For decades, Vans Warped Tour has been a cornerstone in the world of alternative rock, punk, and metal. Founded by Kevin Lyman in 1995, the festival became a launching pad for both established and emerging artists, shaping the culture of music fans across generations.
After going on hiatus in 2018, the iconic touring festival made a triumphant return this year—marking its final run with a trio of shows that brought its energy and legacy back to life.
The tour kicked off in Long Beach, California, on July 25–26, continued in Washington, D.C., in mid-June, and wrapped up this weekend in Orlando, Florida, where thousands of fans gathered for one last celebration. This year’s return feels especially meaningful, honoring the community and culture that made Warped Tour an institution. More than a concert, the festival has always been a gathering place for fans from every background to come together—moshing, discovering new artists, and embracing a spirit of inclusion. As one fan said, “No matter how different we may look, at Warped Tour, we’re all family.”
The Home Team Kicks Off Day 1 With Energy and Heat
Day 1 opened with a high-energy performance from The Home Team, whose mix of heavy pop and bright melodies drew one of the largest early crowds of the afternoon. Fans packed the barricade under the intense Florida sun, many seeing the band live for the first time.
We chatted with the group shortly after their set, and they described the performance as a milestone moment:
“It was awesome playing today. It was definitely the most people we’ve ever played to in our lives. It was really HOT — we went on at 3 — but it’s honestly a dream-come-true type of stuff. It’s very cool to be invited here. It was an amazing day.”
Their early-afternoon set set the tone for the high-energy day that followed.
Anberlin Brings Nostalgia Home to Florida
Florida natives Anberlin took the stage early in the afternoon, performing to a massive crowd eager for a dose of nostalgia. Their soaring vocals and emotional anthems made their performance feel both familiar and electric—another reminder of how deeply this band is tied to the state’s music scene.
Black Veil Brides Keep the Momentum Going
Black Veil Brides delivered one of the most theatrical sets of the day, with fans erupting at every breakdown and chorus. Their mix of aggressive guitar work and dark, dramatic visuals added a unique layer to the Day 1 lineup.
From Ashes to New Fires Up the Mid-Day Crowd
One of the heaviest mid-day crowds gathered for From Ashes to New, whose blend of rap-rock, metalcore, and electronic hooks kept the energy high. Their set drew huge engagement across the stadium floor as fans shouted every lyric back at the band.
Not Enough Space Connects Deeply With Fans
Emerging heavy band Not Enough Space delivered a standout performance early in the afternoon, pulling fans in with their emotional intensity and tight, modern sound.
We caught up with the band during the event, and they shared which songs resonate most with them and with fans:
“Personally, the songs we hold close to our heart would be ‘Primitive’ and ‘Solace in Silence.’ We consider those ‘Not Enough Space-core’ songs, and we have the most heart-to-heart moments with the crowd to those songs.”
Their set proved why they’re quickly becoming one of the rising names to watch.
Head Automatica Turns Up the Energy
Head Automatica brought a different flavor to the lineup with their eclectic, high-energy sound. Their performance kept the afternoon crowd moving and added a unique dynamic to the festival’s variety.
Speaking with Daryl after the show, he told us:
“We’ve opened for many things in our life I tend to open more than anything. I mean, I love it. I was spaced out that we were opening — and for opening, that set was just CRAZY!”
His excitement matched the crowd’s response — a perfect fit for the Warped Tour energy.
The Devil Wears Prada Delivers a Powerful Return
The Devil Wears Prada took the stage later in the day, drawing one of the largest crowds outside of the headliner. Their heavy, emotional sound filled the stadium as longtime fans screamed every lyric.
During the event, we spoke with the band about returning to the festival that helped launch their career. They shared:
“It’s awesome to be back at Warped Tour. So much of our life and our career is because of Warped Tour and Kevin Lyman, and playing that festival for so many years — so it feels great to be back.”
Their performance captured exactly why the band remains a cornerstone of the metalcore scene.
Slaughter To Prevail Unleashes One of the Day’s Wildest Sets:
One of the most intense reactions of the day belonged to Slaughter To Prevail, whose brutal breakdowns, guttural vocals, and relentless energy had the crowd in a frenzy from the first song. The pits were some of the biggest of the day, and fans came prepared.
The Ghost Inside Inspires the Crowd:
Known for their story of resilience, The Ghost Inside delivered a powerful set that connected deeply with fans. Their performance was both emotional and explosive, reminding the crowd why the band remains such a significant force in modern heavy music.
Wage War Represents Florida With a Crushing Set:
Florida’s own Wage War closed out one of the late-day slots, delivering precision, heavy riffs, and massive crowd engagement. Their home-state reception was loud, enthusiastic, and well earned.
Falling In Reverse Closes Day 1 With a Thunderous Headline Performance:
The headliner for Day 1, Falling In Reverse, delivered one of the most anticipated sets of the entire weekend. With massive production, huge visuals, and a crowd that roared with every song, their performance was a fitting finale for the first night of Warped Tour Orlando.
Their momentum kept the stadium shaking until the final note.
A Legacy That Lives On
As the sun set on Camping World Stadium and fans poured out after a full day of music, it was clear that the spirit of Warped Tour lives on. Whether it was someone’s first Warped Tour or their tenth, Day 1 delivered everything the festival has always promised—community, chaos, connection, and unforgettable performances.