BFF Fest Review

Tattoos, gray beards and cargo shorts.

These were among the first things I came upon arriving at Best Friends Forever Fest in Las Vegas. Complete with the scent of alcohol and cigarette smoke, The weekend of Oct. 11-13, Downtown was taken over by some of the most influential Midwest emo bands of our time.

“I’m getting emotional up here. What is this, an emo fest?” - Boyfriend Sushi Town

“We are American Foot Balls!” - American Football

“We brought some friends to best friends forever fest.” - Algernon Cadwallader

“This one goes out to Dolly Parton … not the singer but our dead pet rat.” - Dismemberment Plan

“Emo in the desert mind” - Dismemberment Plan

“Thank you for coming out early, I know most of you are hungover.” - Phony

“Clap for love!” - Phony

“It’s like the bells on Christmas Day up here. Ding Dong!” - BRAID

“This one goes out to the airport salads.” - Sweet Pill

“Would you charge your best friend forever $7 for water? I don’t **** think so!” - Mannequin Pussy

“I know it’s Sunday, but up here it’s Friday, so make some noise.” - The Get Up Kids

     The weekend was full of tears, reunions and moshpits. So many relationships were made between the on-stage acts and audiences. I recall several fans walking up to (name here) a member of VS Self and having the cookiest conversations with him. It was like they had been best friends forever– no pun intended.

First Day With My BFFs

Friday was an instantaneous connection as bands like Boyfriend Sushi Town and From Indian Lakes kicked off a weekend full of bangers. Another of the earlier performances from the day was that of VS Self. The tambourine man stole my attention and I could not stop staring. The band had such a humorous presence, that it made the crowd roar at every moment possible.

That day also presented the magic of American Football. It was the 25 anniversary of their debut, self-titled album “American Football,” and it’s needless to say they did not disappoint with the celebration. Time became of no essence and the crowd was spellbound from start to finish. Can’t forget the spectacular backdrop images that were projected throughout the set. This performance was a highlight of the festival. The nostalgic nature of the songs left me and many others misty-eyed after every song. Closing the set with the classic “Never Meant” made Friday the perfect opening night. The lyrics “best friends and better halves” echoed through the event center and cemented the name of the festival and the ethos of the weekend. 

 The venue was set up to suit the festival as well. With the main stage mounted on turf, the whole thing felt like a big backyard party. Although the desert heat was at times hard to bear, small shaded areas were not hard to find; and the merch tent was complete with misters. Vendors included Polyvinyl, Numero Group, and Las Vegas’ own Punk Rock Museum. Polyvinyl even hosted a signing with members of The Get Up Kids. There was something for everyone, and the sets were still audible from the tent.

Loud Bark, Deep Bite

The spirits were high at BFF Fest, and I’m not just talking about the alcohol. 

The second day only got better with time. Hello Mary set the tone for a day full of top-tier sets. I remember seeing drummer Stella Wave turn to her bandmate and say “This is so fun!” The energy was contagious. The crowd shared the  sentiment and it  held true for the remainder of the day. Some of the best bands were saved for Saturday and since there were no overlapping sets, there was an opportunity to catch every single one without interruption. 

Karate was up later that day, in the highest peak of temperature, but they were still kickin’ it despite the conditions. Saturday was the hottest day, so it was nice to have the shaded areas provided and still hear the music on stage. However, the festival could have benefited from more amenities. Organized by S&S– Who also present Kilby Block Party– I was surprised to see a shortage of water a vailable.

Built To Spill’s performance was the perfect soundtrack for the setting sun. The band was also celebrating an album anniversary. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of “There’s Nothing Wrong With Love” the album was played in its entirety, with other favorites sprinkled in. As Built to Spill soared through their set of sky-splitting solos and lovelorn lyrics, I stood in awe of every song. 

Another artist from Saturday’s line-up was the spellbinding Mannequin Pussy. The band’s endeavors during the set reminded me of the famous “I’m Just A Girl” moment by No Doubt in the 90s. I recall her calling out, “What is it about feral femininity that makes you uncomfortable?” and proceeded her possession of the crowd, prompting a call and response of the word pussy. The crowd was home of one of many mosh pits.  From this, the festival was riled and ready for the rest of the evening.

Each of these bands, and many unmentioned, put on the show of a lifetime. We all really will be besties for the resties.

For being the very first of its kind, 2024’s Best Friends Forever Fest was an experience to remember.  We can only hope for many more. Needless to say, the festival was a success. 

Follow along on the festival’s Instagram here for updates on BFF 2025.