The concertgoers enjoy a set during day two of the festival.
Breakaway Music Festival, a traveling EDM festival held Sept. 27-28 at zMAX Dragway, was a dynamic event with energetic concert attendees.
The two-day festival featured three stages, including a silent disco with over 23 artists performing. On day one, the festival was delayed, with gates opening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., allowing for additional preparation due to rain and wind from Hurricane Helene.
Upon entry, attendees entered bag checks and metal detectors. Those with VIP access received credentials that security checked before venturing into VIP sections.
Festival attendees wore light-up shoes, reflective clothing, cropped tops and bralettes. Concertgoers wore bold prints and neon colors with reflective fabrics that glowed under the strobe lights. Accessories I saw were fishnet stockings, body glitter and face decals.
Attendees using various accessories like decorative fans to express their style.
The VIP experience was phenomenal. It included a VIP-only section with a private bar, couches to lounge on and charging stations. There were also luxury porta potties and a food truck with tables to eat at while watching the main stage.
Despite a delayed opening Friday night, fans came out to see headliners Marshmello, Alesso and Chase & Status.
Marshmello performing on day one of the festival.
Chase & Status perform for the large crowd on day one.
Ian Asher performed Saturday night on the launch pad. His set was electric, and he played an unreleased song that got the crowd hyped. His performance was the highlight of my night, with a packed crowd enjoying the strobe lights and timed smoke machines in his set.
Festival goers continued to enter in time for headliners Fisher, Knock2 and Loud Luxury late Saturday night.
The silent disco was one of the highlights of my festival experience. Once I entered the disco, I obtained headphones that had volume and channel buttons to access the music. This was my first silent disco, and I enjoyed being entranced by the music and being able to change the volume.
There were three DJs at one time, and the headphones had three channels to choose from. Those in the disco danced and laughed. One attendee had a blow-up dinosaur to dance with, which was comical.
A stunning attraction was the Ferris wheel, which had a 365-degree view of the festival, and you could appreciate the atmosphere from above. Once the sunset, the Ferris wheel lit up, and lines packed to get a ticket for the ride.
Breakaway’s presenting sponsor was Celsius, which provided a lounge with couches, multiple photo opportunities, and complementary Celsius drinks. The energy drink was also available for purchase throughout the event.
The event had medical professionals on-site in case of emergency. Breakaway teamed up with the nonprofit End Overdose, which had volunteers available to administer Naloxone in case of overdoses and provide resources to attendees.
Tito’s Vodka, another sponsor, provided free hair styling services, adding glitter and bling to any hairstyle. Tito’s had a station for concert attendees to connect with others by making friendship bracelets.
The Shein sponsor offered arm hydro dipping, fake tattoos, a photo wall and free swag. Concertgoers waited in long lines to pick out their free Shein swag, including options such as fanny packs and sunglasses.
Many food and drink vendors were available, such as Kona Ice, Bud Light, street tacos and chicken tender platters. The festival had a water hydration station where attendees could fill water bottles and hydration backpacks. Merchandise such as t-shirts and hoodies was available for purchase or online afterward.
The Breakaway Music Festival had an energetic atmosphere with ample food and drink options, an exhilarating Ferris wheel and electrifying sets from featured artists.
For more information on upcoming Breakaway Music Festival 2025 dates, follow their Instagram, @breakawaycarolina and check out Breakaway Music Festival’s website.