The All Things Go Music festival (ATG), an annual celebration of indie and alternative music performances, is an event for those who love energetic performers and the discovery of new, small artists. Held on the weekend of Sept. 28-29 in Columbia, Maryland, this year’s festival included headliners such as Laufey, Hozier, Janelle Monáe, Reneé Rapp, Bleachers and a last-minute step-up by MUNA.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, All Things Go solidified its reputation as a must-attend event for its inclusive community, talented performers, and opportunity for small artists to showcase their prowess. Whether listeners are standing behind the barricade or lying on the lawn in the back, the festival promises unforgettable memories and familiar post-show tinnitus.
In 2021, All Things Go significantly upgraded from its previous location at Union Market to the larger Merriweather Post Pavilion, increasing its capacity to over 20,000 attendees and featuring 16 artists. In past years, Lana Del Rey, boygenius and more have taken the stage, but this year, ATG organizers embraced a “fem girl pop theme,” featuring a lineup centered around female pop music.
Reneé Rapp, most famous for her role as Regina George in the recent remake of “Mean Girls,” kicked off her setlist with tracks from her debut album “Snow Angel” and her iconic “Not My Fault” with Megan Thee Stallion, featured in “Mean Girls: The Musical.” She also surprised the crowd with a cameo of her younger brother, who accompanied her on guitar for her song “In The Kitchen.” Drawing on her Broadway experience, Rapp captivated fans with her hard-hitting lyrics and powerful delivery. “VMagazine” reported that she “[made] each audience member feel as if [they were] the only ones watching.”
The Friday before the festival, an unexpected change occurred. Rising pop star Chappell Roan, who was scheduled to perform, decided to drop out at the last minute due to overwhelming personal circumstances. Around a month before, Roan posted a TikTok video regarding her interactions with fans, saying how she felt “harassed” and described the situation as “inappropriate.”
With the newly opened slot, MUNA, an indie-pop trio, jumped to fill in Roan’s spot. The band had already experienced performing at All Things Go last year, but were happy to return to the pavilion stage a year later, singing songs like their 2021 hit “Silk Chiffon.” At the end of their set, lead singer Katie Gavin improvised, ending their acoustic set with the song “Good Luck, Babe!” in tribute to Chappell Roan.
Fans stopped by Laufey’s set to sing along to her 1950’s vibes songs with all their hearts, as well as Hozier’s hit “Too Sweet.” Although it is still a few months away from the third of December, Conan Grey performed “Heather” as fans screamed and swayed along. The festival also spotlighted smaller artists such as Janelle Monáe, Ethel Cain, David Kushner and more.
Fans anticipate that tickets to the 2025 All Things Go Music Festival will become available next April.
