- - 2000s Rock Icons Announced as First Act for Warped Tour Return

Nina DerwinJanuary 31, 2026 at 12:22 AM

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Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for Audacy

Warped Tour’s long-anticipated return is officially underway. The iconic traveling festival has announced Jimmy Eat World as the first act confirmed for its 2026 comeback, signaling that the legendary tour is truly gearing up for a new era.

The announcement marks the first concrete lineup detail revealed since Warped Tour confirmed it would be returning after years away from the road. Jimmy Eat World will perform at all five stops on this year's tour, according to an Instagram post the band and the official Warped Tour account shared on Friday.

For longtime fans, the choice of Jimmy Eat World feels especially fitting: the band has deep roots in the Warped ecosystem and helped define the sound of the festival during its 2000s peak.

Jimmy Eat World rose to mainstream prominence in the early 2000s with a run of era-defining albums, including Bleed American and Futures. Songs like “The Middle” and “Sweetness” became staples of alternative radio and festival stages alike, cementing the band's status as one of the most influential rock acts of its generation. Their blend of emotionally direct songwriting and melodic hooks made them a natural fit for Warped Tour crowds at the height of the festival's cultural impact.

In addition to Jimmy Eat World, Dance Gavin Dance were also announced as part of this year's lineup. The band will perform at three out of the five Warped Tour dates.

While additional lineup details have yet to be announced, confirming a band of Jimmy Eat World's stature as the first act sets a clear tone for the tour's return. It suggests a renewed focus on artists who helped shape Warped Tour’s legacy, while also hinting at a lineup that could bridge generations of alternative and rock fans.

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Warped Tour originally launched in the mid-1990s and grew into one of the most influential live music platforms in the United States, introducing audiences to countless punk, emo, alternative, and rock acts over its decades-long run. The final cross-country Warped Tour took place in 2018, with limited dates to celebrate the touring festival's 25th anniversary in 2019. Its 2026 return has been closely watched by fans who grew up attending the tour and by younger listeners curious about the festival’s outsized reputation.

With Jimmy Eat World now officially on board, Warped Tour’s comeback is officially happening, and this first announcement makes clear that the festival plans to honor its roots as it charts its next chapter.

This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”