The Vans Warped Tour is a traveling festival sponsored by the Vans shoe company that has been around since 1995. This festival has a very diverse music choice ranging from punk rock, metal, and hip-hop to electronica, which is why it is the most popular music festival in America. Normally, relevant musical artists play, but underground or lesser-known artists are also in the line ups as well. This year, the festival was held during the summer at the Pomona Fariplex.

With over 100 bands playing for about 30 minutes each, doors opened around 11:00 a.m  although people got there earlier to see the opening bands; since there are multiple stages (about 10), most stage’s final bands’ end around 8:00 p.m. With famous artists such as Attila, Black Veil Brides, Pierce the Veil, Escape the Fate, Never Shout Never, Miss May I, Riff Raff and many more, people showed up by the thousands.

Pierce the Veil, an extremely well-known metal band, appeared off stage with many people following trying to snap some pictures. Artists such as Riff Raff and Pierce the Veil had their own signing booths which many people waited in long lines for in the heat. “Neon Icon”, Riff Raff, probably had one of the most hype out of all performers and definitely had one of the most fans on sponsor Journey’s, Left Foot stage. Metalcore band, Black Veil Brides, closed for the Shark Stage and had many fans chanting their famous “Black Veil Brides” chant. Attila, a hip-hop inspired “deathcore” band had insane, brutal “mosh pits” which people got bruised, cut, and pushed around in, but let’s be honest: What’s a concert without moshing? Apparently Vans Warped Tour had a strict “no crowd surfing or mosh pitting” rule, but who could resist when your favorite musical artists perform?

The Warped Tour isn’t all about music; there’s a “Warped Comedy ” stage, a grown up tent, and all kinds of booths. Performances at “Warped Comedy” such as Amir K, Beth Sterling, and Eli Olsberg were there to work up some laughs while the audience rested. Adults who came with/for their children, were able to get in for free and there is a tent set up just for them which most likely had some sort of alcohol in there although an alcohol tent was set up. Smaller sponsors such as Trojan Condoms, PETA, and the The United State Army had their own booths. Trojan Condoms gave out–well condoms, more precisely, their new bare studded condoms. PETA, gave out elastic wristbands for people who texted their organization number. The Army gave out dog tags, earphones, flashlights and even t-shirts. Vans Warped Tour has many things to offer for all the different types of people.

   Whether you’re an adult or youngster, rain or shine, many will still show up to rock!