Article and Photos: Stephanie Snape

All Your Friends Fest returned to Oro-Medonte this past weekend for its second year, drawing fans of pop-punk, emo, and alternative music from across the region. Things kicked off with a Canadian classic: Faber Drive, whose upbeat performance set the tone for a nostalgic, high-energy experience. Formed in 2004 in British Columbia, the band features Dave Faber, Jordan Pritchett, Jeremy “Krikit” Liddle, and Seamus O’Neill. They delivered a short but energetic set, playing fan favorites like “Second Chance” and “Get Up and Dance.” Even though the festival was just getting started, the crowd’s energy was already high—dancing, jumping, and singing along as the band closed out their set.

Like many Canadian festivals, the organizers curated a strong mix of Canadian and American acts to share the stages. Winona Fighter lit up the main stage, while Four Year Strong tore into the second. It was refreshing to see up-and-coming artists sharing space with bands who’ve been around since the early 2000s.

Although the event was held on a smaller section of the festival grounds (the larger space will be used for Boots and Hearts later this summer), the layout felt perfect for All Your Friends Fest. Fans had plenty of shaded spots to relax and enjoy the music without needing to be right up front. Photo ops and art installations from local Canadian artists, including Briony, gave the grounds extra personality. This year even featured an on-site tattoo shop, offering fans a way to commemorate the event permanently.

While fans browsed the vendors in the artist section, I couldn’t help but check out everyone’s festival fits. Elder emos and the new generation alike were decked out in fishnets, flannels, ripped black lace, and makeup looks pulled straight from your early-2010s Tumblr feed. Groups of friends clustered near the merch tent, buzzing with anticipation for Rise Against later that night.

Moneen and Boys Like Girls hit the main stage next, turning up the heat and charisma as they played through beloved classics that had the crowd buzzing with excitement.

The Starting Line and The Veronicas closed out the second stage, pulling the audience into a full-blown nostalgia trip with hits like “Untouched” and “The Best of Me.” Their sets were a seamless blend of throwback and now, keeping fans dancing all the way to the back of the field.

As the sun dipped low, Underoath stormed the main stage. Lead singer Spencer Chamberlain, cloaked in a hooded windbreaker, began the set with a slow, ominous build—his face partially obscured as he screamed into the mic. The tension quickly escalated as the band exploded into action, headbanging and thrashing with raw intensity. Even the most reserved fans were drawn in, ready to dive into the mosh pit.

Finally, it was time for Rise Against. As the massive stage lights came to life and the backdrop glowed red against the night sky, the band took their places. The opening chords of “Re-Education (Through Labor)” rang out, and the crowd erupted. When the chorus hit, pyro burst into the air, perfectly timed with the song’s surging energy. The band powered through their set, and the roars of the audience were loud enough to be heard from the highway.