A woman on someone’s shoulders at the When We Were Young festival

Your Guide to When We Were Young 2023

The When We Were Young festival is an annual celebration of music and nostalgia that brings together a diverse range of artists from various genres to create a truly unforgettable experience. This festival holds a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts and fans who long for a taste of the past. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant sounds of the 90s and 2000s, When We Were Young captures the essence of a bygone era while providing a modern twist.

At the When We Were Young festival in Las Vegas, NV, festival-goers can expect to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of musical genres, including alternative rock, indie pop, punk, and grunge. The lineup showcases iconic bands and artists who defined the sound of a generation, as well as up-and-coming acts who draw inspiration from the nostalgic era. From powerhouse headliners that dominated the charts to beloved cult favorites, the festival curates a diverse and exciting mix of performers that appeal to a broad spectrum of musical tastes.

What really attracts festival-goers to When We Were Young is the opportunity to relive cherished memories and bask in the collective energy of the crowd. The festival offers a unique and nostalgic atmosphere that transports attendees back in time, allowing them to rediscover the music that shaped their youth. The shared love for the music creates an incredible sense of camaraderie among attendees and fosters a vibrant and inclusive community.

When We Were Young Lineup

Headliners:

Saturday, October 21

  • Green Day
  • blink-182
  • The Offspring
  • 30 Seconds to Mars
  • All Time Low
  • Rise Against
  • Simple Plan
  • Good Charlotte
  • Yellowcard
  • Pierce the Veil
  • Sum 41
  • Gym Class Heroes
  • New Found Glory
  • The Veronicas
  • Relient K

Sunday, October 22

  • My Chemical Romance
  • Paramore
  • Fall Out Boy
  • The Used
  • A Day to Remember
  • The Maine
  • Dashboard Confessional
  • Mayday Parade
  • Taking Back Sunday
  • The All-American Rejects
  • Knuckle Puck
  • Waterparks
  • State Champs
  • The Story So Far
  • Boys Like Girls
  • Simple Plan

Other Notable Acts:

  • 3OH!3
  • AFI
  • Atreyu
  • Bad Religion
  • Black Veil Brides
  • Bowling for Soup
  • The Cab
  • Escape the Fate
  • Hawthorne Heights
  • Less Than Jake
  • Motion City Soundtrack
  • My Chemical Romance (DJ Set)
  • The Starting Line
  • Starting Line band
  • The Used
  • Used band
  • Zebrahead

Tips for Attending When We Were Young

When We Were Young can seem like a huge undertaking, but we will make it simple. Here are some tips for having the best time possible at the festival:

  • Get there early. The festival grounds open at 11 am, but if you want to get a good spot at the front of the stage, you’ll want to be there well before that.
  • Pack light. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so you don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy backpack. Bring only the essentials, like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle, and a small bag for your belongings.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of standing and walking, so make sure you wear shoes that will keep your feet comfortable. Sneakers or boots are a good choice.
  • Stay hydrated. It’s going to be hot, so make sure you drink plenty of water. There will be water stations throughout the festival grounds, but you may want to bring a refillable water bottle.
  • Bring sunscreen. The sun can be strong, so make sure you apply sunscreen before you head to the festival.
  • Be prepared for the crowds. This is a popular festival, so expect the crowds to be large. Be patient and respectful of other people.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go. If it’s going to be hot, you may want to bring a cooling towel or a misting fan.
  • Have fun! This is a festival to celebrate your love of music, so let loose and have fun!

How to Get When We Were Young Tickets

Tickets for the When We Were Young Festival are currently sold out. However, you can sign up for the waitlist on the festival’s website. If tickets become available, you will be notified.

Here are the steps on how to sign up for the waitlist:

  1. Go to the When We Were Young Festival website.
  2. Click on the “Tickets” tab.
  3. Click on the “Waitlist” button.
  4. Enter your name, email address, and phone number.
  5. Click on the “Submit” button.

You will be notified by email if tickets become available.

Here are some other places where you might be able to find tickets:

  • Resale websites. Several websites sell tickets to concerts and festivals. You can try searching for tickets on websites like StubHub, Vivid Seats and TicketLiquidator.
  • Social media. You can also try searching for tickets on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. People who are selling tickets will often post about them on these platforms.

Friend or family member. If you know someone who is planning on attending the festival, you can ask them if they are willing to sell their tickets to you.

A group of people camping in GoCamp rental campervans near the When We Were Young music festival

Where to Stay

There are a few campgrounds near the When We Were Young Festival grounds. Here are a few of the most popular options:

  • Camping World Resort/Red Rock Canyon: This campground is located about 15 minutes from the festival grounds. It has a variety of campsites, including RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. There is also a pool, hot tub, laundry facilities and a game room.
  • Spring Mountain Ranch State Park: This campground is located about 20 minutes from the festival grounds. It has a variety of campsites, including RV sites, tent sites, and group sites. You’ll also find several amenities, such as a pool, hiking trails and a visitor center.
  • Gemini Springs RV Resort: This campground is located about 30 minutes from the festival grounds. It has a variety of campsites, including RV sites, tent sites and cabins. It also offers a pool, hot tub, laundry facilities and a game room.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, you can also camp in the National Forest. There are many National Forests near the festival grounds, including the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area and the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Please note that camping spots can fill up quickly, so it is important to book your spot in advance. You can book campsites online or call the campground directly.

If you don’t have your own camper, rent one! GoCamp helps you find a camper van for rent and take it anywhere you want. Rent amazing camper vans at affordable prices, and don’t miss the opportunity to camp for When We Were Young.

What to Pack

Now that you have your tickets and a place to stay, what do you pack?

  • Comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you wear shoes that will keep your feet comfortable. Sneakers or boots are a good choice.
  • Sunscreen. The sun can be strong, so make sure you apply sunscreen before you head to the festival.
  • Hat and sunglasses. These will help protect you from the sun.
  • Water bottle. You’ll need to stay hydrated, so bring a refillable water bottle.
  • Snacks. There will be food vendors at the festival, but you may want to bring some snacks to save money.
  • Portable charger. Your phone will die quickly at a festival, so bring a portable charger to keep it going.
  • First-aid kit. Just in case you need it.
  • Rain gear. It’s always a good idea to pack rain gear, even if the forecast is calling for sunny skies.
  • Camping gear. If you are camping, you will need to pack all of your camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and cooking supplies. But remember, when you rent a camper van from GoCamp, all the essentials are included (bedding, cookware, dishware, camp chairs and more).
  • Clothes. Pack comfortable clothes that you can move around in. You may also want to pack a change of clothes in case you get wet.
  • Money. You will need money to buy food, drinks, and souvenirs at the festival.
  • ID. You will need to show your ID to get into the festival.

Here are some additional tips for packing for the When We Were Young festival:

  • Pack light. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so you don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy backpack.
  • Pack in layers. The weather can change quickly in Las Vegas, so it’s a good idea to pack in layers so you can adjust to the temperature.
  • Label your belongings. This will help you keep track of your stuff and make it easier to find if it gets lost.
  • Bring a clear bag. Only clear bags are allowed into the festival, so make sure you pack your belongings in a clear bag.

What to Expect

The When We Were Young festival offers a wide array of music genres, catering to fans of pop punk, emo, post-hardcore and alternative rock. As one would expect from a popular festival, it draws a large crowd, so be prepared for sizable gatherings and potentially long lines. The organizers aim to create a vibrant festival atmosphere by incorporating elements such as food trucks, art installations and merchandise vendors.

One of the main highlights of the festival is the chance to witness live performances by some of the biggest bands in the world. Whether it’s your favorite band or an artist you’ve been dying to see, this event provides an opportunity to experience their music in a captivating concert setting. Additionally, the festival serves as a gathering ground for individuals who share a common passion for music, offering a chance to make new friends with similar interests.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the When We Were Young festival, it’s advisable to keep a few tips in mind. Arriving early is a good strategy, as the festival grounds open at 11 am, and being there ahead of time increases the likelihood of securing a prime spot near the stage. Traveling light is recommended since you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking. Essential items such as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle, and a small bag for personal belongings should be sufficient.

Comfortable shoes are a must, as the festival involves a significant amount of standing and walking. Sneakers or boots are wise choices to keep your feet comfortable throughout the day. Given the potentially hot weather, staying hydrated is crucial. Water stations will be available on the festival grounds, but bringing a refillable water bottle is advisable to ensure you have access to hydration whenever needed. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s strong rays.

Anticipate large crowds and be patient and respectful towards others, as this is a popular event that attracts a diverse range of attendees. Lastly, remember that the primary objective of the When We Were Young festival is to celebrate your love for music. So, let go of inhibitions, enjoy the performances, and have a fantastic time immersing yourself in the festival’s lively ambiance.

Stages

The When We Were Young festival will have five stages:

  • Black Stage: This is the main stage of the festival and will feature the biggest bands on the lineup.
  • Pink Stage: This is the second main stage of the festival and will also feature some of the biggest bands on the lineup.
  • Stripe Stage: This is a smaller stage that will feature up-and-coming bands.
  • Checker Stage: This is another smaller stage that will feature up-and-coming bands.
  • Neon Tent Stage: This is a tented stage that will feature electronic music and DJs.

The stages are all located at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, which is a large outdoor venue. They’re all relatively close together, so it’s easy to move between them.

The stages are also equipped with sound and lighting systems that will provide a great experience for the audience.

A singer singing at When We Were Young

Schedule

If you’re still feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t worry. Here is a suggested schedule that would allow you to take in everything When We Were Young has to offer.

Day 1:

  • 11 am – Arrive at the festival grounds and set up camp
  • 12 pm – Check out the food trucks and art installations
  • 1 pm – See a few up-and-coming bands on the Stripe Stage
  • 3 pm – See one of your favorite bands on the Pink Stage
  • 5 pm – See another one of your favorite bands on the Black Stage
  • 7 pm – See the headliner on the Black Stage
  • 10 pm – Head back to camp and relax

Day 2:

  • 11 am – Wake up and have breakfast
  • 12 pm – Check out the merch booths
  • 1 pm – See a few more up-and-coming bands on the Stripe Stage
  • 3 pm – See one of your favorite bands on the Black Stage
  • 5 pm – See another one of your favorite bands on the Pink Stage
  • 7 pm – See the headliner on the Pink Stage
  • 10 pm – Head back to camp and relax

This is just an example schedule, of course. You can customize it to fit your own interests and preferences. For example, if you’re not into electronic music, you could skip the Neon Tent Stage. Or, if you’re really into a particular band, you could try to see them twice.

The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the music!

And remember, when you’re using one of GoCamp’s camper vans, it’s easy to get away for a quick nap to rest up for the next act. You can start browsing vans here.

A band performing for a crowd at sunset at an outdoor concert venue for the When We Were Young music festival

Wrapping It Up

The When We Were Young festival offers an extraordinary experience for music enthusiasts across a variety of genres. With its diverse lineup of top-tier bands and the opportunity to discover new favorites, this festival promises unforgettable moments of live music magic. The festival’s vibrant atmosphere, complete with food trucks, art installations, and merchandise vendors, creates a sense of community and excitement that extends beyond the stage. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply someone looking for an incredible music-filled adventure, the When We Were Young festival is the place to be.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of a truly exceptional music festival. From the energy of the crowd to the exhilaration of live performances, When We Were Young offers a memorable experience that will leave you with lasting memories and new connections. So gather your friends, pack your essentials, and get ready to immerse yourself in a celebration of music, friendship, and pure enjoyment. 

Get your trip started today with GoCamp!