It’s time to unleash your emo nostalgia this summer, All Your Friends Fest returns for the second time ever this Canada Day weekend (June 28th to June 29th).
This year’s lineup is packed with artists you probably first discovered on your iPod Touch. From pop-punk royalty to underrated gems, here are five acts you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
#1 Avril Lavigne
When and Where They’re Playing: Sunday, June 29th at the Main Stage (9:30 PM – 11:00 PM)
Similar Artists: P!nk, Paramore, Halsey
Listen: “Sk8ter Boy,” “I’m With You,” “Complicated”
The queen of pop-punk and one of the best-selling Canadian artists of all time, Avril Lavigne helped define a generation of angst and coming-of-age anthems. With a career spanning over two decades, eight GRAMMY nominations, and record-breaking hits like “Girlfriend,” Lavigne’s set promises both nostalgia and high-spirited energy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just ready to scream along to all of her huge hits, this is the main stage moment of the weekend.
#2 Boys Like Girls
When and Where They’re Playing: Saturday, June 28th at the Main Stage (5:55 PM – 6:55 PM)
Similar Artists: Yellowcard, The All-American Rejects, We The Kings
Listen: “Love Drunk,” “The Great Escape,” “Thunder”
From sweaty basements to global tours, Boys Like Girls emerged from Boston’s pop-punk scene and rocketed straight to the top of the charts. Their 2006 self-titled debut “Boys Like Girls” and 2009 follow-up “Love Drunk” became emo-pop staples, with hits like “The Great Escape” and “Two Is Better Than One” (featuring Taylor Swift) soundtracking the lives of countless teenagers. After a years-long hiatus and major success behind the scenes, Boys like Girls are officially back and here to stay. Expect a heart-thumping set that proves exactly why they remain one of the most beloved bands from the 2000s scene.
#3 Simple Plan
When and Where They’re Playing: Sunday, June 29th at the Main Stage (7:50 PM – 8:50 PM)
Similar Artists: Good Charlotte, Sum-41, Bowling For Soup
Listen: “Addicted,” “I’m Just A Kid,” “Perfect”
From their 2000s rise all the way to viral TikTok trends, Simple Plan have always known how to keep a generation singing (and sobbing) along. Hailing from Montreal in 1999, the iconic pop-punk band has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, performed at the 2010 Olympics, and dropped relatable anthems about feeling like an outsider, growing up, and heartbreak. After more than 20 years together, they’re still delivering super heartfelt performances that make you feel like a teenager in the early 2000s all over again.
#4 The Veronicas
When and Where They’re Playing: Saturday, June 28th at the Second Stage (7:00 PM – 7:45 PM)
Similar Artists: Michelle Branch, Ashlee Simpson, Fefe Dobson
Listen: “4ever,” “Untouched,” “When It All Falls Apart”
Australian twin duo The Veronicas burst onto the scene in 2005 with a grungy aesthetic, earworm hooks, and anthems that hit you right in the teen angst (hello, their feature on She’s The Man). Dubbed “the ultimate queer pop-punk trailblazers” by Rolling Stone, The Veronicas’ music explores themes of queer culture, rebellion, and vulnerability — helping shape a generation of alt-pop stars to come. With almost two decades of hits under their belt (and a new documentary and music on the way), their set is guaranteed to be one of the most cathartic scream-alongs of the weekend. Personally, I cannot wait to hear those iconic opening synths of “Untouched,” and you can catch me aggressively head banging on the day of.
#5 Faber Drive
When and Where They’re Playing: Saturday, June 28th at the Second Stage (2:45 PM – 3:15 PM)
Similar Artists: The Click Five, Secondhand Serenade, Cartel
Listen: “Tongue Tied,” “Second Chance,” “When I’m With You”
If you had a side-swept bang, listened to Canadian radio, or had a MySpace profile in 2007, chances are you already know at least three Faber Drive songs. With their insanely catchy hooks, emotional lyrics, and polished pop-punk sound, the British Columbia band delivered radio staples like “Tongue Tied” and “When I’m With You” — and even went double platinum with “Get Up and Dance” (fun fact: it was recorded in a barn). Now, with over 75 million Spotify streams and a new EP, Faber Drive is embracing their evolution while still giving every reason to belt along like it’s your high school grad party.
It’s shaping up to be a super fun weekend at All Your Friends Festival! Head over to their website for more information.
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