Breakaway Carolina Returns to zMAX Dragway this weekend: What you need to know
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Tiesto performs at Breakaway Carolina spring 2023. Photo: Kursza, courtesy of Breakaway.
Music festival Breakaway Carolina — known for its lineup of EDM, house, and pop artists — is back at zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord for its fourth year this weekend.
Why it matters: The festival, running Sept. 27-28, will feature headliners Alesso, Fisher, Marshmello, Knock2 and Loud Luxury.
Here's what you need to know before heading to the festival.
Lineup and set times
What to expect: An EDM-centric lineup featuring 20 national artists, three local acts (Angelo The Kid, Tre Burnett, and Rich Dietz), and a silent disco. Performances will take place across two stages: the Main Stage and The Launch Pad.
Set times: The festival kicks off at 4pm both days. All headliners will perform on the main stage.
- Friday: Alesso takes the stage at 8:35pm followed by Marshmello from 9:45-11pm.
- Saturday: Headliners start with Loud Luxury at 7:35pm, followed by Knock2 at 8:40pm, and Fisher at 9:50pm.
- Check out the full lineup and set times here.
- Yes, and: This year will feature tons of activations from brands and organizations like Celsius Energy, the Humane Society, and End Overdose, according to Trent Brown, market manager for Breakaway Carolina.
Tickets
Breakaway offers single-day and 2-day passes with five different options: general admission, VIP, group tickets, the space deck terrace and ultra VIP.
Of note: Prices may change based on availability. Tickets start at $104 for a single-day GA pass or $189 for both days.
- General admission includes access to the main stage, the launch pad, silent disco, food vendors, activations and access to the water refill station.
- VIP includes everything listed with GA, plus preferred main stage viewing, express entry lane, a private bar and restrooms, plus lounges.
- Group tickets are available at a discount for groups of eight or more.
- Tickets to the space deck, an "elevated three-tier platform that sits directly over the VIP section with a perfect view of the main stage," grant access to its top level, plus a private bar and restrooms and access to GA and VIP areas.
- Ultra VIP offers everything included with GA and VIP, plus access to side the main stage viewing, a dedicated entrance, drink and merch vouchers, unlimited bottled water and lounge access.
Lodging & Transportation
Lodging: If you're traveling or looking to stay nearby, there are three different travel packages to choose from, all which include 2-3 night stays at local hotels.
- Packages start at $526 per person, with options to bundle your tickets and lodging together.
Parking: Parking begins at 2pm both days and starts at $25 for single-day GA passes.
Rideshare: The address for rideshare pick up and drop off is 6570 Bruton Smith Blvd, Concord.
Shuttle: Shuttle buses will run to from the festival starting at 3:30pm from Must Be Nice (formerly Lost & Found) in South End for $45 each day.
Food and Drink
Breakaway's website doesn't specify vendors but promises "plenty" of food options, plus bars and non-alcoholic beverages.
- For a preview of the drink offerings, sponsors include Celsius, Beatbox, Cuervo, Bacardi, Voodoo Ranger and Bud Light.
Of note: The festival is cashless.
What to bring (and what to leave at home)
Permissible items: You can bring bags 14"x6"x14" or smaller, prescription medications, flags, empty hydration packs, reusable plastic water bottles, blankets, misting fans, cigarettes, vapes and non-aerosol/travel-size sunscreen, bug spray, deodorant hand sanitizer, and wet wipes,
What's not allowed: Bags larger than 14"x6"x14", professional camera equipment, umbrellas, individual glowsticks, chairs and tents, sports balls, selfie sticks, outside food and drinks, and pets or emotional support animals.
- View the full list of permissible and prohibited items under FAQ.
Pre- and After-Parties
Trio Nightclub in South End is hosting all of Breakaway's official pre and after-parties — check out all of the artists performing on Breakaway's Instagram.
Schedule: Parties kick off Thursday (Sept. 26) and run through Sunday night (Sept. 29).
Thursday: Pre-party featuring Alil, Antagonist, Chris Vincent, Hegedus, Infinity and Jamar. Doors open 9pm.
Friday: After-party featuring Angelo the Kid and Rich DietZ. Doors open at 9pm.
Saturday: After-party with BUNT. Doors open at 9pm.
Sunday: Closing party with Tre Burnett. Doors open at 7pm.
- Check out all of the performing artists on Breakaway's Instagram.
Of note: Trio is 21+. Entry is free with a Breakaway ticket, or you can purchase one here.