When We Were Young music festival skipping 2026

Iconic 2000s-era bands will not perform at the annual Las Vegas festival next year.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The annual When We Were Young music festival, which features bands like My Chemical Romance, Blink-182, and Panic! at the Disco, announced it will not be held in 2026. Organizers cited the need to 'give this festival the care it deserves' and ensure the future events 'feel just as special as what came before.' Other major music festivals like Punk Rock Bowling, Boston Calling, and Hangout Fest are also taking 2026 off, promising to return in 2027.

Why it matters

When We Were Young has become one of the most anticipated festivals for fans of 2000s and 2010s rock and emo bands. Its absence in 2026 will disappoint many concertgoers, but organizers hope the break will allow them to come back stronger in the future.

The details

The first When We Were Young festival was held in 2017 in Santa Ana, California, but it has taken place in Las Vegas since 2022. The festival typically features multiple-day events with the same bands performing each day. Past headliners have included My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Blink-182, Green Day, and Panic! at the Disco.

  • The first When We Were Young festival was held in 2017 in Santa Ana, California.
  • When We Were Young has taken place in Las Vegas since 2022.
  • The 2026 When We Were Young festival has been canceled.

The players

When We Were Young

An annual music festival that features iconic 2000s and 2010s rock and emo bands.

Punk Rock Bowling

Another music festival in Las Vegas that is also taking 2026 off.

Boston Calling

A music festival that is skipping 2026 but plans to return in 2027.

Hangout Fest

A music festival that is taking 2026 off before returning in 2027.

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What’s next

When We Were Young, Punk Rock Bowling, Boston Calling, and Hangout Fest have all promised to return in 2027.

The takeaway

The decision by several major music festivals to skip 2026 highlights the challenges of maintaining high-profile events, even for popular festivals. Fans will have to wait an extra year to see their favorite 2000s and 2010s bands perform at When We Were Young, but organizers hope the break will allow them to come back stronger in the future.