 26, 2026. Ticket sales for the D.C. festival have already begun, and fans in Long Beach can secure their spots through a presale starting on Friday, August 1.
This year’s edition of the festival marked its 30th anniversary and was dubbed the “punk rock summer camp,” bringing back nostalgic memories for attendees. Kevin Lyman, the creator of Warped Tour, hinted that the return of the festival would depend on the reception it received, and based on the overwhelming response, it was deemed a success. The 2025 run is not over yet, with the last stop scheduled in Orlando, Florida on November 15 and 16.
The lineup for the 2025 festival included renowned artists like Avril Lavigne, Bowling for Soup, Ice Nine Kills, Mayday Parade, Four Year Strong, Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), and Sublime. Each location had its own unique set of performers, with Long Beach hosting additional artists like 311 and Jutes.
While many fans enjoyed the revival of the festival, opinions were mixed among attendees. Some expressed disappointment, mentioning that the festival had transformed from a tour to an annual event, similar to Coachella and Electric Daisy Carnival. However, others reminisced about their previous experiences at Warped Tour and appreciated the nostalgia that the 2025 edition brought.
Despite mixed reviews, the legacy of Warped Tour continues to thrive. For fans who may not have had a positive experience this year, there is always hope for a better experience in the future. The punk rock music festival is back on the music scene, promising more memorable moments and performances for punk enthusiasts in 2026.