Breakaway Arizona celebrated its inaugural debut in Mesa, Arizona at Sloan Park on April 18-19, 2025. Day zero surprises and melodic dance were presented across three stages for a premium yet accessible experience. Breakaway Arizona transpired as the ultimate festival of intersecting global and local talent strengthening Arizona’s rave scene. With wide smiles and prime views at multiple viewing decks, Breakaway Festival proves it is best enjoyed alongside your best friends.
Day Zero Surprises and Other Breakaway-Exclusive Easter Eggs
Courtesy of Breakaway Arizona // Mike Kirschbaum (@kursza & @mikekphotos)
Breakaway Festival’s grand Arizona debut began as early as day zero with surprise performances from Two Friends and The Chainsmokers. Two Friends surprise pop-up honored Breakaway AZ history as they performed in front of Sloan Park on day zero. On the following day, The Chainsmokers crashed a frat party at Arizona State University before their official set. Unfortunately, the party was shut down by police after playing for thirteen minutes.
Breakaway Festival believes in accessibility and provides top-tier talent to your hometown in careful curation. One major Breakaway-exclusive easter egg encompasses the exploration of accessibility as a theme for a premium experience. Accessibility is considered as a form of PLUR which is used by event organizers.
“Floor time” is needed for many ravers; sitting down between performances may enhance the experience altogether. This special festival incorporated plenty of seating areas at the Celsius Vibehouse, other vendors’ lounges, and picnic tables on the outskirts of the Main Stage. Vegan food options were available with the help of a Daiya food truck as well as free water stations.
Additionally, music never ceased from the festival atmosphere. VIP bathroom stall ceilings had speakers playing music from a local radio station (which is a festival easter egg I’ve never encountered).
Spring Showers and Fireworks at the Main Stage
Courtesy of Breakaway Arizona // Greg Fry (@gregfryy)
The Breakaway Arizona stage production features an open dance floor with an elevated view at the ultimate VIP viewing deck placed next to the artist booth and the famous space deck. An expansion of the dance floor and viewing areas makes dancing the night away more accessible. A frolic away from the space deck and one side mission away from reaching the ultimate VIP viewing deck. Where did you decide to dance for the weekend?
Fireworks, white smoke, wind, and rain became headliners on night one. It felt like the four elements: earth, fire, air, and water were invited to the lineup. Rain or shine–it didn’t stop Two Friends nor The Chainsmokers. Two Friends showcased the classical talent of their personal saxophonist, Casey Fitzpatrick, they refer to as “Sax Man”.
A spring shower, a rainbow of lasers, and fire machines occurred simultaneously as Casey performed a version of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” on his saxophone. It rained for the entirety of The Chainsmokers’ set but it didn’t stop longtime fans from singing to “Roses” while bright pink fireworks joined the many voices on this wet dance floor.
A Game of Sofi Says During Sofi Tukker’s DJ Set
Courtesy of Breakaway Arizona // Mike Kirschbaum for Kursza (@kursza & @mikekphotos)
On night two, Sofi Tukker set green fireworks and red-orange flames to the Main Stage during their eye-catching performance. Tukker remained mixing behind the decks as Sofi sang and danced with two male backup dancers at the front of the stage.
The duo introduced themselves to “Throw Some Ass” before busting out in a crocodile-inspired dance as Sofi clapped her hands to emulate a crocodile’s snout. Sofi Tukker continued to incite excitement from the audience with every movement and sound. Sofi sang to “Emergency” before inviting the crowd to play a game of Simon Says as the track played. “Simon says hands in the air!” and the crowd followed her directions. This entertaining crowd control became her own game of Sofi Says.
Stargazing to New Tracks at the Launch Pad Stage
Courtesy of Breakaway Arizona // Mike Kirschbaum (@kursza & @mikekphotos)
The Launch Pad stage was the smaller stage past the silent disco featuring a hair-whipping frenzy at Cyclops and live vocals during Laswenzo. Next to the stage was a soft grass lawn where you could sit with your rave family on tapestries or stargaze when the night came along. This lawn eliminated the stress of finding somewhere to sit which further helped the festival’s ethos of accessibility.
After Livviep opened for this stage on day one, Skilah played “Housewrecker”, her latest track and “Sweat”. On night two, Peekaboo featured “No Room” and an unreleased collaborative track with Skrillex while the lawn made an ideal spot to stargaze as the festival came to a close.
Leave it all behind and break away! Visit the official Breakaway Music Festival website for future updates and event information.
