Extra Innings Fest was an incredible weekend, bringing music fans and baseball lovers together over great music, stylish outfits, slightly overpriced but delicious food, and a whole lot of friendship and love.
Despite the uncharacteristic winds causing pretty dusty conditions for the weekend, the festival still brought a lot to enjoy and was an incredible weekend.
The Fashion
One of the standout elements of Extra Innings Fest was the undeniable sense of style among festival-goers. One of the biggest trends this year seemed to be denim; from denim dresses to daring denim-n-denim. Many stand out outfits included textures, patterns, and bold accessories. Others opted for a more traditional baseball attire, repping their favorite teams’ jersey.
Sunglasses were definitely not only a cute addition to a fit, but a necessity. But, while dusty and sunny, the weather was a perfect high of 70°, allowing everyone to really express themselves however they felt comfortable. It was clear that the fashion played a big role in the festival experience. It was it’s own form of celebration.
The Food
Tacos, gourmet burgers, Sonoran hotdogs and loaded fries were popular choices, and it was easy to see why. The tacos, in particular, were a standout—served with perfectly seasoned meats, fresh toppings, and a variety of salsas that had just the right amount of heat. Local food trucks dished out everything from savory BBQ to refreshing fruit cups, many prepared by local business that felt like a true taste of Arizona.
While the prices for these bites were undoubtedly on the higher end, the exceptional flavors and support for small, local businesses made it feel worth the splurge. It was refreshing to see so many independent food trucks and eateries getting the attention they deserve, offering dishes that were far from your typical festival snack.
It’s clear that Extra Innings Fest aimed to elevate the food experience, not just with its variety but also with a nod to local culinary talent. Yes, it may have cost a little more than expected, but the taste and quality made the experience feel like an investment in Arizona’s vibrant food scene.
Festival Attractions
One of the most exciting and unique aspects of Extra Innings Fest was the immersive, hands-on experience that went far beyond just the music. For baseball fans, the festival offered a variety of attractions that added a fun, interactive element to the event.
A standout feature was Off the Mound with Ryan Dempster, a special experience that allowed fans to connect with the former MLB pitcher in a laid-back, intimate setting. Ryan Dempster, known for his sense of humor and passion for the game, hosted engaging talks, sharing stories from his career and insights into the world of professional baseball. Fans had the chance to ask questions, hear behind-the-scenes tales, and even get a sneak peek into what it takes to succeed at the highest level of the sport. It was a perfect blend of baseball knowledge and entertainment, adding a unique touch to the festival that made it stand out from others.
For those wanting to channel their inner athlete, the batting and pitching cages were a major hit. These interactive stations allowed festival-goers to step up to the plate and test their skills in real-time. It was an ideal way to break up the day, stay active, and embrace the spirit of the sport in a fun, relaxed environment.
Beyond baseball, the festival featured a variety of other exciting attractions. From games and challenges to interactive art installations, there was always something to do between sets. Guests could explore unique pop-up shops, play games, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere created by the mix of music, food, and activities.
The combination of baseball-themed attractions and the diverse range of activities made Extra Innings Fest more than just a festival—it was an all-around immersive experience. Whether you were there for the music, the sports, or simply the fun atmosphere, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
The Music: A Diverse Lineup of Unforgettable Performances
The musical lineup at Extra Innings Fest was nothing short of spectacular, offering a diverse range of genres and talents that kept the energy high and the crowd captivated from start to finish. Whether you were into indie rock, country, or Americana, there was something for every music lover, and each performance brought its own unique vibe to the festival.
Friday saw Phoenix local Evan Honer with a set that was full of high energy and excitement, literally flipping onto the stage to the screaming crowd. He effortlessly blends folk and Americana influences with songs that are full of heart and passion. He performs with such a ferver and it is so obvious that he loves performing and being on stage. Despite being an earlier set, there was a full crowd ready and waiting for him, all cheering and singing along. It was an incredible start to the day, creating a buzz amongst the festival atmosphere.
O.A.R. brought their signature brand of feel-good rock to the ‘Right Field’ stage. Fans ran in droves over to watch the legendary band perform. Their high-energy performance of classic hits like “Shattered” and “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker” got everyone dancing and singing along, proving why they’ve remained a fan favorite for so many years. The entire band seemed to be having so much fun on stage, especially Jon Lampley on trumpet. It was a beautiful moment hearing the massive crowd of people singing along to their songs and, despite having done this a few times, the entire band still seemed so genuinely in awe of the fans before them. They brought such a lively energy to the day.
The Red Clay Strays injected a bit of Southern charm into the festival, delivering a raucous set of rock anthems. Brandon Coleman, lead singer, made it a point to the let the crowd know that they were not a country band, they’re a rock and roll band. And they delivered. Many of the songs from the setlist came from their latest album Made by These Moments, but they did perform their crowd-favorite hit “Wondering Why”. The entire band played hard, the energy vibrating through the large crowd of adoring fans. Coleman delivered effortlessly smooth vocals, performing with an enchanting charm one could compare to Elvis Presley.
Once the sun was down on day 1, The Lumineers took the stage, delivering a hauntingly beautiful performance that had everyone entranced. Known for their folk-rock sound and emotionally charged lyrics, they delivered a performance full of passion, emotion, and fun. Lead singer and guitarist Wesley Schultz expressed his gratitude to the packed crowd, noting he felt like the band was “the most unlikely band to headline a music festival,” to the crowd’s cheering disagreement. Despite many having been at the festival all day, The Lumineers found a way to revive the crowd, ending the first day of the weekend on such a high. Some chose to dance in the back, while many packed as close as they could to the barricade. The band’s raw, stripped-down style created a powerful connection with the crowd, making it one of the standout sets of the weekend.
For day 2, Tanner Usrey brought his powerhouse rock vocals and high energy country twang to the excited crowd waiting for him. His performance was both an insane display of the sort of feverish, raw emotions that come with true country rock. It was amazing to witness, the whole crowd getting lost in his performance. Usrey’s love for music was clearly evident in both his performance and his songs.
Despite the insane wind and dust that started brewing, Maggie Antone powered through her incredible performance. She brought her adorable energy to every song, from the upbeat, foot-stomping anthems to slower, emotional ballads. There is a bold, unapologetic energy in her music, mixed with a powerful vulnerability that connects deeply with people. It was evident by the crowd of people waiting for her. Her voice has a strong country twang and she has a stage presence that you cannot help but be charmed by.
Later in the day, as the sun started to set, Megan Morris delivered a captivating performance, combining elements of indie, folk, and pop. Her ethereal voice and evocative lyrics had the crowd completely excited, making for a set that was a welcome change of pace. Megan’s ability to connect with her audience on such a personal level added a special, almost magical quality to her performance. She has an aura about her that makes her feel almost unreal. As she dances around on stage, singing songs that are full of real life experiences, you are so in awe of her. Her smile beams and the crowd cheers on cue. Not only is she a charismatic stage presence, she is a powerhouse vocalist, hitting notes that will knock you off your feet. It was an incredible performance to keep the energy going.
Day 2 ended with the incredible Kacey Musgraves, who closed out the festival with her dreamy country-pop hits. Musgraves’ performance was a masterclass in showmanship, with stunning visuals, a smooth vocal delivery, and a setlist that ranged from her classic songs like “Follow Your Arrow” to newer hits like “Rainbow.” Visually, her performance was just as striking, with a minimal yet impactful light setup that enhanced the mood of each song. Her ability to shift from upbeat tracks to more reflective moments showed off her range, both as a performer and a songwriter. Throughout the set, there was a genuine connection between Kacey and the audience, making it clear that her music isn’t just about the sound—it’s about sharing personal moments. Her performance was a perfect mix of fun, emotional depth, and effortless charm that left the crowd wanting more.
From the soulful melodies of Evan Honer to the electrifying energy of Kacey Musgraves, the music at Extra Innings Fest was a celebration of both established and emerging artists. It was a weekend filled with unforgettable performances that highlighted the diverse range of talent in today’s music scene, leaving festival-goers buzzing long after the final note was played.
