When We Were Young Festival to Pause in 2026: “This Isn’t Goodbye, Just a Pause”

Get ready for a breather – When We Were Young Festival takes 2026 off, promising a heartfelt comeback in 2027.

A Beloved Emo Festival Hits Pause

If you’ve ever vibed with the nostalgic rush of emo and pop-punk anthems echoing through the desert, you’ll know the joy that When We Were Young Festival brings every fall. This Las Vegas-based event, which burst onto the scene in 2022, has quickly become a pilgrimage for fans of emo’s golden era. Held at the iconic Festival Grounds, it usually runs as a one-day affair, though fervent demand often stretches it to a second date.

But here’s the bittersweet news: the festival’s organizers have decided to hit pause in 2026. After four unforgettable years lighting up October nights, When We Were Young won’t return this year but promises to come back stronger in October 2027.

The official message shared on Instagram captures this beautifully:

“To our When We Were Young Family, the songs, the memories, the moments – none of it exists without you. 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.
When We Were Young Festival will return to Las Vegas in October 2027.
Thank you for showing up with your whole hearts every year. This isn’t goodbye – it’s just a pause. We’ll see you in 2027.”

The heartfelt tone reminds us that this is less of an ending and more of a well-needed breather — a moment to recharge, rethink, and come back with the same passion fans adore.

Remembering the Epic Lineups

Reflecting on past editions feels like flipping through a cherished scrapbook of emo and punk memories. The festival’s 2025 lineup was a treasure trove of nostalgia, with a standout reunion from Panic! At The Disco performing their landmark album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, in full to celebrate its 20th anniversary. It was the kind of set that sent waves of emotion through the crowd, a perfect homage to a band that shaped so many formative years.

Alongside Panic!, fans were treated to reunions from bands like letlive., Never Shout Never, Jack’s Mannequin, The Cab, and The Gaslight Anthem. The festival didn’t shy away from the classics either, featuring high-energy performances by All Time Low, Yellowcard, The Used, Simple Plan, Taking Back Sunday, Mayday Parade, and The Story So Far.

For those craving something heavier, acts like Alexisonfire, Ice Nine Kills, Motionless In White, Kublai Khan TX, Bad Religion, Beartooth, and Loathe brought the crunch and intensity that kept the festival’s spirit diverse and electric.

A Unique Spin in 2024

The 2024 edition of When We Were Young embraced a fresh and exciting approach to curating its lineup. Instead of just playing crowd favorites, most bands performed entire classic albums, giving fans a deep dive into the records that defined their favorite artists' careers.

Highlights included:

• My Chemical Romance delivering a powerful rendition of their 2006 magnum opus, The Black Parade.
• Jimmy Eat World revisiting Bleed American in all its glory.
• A Day To Remember rocking the crowd with full-album performances of Homesick.
• Dashboard Confessional serenading fans with Dusk And Summer.

This album-focused format transformed the festival into both a concert and a living museum of emo’s finest moments, a treat for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The Rock Festival Landscape: Sick New World’s Rollercoaster

In the broader festival scene, Sick New World—another big name in the rock and alternative festival circuit—has had its share of ups and downs. Starting the year after When We Were Young, it shook things up by canceling its 2025 edition just weeks after announcing its lineup, leaving fans hanging.

However, Sick New World aims to roar back in 2026 with two major events: one at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on April 25 and another at the Texas Motor Speedway on October 24. System Of A Down will headline both happenings, marking a powerful return to the stage.

The Las Vegas lineup boasts a stellar roster including KoRn, Bring Me The Horizon, Evanescence, Marilyn Manson, Ministry, AFI, Knocked Loose, Danny Elfman, Acid Bath, Cypress Hill, Melvins, Mastodon, and Underoath. Meanwhile, the Texas edition boasts giants like Deftones, Slayer (celebrating 40 years of Reign In Blood), The Prodigy, and more.

Why the Break Matters

Taking a hiatus from an event as beloved as When We Were Young might feel like a bummer at first, but it’s a smart move. Festivals like this are massive undertakings, relying on a blend of energy, innovation, and logistical finesse to keep the magic alive. The organizers’ commitment to “give this festival the care it deserves” speaks volumes about their respect for the fans and the community they’ve built.

This pause means they’re investing time to rethink, recharge, and return with an experience that matches or surpasses the electrifying atmosphere fans have come to expect.

Looking Forward to 2027 and Beyond

While 2026 might be a quiet year in the emo festival calendar, fans can rest easy knowing that When We Were Young isn’t disappearing forever. Instead, it’s gearing up for a grand return in October 2027.

It’s the perfect moment to reminisce on all those unforgettable nights — the circle pits, the sing-alongs, the friendships forged under neon Vegas skies — and to dream about new memories waiting just around the corner.

Final Thoughts

The news that When We Were Young Festival is taking 2026 off might feel like a bittersweet chord, but let’s remember: this isn’t goodbye. It’s a promise to come back better, stronger, and with the same heart that’s made it a staple of modern emo culture.

Are you ready to keep the spirit alive and gear up for its epic return?

FAQ

• What is the reason for the 2026 hiatus?
  The festival organizers want to take time to give the event the care and attention it deserves, ensuring future editions are just as special.
• When will When We Were Young Festival return?
  It is set to come back in October 2027 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds.
• Has the festival always been a one-day event?
  Typically, it runs as a one-day event but has often added a second date due to high demand.
• What was special about the 2024 lineup?
  Most bands performed a full classic album from their discography, adding a unique twist to the festival experience.
• How does When We Were Young compare to other rock festivals?
  It focuses heavily on emo and pop-punk, carving out a niche that’s been beloved for its nostalgic and euphoric atmosphere, distinct from festivals like Sick New World which lean into broader rock and metal genres.

Take a stroll down memory lane and celebrate your favorite albums in style—shop your ultimate album cover poster at our store here. It’s the perfect way to keep the festival vibes alive at home.