Washington, PA — September 13–14, 2025
Under flawless blue skies, with the sun beating down and a breeze just strong enough to offer relief, the 11th year of Four Chord Festival turned EQT Park into a pop-punk playground. Fans came ready, sunscreen or not — for two days of singalongs, circle pits, and the kind of joy that only a festival built on community can deliver.
The grounds at EQT Park, tucked behind a mall in Washington just outside Pittsburgh, were surprisingly perfect for the occasion. The turf made every sprint between the two tightly positioned stages a breeze, and the compact layout meant fans never had to miss a note. Between sets, people drifted toward the vendor hub — shopping for band tees, emo-inspired jewelry, records, and pins, or even grabbing a quick trim at the pop-up barbershop. The tattoo booth buzzed all afternoon, while non-profits like Punk Rock Saves Lives and Biggies Bullies reminded everyone that punk isn’t just about music, it’s about heart.
Food trucks added their own flavor to the weekend, from smoky brisket sandwiches and wok-fried noodles to fruit bowls and Millie’s ice cream melting faster than fans could eat it in the heat. With lemonade in hand or a PBR raised high, the crowd stayed fueled and festive.
If Saturday had a theme, it was nostalgia colliding with now.
Four Chord Festival was more than just a nostalgia trip — it was the embodiment of one man’s vision come to life. Rishi Bahl, frontman of Eternal Boy and longtime figure in the Pittsburgh pop-punk scene, didn’t just dream of sharing stages with Blink-182, he made it happen. As founder of Four Chord, Rishi built this festival from the ground up, driven by a love for the community that raised him, and the determination to give both up-and-coming and established bands a place to connect with their fans.
When Blink-182 hit the main stage, the entire field seemed to tighten, every fan squeezing in to scream “Josie” and “Dammit” back at Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker. Tom and Mark’s banter were equal parts juvenile humor and genuine friendship — reminding everyone why Blink is more than just a band; they’re a cultural touchstone.
Jimmy Eat World took over as the sun disappeared, their shimmering guitars turning the field into a time machine straight to the early 2000s. “Sweetness” and “The Middle” had strangers arm-in-arm, belting into the night.
Across the way, Hot Mulligan staked their claim as heirs to the scene, drawing one of the most passionate crowds of the day on the smaller stage. Fans climbed on each other’s shoulders, shouting along with every word, proving the next generation of pop-punk isn’t waiting in the wings, it’s already here.
Friday wasn’t just about the giants, though. Bowling for Soup kept spirits high with their signature blend of humor and hooks, while State Champs and Knuckle Puck delivered the kind of energy that sent circle pits spinning. Set Your Goals reunited with ferocity, Home Grown tapped into sun-drenched nostalgia, and Pittsburgh’s own Eternal Boy reminded the crowd why this festival exists in the first place.
Bands like Driveways, Charly Bliss, Patent Pending, Keep Flying, and Boy in Blue Stripes made the stage a destination in itself, each set a reminder that new music discovery is half the thrill of a festival. Day one closed with voices hoarse, smiles wide, and anticipation already building for Sunday.
If Saturday leaned on pop-punk nostalgia and high-energy anthems, Sunday brought a darker, moodier edge to this year’s Four Chord Festival. The second day showcased the depth of the punk spectrum — from brooding, gothic tones to blistering hardcore and everything in between.
The most anticipated set of the day came from AFI, and Davey Havok didn’t disappoint. His striking new look surprised fans before he even sang a note. The band’s chameleon-like ability to reinvent themselves once again took center stage. AFI slipped in two brand-new tracks from their upcoming album, shimmering with a Joy Division-tinged 80s post-punk vibe. It’s a sound that will take some listeners time to settle into… but live, it pulsed with urgency. Of course, the loudest roars came for the staples: “Girls Not Grey,” “Silver and Cold,” and “Miss Murder,” as Davey bounded across the stage with the kind of charisma that keeps AFI untouchable after decades.
If AFI felt like reinvention, Jawbreaker was pure nostalgia. The veteran punks leaned into the songs that defined their era, ripping through “Boxcar,” “Jet Black,” and “Want” with the same sneer that made them cult heroes. Older fans sang with eyes closed, transporting themselves back to basements and record stores — while younger fans discovered just how raw and timeless Jawbreaker’s catalog still sounds in 2025. It was our reminder that some bands don’t just age, they endure.
On the smaller stage, Alkaline Trio drew one of the day’s biggest crowds. Their stage setup was colorful, but the music leaned into the band’s trademark shadows — moody, infectious, and impossible not to sing along to. Fans screamed every word of “This Could Be Love,” “Mercy Me,” and “Radio” while dancing, fists raised — the Trio remains as beloved as ever.
The rest of Sunday’s lineup showcased the full spectrum of punk’s personality. Say Anything leaned into the theatrical, with Max Bemis commanding attention through biting lyrics and dramatic delivery that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Additionally, Face to Face reminded everyone why they remain one of punk’s most reliable road warriors — firing off no-frills anthems that had longtime fans grinning.
The Wonder Years transformed their set into a cathartic singalong. Frontman Dan Campbell poured emotional intensity into every lyric, while Drug Church brought raw grit and distortion, sending circle pits spinning in chaotic unison. Pittsburgh’s own Punchline delivered a hometown highlight, hooking the crowd with infectious pop-punk energy. Rising acts Koyo and Sincere Engineer shined as future staples with some of the stage’s most electric moments. Adding contrast, DeathbyRomy wove in a dark, alt-goth pop edge that pulled curious fans closer. Local openers Like Roses, Runt, and Mallory Run set the day’s tone early with big energy and heart, reminding us that Four Chord isn’t just about the headliners, but about including everyone in the scene.
What made the 11th year of Four Chord feel special wasn’t just the stacked lineup — it was the vibe. Selfies snapped in front of the giant festival sign, strangers swapping sunscreen or slices of pizza, staff who seemed genuinely happy to be there — it all felt genuine and like a family reunion. Whether you were pressed against the barricade or stretched out on the bleachers catching your breath, there was a shared sense of belonging.
Four Chord Festival has always been about keeping punk alive, and it felt very much alive this year, indeed.
GALLERY: Four Chord Festival in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (September 13-14, 2025)
