Warped Tour isn’t a new music festival; in fact, it’s been around since before some of us were born. However, some people are beginning to think the Tour isn’t “cool” anymore. Many are flocking to bigger festivals like Coachella or Bonnaroo. Others who don’t care for that genre of music simply aren’t attending festivals like they used to.

Well, let me tell you why all music lovers should go to Warped Tour and why it is one of the best festivals out there.

1. The cost of the Tour is inexpensive.

While many festivals cost at least $100 per day and last all weekend in one single location, every year Warped Tour remains relatively cheap and only lasts a day. Not only that, but it moves around several locations in the U.S. so you don’t have to drive cross-country to see your favorite musicians live.

2. A wide range of music.

While many people attribute Warped to pop-punk artists such as Blessthefall, Escape The Fate, and Pierce the Veil, there are many other different kinds of music there. Rap artists, metal artists, and baby metal perform, as well as more obscure acts.

3. It’s not just for young people.

Yes, Warped is known for attracting a younger crowd because of the many pop-punk artists who are there, but there are many chances for an older crowd to have just as much fun. Whether you like to crowd surf, drink some beer and chill, or just revisit your emo stage, Warped has something for everyone.

4. Freebies.

FREE STUFF! Need I say more?? Tents all around the venue offer free stuff like tee shirts, hats, wallets, music, and so much more. I bought a shirt for only $15 and got a free hat with it. I also scored a bracelet. So, believe me when I say there are opportunities to get some free stuff if you keep your eyes peeled.

5. You get to meet so many interesting people.

At the Tour, you meet all kinds of people from all walks of life, and most of them are some of the most interesting people you’ll meet. Why? Because pop-punk kids were always the outcasts growing up, and we grew into some pretty dope adults. We are one big #family.

6. You get to meet actual band members.

You see these dudes from all your favorite bands just walking around as if they’re normal people or something. Let me tell you that when I saw Trenton from Hands Like Houses, I almost fainted right then and there. And they’re always so nice. They love their fans like we love them. It’s an amazing experience.

7. The Feed Our Children NOW! tent.

If you bring 3 cans, you get into the venue first and skip the line. Not only is this for an amazing cause, but you get. in. first. That means you get to the stages faster and get a better view. And you’re helping people who are hungry!!

8. Suicide prevention awareness.

This is so important because many people going to this event have suffered from self-harm in the past – or still do. This year the tent is called “It’s Okay Not To Be Okay”. It’s so important to donate to help those who are suffering from depression and self-harm… I’ve been there and it’s so tough. It’s a great cause to support and it’s amazing that this festival works with that!

9. Vegan awareness.

- Along with all the other amazing causes this tour works with, they also promote vegetarianism/veganism. With everything that is happening in the world, we need to work to spread the word on veganism. This tour does that by handing out fliers and having volunteers walk around the venue spreading the word. If you haven’t already, check out some reasons to go vegan!

So, if all of this wasn’t enough to convince you that Warped Tour is amazing, you must just really like terrible things. Without Warped Tour I wouldn’t have been able to see half the bands I have, saw new bands I didn’t know I liked, or witness Beau from Blessthefall spit water on a crowd ;). Believe me, that in itself is worth the trip.

Check out some more details on the tour here: http://vanswarpedtour.com/