Festivals
All Your Friends Fest 2025: The Artists We’re Most Excited About
This year’s All Your Friends Festival is bringing a wave of nostalgia and fresh energy to Burl’s Creek. It’s the kind of lineup that’ll have you digging out your old iPod Mini and re-learning the words to songs you haven’t screamed since high school. Here’s who we’re most excited to seem, and why they should be on your radar too.
Avril Lavigne
Avril’s back on top and bringing her Greatest Hits Tour to festivals, offering a nostalgic trip through her early 2000s pop-punk anthems. She’s been touring extensively, with shows in Canada drawing large crowds, and seems more energized than ever. She still knows how to command a crowd. Expect a tight mix of hits — Sk8er Boi, Complicated, Girlfriend — with enough fresh cuts to remind you she’s not stuck in the past. She’s finally leaning into her legacy and her present, which makes this set a must-see.
Rise Against
Chicago’s politically charged punks haven’t let up. Rise Against’s 2021 record Nowhere Generation was a sharp and timely reminder that Tim McIlrath still has things to shout about, and their live shows prove they’re not slowing down. Their latest EP, Nowhere Generation II, keeps that same fire going. Seeing Rise Against live is a full-body experience. Their shows feel urgent. Between fan-favourites like Savior and Prayer of the Refugee, and the newer material, the energy never drops. They bring a kind of emotional weight that makes you want to punch the air and start a conversation afterward.
The Veronicas
We weren’t expecting to be this excited about The Veronicas, but here we are. The Aussie twins are leaning into their pop-punk roots again after a few years playing with synths and ballads. Their recent album Gothic Summer feels like it could’ve come out during the Warped Tour heyday, in the best way. It’s raw, catchy, and kind of angry. Their live set is a little chaotic, a little camp, and very fun. Tracks like 4ever and Untouched still go off, but they’ve got newer ones like Perfect that fit right in.
Winona Fighter
This is one of the new names we’re betting big on. Winona Fighter makes gritty, catchy punk with serious attitude. Think early Paramore energy, but messier and weirder, in a good way. Their song “I’m in the Market to Please No One” is a standout: bratty lyrics, gnarly guitars, and a hook that stays with you. They’ve been grinding the DIY circuit and are finally getting some bigger festival love. Their live shows are sweaty and unhinged, like a basement gig with better lighting. If you like your punk loud and unpolished, show up early and catch their set.
Simple Plan
Montreal’s pop-punk sweethearts are still bringing it, two decades deep. They’ve fully leaned into being the soundtrack for millennial angst, and they do it with heart. Simple Plan always feels like a family reunion. Everyone knows the words, everyone’s a little emotional, and you leave sweaty and smiling. Whether it’s Perfect, Welcome to My Life, or I’d Do Anything, they hit that nostalgia nerve just right.
The Starting Line
For anyone who had a MySpace profile pic with side-swept bangs, this one’s for you. The Starting Line hasn’t toured much lately, so catching them here feels like a treat. Say It Like You Mean It still holds up, and “Best of Me” is basically a festival anthem waiting to happen. They’re one of those bands that soundtracked a whole era, and they still deliver.
Relient K
They’re back! Relient K made their name with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and pop-punk hooks, but the band has aged surprisingly well. After a long quiet stretch, they’ve released anniversary vinyls for Mmhmm and Forget and No Slow Down. Their songs feel familiar, but there’s enough self-awareness and charm that it doesn’t feel stale. We’re curious to see how their updated style plays on stage.
State Champs
State Champs are a safe bet for one of the most fun sets of the weekend. Their album Kings of the New Age still holds strong, and their newer album State Champs keep them sounding sharp. These guys know how to pace a show: all hooks, all bounce, no filler. It’s going to be a full singalong, full jump-around set. They’re tight as a band and know how to get a crowd going. Expect big circle pits and lots of smiles.
Boys Like Girls
They’re having a moment again, and we’re not mad about it. Their 2023 album Sunday at Foxwoods leans more alt-rock than emo, but the hooks are still there. Of course, everyone’s going to lose it for The Great Escape and Thunder, and if they play Two Is Better Than One, prepare for tears. They’ve toured heavily in 2024and seem genuinely stoked to be back in the mix. A great pick for anyone who needs a little drama with their pop.
Moneen
This one’s for the emo heads. Moneen’s blend of chaos and melody was always a little ahead of its time. They’ve been doing sporadic reunion shows and still bring serious emotional weight to their sets. Expect lots of feedback, screaming, and passionate fans yelling every word. They might not be a household name, but their cult following is loud for a reason.
More TBA, but this is already stacked. Whether you’re reliving your peak emo years or discovering these bands for the first time, All Your Friends Fest is shaping up to be a sweaty, loud, and deeply cathartic time.
Head to their website for more info.
Festivals
WATERBOMB Festival Is Coming to Toronto in 2027
Toronto is getting a taste of one of South Korea’s biggest summer music festivals. WATERBOMB, the popular event known for its mix of K-pop performances, hip-hop, EDM and massive water fights, has announced plans to make its Canadian debut in 2027.
Organizers revealed the news through a newly launched Toronto Instagram account, sharing the message: “TORONTO, IT’S TIME.” The announcement has already generated plenty of excitement among Canadian K-pop fans, with the account attracting thousands of followers before any performers or event details have been confirmed.
Interested fans are being encouraged to sign up for the festival’s newsletter to receive early updates and information about tickets. The Toronto website is already live, featuring photos and promotional footage from previous editions of the festival.
For anyone unfamiliar with WATERBOMB, this is far from a traditional music festival. First launched in Seoul in 2015, the event combines live performances with large-scale water battles, giving audiences water guns to use while powerful cannons spray the crowd. Its programming spans K-pop, hip-hop and electronic dance music, making the festival as much about the atmosphere and audience participation as the performers on stage.
WATERBOMB has grown into an international event, with previous editions taking place in cities including Busan, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. Its Korean lineups have featured major names such as TWICE’s Nayeon & Jihyo, aespa’s Karina, Jeon Somi, J.Y. Park and 2NE1. None of these artists have been announced for Toronto, but fans are already making their wish lists.
Names appearing in the Toronto announcement’s comments include ATEEZ, MONSTA X and Wonho. Whether organizers will let fans vote on their preferred performers remains to be seen. The Seoul edition has introduced an artist wishlist that allows attendees to vote for acts they would like to see, and its 2027 edition is scheduled for July 24 and 25.
There are a few details prospective attendees should know before making summer plans. WATERBOMB has confirmed Toronto as a 2027 destination, but the exact dates, venue, lineup and ticket prices have yet to be revealed. The festival’s Toronto website indicates that the event will be 19+, with government-issued photo identification required for entry.
The organizers are advising attendees to dress comfortably and prepare to get soaked. Personal water guns will be permitted if they meet festival safety guidelines, and planned amenities include changing areas, lockers, food vendors and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The event is expected to proceed rain or shine, though severe weather could affect programming.
There is some reason for fans to approach the announcement with cautious optimism. WATERBOMB had previously outlined plans to expand into North America with events in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Those dates were postponed due to operational difficulties. Las Vegas, originally scheduled for September 2026, has since been moved to June 2027, while a new date for Los Angeles has not been announced.
Toronto is now part of the festival’s North American plans, though the success of the expansion will depend on organizers delivering the promised events.
For now, Canadian fans will have to wait for more information. If the Toronto edition brings the same combination of major K-pop acts, summer weather and water-filled chaos that made the festival popular in South Korea, it could be a very different kind of festival experience for the city.
WATERBOMB Toronto 2027: What We Know
- When: 2027, exact dates to be announced
- Where: Toronto, venue to be announced
- Age requirement: 19+
- Music: K-pop, hip-hop and EDM
- Lineup: Not yet announced
- Tickets: Prices and sale dates to be announced
- More information: Head to WATERBOMB Toronto website or sign up for the official newsletter.
Festivals
Coachella 2027 Announces Lineup With Dua Lipa, Tame Impala and SZA Headlining
Coachella has revealed its 2027 lineup, with Dua Lipa, Tame Impala and SZA set to headline the festival across two weekends next April. The announcement brings together a mix of pop heavyweights, electronic music favourites, indie acts and returning festival regulars for the annual event at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.
Each headliner will close out a different night. Dua Lipa will take the main stage Friday, April 9, marking her first full performance at Coachella. Her only previous appearance at the festival was as a guest during Martin Garrix’s set in 2017, before the release of her debut album.
Saturday belongs to Tame Impala, who will return for their second Coachella headlining appearance after topping the bill in 2019. The Australian project, led by Kevin Parker, previously performed at the festival in 2011, 2013 and 2015.
SZA will close out Sunday night, rounding out a headline trio that brings three very different sounds to the top of the poster.
The lineup has plenty of other big names competing for attention. Madonna is among the festival’s most prominent bookings, appearing in the dance tent rather than as a headliner. Phoebe Bridgers, Weezer, Robyn, Zara Larsson, Steve Lacy, Peggy Gou, Kehlani, Tiësto, Kygo, Don Toliver, Dom Dolla, Four Tet and The Neighbourhood are among the other notable acts.
There are plenty of additional names worth checking out, including Måneskin, Jisoo, Caroline Polachek, Remi Wolf, Tove Lo, MUNA, Underworld, Chase & Status, Victoria Monét, Leon Bridges, Magdalena Bay, Freddie Gibbs, The Avalanches, Social Distortion, American Football and The Damned. Pinegrove will make an appearance after spending much of the past few years on hiatus.
One of the more unexpected bookings comes from Daddy Yankee, who has been given a special “In the Desert” billing. The festival will have another attraction away from the main stages, too. Following last year’s Radiohead installation, the bunker will feature a Justice exhibit titled Blinded By The Lights.
Coachella 2027 will run April 9-11 and April 16-18, with the same lineup performing across both weekends. The festival will once again partner with YouTube for its livestream, marking the 15th year of the partnership. Viewers will be able to watch selected performances from both weekends online.
Tickets go on sale Friday, November 13, at 12 p.m. PT. General admission passes for both weekends are listed at Tier 2 pricing, starting at $779, with a three-day shuttle pass included. VIP passes start at $1,399 for Weekend 1 and $1,349 for Weekend 2.
For tickets, camping options, hotel packages and additional festival information, visit the official Coachella website.