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Festivals

Breakaway Music Festival Review

Photograph of the blog post author, Liam Machin

Liam Machin

21.2.2023

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Taking place in a variety of locations across the US, the Breakaway Music Festival brings together some of the biggest names in music for a weekend of non-stop entertainment. 

The festival features a hugely diverse lineup of genres so you’re sure to find something for everyone. With main headliners already booked including Post Malone, Travis Scott, and Diplo, the Breakaway Music Festival is an event you won’t want to miss. 

Fed up with sitting in your room streaming songs and dying for that live music experience? Well, let’s dive into all that the Breakaway Music Festival has to offer.

What is the Breakaway Music Festival?

The Breakaway Music Festival is a celebration of sound, art and culture established by Prime Social Group, a music production and event company based in Ohio. 

Founded in 2011 by a group of four friends, Prime Social Group has since become a major player in the music festival industry producing over 100 events in 2019 alone. 

Their aim is to provide music fans with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and their events take place across various cities to ensure everyone has the chance to enjoy.

Where Does the Breakaway Festival Take Place?

This year the Festival will take place across 6 areas, repeating once in Carolina. Some lineups are still to be announced, but here is an overview of each location taking part.

Spring Carolina – May 5-6th – ZMax DRagway at Charlotte Motor Speedway

The Breakaway Music Festival returns to zMAX Dragway May 5-6, with the first of two appearances this year! 

Among many artists coming to the festival, see acts including:

  • Illenium (May 5)
  • Tiësto (May 5)
  • Deadmau5 (May 6)
  • Zedd (May 6)
  • John Summit (May 5)
  • Sullivan King (May 5)
  • Craze (May 6)
  • Frank Walker (May 6)

Kansas City – July 14-15th – Azura Amphitheater

Azura Amphitheater in Kansas City offers an unparalleled fan experience, with a diverse range of events from concerts to 5k runs. Tourists make it a priority on their “things to do in Kansas City” list, and artists love playing for the best fans in the country in such a stunning setting. It’s no wonder why this venue has become so popular – especially with the Breakaway festival.

Michigan – August 18-19 – Belknap Park

Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, The Belknap is West Michigan’s seasonal pop-up outdoor concert venue situated at Belknap Park. Home to Breakaway Music Festival and Upheaval Festival every year, the venue offers 360-degree views of downtown Grand Rapids from the top and is only 1 mile away from the city center. This makes The Belknap a convenient and exciting entertainment option for those in the area and the ideal host for a festival.

Ohio  – Aug 25-26th – Historic Crew Stadium

Located in Columbus, Ohio, Crew Stadium (formerly known as Columbus Crew Stadium and Mapfre Stadium) has a long history of being home to the Major League Soccer team, the Columbus Crew. From 1999 to 2021, the stadium served as their primary venue until they moved to Lower.com Field. This year’s Breakaway lineup is set to be announced soon.

Boston – Sept 15th-16th – Venue TBA

Carolina – Sept 29-30 – A return to the ZMax DRagway at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Bay Area – Oct 13-14th – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, built in 1915 as part of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, is named after the legendary impresario Bill Graham. He started the rock ‘n roll movement in San Francisco during the 1960s. Over its long history, this historic building has seen many important cultural events take place – from the Democratic National Convention in 1920 to Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech to the NAACP in 1956 and even being used as a home court for Golden State Warriors from 1964 to 1966, another perfect location for a Breakaway extravaganza. A truly historic location for the final segment of the Breakaway series!

Each of these venues offers its own unique atmosphere and backdrop, making the festival experience truly unforgettable. 

Who is Playing at the Breakaway Music Festival?

Breakaway Music Festival

At the time of writing, only the Spring Carolina festival has announced lineups. Friday headliners are Tiësto and Illenium with Deadmau5 and Zedd on Saturday. 

Friday’s lineup at the Breakaway Music Festival boasts an impressive roster of talented artists including John Summit, Nurko and Aluna. 

Then on Saturday, the festival will feature performances from rising star Jessi Murph, the legend that is GORDO (DJ Carnage) and singer-songwriter Tai Verdes. 

The lineup showcases a diverse range of musical styles, from hip-hop and electronic dance music to pop and indie rock, providing festival-goers with a truly memorable experience.

For instance, the Ohio event held last year saw 21 Savage headlining a ‘hip-hop only’ Sunday after an unbelievable performance from Friday’s headliner electronic dance music legends The Chainsmokers and the Griz who headlined on Saturday.

What to Expect at the Breakaway Music Festival?

The Breakaway Festival USA provides an unparalleled experience that ultimately sets it apart from other festivals. 

You can expect a diverse range of music, exciting activities and games, and a variety of delicious food and drink options. This includes interactive art installations and even carnival rides!

As the festival has grown in popularity over the years, it has attracted more attendees from all over the country, making it a must-visit destination for music lovers. Its unique atmosphere has made it a top choice for festival-goers looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Lineups 

The Breakaway Festival USA boasts an extensive lineup of performers across various genres, and talent from across the world. With special guest DJs and unexpected performances, the festival offers a diverse range of musical acts that appeal to all tastes.

While the festival primarily focuses on EDM, the diversity of events means that a variety of musical genres are represented in each city. 

Food and Drink

Like most music festivals, you can expect a variety of food and drink options including food trucks, vendors offering festival-friendly cuisine like cotton candy, hot dogs, and popcorn, and a selection of beverages such as soda, water, and beer.

Typically, a large and vibrant canopy covers a picnic area complete with tables and benches for festival-goers to take a break and relax. There has also previously been a station for attendees to create their own free bracelets made of candy.

Given the range of cities hosting the event, you can expect local favourites too. From burgers and pizzas to Greek food, noodles and Philly cheesesteaks – you won’t go hungry! 

Activities 

As mentioned earlier, the festival is a celebration of fun with a wide range of activities available for attendees. 

Last year, roller skating was available to festival-goers who could rent skates and glide on the rink while enjoying the music. The rink was lined with chequered skating mats to provide a fun and unconventional experience.

There was also a silent disco which created a more personal and intimate atmosphere, where music fans can dance and sing along to their own music choices.

How to Prepare for the Breakaway Music Festival?

Attending a music festival is an exciting and enriching experience, but preparation is key to ensure the best possible time. There are a few important factors to consider before attending a festival.

Double and Triple Check the Lineup

Firstly, it is crucial to research the lineup before attending the festival. This will allow you to plan your day and make sure that you don’t miss any of your favourite artists, activities, or art installations. Knowing the lineup ahead of time and keeping up with new additions helps you to make the most of your time at the festival and make sure you don’t miss anything important.

Pack Smart

Packing appropriately is another important aspect of preparation. It is essential to bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes to protect yourself from the sun and ensure comfort throughout the day. You should also bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, which is important for both health and the environment. It’s not Christmas but we recommend making a list and checking it twice…

Budgeting

Sure it’s boring but setting a budget before attending the festival is vital as festivals can be expensive. By setting a budget ahead of time, you can make sure that you stay within your means and enjoy the festival without breaking the bank.

Familiarise Yourself with the Festival Rules

It is also important to familiarise yourself with the festival’s rules before attending. This will help you avoid any potential issues and ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. Knowing the rules also helps you to understand the expectations and guidelines for behaviour at the festival.

The list of items prohibited at the Breakaway Festival includes:

  • Backpacks
  • Lawn chairs or outdoor furniture
  • Food or drink from outside the festival
  • Glass or metal containers
  • Lasers, lights, or flashlights
  • Picnic baskets, lunch boxes or coolers
  • BBQ grills
  • Umbrellas
  • Inflatable furniture
  • Selfie sticks, GoPro cameras, and iPads
  • Hula hoops, poi or flow toys, Totem Poles

It’s also worth noting there is no re-entry allowed – so once you’re in it’s all about dancing!

Transportation

Finally, planning transportation is a crucial aspect of preparation. It is important to research the different transportation options and plan accordingly to make sure that you arrive at the festival safely and on time. By planning transportation in advance, you can avoid any potential issues and ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

How to Enjoy a Music Festival?

Music festivals can be magical, but they can also swiftly turn into a nightmare. With so many artists, fans and activities on the go, you can easily get lost, frustrated or worse, not enjoy it at all. 

Prioritise What You Want to See 

When planning your day at the festival, it’s important to prioritise what you want to see. As mentioned, that includes researching the lineup and set times ahead of time and making a plan for which artists you want to see live in action. This will help you make the most of your time and ensure you don’t miss any of your must-see acts. The last thing you want to do is improvise at the event…

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks 

Staying hydrated is crucial for having a good time at the festival. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle with you and take breaks throughout the day to rest your feet and recharge. 

Make Friends with Other Festival Goers

The festival is an opportunity to meet new people, so take advantage of it. Chat with your fellow festival-goers and make some new friends with similar interests in music. Not only will this enhance your experience but it could also lead to new connections and memories that last a lifetime. 

Take Pictures and Videos 

Make sure to capture your festival experience by taking plenty of pictures and videos. This will help you relive the memories and share them with your friends. Sure some people might moan but who cares?! It’s your event so make the most of it! 

Explore the Different Venues and Stages

The Breakaway Festival is unique in that it is held in various cities across the United States, with a number of different sets happening at once. Take advantage of each location and explore the different stages and see what each has to offer. This could be a great opportunity to discover new artists and activities that you wouldn’t have otherwise listened to.   

Why go to the Breakaway Music Festival?

If the lineup hasn’t convinced you enough, let us tell you that the Breakaway Festival USA is a must-attend annual event that offers an incredible musical and artistic experience.

The festival showcases a diverse range of genres with performances from both well-known and up-and-coming artists making it a platform for music lovers of all tastes to discover new talents and see those once-in-a-lifetime performances. 

In addition to the musical performances, the festival’s range of interactive art installations, food vendors and fun activities make it an all-encompassing celebration of music, art, and culture. If you are looking for a festival that offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience – Breakaway Festival USA is the one for you. 

The festival’s commitment to offering a diverse and exciting lineup, combined with its ever-growing reputation, makes it a must-attend event for music lovers and festival-goers. 

With so many reasons to attend, it’s no surprise that many attendees are already booked in and looking forward to next year’s festival, eager to experience all that Breakaway Festival USA has to offer once again.


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