East Dallas residents rattled by loud bass from Fair Park festival

East Dallas and Lakewood residents reported loud music and heavy bass from Fair Park events carrying more than four miles into their neighborhoods over the weekend, prompting dozens of noise complaints.

The disturbance stemmed from the Breakaway Music Festival, an electronic dance music event held Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11, at Fair Park, along with a Friday night concert at the adjacent Dos Equis Pavilion.

Neighbors said the thumping bass shook walls and floors between roughly 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. both nights, with some initially mistaking it for a nearby house party. Complaints flooded neighborhood apps, Nextdoor and social media, and many residents called the city’s 311 line.

Dallas City Council Member Adam Bazaldua, whose District 7 includes Fair Park, responded quickly. He said city officials increased sound monitoring around the venue and worked with festival organizers and the Dallas Park and Recreation Department on immediate adjustments.

Those steps included more frequent decibel measurements, efforts to reposition the stage and lowering volume levels as curfew approached for Saturday’s shows.

Bazaldua noted that the stage’s positioning — facing open land to avoid interfering with the Dos Equis Pavilion — and low cloud cover likely allowed the sound to travel farther than usual, especially at night.

While some changes were made after Friday’s complaints, residents said Saturday remained disruptive. Organizers for both events acknowledged the concerns and agreed to reduce noise closer to the 11 p.m. curfew.

City leaders plan further discussions this week on long-term sound management for large events at Fair Park to better balance entertainment with neighborhood quality of life.

LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube