Breakaway Carolina 2026 returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway on September 25-26 with five stages and headliners Kettama, Chris Lake, Tiësto, and Cloonee b2b Chris Lorenzo.

Breakaway Carolina is back and bigger than ever. Returning to zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway on September 25–26, the nation’s leading independent touring music festival will mark its largest Carolina edition to date, expanding from three stages in 2025 to an unprecedented five stages in 2026 and delivering its biggest event footprint yet. 

Since making its debut in 2017, Breakaway Carolina has become one of the region’s premier dance music destinations, attracting tens of thousands of fans each year for a super-charged weekend of live performances from some of the genre’s biggest names. This year marks a major milestone in the festival’s evolution, reflecting nearly a decade of growth in the market and the continued demand for large scale dance music experiences throughout the Carolinas. 

Leading the lineup are electronic heavyweights and fan-favorite headliners Kettama, Chris Lake, Tiësto, and Cloonee b2b Chris Lorenzo, who will anchor a stacked bill that showcases the cutting edge of dance music. Alongside the headliners, the Breakaway Carolina 2026 lineup includes Beltran, Bonnie x Clyde, Cassian, ChaseWest b2b Discip, Daily Bread, Darby, Distant Matter, Dreya V b2b Cole Knight, Gravagerz, Hamdi, J. Worra, Jay Pryor, Kai Wachi, KLO, Koastle, Łaszewo, MLE, Nimino, Nitepunk, Rad Cat, San Holo, Starjunk 95, SVDKO, Taiki Nulight, TroyBoi, Westend, What So Not, and Z3lla, as well as local acts BUMMY, JOHNNY!, PHARRÖ, and THRILLBILL. 

Beyond the music, attendees can expect enhanced production, interactive activations, curated food and beverage selections, and countless opportunities to connect with the Breakaway community throughout the weekend. 

“The support we’ve received from fans since launching in Charlotte in 2017 has been incredible,” said Jarrod Fucci, President of Breakaway. “Each year we’ve looked for ways to build on the experience, and 2026 represents the biggest leap forward we’ve ever taken. We’re excited to deliver our largest Breakaway Carolina to date and welcome fans back for another unforgettable weekend this fall.”

Presale registration is available beginning today, where fans can sign up for exclusive access to purchase tickets on Monday, June 22, one day before they go on sale to the general public on June 23. Pricing will vary by ticket type, with 2-Day GA passes starting at $149 and 2-Day VIP passes starting at $289. Fans seeking an elevated experience can also choose from Terrace and Ultimate 

VIP ticket options, which include premium Main Stage viewing areas, expedited entry, and other perks. Space Deck Tables are available by inquiry and offer reserved seating, dedicated service, and unmatched views of the Main Stage. 

CELSIUS® returns to Breakaway Music Festival as the official Presenting Sponsor for the third consecutive year. The brand’s presence at Breakaway Carolina will include a variety of interactive fan experiences and complimentary product sampling to keep attendees energized throughout the weekend. Additional sponsor highlights for Breakaway Carolina include the White Claw Surge VIP Lounge and the Silent Disco presented by Jimmy John’s®. BeatBox, Fumi x Cloud Nurdz, Instant Hydration, BELLA+CANVAS, Hiyo, NOYZ, Loose Lucy’s, Garage Beer, and End Overdose will also host various branded integrations and more opportunities for a fully immersive fan experience onsite.