The sophomore slump did not hit Breakaway Festival Arizona — the two-day event only got bigger in its second year, bringing artist sensations Marshmello, Kygo, Isoxo, James Hype and plenty more to the desert for all the lights, bass, and action the fans could handle.
With its well-thought-out logistics and quite a bit of luck (looking at you, low-80s temps in late April), the festival went off without a hitch. Breakaway, the organization behind this and other nationwide events with the same name, promises “vibrant, community-focused festivals that celebrate music, connection, and unforgettable experiences,” and this past weekend certainly delivered.
Here are some of the highlights.
The L.A.B. Stage: A Distinct Festival Experience
The Leave it All Behind stage, or the L.A.B., was reminiscent of the Do Lab at Coachella with its shade panels overhead and light-up pillars that extended the visuals beyond the stage. Though it hosted the lesser-known artists, it was more intimate and felt like a sanctuary away from the rest of the festival. Fans also had enough room to dance, even in the rows right up against the barricade.
Special Guests Surprise and Delight
Watching artists connect, collaborate, and become friends is one of the best parts of being a fan, in this writer’s opinion. This is how community comes to life, and the added bonus is special guests gracing the stage: Bijou with Dr. Fresch, Victoria Nadine with Kygo, and b2b moments at the L.A.B. stage that ensured the mix never paused.
The Silent Disco: Real-Time Audience Participation
At “Club Sandwich,” the silent disco that served as a third stage for the festival, fans could choose their own adventure. Three “stations” were available to stream in the large over-ear headphones everyone donned to join the party, and local DJs threw down tight half-hour sets from doors to sunset.
Ten Years of Kygo and Marshmello
What better way to celebrate a decade since their debut albums than to headline a festival? The headliners packed their sets with all the bangers that boosted their careers, and even the most casual fans were singing along to “Silence,” “Higher Love,” and the hits that have defined the past 10 summers.
(A personal highlight here: Marshmello’s mashup of “Alone” and “No Broke Boys” was electric.)
Crowd Work: Grabbitz on the Rail with the Fans
As an artist who can play several instruments, sing, and produce, Grabbitz is a dynamic performer who goes beyond the tables — literally. He jumped off stage to dance with his fans at the barricade and did live vocals throughout his set.
Beatbox Activation: Better Than Standard Event Junk
Anyone who has been to a music festival knows the brand activations give away what quickly becomes trash, whether it’s stickers or keychains or koozies. Beatbox turned the idea on its head — pun intended — by giving away bucket hats in a color of your choice airbrushed with the brand’s logo. Bandanas, scrunchies, bracelets, and photobooth printouts were also up for grabs.
Honorable Mentions
If there were awards for each of these categories, here’s who would win them:
- Most Chaotic Set: Isoxo
- Best Intro: Loud Luxury
- Best Surprise: Ease of parking
- Biggest Obstacle: Dust
