Breakaway Music Festival Kicks Off in Concord, North Carolina
Get ready, music lovers! This weekend, the Carolina edition of the Breakaway Music Festival is set to take over the zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway. For two exhilarating days, this outdoor festival will serve up a feast of EDM, house, and pop music, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees.
While you might think of big names like Lollapalooza or Austin City Limits, Breakaway has carved its own niche, earning a spot on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of “The Best Music Festivals” for the past two years. Now in its fourth year in the Charlotte area—located in Concord, more specifically—this festival is still growing but remains unique. Organizers are hoping to welcome around 12,000 fans each day.
If you’re under 30, you probably already know what Breakaway is all about. But if you’re over 40, you might not be quite as familiar. This festival is all about the beats created by talented DJs and music producers, igniting the dance floor with electrifying sounds rather than your typical singer-songwriters. Speaking with Jarrod Fucci, the new president of Breakaway Music Festival, we uncovered a lot of interesting insights about this year’s event.
Headliners to Watch
So, who’s playing? Fucci describes this year’s lineup as “Super Bowl level.” The excitement kicks off Friday night with a couple of chart-topping headliners: Alesso and Marshmello. Alesso, famous for collaborations with pop icons like Tove Lo and Katy Perry, will light up Friday night alongside Marshmello, who has worked his magic with artists like Selena Gomez and the Jonas Brothers.
On Saturday, party-goers can expect to dance with Fisher, Knock2, and Loud Luxury. With such heavy hitters leading the way, it’s hard not to feel the thrill of what’s to come!
The Growth of EDM
Fucci has a captivating perspective on the growth of electronic dance music. He mentioned, “Dance music is nothing new, but the explosiveness over the past decade has been really special.” He believes that misconceptions exist around EDM being just noise—a stigma that continues to linger among those who might not have connected with the genre yet. “The underground dance scene is not so underground anymore,” he shares. His enthusiasm for this genre shows just how integral EDM has become in music culture today.
What Makes Charlotte Special?
When asked why Breakaway zeroed in on Charlotte, Fucci had some intriguing points. The city is bustling with young people who align perfectly with the festival’s target demographic—primarily juniors and seniors in college and recent grads. The presence of numerous colleges around the area, from Columbia, South Carolina, to Chapel Hill, makes for a vibrant crowd keen to embrace what Breakaway has to offer.
Fucci emphasized the festival’s commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable environment. Recognizing the perceptions surrounding EDM events, he addressed the challenges of ensuring safety at large gatherings. “Safety is paramount for us,” he stated, explaining that their teams are trained to recognize and respond to issues among attendees, including potential overconsumption.
Weather Concerns
Weather is always a wildcard for outdoor events, and Breakaway is no different. While there are some concerns about potential rain from Tropical Storm Helene, Fucci remains optimistic. “We are a rain-or-shine event,” he assured. They have everything in place for bad weather, from protocols to monitor lightning, ensuring the fun continues as long as it is safe.
Event Details
So, when can you take part? Mark your calendars for this Friday and Saturday! The festivities kick off at 4 p.m. with gates opening at zMAX Dragway. Tickets are available starting at $104 for a single day, with parking costing an additional $25-$35.
With such an exciting lineup and a commitment to safety, it seems that the Carolina edition of Breakaway Music Festival is poised to be an incredible weekend of music and memories!
