The celebrated All Things Go Music Festival returned to Merriweather Post Pavilion last weekend, featuring over 30 standout artists across two main stages. Now in its 11th year, the independent festival has expanded beyond its D.C. roots to become a multi-city, internationally streamed celebration of music and community. Following last year’s expansion to New York City, All Things Go is taking another leap with its inaugural Toronto edition, being held this month at the Budweiser Stage.
This year’s festival also enhanced the on-site experience with vibrant brand activations and community partnerships. Fans explored interactive installations and sponsor booths that offered not just free samples, but also meaningful engagement. Garnier set up photo ops, games, and giveaways, while Kandiesworld let festival-goers craft custom kandi bracelets and grab a limited-edition fan, and PETA2’s booth spotlighted animal advocacy and community connection. Immersive art installations and themed experiences added visual flair and surprises around every corner of the festival grounds.
For the first time, fans worldwide could also tune in live through a new partnership with Amazon Music. The D.C. edition streamed on Prime Video and Twitch, featuring full sets from Noah Kahan, The Marías, The Last Dinner Party, and more, finally bringing the Merriweather Post Pavilion energy to a global stage.
Be sure to check out our exclusive interviews with Hazlett, Molly Grace, and The Aces!
FRIDAY
Sunday (1994)
Sunday (1994) opened the Chrysalis stage on Friday afternoon, officially kicking off the All Things Go D.C. weekend with a short yet impactful set. Known for their cinematic dream-pop sound influenced by 90s icons, the trio quickly captivated the crowd with their atmospheric music, featuring dreamy vocals and emotionally layered lyrics. Frontwoman Paige Turner’s sugary-sweet appearance contrasted with the band’s clever and often melancholic storytelling as they performed tracks from their latest EP, Devotion, including “Tired Boy” and “Our Troubles.” One of the standout moments of their performance occurred when Paige held up a protest sign that read, “He’s On The List,” which prompted an eruption of screams from the audience. With their blend of alternative indie, acoustic pop, and synth-rock textures, Sunday (1994)’s whimsical yet emotionally rich performance set a fitting and memorable tone for the weekend, and was the perfect finale to the North American leg of their The Prairie Tour.
The Beaches
The Beaches didn’t waste a second making their mark at the All Things Go festival, lighting up the Chrysalis stage with undeniable energy and charisma. From the opening chords of “Last Girls At The Party,” the band dove headfirst into their set, dancing and shredding with an energy that immediately hooked the growing crowd. Their glam-rock garage-pop sound roared to life, a perfect match for the band’s electric stage presence. Without missing a beat, they rolled into “Touch Myself,” encouraging fans to clap along to the chorus. Frontwoman Jordan Miller paused for a quick check-in. “How’s it going, Columbia? Do we have any singles in the audience?” After a loud wave of cheers, she continued, “Alright, hello honeys! Not too long ago, I was newly single and going through a really bad break-up. But it’s okay, I got a lot of songs out of it, which is cool. It’s good to be alone sometimes! It’s good to spend time by yourself, to get to know yourself.” That sentiment naturally flowed into “Me & Me,” a standout track about self-reflection and independence.
The setlist leaned heavily into fan favorites like “Did I Say Too Much,” “Sorry For Your Loss,” and “Takes One To Know One.” As the band swapped instruments between songs, guitarist Kylie Miller took a moment to connect with the crowd: “What’s up, All Things Go! It’s so cool to be playing this festival – we’ve wanted to play it for a really long time. So, thank you for checking us out. If there’s one thing about us, we love a festival!” The audience fed off the band’s infectious energy the whole way through, and Jordan kept things loose and cheeky: “Are there any bad girls out there today? Alright, I’m going to come find you later,” she teased. As the set neared its finale, Jordan amped up the crowd one last time, urging everyone to scream on her cue before launching into “Blame Brett.” The bandmates jumped and moved across the stage with the same intensity they started with, closing out their performance on a high note. With a final round of gratitude and a flurry of cheers from the audience, The Beaches wrapped their set and left the stage definitely having made more than a few new fans.
Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan closed out a busy first day of All Things Go at the packed Pavilion stage, delivering a headlining set that was equal parts cathartic and electric. Known for his emotionally raw songwriting and unique blend of folk-pop and alternative folk, Kahan brought his signature vulnerability and humor to the forefront throughout the night. Supported by a full band, which also provided background harmonies, the performance was elevated by an intricate stage setup: layered platforms and a woven fabric backdrop created an intimate, cozy mood that echoed the themes of home and nostalgia often found in his lyrics. He opened with “All My Love,” strumming a mandolin while wearing a custom jacket with “All Things Go” embroidered across the back.
Between songs, he peppered in his signature humor. “Can I get a hell yeah! What the fuck is up guys, how we doing? You are all so amazing! My name is Noah Kahan, and I’m here to ruin your evening!” Next, he reflected on returning to the iconic festival, “It’s an honor to be here headlining this festival with so many amazing acts. I want to say thank you so much for waiting to see us. We played this show a few years ago; it was one of the greatest shows of our lives! Feels like tonight is going to be just as fucking good, so let’s get right to it. I’m going to wipe these smiles right off your faces real quick – this next song is called ‘New Perspective.’” Switching to acoustic guitar, he stomped along while stage lights pulsed to the beat. He and his bandmates jumped around the stage, jamming back-to-back as a banjo riff closed out the track – a reminder of Kahan’s ability to bring energetic instrumentation to deeply introspective songs. Next up was “Everywhere, Everything,” which saw the crowd singing along to every word. A bright vocal performance, heavy drums, a quick guitar solo, and a soaring mini-violin solo added dramatic flair. As the lights dimmed and the backdrop glittered, Kahan traded his acoustic for an electric guitar. He joked about getting older and not understanding internet slang, thanked his fans for waiting patiently for his next album (which he revealed is nearly complete, with just two songs left to finish), before delivering a teaser of the unreleased track, “Deny Deny Deny.”
The packed setlist included fan favorites like “Homesick,” “Dial Drunk,” “You’re Gonna Go Far,” and “Orange Juice.” Midway through the performance, he surprised the crowd by stepping onto a mini stage in the center of the venue, surrounded by fans who lit up the space with their phones. For the encore, he returned to the main stage to massive cheers, closing the night with the rousing anthem “Stick Season.” His bandmates moved in unison behind him, and after a final bow, they tossed guitar picks and drumsticks into the crowd. Before departing the stage, Kahan snapped a selfie with the crowd and thanked the audience one last time.
SATURDAY
G Flip
On Saturday, G Flip delivered a standout mid-day performance at All Things Go, firing up the crowd with tracks like “Disco Cowgirl,” “Gay 4 Me,” and “Bed on Fire.” They moved constantly across the stage, singing with power and presence while standing on pink platforms and occasionally playing a drum kit that featured animated LED visuals on the kick drums. Early in the set, G Flip waved a pride flag and called on the audience, “ATG, no matter your sexuality, try singing the words of this chorus with me!” The crowd responded with energy that carried through the entire performance. Introducing a “masc lesbian cover of Taylor Swift” next, they launched into “Cruel Summer,” drumming through the second half while their drummer switched to playing guitar in what was a thrilling display of their genre-blurring style and percussive prowess. Before the final track, G Flip dedicated a love song to the audience. “This song’s a love one, for anyone that’s in love in the audience. And queer especially!” they commented while making a heart with their hands. They closed the set behind the drums on “Worst Person Alive,” expressing their gratitude to the crowd. “My names G Flip – thank you so much for giving me so much loving attention!” Overall, it was a confident, joy-filled set that mixed musicianship, personality, and pride.
The Backseat Lovers
In the early evening, The Backseat Lovers took the Pavilion stage by storm, delivering an hour-long set filled with songs from across their discography. The Utah-based indie rockers, known for electrifying live shows, were greeted with cheers from eager fans as members warmed up their instruments before launching into their intro track, “Know Your Name,” which was heavy on the instrumentals. The whole set was moody, with dark lighting and rolling stage fog, matching their vibe. Soulful vocals and hard-hitting instruments defined “Pool House,” with an emotive guitar solo that truly stood out. The audience sang the chorus a cappella, before the band joined back in to close out the song. Frontman Joshua Harmon greeted the crowd with a quick introduction, “Thank you so much, everyone. We’re The Backseat Lovers!” Lots of guitar riffing, drums, and solos throughout showcased their signature dynamic sound, blending indie rock with hints of alternative folk-rock. Slowing it down a little, they switched to acoustic guitar for the next few tracks. Mid-set, they performed an unreleased track, “Evergreen,” featuring guitarist Jonas Swanson on vocals in an intimate moment that highlighted the group’s versatility and evolving sound. “What a beautiful day for music! Alright, we’re going to play a really old song. Thank you guys again, we got a few more.” Fans cheered loudly when “Kilby Girl” began, a beloved track from their 2019 debut album, When We Were Friends. The audience joined in to sing the chorus as the stage lights turned a deep golden color to finish out the song. They concluded their performance with another older track, “Sinking Ship,” leaving the crowd buzzing from the surge of electrifying instrumentals, layered guitar work, and pounding drums that have become a hallmark of their live shows.
Lucy Dacus
Lucy Dacus brought her Forever Is a Feeling tour to All Things Go D.C., delivering a performance that was both dynamic and emotionally charged. Known for her deeply personal songwriting, Dacus’s set felt like an extension of her lyrical intimacy, connecting directly with the audience. The set unfolded against a stunning backdrop of tall white pillars and elegant graphics, setting a tone that was both grand and intimate. Dacus’s setlist covered much of her Forever Is A Feeling: The Archives album, with fan favorites like “Hot & Heavy,” “Ankles,” “VBS,” and “Best Guess” mixed in. But it was the unexpected moments that stood out; Lucy officiated an on-stage wedding for sixteen couples, turning the show into a celebration of love and connection. After the vows, the couples slow-danced as the audience cheered, making the evening feel like a shared experience rather than just a performance.
The energy peaked during “Night Shift,” when the crowd screamed the lyrics in unison, caught up in the red-lit frenzy. The crowd’s enthusiasm completely overtook Dacus’s vocals, adding to the raw intensity of the moment. One of the night’s biggest surprises came when Dylan Minnette of Wallows joined Dacus for a duet of “Bullseye.” Sitting together on a blue velvet chaise, they took turns delivering parts of the song before the crowd erupted as Minnette harmonized with Lucy, then the two exchanged a warm hug at the song’s end. The evening took another exciting turn when Dacus performed an extended version of “Lost Time,” weaving in a few new lyrics. The crowd lit up the venue with their phone lights, adding a magical touch to the festival atmosphere. Dacus closed with “Forever Is a Feeling,” leaving the crowd with emotions that lingered long after the final notes.
SUNDAY
Peach PRC
Peach PRC brought her unique brand of pop to All Things Go D.C. with a set that was fun, confident, and full of energy. With her signature dreamy vocals and a well-paced setlist, she commanded the stage from the start. Songs like “Blondes,” the catchy and provocative “Sweet n’ Low,” and “Perfect For You” – a nod to Paris Hilton’s Stars Are Blind – had the crowd fully engaged, singing and moving along throughout. Playful, pastel visuals lit up the screen behind her, echoing the aesthetic of her Manic Dream Pixie EP – a project that hit #1 on the ARIA Albums Chart and has earned millions of streams. Her guitarist matched the energy onstage, dancing and jamming through every song, clearly having as much fun as the crowd. One of the memorable segments of her performance was Peach’s pole dancing on a hot pink pole – smooth, controlled, and effortless. It added a bold, theatrical touch to the set and was clearly a fan highlight. She wrapped up the set with “God Is A Freak,” a popular track that had the audience shouting every word. For Peach PRC, this U.S. festival appearance felt like a big step in her rising career. And with a second show the next night at The Atlantis DC, fans got a rare chance to see her twice in one weekend.
Role Model
Role Model kicked off the evening at the Pavilion Stage, stepping out to thousands of cheering fans. Wearing black sunglasses and his acoustic guitar – a signature part of his genre-blending, bedroom-pop style – he launched right into “Writing’s On The Wall,” immediately setting a high-energy tone. The crowd was fully engaged from the start, singing and dancing along. “Look at you, baby! My name is Ed Sheeran, I’m so happy to be here!” he joked before starting his next song, “Look At That Woman.” It was the first of many lighthearted moments during his set, which balanced humor with the emotionally candid lyrics that have become his trademark. Between tracks, he paused to share a message to Lola Young, who had to cancel her set at the D.C. festival after collapsing mid-performance at All Things Go New York. “We love you, Lola! I don’t know her personally, but from my POV, that girl has been working her ass off all year. We’re not machines – we’re going to break at some point. She needs a day off. Well deserved.” His words echoed the mental health themes often found in his own confessional songwriting.
The rest of his set moved smoothly through fan favorites like “The Longest Goodbye,” “Slipfast,” “Some Protector,” and “Old Recliners.” At one point, he forgot a few lyrics, apologized, and laughed it off, keeping the mood light and casual. He also included a crowd-pleasing cover of The 1975’s “Somebody Else,” nodding to the wide range of influences that has shaped his own music. Spotting a fan waving a flag with his face on it, he laughed: “You’re embarrassing me! There are cameras here, okay? This is going to be on Amazon Prime, put that down!” And during a water break, he jokingly shook his hips for the camera and seductively pulled a packet of fruit snacks from his pocket, earning more cheers from the crowd. A standout moment of the performance came during “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.” For this show, he brought out Griff as his “Sally.” Dressed in a red and white mini dress and holding a cup of wine, she joined him for a fun dance moment that ended with them sharing the drink on stage. Although he pretended the show was over when “Sally” departed, he jumped into one last song, “Deeply Still In Love.” The audience sang the chorus back to him as he held out the mic. Before closing out his set, he briefly wore a fan’s embellished cowboy hat then slowly started exiting the stage with all the swagger of a rock star, as his band finished out the final chords.
Doechii
Doechii was one of the most anticipated acts of the weekend, and she didn’t disappoint. Bringing her full Live From The Swamp Tour setup to All Things Go D.C., she transformed the stage into a vibrant, swampy jungle, complete with moving platforms, exotic plants, and a striking tropical backdrop. It was a fitting scene for an artist known for her genre-bending style, combining elements of hip-hop, R&B, electronic, and even punk to create a unique, unpredictable performance. The energy was palpable from the start as Doechii, joined by DJ Miss Milan (who also provided backup vocals), kicked off the show. After a few opening tracks, she greeted the crowd with excitement. “Where the lesbians at? Where the gay boys at? Straight people, we love you too!” she shouted, earning loud cheers in return. “We’re going to have a lot of fun tonight,” she promised.
Doechii quickly launched into “NISSAN ALTIMA,” and the crowd responded with wild energy. She held the mic out to fans, letting them sing along as the lights strobed to the beat. Mid-song, she shed her suit jacket to reveal a denim ensemble underneath and added a playful twerk, keeping the energy high. “Mind if I do a little freestyle?” she asked before spitting fire lines over a stripped-back beat. This moment highlighted her versatility as an artist, effortlessly blending soulful singing with fierce rapping, a hallmark of her dynamic style. Prepping the crowd for the next track, Doechii led them through a call-and-response for “Alter Ego,” turning the festival atmosphere into an intimate club moment for the song. She then shouted out, “I wanna take a second to acknowledge the best community, LGBT-motherfuckin’-Q!,” before diving into “Persuasive,” a slower, funk-infused R&B track that gave her space to dance and connect with the crowd. The night continued to build as Doechii got the crowd jumping for “BOILED PEANUTS” and dropped deep cuts like “BULLFROG” from her first mixtape. After a quick outfit change – this time into white undergarments, tights, and glittery heels – she returned to the stage for “GTFO,” showing off her flexibility and dance moves during “CATFISH.” The crowd was on fire as she got everyone involved in another call-and-response for “Crazy” before delivering a powerful rock version of “Anxiety,” showcasing her impressive vocal range.
The mood lightened as Doechii played a game of “Put a Finger Down” with the crowd, leading into “DENIAL IS A RIVER,” and during “BOOM BAP,” Doechii greeted fans at the barricade, snapping selfies and recording videos with their phones. Just as the audience thought the show was over, Doechii returned for a short, unexpected encore. The strobe lights and high-energy ramped back up as she and DJ Milan performed a cover of Tyler, The Creator’s “Balloon,” with Doechii continuing to interact with fans. “I LOVE YOU!” she shouted, closing out the night with one last wave of pure excitement. Doechii’s performance at All Things Go was a masterclass in energy, inclusivity, and showmanship, proving why she’s one of the most electrifying artists in the game today. With her recent GRAMMY win for Alligator Bites Never Heal and her fearless genre-blending approach, she’s proved she’s a groundbreaking force ready to redefine the future of music.
FINAL THOUGHTS
What started in 2011 as a boutique festival in Washington, D.C., has grown into a nationally recognized platform for innovative talent and an inclusive fan culture. This year, both the D.C. and NYC editions expanded into three-day events, showcasing a dynamic lineup that included artists such as Doechii, Kesha, DJO, Noah Kahan, The Marías, Lucy Dacus, Clairo, Lola Young, Role Model, Wallows, Faye Webster, MARINA, Griff, The Last Dinner Party, Gigi Perez, and many more. At the heart of it all are “The Besties,” the passionate fan community whose spirit of belonging and celebration continues to shape the All Things Go experience.
With past headliners like Billie Eilish, boygenius, Lana Del Rey, Lorde, Laufey, and Mitski, All Things Go has built a reputation for fearless and forward-thinking curation. Equally important is its deep-rooted commitment to inclusivity – championing diversity, uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, and fostering a genuine sense of community. Alongside varied food options, inventive brand pop-ups, and an atmosphere charged with creative energy, the festival offers more than just music; it continues to create a space where expression, identity, and connection takes center stage.
Check out more festival highlights below:
Festival photos courtesy of Respective Collective/John Cotter/Faith Nguyen/Kofi Ansah-Agyei
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