REVIEW | All Things Go, All Things Rapp – Day 1 in Toronto, 2025

It might be fall, but All Things Go 2025 brought pure summer energy to Toronto. This weekend, the Budweiser Stage felt more like a mid-August weekend as the independent festival made its much-anticipated Canadian debut. Originally from Washington, DC, and New York City, All Things Go expanded north for the first time and Toronto welcomed it with open arms. The festival radiated warmth and inclusivity that could be felt across the grounds. Fans, also known as Besties, showed up in full force, some arriving as early as 2:45 a.m. to secure spots for night one’s headliner, Renee Rapp. 

Day 1 featured an all-female lineup, and the energy throughout the crowd was infectious. But it wasn’t just about the music, festival-goers crafted friendship bracelets at the Kandies World tent, sipped juice straight from real fruit, and soaked up the sun on the lawn. Everywhere you looked, people were smiling, dancing, and connecting, creating a sense of community.

EMEI kicked off the day with bright, infectious energy that immediately pulled the early crowd in. ELIO followed with a heartfelt hometown set, marking her return to a Toronto stage after two years with warm vocals and effortless charm. Julia Wolf turned up the intensity with a fiery, head-banging performance, while Blondshell shifted the mood with raw, grungy emotion that hit deep. Chelsea Cutler then swept in with soaring melodies and even bigger feelings, turning the afternoon into an emotional singalong.

Then came Ravyn Lenae, delivering a set that felt like a dream. She took the stage with effortless grace as glowing visuals of starry skies and sunset tones matched her velvety voice perfectly, creating an atmosphere both intimate and otherworldly.

Next up was Remi Wolf, bursting with bubbly energy that had the crowd on their feet immediately. Playful and quick-witted, she had everyone smiling, laughing, and feeling delightfully goofy. Her whirlwind performance was high-energy, unpredictable, and completely magnetic, it impossible not to get swept up in the moment.

Closing out the night was Renee Rapp, delivering a set equal parts powerful and unapologetically sexy. The energy in the venue was electric, with Besties buzzing from the pit all the way to the back lawn. When she finally appeared, rising behind her three-tiered star platform, the crowd erupted. Kicking things off with “Leave Me Alone,” Renee commanded the stage, effortlessly shifting between high-energy hits and intimate moments. She then stripped it back with just piano for “Isn’t It Funny” and “Sometimes,” letting her voice fill the space with raw emotion. The energy was unstoppable, it was impossible to tell what was louder: the sound system or the crowd singing along to every word. Renee’s set was a thrilling, magnetic finale, that left the audience in awe.

As Day 1 started to wrap up, Renee added a final surprise, bringing out Day 2 performer Tucker, also known as Role Model, who playfully stepped in as the “Sally” to her set. The unexpected cameo left the crowd buzzing, a perfect tease for what was to come tomorrow. And as everyone spilled out of the Budweiser Stage gates, one question lingered throughout the crowd: Who will Role Models Sally be?

Words by Lacey Davey

Photos by All Things Go / Respective Collective