Review: Breakaway Festival 2024
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ PHOTOS BY ELIJAH CLOWER ☆
BREAKAWAY FESTIVAL WAS AN EARLY HALLOWEEN TREAT in its return to San Francisco this Halloween weekend. Held at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium from October 25-26, the festival presented an immersive experience that combined electrifying performances with Halloween spirit, delivering an unforgettable weekend for fans.
This year's festival boasted an impressive lineup headlined by the musical powerhouse Marshmello and genre-blending DJ RL Grime. Each headliner brought unique energy, with Marshmello delivering his signature hits and even some new ones to come (clips below) and RL Grime stirring the crowd with his intense bass-heavy drops. Alok, another main stage highlight, added his Brazilian bass vibes to the mix which was a big highlight considering he has the second biggest instagram following of an Electric DJ/Artists globally. It was actually a little surprising seeing him placed as a mid act instead of headlining day 2 or even performing before Marshmello on day 1, but there could be many reasons for that decision just food for thought.
The festival showcased a diverse selection of supporting acts that catered to fans across the electronic spectrum. Blanke, presenting his drum and bass project ÆON, and local Bay Area artists like Dathma added a personal touch, making the experience feel as much about community as it was about music. Joyryde and Habstrakt's back-to-back set brought an extra jolt of high-energy bass, while artists like Wreckno captivated with a unique blend of DJing and live rap, ensuring that every performance felt fresh and engaging.
@thelunacollective Marshmello - Bad Boy (Unreleased) | Breakaway Festival 2024 by Elijah Clower @Marshmello @Breakaway ♬ original sound - The Luna Collective Magazine
@thelunacollective Marshmello - It’s a Party | Breakaway Festival 2024 @Marshmello @Breakaway ♬ original sound - The Luna Collective Magazine
The crowd was filled with costumed fans, from classic horror icons to creative EDM-inspired outfits, amplifying the festival's immersive experience. Festival goers also appreciated the themed photo areas and sponsor activations, which added interactive elements throughout the venue, making the entire event feel like a Halloween rave paradise. There was even a Celsius booth that was giving out free drinks the entire festival which was awesome! They’re a sponsor of the festival but there aren’t a lot of sponsors giving out free products so shout out to them.
For its third consecutive year in San Francisco, Breakaway Festival proved it’s here to stay, bringing a mix of high-energy performances, immersive visual experiences, and Halloween spirit this year. With a lineup featuring global EDM icons and beloved local talent, Breakaway continues to expand its reputation as an accessible, inclusive, and unforgettable festival for Bay Area fans. Excited to see what they can do next year!
