It might be October, but All Things Go 2025 brought full summer energy to Toronto. The Budweiser Stage felt like it had been teleported to July with warm sun, endless smiles, and a crowd that felt more like a community than a festival audience. Everywhere you looked, people were making friendship bracelets at the Kandies World tent, dancing to DJ Levi’s remixes, and having a good time. Toronto showed up for the festival’s Canadian debut, and the all-female Day 1 lineup delivered exactly the kind of vibe All Things Go is known for.

EMEI opened the day, bouncing onto the stage with a kind of energy that made you forget it was barely noon. She was clearly having fun, dancing across the stage and winning over a still-filling crowd. Even though it was early, those who showed up were rewarded. She threw in a new song, “What’s the Point?”, and even covered Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe,” which hit perfectly for a Toronto crowd. EMEI’s enthusiasm was contagious, and she proved she’s one to watch live.

ELIO followed, bringing a hometown glow to the stage. With her guitar in hand, she mixed synthy bedroom pop with emotional grit. Her set felt personal, like she was letting the crowd in on her mind. She performed her hit song “Charger,” a track that features her mentor Charli XCX. The audience responded with steady cheers, proud to see one of their own shining.

Julia Wolf amped things up next, trading pop for something louder and bolder. She tore through her set with sharp confidence. Her rock-leaning sound catching everyone bobbing their heads. Between songs, she thanked the crowd for showing up early to her set. Gratitude was her theme, but power was her presence.

Blondshell continued the shift to a rawer sound. Dressed in a vintage Miley Cyrus “Wonder World Tour 2009” tee, she looked as cool as she sounded. Her songs hit like diary entries read through a distortion pedal, intimate but unapologetic.

Then came Chelsea Cutler, and the festival hit peak singalong mode. A quick mic hiccup at the start didn’t faze her. She laughed it off and earned a cheer once her voice came through clear. She mentioned performing at another All Things Go the week before, joking, “If I wasn’t gay before seeing The Marías…” which got the loudest laugh of the afternoon. Chelsea’s set mixed fan favourites like “Your Shirt” and “Crazier Things” with two great covers: Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need,” a song that brings her peace, and The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside.” Between songs, she opened up about nerves and gratitude, making her already emotional songs hit even harder.

Ravyn Lenae arrived right on time for sunset. Bathed in soft orange light, she looked like she was born for the stage: elegant and locked into every note. Her voice floated over the crowd like silk, especially during “I Wish,” a song she called the hardest she’s ever written, dedicated to her father. She thanked old fans and new ones alike, radiating the calm confidence of an artist stepping into her moment.

In between sets, the festival kept things light with “Kiss Cam” moments on the big screen. Each one was met with massive cheers from the crowd.

Then came the chaos. Remi Wolf turned Budweiser Stage into a full-on carnival. Her stage was covered in flowers, she wore a tutu, and she immediately declared, “Our job is to keep the party fucking going!” before leading the crowd through a “warm-up” routine that included fanning yourself and “slapping your vagina.” It was pure Remi, wild and hilarious. She even hopped on the drums mid-set and surprised fans by bringing Julia Wolf back on stage for a “Wolf Squared” moment. “Disco Man” was the true crowd explosion. She wrapped things up leaving everyone buzzing and ready for the headliner.

Reneé Rapp closed the night like a star who knows exactly who she is. Before she appeared, screens lit up with a message encouraging donations Save The Children, a charity partnered with her tour. Then a short video introducing her playing herself and other characters pressuring her to release a new single. It ended with her screaming “I need everyone to fucking leave me alone!” When she finally emerged, rising from behind a three-tiered star platform, the place erupted. Fans, many who had camped out since the night before, lost it.

Her set swung between rock-driven anthems and stripped piano ballads. “Leave Me Alone” set the tone, confident and biting. For “Isn’t It Funny” and “Sometimes,” she sat at the piano, showing off the kind of raw power that doesn’t need a light show. She talked openly about heartbreak and friendship breakups, calling “poison poison” her revenge era song and “lessons learned” her reflection era. “Good Girl” ended with a searing guitar solo that brought the house down.

Then came the night’s big surprise: Role Model stepped out during “At Least I’m Hot.” The crowd went absolutely feral. It was a perfect tease for Day 2, leaving everyone wondering who would be Role Model’s Sally tomorrow?

As the crowd spilled out of the gates, Day 1 had felt like a statement. Every act was a woman, every fan was respected, and every moment felt like joy. Call it what you want, but “Lesbopalooza” fits just fine.

Stay tuned for our recap of Day 2!

Check out our favourite photos of the day below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!

RENEÉ RAPP

REMI WOLF

RAVYN LENAE

CHELSEA CUTLER

BLONDSHELL

JULIA WOLF

ELIO

EMEI

FESTIVAL

All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer