When We Were Young Festival: A Fan's Guide

If you ever had a MySpace Top 8, When We Were Young festival probably made you scream a little when the first poster dropped. It's the Las Vegas festival that packs the biggest emo, pop punk, post-hardcore and scene bands of the 2000s onto one bill, and turns a desert festival ground into the biggest emo night on the planet.

Here's what fans should know, from its short but wild history to how to actually enjoy a day in the desert in skinny jeans.

What When We Were Young is

When We Were Young (fans just say WWWY) is a big outdoor festival in Las Vegas built around nostalgia for the emo and pop punk era. The lineups lean on the bands that ruled Warped Tour, MTV and your 2006 iPod, alongside some newer acts who grew up on that sound.

The festival is known for:

Huge reunion and nostalgia sets, sometimes with bands playing a classic album from start to finish.
Deep lineups, with dozens of bands spread across several stages, so you get headliners and the cult favorites you forgot you loved.
A crowd in full costume, from Hot Topic-era scene looks to people dressed as specific album covers.

A quick history

The Las Vegas version launched in October 2022. It was first announced as a single day with My Chemical Romance and Paramore headlining. The poster went viral (people joked it looked like someone's teenage bedroom wall), demand was massive, and more days were added.

The first day of that debut weekend was canceled shortly before doors opened because of high winds, which became an instant festival legend. The remaining days went ahead.

From 2023 to 2025 it ran as a two-day weekend each October at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. The 2025 edition was headlined by Blink-182 and Panic! at the Disco, with Panic! playing a one-off reunion show.

The 2026 pause

In February 2026, the organizers announced that When We Were Young would skip 2026 and return to Las Vegas in October 2027. They called it a pause, not a goodbye. So if you've been planning, you've got time to build the perfect outfit. Keep an eye on the festival's official accounts for 2027 news.

Planning your trip

When it happens

WWWY has always been held in October. That's a good time to be in Las Vegas, but desert weather is no joke.

Days can be warm and very sunny. The festival grounds are wide open, with not much natural shade.
Nights cool off fast. A hoodie that seemed silly at noon will feel genius at 11 p.m.
Wind happens. Ask anyone who was there in 2022.

Getting there and staying

Las Vegas is easy to reach by plane or a road trip, and the festival grounds are near the Strip. Book your room early, because a festival weekend fills hotels fast. Rideshare pickup after the headliner can be slow, so agree on a meeting point with your group before the last set.

Check the official rules

Every year has its own bag policy, re-entry rules and list of what you can bring in. Read the official FAQ before you pack, so your favorite giant backpack doesn't get turned away at the gate.

What to wear

This is the fun part. WWWY is basically the world's biggest emo costume party, and nobody is too much.

Outfit ideas that people love:

Classic 2000s emo: tight band tee, skinny jeans, studded belt, wristbands, side fringe. Our emo outfits guide has more.
Full scene: teased neon hair, bright colors, animal prints, cartoon accessories. Think MySpace profile picture, but in daylight.
Pop punk summer camp: shorts, Dickies, a beat-up band shirt and checkered Vans.
Album cover cosplay: groups dressing as a whole band or a famous album cover always get photographed.

Make it desert-proof

Shoes you've already broken in. You'll walk miles between stages.
Sunscreen and sunglasses. Eyeliner doesn't block UV.
Setting spray if you're going heavy on makeup, because sweat is undefeated.
A light layer for the evening.
Earplugs. Reusable musician's earplugs keep the sound clear and save your ears for the next show.
A refillable water bottle if the rules allow it. Drink water all day.

How to get the most out of the day

Plan your clashes. With so many bands, two favorites will play at the same time. Pick your must-sees and make peace with the rest.
Catch the early sets. Some of the best surprises happen in the afternoon, when smaller crowds mean you can get close.
Pick a landmark. Phone signal can be bad at big festivals. Choose a fixed spot to regroup if anyone gets lost.
Be a good pit neighbor. If someone falls, pick them up, and keep an eye out for smaller people near the edge.
Talk to people. Everyone is there for the same reason, and "what's your all-time favorite album?" works on literally anyone. More tips in how to make friends at concerts.

Who to go with

WWWY is way more fun with a crew. If your friends don't share your love of 2000s emo, that's where online alt communities come in. On Alt Chat you can find emo and pop punk fans, join group chat rooms and trade favorite bands before you ever meet up. Lots of festival friendships start with a "wait, you love that band too?"

If you're meeting someone from online at a festival, keep it simple: meet in a busy spot, tell a friend your plans, and keep your phone charged.

Can't wait until 2027?

The good news is that the emo comeback is everywhere. While WWWY takes its break, you can:

Hit an emo night. Touring DJ parties and local nights play the same hits all year. Here's how to find an emo night near you.
Catch the bands on tour. Many WWWY regulars still tour constantly.
Try another festival. Riot Fest in Chicago, Slam Dunk in the UK and plenty of other rock festivals book emo and pop punk bands. Our best metal festivals guide covers the heavier side.

The emo revival didn't stop because one festival took a year off. Keep the eyeliner handy.

FAQ

Is When We Were Young happening in 2026?

No. In February 2026 the organizers announced they were taking 2026 off and that the festival would return to Las Vegas in October 2027. Follow the festival's official channels for news on dates and tickets.

Where is When We Were Young festival held?

It has been held every October since 2022 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Las Vegas, Nevada. It's an outdoor site, so you're out in the desert sun during the day.

What should I wear to When We Were Young?

Your best 2000s emo, scene or pop punk outfit, made practical. Think band tee, comfortable broken-in shoes, layers for the cool desert night and sunscreen on every bit of skin that isn't covered in eyeliner.

Who has headlined When We Were Young?

The first Las Vegas edition in 2022 was headlined by My Chemical Romance and Paramore. In 2025 the headliners were Blink-182 and Panic! at the Disco, which played a one-off reunion show.