Attention all pop-punkers! This summer is going to be the saddest one yet. The Sad Summer Festival is embarking on its first cross country tour. This years lineup is stacked to the brim. The lineup features bands such as Mayday Parade, State Champs, and The Wonder Years. What could be better than being emo with all your best friends in the summer sun? If you ask me, It can’t get much better than that.

As if the lineup couldn’t be more stacked, bands such as Four Year Strong, Set It Off, and Forever The Sickest Kids will make special appearances on a handful of shows. The festival is huge for two reasons. The first is that it’s the festival’s first ever cross country tour. It will be very similar to the Vans Warped Tour, in the case where pop-punk bands get to share the stage in the summer sun. Interestingly enough, this festival is huge for Worcester, Massachusetts, band, Four Year Strong. 

Formed in 2001, Four Year Strong has been making killer albums since the start. When they all met, they released their first EP, All The Lonely Girls. In the following years, they released two more EPs up until the the release of their first studio album, It’s Our Time in 2005. Ever since they’ve been shredding show after show for numerous tours, including this one. To be playing in their hometown venue means the world to them. They get to do what they love for the fans who have supported them from the start. 

Some of the different band members have released statements about the upcoming tour. The Maine’s John O’Callaghan summed up the new festival best.

“What could be better than being emo with your best friends in the sweet summer sun? Being emotional with your friends in the sweet summer sun at the Sad Summer Festival, that’s what,” he says. “Ditch the cold hot dogs and fucked up sunburns and join [us] all summer long!” “This tour is about putting aside our differences and coming together as a community of people to enjoy music and art,” Mayday Parade’s Derek Sanders adds.“I’m thrilled to be a part of it, and I can’t wait to see everyone out there.”

With the details finally being released, this summer is going to be one to remember. With the ending of Warped Tour, this festival is taking its place. The Sad Summer Festival begins on July 5th in Dallas, Texas. If you want to catch this show in the New England area, The Worcester date is July 7th, and it will be outside. Grab your friends and your beat up vans; this show will be one to remember.