The Vans Warped Tour dates and bands for 2017 have just been announced and kids from the alternative music scenes are gearing up for another awesome summer of the now 22-year-old music festival. Honestly, more people — young and old — should be excited for the festival and its way of bringing people together. I'm sure a lot of us were those kids who didn't really fit in in high school; we were the typical 'emo kids' who loved bands like My Chemical Romance, All Time Low, A Day To Remember and more and Warped Tour was where we went to get our escape. Of course, not everyone can relate, but going to your local Warped Tour date every summer was a once in a lifetime experience we would never forget. Regardless of your background, music taste, friend group, etc., everyone should go to Warped Tour at least once, and here are some reasons why.

1. Awesome music

Regardless of what your favorite genre is, there is something at Warped Tour for everyone. Of course, the tour features the classic pop-punk and metalcore bands that thrive in the scene, but hip-hop, EDM and pop artists also perform there. In recent years, artists such as 3OH!3 and Never Shout Never have played on Warped. Back in the day, Warped Tour was also responsible for helping musicians like Katy Perry, The Black Eyed Peas, Eminem and Beck make it big.

2. Meeting your favorite bands

For those of us who DID have band posters plastered all over our walls and all we wore was band merch, this was the opportunity we had to meet our idols. From walking around the concert grounds to going to signings at merch tents, there was a solid chance you'd bump into someone in a band. It's always an amazing moment to meet someone you look up to so much.

3. Making new friends

You meet so many interesting people at Warped Tour all from different places, backgrounds and fans of different music. Some are covered in tattoos and some wear hijabs under their favorite band's shirt. It's so cool to learn about these people and even cooler to know that despite your differences, you still have one thing in common; the love of music.

4. Free stuff

Who doesn't love free stuff? Energy drinks, snacks, stickers, wristbands, record label samplers, drawstring bags, posters and even t-shirts are handed out from various tents throughout the day.

5. Have fun and do good

For years, Warped Tour has offered free tickets or early admission to those who donate blood at a local blood bank. In addition, if you bring three canned items to your date, a $5 donation or a used cell phone, you get to skip the regular line. All of these items are donated to Feed Our Children NOW.

6. Casual vibe

Warped Tour is really chill and that's what makes it so great for everyone. You can dress up or you can come as you are; whatever you're most comfortable in. It's great for all ages, as well; you'll find fans and friends ranging from 5 to 50 roaming around the concert grounds.

7. Discover new music

While you're moving from one stage to the next, you'll find a ton of awesome bands and musicians in passing. And, of course, you have the opportunity to stop in and listen — you might find a new favorite artist.

8. Support aspiring artists

Warped Tour is huge on helping young musicians and artists achieve their goals in the arts. They host local bands on every date on the Kevin Says and Ernie Ball stages in a 'Battle of the Bands' to help them get noticed by labels on the tour. You're literally helping them make their dreams come true.

9. Charities

Tons of amazing and impactful charities join the bands on the summer Warped Tour. You learn about so many awesome organizations such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), To Write Love On Her Arms (suicide prevention) and the Keep A Breast Foundation (breast cancer awareness).

10. Did I mention free stuff?

There are contests all over the concert grounds where you can win anything from T-shirts to a new car (KIA sponsors two of the Warped Tour stages). There are even tents that will give you a dollar for watching a video.

11. The price is right

For most music festivals, you'll spend up to $200 per DAY just to get in. While Warped Tour is only a one-day event, for $60, you get to see a bunch of different bands so it's definitely less expensive than most summer concerts you can go to.

12. You get exercise

For those about to mosh, we salute you. If you're not in the pit, you're still burning a ton of calories walking around the festival grounds. Warped Tour is the easiest way to get to your 10,000 steps in a day.

13. You'll feel ultimate freedom

There's something about the roar of the crowd, the blaring of music and the passion of the fans around you that makes Warped Tour a concert like no other. It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from, once you go to Warped Tour, you become part of a massive family. You can lose yourself and still feel like people have your back all in the same moment, and that's what makes Vans Warped Tour so special.

Where will we see you this summer?