Avril Lavigne Rocks the Crowd at When We Were Young Festival
October 18th in Las Vegas was a day for pop-punk history, and Avril Lavigne proved why she remains one of the scene’s enduring icons at the When We Were Young Festival. Delivering a short but absolutely electric set, Lavigne brought all the hits fans had been waiting for, along with an infectious energy that had the crowd screaming, dancing, and singing along from start to finish.
From the moment she stepped on stage, it was clear that Lavigne still commands the spotlight. Her stage presence was magnetic, effortlessly balancing playful charm with powerhouse performance. Backed by a tight, high-energy band, every riff, beat, and vocal flourish landed perfectly, creating a rock set that was both nostalgic and completely alive in the moment. The audience was in full agreement, going absolutely nuts for every chorus, belting along in unison with decades’ worth of anthems that defined a generation.
The set may have been brief, but it was packed with punch. Each song hit like a flashback to teenage bedrooms, first concerts, and long car rides blasting the radio, while also showcasing Lavigne’s continued growth as a performer. Her voice was strong and dynamic, effortlessly moving between edgy pop-punk swagger and soaring, emotional high notes. It was a reminder that, even after all these years, Lavigne still has the vocal chops and stagecraft to deliver a full-throttle rock performance.
The festival itself was a celebration of music, community, and nostalgia, but Lavigne’s set stood out as a moment of pure connection. Fans of all ages sang every lyric, relived memories, and created new ones under the desert sky. Her energy was contagious, inspiring the crowd to jump, cheer, and revel in the joy of a shared musical experience.
By the time she closed her set, it was clear that Avril Lavigne had delivered one of the day’s defining performances. Short, sweet, and packed with timeless hits, it was a rock set that reminded everyone why she became a household name in the first place. In a festival full of incredible bands and artists, Avril Lavigne proved that pop-punk’s enduring spirit lives on, and that some music truly gets better with age.


Review by: Austin Sher, Photos by: Sophia Juliette/When We Were Young