Under the golden Arizona sun, Extra Innings Festival returned for its second year, proving once again that it’s more than just an extension of Innings Festival- it’s a major player in the festival scene. While its name nods to spring training season, the real draw isn’t baseball, it’s the stellar lineup, perfect weather and electric energy that only a Tempe crowd can bring.
With a mix of country, folk, and rock, Friday’s performances knocked it out of the park, offering everything from rowdy anthems to heartfelt ballads. And with a lineup this stacked, there wasn’t a single dull moment.
Red Leather and Jason Scott and The High Heat Get the Party Started
Red Leather wasted no time in making an impression, opening the festival with a high-energy set packed with bluesy riffs and rock ‘n’ roll swagger. They brought a raw, unfiltered energy that had early arrivals already moving, proving that the festival was in full swing from the first note.
Jason Scott and The High Heat followed, bringing a Southern rock punch that blended grit with soaring melodies. Their set was a mix of soulful storytelling and stadium-sized choruses, making it clear that they’re a band built for festivals like this.
Lily Fitts Brings the Soul, Evan Honer Brings the Fire
Lily Fitts delivered a standout performance, blending rootsy charm with powerhouse vocals that cut through the warm afternoon air. Her set balanced emotional depth with foot-stomping energy, setting the stage for the mayhem that was about to unfold next.
Then came Evan Honer, an Arizona native whose hometown crowd made sure he felt the love. He kicked off his set with a backflip—an entrance that immediately grabbed everyone’s attention—and followed it up with a confident, full band performance that had the energy of someone truly in their element. Blending folk, indie and rock with effortless ease, Honer showcased not just his strong musicianship but also a natural ability to connect with a crowd that felt like they were watching one of their own make it big.
Trampled by Turtles Takes It Up a Notch with High-Speed Pickin’
As the sun started to dip, Trampled by Turtles took over with their signature brand of bluegrass firepower. Their set was a masterclass in musicianship, with lightning-fast banjo and fiddle solos keeping the crowd on their toes. Whether it was high-energy jams or slow-burning ballads, they had the festival in the palm of their hands.
Wyatt Flores and O.A.R. Keep the Crowd Swinging
Wyatt Flores followed, and his blend of indie-folk and heartfelt storytelling was a perfect transition into the night. His set had an undeniable authenticity, weaving personal lyrics with melodies that felt both fresh and familiar. By the time he closed, it was clear that he’s an artist on the rise—and that a lot of people in the crowd would be adding his songs to their playlists after the festival.
Then came O.A.R., legends in their own right, whose set proved that their classic hits still pack a punch. With a mix of feel-good anthems and massive singalongs, they brought both longtime fans and new listeners together for a sunset moment that felt straight out of a summer road trip playlist.
Megan Moroney and Red Clay Strays Bring the Power Plays
Megan Moroney stepped up to the plate and delivered one of the most captivating sets of the day. Her soulful vocals and magnetic stage presence proved why she’s on a meteoric rise in country music. Songs ranged from tender ballads to fiery anthems, and judging by the crowd’s reaction, she’s well on her way to headliner status in the near future.
Before the grand finale, Red Clay Strays turned up the heat with a blazing Southern rock-infused set that had the crowd dancing, shouting, and completely locked in. Their fusion of blues, rockabilly, and country soul made them one of the biggest standouts of the night.
The Lumineers Closes Out Day One in Grand Slam Fashion
When The Lumineers took the stage, the festival grounds were packed to the edges. From the moment they launched into their set, it was clear why they were the night’s undisputed headliners. Every song felt like a shared experience, from the emotionally charged “Cleopatra” to the foot-stomping “Ophelia.”
Their ability to turn a massive festival into an intimate singalong is unmatched, and as they closed with “Stubborn Love”, it was clear that Extra Innings had officially found its rhythm as a festival built for unforgettable nights like this.
More Than Just Music: Extra Innings’ Winning Extras
Beyond the music, Extra Innings Festival offers a unique experience for fans looking for something more. The “Off the Mound” sessions brought together MLB legends and musicians for candid conversations, giving fans an inside look at the intersections of sports and music.
Elsewhere, the festival grounds were buzzing with activity—from batting cages to craft beer gardens, there was something to keep every kind of fan entertained. Whether attendees were grabbing a bite from a local food truck, catching an autograph session, or just soaking in the picture-perfect Arizona weather, it was a weekend built to celebrate good music, good vibes, and good times.
