Break Free Fest is an impactful two-day music festival held in Philadelphia, celebrating its sixth year of amplifying Black and Brown voices within the hardcore and DIY punk community. The fest returns to Foto Club in North Philadelphia on June 15th to 16th and promises an inclusive and safe environment for marginalized individuals in the scene.
Break Free Fest prides itself on its dedication to promoting POC artists to the forefront of the hardcore and punk genres, ensuring that the lineup reflects diverse talents and voices. Hardcore four-piece band Soji will be returning after making its debut at last year’s fest; Sour Spirit, a noise-punk group that previously graced the lineup in 2018 will also be back. This year’s event boasts what many consider its best lineup yet with new additions such as Lengua Salvaje, The Dregs, and Ragana as the first day’s headliner, alongside a farewell performance by Eteraz, a hardcore band that ripped through venues in Philly and NYC over the past six years.
Break Free Fest has a history of partnering with charitable organizations, such as The National Bail Out Collective and the Attic Youth Center, to combat injustices like mass incarceration and support LGBTQ+ youth, respectively. While this year’s charitable partners have not been announced, the festival itself is considered a form of uplifting the community.
The event’s commitment to ensuring “no yts on the mic” is a powerful stance towards increasing the visibility and representation of POC members within the participating bands, from Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. Ragana, a two piece with a POC member on drums and a caucasian member on vocals, agreed to switch roles for their set during this year’s Break Free Fest.
Tickets for the festival are currently available for purchase via event partners the 4333 Collective, where fans can pick up either individual day passes or weekend passes. If you are interested in learning more about the event, check out our recap from last year’s fest here.