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All Your Friends Fest 2025 Day 2: Avril Lavigne Leads a Sun-Soaked Pop Punk Parade
Day 2 of All Your Friends Fest 2025 brought blazing sunshine, genre-bending nostalgia, and a headlining set from Canada’s own pop-punk royalty Avril Lavigne. From early afternoon sets by rising stars to long-awaited performances from scene legends, Burl’s Creek once again proved it’s the ultimate home for a festival that blends throwbacks with fresh energy. With confetti cannons, circle pits, and fans singing their hearts out, it was a day built for memory-making.
Con the Artist Opens with Heart and Humor
Con the Artist had the honor of opening the day, and his first-ever festival appearance was something special. With a light breeze and eager early arrivers at the stage, Con kicked off their set with a blend of quirky charm and honest songwriting. New track “Peach” introduced the crowd to their unique mix of electronic elements and soft-spoken vocals, while the I-Con virtual assistant gave the performance a creative, futuristic flair.
The highlight came when he closed the set with “All My Friends,” their first song ever released. It was a full-circle moment that connected beautifully with the festival’s community spirit. While many were discovering Con’s music for the first time, it was clear that they left the stage with plenty of new fans. Not a bad way to start the day.
Rarity Delivers a High-Energy Blast of Sunshine
Rarity stormed the stage in the middle of one of the sunniest moments of the day, turning up the heat with a wild set packed with energy. Though they were new to myself, their explosive performance instantly turned curious onlookers into headbanging fans. Their sound hit hard, their presence was commanding, and their confidence was contagious.
Personally, they were a new experience, though a few close friends had sung their praises long before the set started. By the end of the first few songs, it was clear why. Rarity’s brand of melodic intensity struck a chord, and with the sun gleaming off their guitars, it felt like the perfect mid-day dose of pure festival adrenaline.
Taylor Acorn Starts the Main Stage Off Right
Taylor Acorn opened the main stage with style, kicking things off with a mix of charm and emotional punch. After a great interview leading up to the festival, expectations were high — and she did not disappoint. From the first note, her vocals soared, and the crowd responded with warmth and enthusiasm.
This was the first time seeing her perform live, but her delivery made it feel like catching up with an old friend. Her storytelling through song brought depth to the day’s early sets, and her energy brought everyone together under the rising sun. Taylor Acorn continues to prove that she’s one of the most exciting voices in the pop-punk revival.
IllScarlett Brings Island Vibes and Punk Energy
Veterans of the scene, IllScarlett delivered a flawless set that blended reggae-influenced grooves with punk swagger. It was my first time seeing them live, and their laid-back cool mixed with infectious rhythm made an instant impact. The sound was crisp, the vibe was fun, and their experience showed in every transition.
They surprised the crowd with a high-energy cover of “Jump Around,” which had even the more reserved fans bouncing along. IllScarlett’s mix of tunes pulled from their diverse discography, keeping both longtime fans and first-timers fully engaged. It was the kind of set that makes you wonder why it took this long to see them in the first place.
Knuckle Puck Attacks the Stage with Ferocity
Knuckle Puck came out swinging, immediately launching the crowd into motion. Their set was pure chaos in the best way, opening up pits and delivering one of the most aggressive performances of the day. The band attacked the stage with intensity, and their energy never wavered.
This was my first time seeing them live, and I could already picture the texts from jealous friends who wished they were here. Knuckle Puck brought everything you want from a pop-punk set: energy, emotion, and complete crowd involvement. If you weren’t sweating by the end, you weren’t doing it right.
Anberlin Steps In and Steps Up
Anberlin took the stage as a last-minute replacement but performed like they had been on the bill from the beginning. Under the intense sun, they played a stripped-down set that still managed to pack a punch. “Take What You Want From Me” stood out as a highlight, drawing emotional singalongs from fans.
The band thanked the crowd for their support and even shared that they had flown in from Denver just to make it. That kind of dedication showed. Their performance of “We Are Who We Are” captured the high-stakes emotion of the moment and reminded everyone why Anberlin continues to be beloved after all these years.
Relient K Wins Over Burl’s Creek with Charm and Chaos
Relient K brought a delightful wave of chaos to the late afternoon, showcasing their multi-instrumental talents and heartfelt storytelling. Hailing from Nashville, they fused pop-punk with indie-rock quirks, drawing loud cheers from diehard fans who knew every lyric.
Though this was my first real experience with their music, it was impossible not to get swept up in the joy radiating from the stage. Between the variety of instruments and their high-energy delivery, Relient K brought a refreshing burst of color to the lineup and proved why their fan base remains so devoted.
State Champs Ignite One of the Wildest Crowds So Far
When State Champs hit the stage, Burl’s Creek erupted. Their set was one of the most energetic of the day, marked by a swirling circle pit and fans who somehow found time to both mosh and look out for each other. The band struck the perfect balance of chaos and community, with old and new songs delivered flawlessly.
Anthems like “Everybody But You” had the entire field singing, while they closed with “Secrets” to an explosive reaction. The crowd was loud, wild, and entirely locked in. State Champs showed up to make a statement — and judging by the sea of moving bodies, they succeeded.
Simple Plan Celebrates 25 Years of Pure Joy
Simple Plan proved that 25 years in the game only makes them stronger. From the opening chords of “I’d Do Anything,” it was clear that their set would be one giant singalong. The crowd went wild for their covers of “All Star” and “Mr. Brightside,” and it only got bigger with tracks like “Welcome to My Life” and the always-fun Scooby Doo theme.
They closed with a flawless performance of “Perfect,” bringing out State Champs for an unforgettable final moment right near the end. The energy, the connection, and the sheer fun made it one of the standout performances of the weekend. Simple Plan reminded us that pop-punk is still alive, still loud, and still fun.
Avril Lavigne Closes the Night with a Confetti-Filled Homecoming
Avril Lavigne brought it all for her headlining set. Opening with “Girlfriend,” she stepped onto a stage adorned with the most impressive production of the festival. From flashing lights to massive visuals and an endless supply of confetti, the pop-punk princess gave fans the performance they had waited all day for.
She mixed in classics like “Complicated” with newer material, keeping the crowd on their feet and singing along to every beat. The finale felt like a dream, with extras joining her onstage and confetti floating through the night sky. Avril Lavigne never misses — and tonight was proof that she still reigns supreme.
Final Thoughts
All Your Friends Fest 2025 Day 2 struck the perfect balance between sunburned chaos and euphoric unity. From first-time discoveries to long-awaited legends, the day was filled with nonstop highlights and unforgettable surprises. The bands showed up, the fans showed out, and Burl’s Creek once again proved it’s where memories are made.
Whether you were sweating in the pit, belting out lyrics in the field, or catching your breath between sets, this was the kind of day that reminds you why music festivals are magic. With one more day to go, the bar has been set sky-high.
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