Also Cool’s Vans Warped Tour Orlando Top Picks: Counterparts, Free Throw, Vana and more
Also Cool correspondent Deviilbby reports our Top Picks for Vans Warped Tour Orlando, Florida, from November 14-15, 2026, including Counterparts, Free Throw, Vana and more.
The Vans Warped Tour 2026 closes out an impressive run for the second consecutive year in the city of Orlando, Florida. Taking place at the Camping World Stadium Campus on November 14th and 15th, the festival ends its five-city 2026 run with a lineup as impressive as always. The selections cover basically every flavour of alternative music to satisfy every elder emo and retired punk-skater’s craving for nostalgia, while simultaneously highlighting the newest upcoming acts hitting the scene. Here are Also Cool’s Top Picks from the festival lineup that have us excited to return to our third Warped Tour stop in 2026.
Counterparts via Vans Warped Tour
Counterparts
Counterparts is a Canadian metalcore/melodic hardcore band formed in 2007. Their beautifully chaotic sound earned them a place as a major era-defining name in the hardcore scene. Since the band first appeared on the Vans Warped Tour back in 2017, they have continued to make a lasting impact, notably influencing the newer bands of the genre. The band worked their way up from the local underground scene of Hamilton, Ontario, to major tours across the globe—now hitting the Vans Warped Tour lineup for a second time. With their set being one of our personal highlights from Montreal’s Warped weekend back in August, it is safe to say Counterparts has earned a spot on our list of must-see sets in Orlando.
Free Throw via Vans Warped Tour
Free Throw
If you had a Tumblr in 2014-2016, you may have seen a post or two (or even made one yourself) with popular lyrics from this Free Throw, specifically their songs “Tongue Tied” or “Hey Ken, Someone Methodically Mushed the Donuts.” That album, titled Those Days are Gone, solidified their rightful spot as one of the most notable names defining the 4th wave era of emo: popularly considered the Emo Revival Era. The emo-punk band’s new album, titled Moments Before The Wind, is absolutely stacked with matured emo tracks that strike the same nostalgic chord. With the weather in Orlando on Warped Tour weekend forecasted to be certifiable sweater weather, the vibes will be just right to catch Free Throw hit the Warped Stage for the first time ever.
Boston Manor via Vans Warped Tour
Boston Manor
UK pop punk band Boston Manor will be returning to the festival, following the re-release of Be Nothing, celebrating the acoustic album’s 10 year anniversary. The band’s ten year evolution is showcased through their current genre-fluid sound—the perfect blend of pop punk-emo meeting heavier alternative rock. If the pit is where you find yourself at Warped Tour, Boston Manor’s set is certain to bring the energy you are seeking.
The Paradox via Vans Warped Tour
The Paradox
Atlanta, Georgia pop punk band The Paradox has absolutely exploded on the scene since their formation in 2024. 2026 marks the second Warped Tour run under their belt, following their viral appearance in 2025 alongside surprise guest Travis Barker of Blink-182. Their stage presence follows through with that same explosive impact, making them an exciting addition to our Top Picks. If your nostalgia for Warped Tour lies more with the classic pop punk bands like Blink-182 and Sum 41, give this young, rapidly-emerging band a listen.
Vana via Vans Warped Tour
Vana
Vana is a New Zealand–based singer-songwriter, whose heavy metal sound blends brutal riffs and breakdowns with electro-pop elements as a backdrop for her ethereal vocals and aggressive screams. Entirely self-taught, Vana draws inspiration from names like Pierce the Veil, Sleeping with Sirens, and Bring Me the Horizon, and impactful women in metal like Courtney LePlante and Poppy. Vana is the perfect embodiment of feminine rage and empowerment,balancing out a typically male-dominated lineup and overall music scene. Her newest single “Bleeding Heart” is a taste of the enchanting, dark femininity that you can expect her to bring to the stage.
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