Where to Go in Vegas During When We Were Young Fest

I remember the day the When We Were Young Fest lineup came out 3 years ago. None of us could believe our eyes— in fact, we were genuinely convinced it was fake. My best friend and I called each other and collectively yelled, “WE HAVE TO GO!!!!” even though we didn’t because we weren’t sure how the first year was going to go. Three years later, the fest is going stronger than ever. Being a former Warped Tour kid (as a Chicagoan, I went both to Tinley Park AND Milwaukee…), there is nothing better than watching - and screaming along to - your favorite bands on hot concrete side-by-side with a bunch of other emo nerds. 

With any festival, it’s worth it to make a trip of the whole experience. Why not? Head in early and witness the glory of Las Vegas, baby!!! Even better, prioritize a pitstop at Meow Wolf Las Vegas and revel in the True Existential Weirdness of Omega Mart:

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First Date

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Going to Omega Mart with a partner? A group of friends? A crush?! What’s more early ‘00s pop punk than messing around in a brightly lit grocery store? Hit up the Drink Cooler Portal in the Frozen Section and make a music video.

Curious about additional pit-stops after Meow Wolf? Here’s some fun other First Date ideas:

• Punk Rock Museum (Downtown)
  A must-see for music nerds — check out the history of punk, curated by legends.
  
  
• Emo Nights
  Rumored to pop off at either 3-Star Punk Bar or Millennium Fandom Bar. But don’t sing too hard, your voice is needed for when it’s your turn to scream into a mic!! 

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The Taste of Ink

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We do love food here at Omega Mart, so let’s take you to the Deli Case where our favorite delicacy lives: the tattoo chicken. I have no doubt Bert McCracken would love a piece! 

Got jealous of the chicken and want some new tattoos of your own? I recommend stopping by after the festival so you don’t get too sweaty with fresh ink. Check out these spots on your way out: 

• Koolsville Tattoos
  These guys are famous for their $10 tattoos — there will likely be a line, but I do think it’s worth it for a festival memory.
  
  
• Main Street Tattoo
  Right in the Arts District, this hip tattoo shop has extremely good reviews. This is a solid spot to make an appointment, or just walk right in! 

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A Decade Under The Influence

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…of having fun :) - or self-reflection? The Projected Desert is a good place to really get lost in the sauce of all-consuming psychedelic art and inner consciousness, duh!

If you are curious about places to be Under The Influence at, here’s some additional options, post-Meow Wolf excursion:

• ReBAR
  Want a local beer in a dive that feels like a DIY venue? ReBAR is your spot. Check it out for a chill night before the festivities begin.
  
  
• The Phoenix
  A classic: drag shows, go-go dancers, and surprisingly good food.
  
  
• Piranha
  This one is for the dolls. Want some nightclub energy with late-night dance floors and pricey drinks? This is your moment.
  

Lights & Sounds

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Las Vegas is full of ‘em, but I’m trying my best to curate your experience as much as possible. Think of it as Real Emo 2 Real Emo - trust me, you want to check out Fractalife, a truly visual and sonic immersive experience. 

Curious about additional art excursions in Las Vegas? We got you:

• Recycled Propaganda  
  Saw Omega Mart, but now have the itch for more thought-provoking art? Check out this spot. It’s got the underground art and nightlife energy if you want to keep it gritty and real.
  
  
• Majestic Repertory Theatre
  Many emos are also theater-nerds. We love a performance. This theatre will be running a production of Empanada Loca, inspired by the legend of Sweeney Todd, and is a delicious Grand Guignol horror that will crawl under your skin. Perfect for spooky season! 

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I Write Sins Not Tragedies

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This headline doesn’t describe the room all that much, it’s just a nod to the fact that Panic! At The Disco will be playing A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out all the way through at When We Were Young Fest. But one of the most emo rooms at Omega Mart is the Burial Chamber. Full of a haunting presence, extensive lore, and incredible imagery, this is perfect for the Real Emos who are ready to feel their feeeeels. 

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Stay hydrated, hug your friends, and mosh to some Alexisonfire for me!

P.S. Since I am a Chicago guy, I thought I’d reach out to some friends of mine who are Las Vegas locals for the additional recs to see what the vibes are for the young alternatives heading into town. Shoutout to Jenny and Dr. Archie Grimley (who you can actually hit up for gender-affirming healthcare at CAN Community Health)!