When We Were Young Festival to Pause in 2026, Returning in 2027

The popular emo and pop-punk festival, When We Were Young, will not be held in 2026, organizers have confirmed. The festival, which began in 2022, will return to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in October 2027.

A Break to Refocus

In a statement posted on Instagram, When We Were Young explained the decision to capture a year off. The festival organizers stated they demand time to ensure future events are as special as previous iterations. “After an unforgettable run in Las Vegas, we’ve decided to take 2026 off to give this festival the care it deserves and to make sure what comes next feels just as special as what came before,” the statement read. When We Were Young Festival

Recent Festival Highlights

The 2025 festival, held October 18 & 19, featured headliners Panic! At The Disco and blink-182. Front Gate Tickets Panic! At The Disco performed their 20th-anniversary set of their debut album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, in full. Blink-182 showcased hits from Enema of the State and Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. Other performers included Weezer, Avril Lavigne, The Offspring, All Time Low, and The Used. Festivawl

The 2024 festival featured a unique approach, with many artists performing entire albums live. My Chemical Romance performed The Black Parade, Jimmy Eat World played Bleed American, and A Day To Remember performed Homesick, among others.

Sick New World Festival Plans

The sister festival, Sick New World, which debuted in 2024, has also announced plans for 2026. After cancelling its 2025 edition, Sick New World will return with two events in 2026: one in Las Vegas on April 25 and another at the Texas Motor Speedway on October 24. System Of A Down will headline both events. The PRP

The Las Vegas Sick New World lineup also includes KoRn, Bring Me The Horizon, Evanescence, and Marilyn Manson. The Texas event will feature Deftones, Slayer (celebrating the 40th anniversary of Reign In Blood), and The Prodigy.