Breakaway Carolina 2025 expected to draw "biggest crowds yet." What to know before you go
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Breakaway Carolina 2024. Photo: Courtesy of Breakaway Music Festival
Breakaway Carolina returns to zMAX Dragway in Concord Sept. 26–27, headlined by electronic music stars John Summit, Eli Brown, Kaytranada and Louis the Child.
Why it matters: Now in its ninth year, Breakaway has become Charlotte's signature EDM festival, and this year's lineup is on pace to draw record crowds and potentially, a sold-out festival, says president Jarrod Fucci.
From tickets and transportation to activations and after-parties, here's what to know before you hit the festival grounds.
Festival overview:
- Location: zMAX Dragway (Charlotte Motor Speedway) in Concord (6570 Bruton Smith Blvd.).
- Dates: Sept. 26–27, 2025
- Age: 18+
- Hours: 3–11pm (no entry after 10pm).
- Ticket options: GA, VIP, Ultimate VIP and Space Deck Terrace (21+).
Lineup Highlights
The festival will bring over two dozen artists, including both national acts and local talent.
Friday, Sept. 26
- Headliners: John Summit and Eli Brown
- National acts: Ares Carter, Disco Lines, HEYZ, Linska, Max Styler and more
- Local/regional: Bayote, Johnny!, Name Unknown and Soto
Saturday, Sept. 27
- Headliners: Kaytranada and Louis The Child
- National: Bob Moses, D.O.D., It's Murph, Jake Shore, Surf Mesa and more
- Local/Regional: 2ŁØT and Indie
Pro tip: Follow Breakaway Carolina's Instagram and turn on post/story notifications for updates.
Tickets
By the numbers: In past years, Breakaway has seen roughly 10,000 people a day.
- But this year, ticket sales are "smashing through those numbers," says Fucci, adding the festival is on the verge of a sell-out, with many of Friday's tickets already gone.
Of note: Ticket prices are tiered and availability may change.
- Check the ticket page for the most up-to-date options.
General Admission: Main stage and launch pad access, silent disco, food vendors, activations and activities.
- 2-day from $275.
- Single day from $115.
VIP: Preferred viewing, express entry, private bars/restrooms, lounge and dedicated water refill stations.
- 2-day and Friday are sold out. Saturday tickets are available from $175.
Ultimate VIP: Side-stage viewing, dedicated entrance, drink and merch vouchers and unlimited chilled water.
- Friday sold out. Saturday available from $749.
Space Deck Access (21+): An elevated multi-level platform above VIP with a private entrance, food and beverage service, table reservations and clear main stage views.
- Friday sold out. Saturday available from $275.
Group tickets (eight or more) available from $220 each.
If you go: Tickets will be sent as digital passes.
- Pro tip: Save your QR code to your phone wallet for the fastest entry.
Transportation
The festival offers a round-trip shuttle service from Must Be Nice in South End with hourly departures.
- A two-day shuttle pass is $85; a one-day pass is $45.
- Festival parking passes can be added on when purchasing tickets.
My thought bubble: Having tried both Uber and the shuttle in past years, I'd go shuttle every time. Rideshares are a gamble with poor reception.
Lodging
Breakaway's travel packages start at $291 and include a 2–3 night hotel stay in Concord or the University area and a merch bundle.
- Ticket and hotel bundles start at $470/person.
Other options: Book a hotel in Uptown (here's a list of 11 to choose from), about a 25-30 minute drive to zMax Dragway.
- Staying in Uptown makes it easy to catch the light rail or a short ride to Must Be Nice in South End, where shuttles depart.
Pro tip: If you want nightlife and city energy after the fest, Uptown is your best bet. If convenience is your priority, go for a hotel near the dragway.
Pre-fest and afterparties
Pre-parties
Friday, Sept. 19
- The Health Club and Breakaway are teaming up for a public run at 6:30am, followed by coffee, music and raffles.
Thursday, Sept. 25
- The Music Yard: ME N Ü at 6pm (tickets from $21)
- Trio: Name Unknown & Bayote at 9pm
Saturday, Sept. 27
- Chilly Coffee Club will host the festival's official recovery party at Must Be Nice from 9am–noon, with cold plunges, coffee, energy drinks, massages and DJ sets, including a surprise set from one of Breakaway's performers.
Afterparties
- Friday: Eli Brown at Trio; HEYZ at The Rabbit Hole
- Saturday: D.O.D. at Trio at 9pm.
- Sunday, Sept. 28: Official closing party by House Vibrations at Trio at 4pm (tickets from $20).
Activations and Vendors
The festival will feature more than just music, with activations and experiences throughout the grounds. Highlights include:
- Surprise pop-up sets from main stage artists earlier in the day, Fucci says.
- The festival's signature Ferris wheel is back again this year.
- Sponsor activations from brands like Celsius, Anheuser-Busch and Axios.
- A silent disco hosted by Jimmy John's.
Other things to know/FAQ
- There is no same-day re-entry.
- Breakaway is rain or shine and cashless.
- Box office hours are 2-10pm, both days.
- There will be free water refill stations across the site.
- Come early. This year's festival is expected to draw large crowds, and entering closer to headliner set times may mean a long wait to enter.
- Permitted items: Bags 14x6x14 or smaller, flags, empty hydration packs, reusable water bottles (1 per person), non-aerosol sunscreen, blankets, cigarettes (unopened) and vapes.
- Prohibited items: Professional camera equipment, umbrellas, chairs, tents, glass containers, selfie sticks, drones, weapons, illegal drugs, including medical marijuana, and pets (service animals only).
Full FAQ on the Breakaway Website (scroll to the bottom)
What's next: Breakaway will announce its 2026 Carolina dates soon. Fucci says bigger changes are coming, including extended hours and more stages.
Editor's note: This guide was originally published Sept. 16 and updated Sept. 24 to include the festival map and set time graphics for Friday and Saturday.