If you’re a lover of emo and punk, the When We Were Young Festival is your chance to relive all the nostalgia of the ‘90s and 2000s scene. This festival, hosted at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, brings together iconic pop punk and emo bands while delivering an immersive community experience just steps from the Vegas Strip. For 2025, the excitement is even greater—the festival has expanded to two days, October 18 and 19, after overwhelming fan demand resulted in a sellout of the first date and the addition of a second with the same stacked lineup, as covered in JamBase.
When We Were Young 2025 Lineup & Highlights
This year’s When We Were Young lineup is loaded with legends and fan favorites. Headliners include Panic! At The Disco—performing A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out in full for its 20th anniversary—and Blink-182, revisiting hits from Enema of the State, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, and their self-titled record. You’ll also see major talent like Weezer, Avril Lavigne, The Offspring, The Used, All Time Low, Knocked Loose, Never Shout Never, The Cab, The Rocket Summer, Jack’s Mannequin, and dozens more. As mentioned by Consequence, this impressive reunion of classic emo and pop-punk bands is truly a dream for longtime scene fans. Whether you’re devoted to pop-punk, emo, or a bit of both, there’s a must-see act for everyone.
Curious about the experience? Use the complete When We Were Young Festival Guide for details on lineup, schedule, amenities, and tips for planning your trip.
Festival Schedule & Set Times
The doors open early: music kicks off at 11 a.m. and the last set wraps up around midnight each day. With over 60 bands on the bill, it’s wise to mark your schedule in advance. The When We Were Young Festival is typically scheduled for the third weekend of October, as referenced by Wikipedia, and set times are announced closer to the festival dates, so keep an eye on the official site for updates.
Can’t-Miss Festival SideShows
Festival week includes more than just the main event. Look out for When We Were Young SideShows at Las Vegas venues like Brooklyn Bowl and Area15, featuring artists such as The Story So Far, Story of the Year, The Cab, and more! These smaller pre-events are a perfect warm-up to the festival weekend. See all SideShow tickets here.
Ticket Types and Buying Tips
When We Were Young offers a range of ticket options:
- General Admission (GA):
- Flexible entry with first-come, first-served access to stage areas. Great for fans who want to get close to the performances.
- GA+ and Reserved Seating:
- Added perks like dedicated viewing, extra comfort, and reserved spots in select areas.
- VIP and VIP Cabanas (21+):
- VIP passes deliver exclusive lounge access, elevated viewing, faster entry, premium restrooms, and other luxury amenities. The 21+ VIP cabanas are ideal for groups seeking a high-end experience.
- Payment Plans:
- Layaway payment plans start at just $19.99 down, making festival access more convenient and affordable for all fans.
Official ticket/hotel packages, featuring discounted nearby hotels and exclusive amenities, are available through Jampack for the 2025 fest. According to The Sporting News, tickets have already gone on sale for the official festival dates.
How to Score Tickets
- Purchase single-day and 2-day passes directly here
- Early-bird tickets often sell out quickly; set up alerts for your desired day or package.
- Secure exclusive hotel and ticket packages for added savings and perks.
Venue Information: Las Vegas Festival Grounds
This star-studded event is held at the sprawling Las Vegas Festival Grounds, conveniently located adjacent to the Vegas Strip. The 37–40 acre venue, developed by MGM Resorts International, has a capacity of up to 85,000 people and is purpose-built for music festivals, featuring:
- Space for multiple stages and crowds up to 80,000
- Ample food and retail vendors
- 400 restrooms for your comfort
- A 7.5-acre transportation zone for easy arrival and exit
When you need a breather from the crowd, the Strip’s entertainment, dining, and attractions are just steps away. Details about the venue are supported by Wikipedia.
Getting There & Parking
There’s no designated parking at the festival site, so plan your transport in advance:
- Utilize the Las Vegas Monorail or RTC bus system for fast, affordable access.
- Rideshare/taxi drop-off is at 810 Circus Circus Drive—stick to this official spot for the fastest entry.
- Parking is available in nearby garages and lots along the Strip, with just a short walk to festival gates.
WWWY 2025 Festival Tips & Essentials
- All ages are welcome; VIP cabana pass holders must be 21+
- Lockers are available for daily rental
- Two allowed re-entries per patron, so you can enjoy a Vegas lunch or take a break between sets
- Accessible Viewing platforms ensure everyone can get a great view; visit the Accessibility Services booth for passes
- All staff and attendees undergo security screening and clear bag checks (no tinted/iridescent bags)
- Hydration: Reusable water bottles and hydration packs are encouraged—water stations are plentiful throughout the grounds
Before the fest, review the official festival website for complete entry rules, set times, and lineup updates.
Buying Music Festival Tickets: What You Should Know
When shopping for music festival tickets:
- Start with official outlets like www.ticketsmarter.com and the festival’s website—they offer the most reliable ticket validity and secure entry.
- Early bird and presale deals are typically available for a limited time, so acting fast maximizes your savings.
- For popular festivals that sell out, reputable resale channels on TicketSmarter are your go-to for verified tickets and buyer protections.
- Compare seating options (GA, VIP, Reserved, Lawn) for the best fit—your spot can change your entire festival experience.
- Review delivery methods and ticket types (mobile, PDF, wristband, etc.) so you’re prepared for festival day.
For more tips, visit the WWY Festival Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Music Festival Tickets
What’s the safest place to buy When We Were Young Festival tickets?
You can safely purchase verified When We Were Young tickets and packages directly through TicketSmarter’s festival page or the official festival website. These sources guarantee ticket validity and smooth festival entry.
What ticket types are offered at most music festivals?
Most music festivals—including When We Were Young—offer General Admission, GA+, Reserved, VIP, and VIP Cabana tickets. Some also offer lawn seating or exclusive fan zones. Each tier has specific amenities, so review your options on the festival or TicketSmarter lineup page.
Are payment plans available for festival tickets?
Yes! For 2025, you can secure your spot at the festival with layaway plans starting at only $19.99 down. This makes it easier to budget for your ticket and travel—simply check out as normal and select the payment plan at checkout on TicketSmarter or the official festival platform.
How do I find affordable tickets for popular music festivals?
Look for early bird or presale offers, which are generally the most affordable. Subscribe to festival and event alert lists—like those on TicketSmarter—to never miss limited-time sales or discount periods. Also, explore payment plans and packaged deals for savings on major events.
What’s the best timing to purchase music festival tickets for maximum savings?
Buying as soon as tickets go on sale (during official presales or early bird launches) is typically the best strategy for the lowest prices. Some fans also find last-minute resale deals as event dates approach, but availability isn’t guaranteed for sellout festivals like When We Were Young.
Can I find tickets for sold-out music festivals on resale platforms?
Absolutely—verified resale platforms like TicketSmarter offer secure options for fans when primary tickets are no longer available, often with price comparisons and ticket protections included to help you shop confidently.
Ready to rock out with your favorite bands?
Lock in your When We Were Young Festival tickets or secure your 2-day pass and experience the emo/punk party of the year. Check out side events, plan your trip, and see you in Las Vegas!
Author: TicketSmarter Editorial Team
Last updated: October 24, 2025
