All Your Friends Festival 2025: Ontario's Pop-Punk Powerhouse Returns! - Day 1
Filling the Doc Martens of Nostalgia: Canada Weekend kicks off with year two of the All Your Friends Festival
(Photo by Jeff Hurd)
The fields of Oro, Ontario buzzed with an electrifying energy this past weekend as the All Your Friends Festival 2025 delivered a powerful punch of pop-punk, emo, and alternative rock. From nostalgic throwbacks to fresh new sounds, the festival curated a lineup that kept the crowd on their feet and singing along, proving that the spirit of these genres is alive and thriving. The atmosphere was as vibrant as the bright colored hair and included a surprising number of vintage Avril Lavigne shirts, all contributing to an infectious energy that only grew stronger with each passing performance.
Faber Drive, hailing from British Columbia, Canada, kicked off the day with their signature blend of catchy pop-rock anthems. Their set was a perfect opener, injecting an immediate dose of feel-good energy into the early afternoon. The crowd, still finding their footing, quickly warmed up to their infectious melodies and singalong choruses, their initial enthusiasm already feeding into the band's spirited delivery. A highlight came when they launched into a high-energy, punk-infused version of "Coffee For Your Head," a song originally by lead singer Dave Faber's son Pow-Fu, captivating the audience with this unexpected, yet brilliant twist. Towards the end of their set, they brought a ton of fun by throwing on their signature Lorax and Leprechaun wigs, adding a playful visual element that had the crowd cheering.
(Photo by Jeff Hurd)
Next up, Winona Fighter, based out of Nashville, Tennessee, brought a raw, unbridled energy that was impossible to ignore. Frontwoman Coco Kinnon was a force of nature, moving across the stage so quickly yet effortlessly that you didn't need a fancy filter for motion blur photos of her. Her performance was a whirlwind of fierce vocals and driving instrumentals, showcasing why they are quickly becoming a band to watch. They commanded the stage with an intensity that trumps their relative newness, and the crowd's excitement amplified every riff and drum beat, creating a powerful feedback loop.
(Photo by Jeff Hurd)
The legendary Moneen then took the stage, representing Brampton, Ontario, Canada. They delivered a masterclass in dynamic post-hardcore. Their intricate guitar work and emotionally charged vocals resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom have followed the band for years. The crowd's passionate singalongs and enthusiastic reactions visibly fueled the band, making for an even more intense and memorable performance.
(Photo by Jeff Hurd)
Four Year Strong, from Worcester, Massachusetts, followed, unleashing their distinctive "easycore" sound. Their blend of hardcore breakdowns and pop-punk hooks had the pit swirling and the crowd chanting every word. The band members themselves were a blur of motion, leaping, windmilling, and constantly engaging with the front rows. The sheer volume of the collective voices and the relentless movement in the crowd pushed the band to deliver an even more high-octane display of precision and power, solidifying their reputation as a live force.
(Photo by Jeff Hurd)
One of the most anticipated sets of the day belonged to The Starting Line, who originated in Churchville, Pennsylvania. As always, they delivered a performance steeped in nostalgia and heartfelt emotion. Their classic tracks had the entire field singing in unison, a testament to their timeless appeal. The crowd's emotional investment created a powerful sense of unity that clearly resonated with the band. This intimate connection was further cemented when, at one point, the frontman's guitar strap broke mid-song; without missing a beat, he and his tech seamlessly adjusted and continued the performance like a true professional, much to the crowd's admiration.
(Photo by Jeff Hurd)
The energy shifted gears with The Veronicas, all the way from Brisbane, Australia, who brought their undeniable pop-rock flair to the stage. Their infectious energy and powerful vocals had everyone dancing, proving their versatility and ability to captivate a rock-oriented crowd. Jess and Lisa Origliasso were perfectly in sync, their awesome choreography adding a dynamic visual layer to their performance. For many, it was a moment of pure joy, seeing the growth of the duo who once captured our little teen hearts on "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" now commanding the stage as seasoned adults at All Your Friends . The vibrant, dancing crowd seemed to energize the twins even further, resulting in an even more dynamic and fun performance that added another dimension to the festival's diverse offerings.
(Photo by Bailey Buck)
Boys Like Girls, hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, then transported the audience back to the mid-2000s with a set full of their beloved hits. The crowd sang along to every word, reliving the anthems of their youth. The band's stage presence was as charismatic as ever, and the overwhelming response from the audience made for a truly engaging and memorable performance, demonstrating how much their music still means to so many. Beyond the music, the lead singer also provided some hilarious moments, engaging playfully with a festival drone at one point by exclaiming, "I f***ing hate furniture!" and even blowing it a kiss, much to the crowd's delight.
(Photo by Jeff Hurd)
As dusk settled, Underoath, from Ocala, Florida, unleashed a torrent of their signature metalcore sound. We were honored to sit down with Dave Faber and Seamus O'Neil from Faber Drive for a quick interview just as Underoath took the stage, meaning we unfortunately missed the first couple of songs of their performance. However, what we caught was a visceral experience, heavy and intense, yet meticulously crafted. The raw power and emotional depth of their music created an immersive atmosphere, and the crowd's fervent reactions, from headbanging to mosh pits, clearly fed into the band's formidable stage presence, preparing the crowd for the final acts.
(Photo by Jeff Hurd)
Closing out the festival were the titans of melodic hardcore, Rise Against, proudly representing Chicago, Illinois. Their set was nothing short of monumental. Tim McIlrath's impassioned vocals and the band's relentless energy ignited the crowd into a frenzy of moshing and crowd-surfing. The sheer, unadulterated passion radiating from the audience seemed to elevate the band's performance to new heights, as they delivered a politically charged and emotionally resonant set, leaving everyone with a powerful message and an unforgettable end to a fantastic day.
(Photo by Jeff Hurd)
The All Your Friends Festival 2025 was more than just a concert; it was a vibrant celebration of community, music, and the enduring power of these genres. From the opening notes to the final roar, fueled by the incredible energy exchange between the bands and their dedicated fans, and highlighted by the age-diverse crowd—with parents and their children all in attendance, screaming the same lyrics as if these songs weren't around before some of them were even born—it was a truly unforgettable experience.
(Full gallery to come on full website)