Forget the funnel cakes and carnival rides; Fair Park is about to electrify! On April 4th and 5th, the historic Dallas grounds will transform into a neon-drenched sanctuary as the Breakaway Music Festival makes its grand Texas debut. Renowned for its thunderous EDM lineups and immersive, otherworldly experiences, the festival arrives as Texas’ appetite for EDM peaks.
As the nation’s fastest-growing independent music festival, Breakaway’s expansion to 12 cities this year, with Dallas as a cornerstone, signifies a monumental convergence. Since its 2016 start in Columbus, Ohio, Breakaway has evolved into a multi-state phenomenon, sculpting dancefloor utopias from ordinary spaces. Now, it sets its sights on Texas and promises to inject its signature seismic energy into the state’s vibrant festival scene. Will its footprint etch itself in the Texas festival circuit? Dallas might have found its next can’t-miss, heart-pounding event if its history in other cities proves anything.
Why Dallas?
Dallas plunges headfirst into electronic music. It’s an EDM epicenter, where neon lasers and 808 beats are as integral to the city’s soundscape as its celebrated barbecue joints and upscale boutiques. Demand is high, with after-hours warehouse raves and packed clubs hosting international headliners. Dallas has a fertile EDM foundation with venues like It’ll Do, The Green Elephant, Deep Ellum Art Co, and RBC vibrating with underground house, techno, and bass. At the same time, SILO, Stereo Live, Southside Ballroom, and The Factory in Deep Ellum are essential stops on international tour circuits. Festivals like Ubbi Dubbi and Lights All Night have demonstrated the city’s appetite for colossal, euphoric EDM events.
Breakaway’s Co-Founder, Adam Lynn, says, “We’re excited to bring Breakaway to Dallas. The energy of Dallas is electric, and we know the fans will bring an incredible vibe.” Additionally, Breakaway’s National Promotions Manager, Duncan Harris, notes, “While many associate Texas with country music, the EDM scene has grown rapidly in Dallas, and we are honored to be putting on an event for electronic music fans.”
Fair Park, a sprawling 277-acre landmark steeped in history, is set to become an EDM playground this year. Initially constructed for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition, this iconic venue has hosted everything from world fairs to legendary concerts. Now, it’s poised to welcome thousands of dance music enthusiasts for an unforgettable, transcendent weekend. Fair Park’s prime location, just minutes from downtown Dallas, makes it a logistical paradise for festival goers, offering easy access via car, DART light rail, or rideshare.
“We are honored to bring Breakaway Dallas to such a historic venue,” Duncan says. “Attendees can expect three phenomenal stages across the festival grounds: our Main Stage, Launch Pad Stage, and the Silent Disco Stage, ensuring a diverse and immersive electronic music experience for everyone in Dallas.”
The 2025 Lineup & What To Expect
Prepare for a sonic tsunami as Breakaway Dallas unveils its exhilarating lineup, headlined by EDM titans Zedd, Slander, Afrojack, Gryffin, and Louis the Child. Zedd will ignite the stage with his signature razor-sharp synths, bone-shaking drops, and anthemic singalongs, envisioning thousands of voices uniting in a chorus of “Clarity.” SLANDER, known for their fusion of chest-quaking bass and heart-rending melodies, will deliver a performance that feels like a weightless, euphoric descent. Afrojack will crank up the BPM and deliver a high-energy set of classic anthems and electrifying remixes to keep the crowd moving. Gryffin will weave a tapestry of warm, soaring melodies that will lift the crowd to ethereal heights. And Louis the Child, the purveyors of feel-good energy, will paint the night with their dreamy, iridescent beats.
Beyond the headliners, Breakaway Dallas will showcase a rising star constellation of rising stars, promising to become your next obsession. From Jackie Hollander’s velvety underground house grooves to LAYZ’s face-melting, bass-drenched dubstep, the festival promises a dynamic, genre-bending journey. Keep an ear out for KREAM, TroyBoi, ACRAZE, Dallas-based artist Kenzi Sway, and many more.
Breakaway Dallas offers a comprehensive EDM experience catering to every taste. Whether you crave high-octane, mainstage anthems, the hypnotic pulse of underground house, the seismic jolts of hard-hitting dubstep, or the emotionally resonant waves of future bass, you’ll find it all at Breakaway.
What Makes Breakaway Different?
While the main stages throb with the energy of renowned headliners, Breakaway’s heart beats most vigorously in its dedication to local artistry. This commitment shines brightest at the festival’s Silent Disco. In this haven, 50 to 60 local DJs command the decks, proving the Texas EDM scene’s readiness for the spotlight.
“Playing the Breakaway Music Festival is an exciting opportunity to connect with some of the best local DJs and unite in our shared passion for the city,” John Wayne says.
For rising DJs like Javi Barahaüs, this moment is a dream realized. “Playing my first music festival feels surreal, a dream I’ve chased discovering electronic music in 4th grade,” he says. “Sharing a lineup with artists like Afrojack, Zedd, and Zomboy, whose tracks shaped my love for the genre, feels like a full-circle moment.”
Unlike traditional stages, the Silent Disco empowers the audience, each festival-goer equipped with glowing headphones, choosing their DJ by switching channels. “It’s awesome that Breakaway connects the local DJ scene,” says DJ Ari. “Playing at the Silent Disco is a fun way to test your skills alongside other DJs, and the audience’s control over their experience adds a special energy.”
This direct artist-listener connection creates a deeply personal experience. Castle Nova sees it as an opportunity to showcase Dallas’ hidden gems. “Playing the Silent Disco at Breakaway Dallas means a lot to me,” he says. “Sharing the lineup with friends means good vibes and a chance to show people what Dallas locals offer.”
For many artists, the Breakaway stage signifies a milestone.“Being considered for Breakaway’s Silent Disco is a testament to how far I’ve come,” says Mal Blanc. “Playing at a festival is a lifelong dream realized, a step towards a bigger future.” Monstax echoes this sentiment: “Nothing is impossible with passion! The Silent Disco experience creates a deeper connection with the artist’s music, free from distractions.”
From seasoned veterans to rising stars, each DJ brings a story of persistence, passion, and community. Casie Farrell says, “Each bring their unique flavor, spirit, and energy to the stage. It will undoubtedly be a crowd favorite, and we’re all ready to bring it!”
What You Need To Know Before Attending Breakaway Dallas
Before immersing yourself in the music, secure a ticket. This year, Breakaway introduces a futuristic twist: cryptocurrency acceptance, aligning with the innovative spirit of EDM. “EDM is one of the fastest-growing genres,” says Duncan, “so it’s fitting to accept the fastest-growing payment form.” Whether you prefer Bitcoin or traditional methods, purchasing your pass now is essential.
Breakaway offers diverse ticket tiers: General Admission (GA) for standard entry, with access to all main performances; VIP for elevated viewing, expedited entry, and exclusive lounges; and Ultra VIP for bottle service, backstage passes, and artist meet-and-greets. Check out ticket options here.
For out-of-town attendees, consider these nearby hotels: CANVAS Hotel Dallas, Lorenzo Hotel, Element Dallas Downtown East, and the Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas Downtown at Baylor Scott & White. Airbnb and group rentals are also excellent options. Utilize rideshare services to avoid parking challenges near Fair Park.
With its ever-growing fanbase, Breakaway’s arrival feels destined. The festival’s expansion into Texas marks a strategic move into one of the nation’s fastest-growing EDM markets. If this debut meets expectations, Breakaway Dallas could become a staple event.
“We cannot wait for this debut year, and more importantly, for the years to come in Dallas,” organizers affirm. “We hope to become synonymous with the live music community in Texas.”
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