Das Dreamy Draw Festival in Scottsdale, Arizona, zählt zu den spannendsten Newcomern der US-amerikanischen Festivallandschaft. Was einst als liebevoll kuratiertes Event mit rund 8.000 Besucher*innen begann, wächst 2025 auf beeindruckende 20.000 Musikfans pro Tag – und bleibt dabei dennoch seinen Wurzeln treu. Zwischen Wüstenkulisse, Indie-Vibes und einer starken lokalen Identität hat sich Dreamy Draw zu einem Ort entwickelt, an dem Gemeinschaft, Kunst und Musik zu einem einzigartigen Erlebnis verschmelzen. Wir von Frontstage Magazine werden in diesem Jahr als erstes deutsches Festivalmagazin vor Ort sein – und haben vorab mit RJ Largay, dem Mitbegründer und kreativen Kopf hinter dem Festival, über Wachstum, Fairness, Authentizität und die Rolle von Scottsdale Arts sowie der City of Scottsdale gesprochen. Ein Gespräch über Visionen, Werte und den Mut, ein Festival zu schaffen, das mehr ist als nur ein Event – sondern eine kulturelle Bewegung.
Frontstage Magazine: Dreamy Draw is expanding significantly — growing from 8,000 to 20,000 daily attendees. Where do you personally draw the line between growth and preserving the festival’s original character?
RJ Largay: Growth for us isn’t just about scale — it’s about depth. We’ve built Dreamy Draw on authenticity, community, and an intentional connection to Arizona’s creative spirit. As we expand, the goal is to amplify what already makes it special, not dilute it. We’re growing the experience, not the ego of the event. Having the City of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Arts as partners makes all the difference — they truly understand what it means to support live entertainment and the arts at a civic level. Their dedication helps us stay grounded in culture and community as we evolve.
Frontstage Magazine: You emphasize that Dreamy Draw remains one of the most affordable festivals in the U.S., despite its impressive lineup of major headliners. How do you strike that balance between accessibility and maintaining the festival’s high quality?
RJ Largay: That’s been part of our DNA since day one. We believe music should be accessible — not something only a certain crowd can afford. Our business model prioritizes fairness and sustainability over inflated margins. We reinvest back into the experience — into production, the artists, and the fans. And having partners like Scottsdale Arts and the City of Scottsdale, who share that mission of accessibility and inclusivity, allows us to hold true to that value system while still delivering a world-class event.
Frontstage Magazine: Ticket prices for festivals in the U.S. have become notoriously high, often with additional fees on top of the base price. How do you approach budgeting and pricing while keeping the experience fair for fans?
RJ Largay: Transparency and empathy. We look at what we’d personally be willing to pay for something that feels incredible — not just expensive. We cap fees, offer payment plans, and keep upgrades reasonable. Our philosophy is simple: if fans feel respected, they’ll come back. Scottsdale Arts and the City have been amazing partners in helping us keep that balance — they value community over commerce, and that shared mindset gives us the freedom to keep prices fair while still pushing the creative envelope.
Frontstage Magazine: The lineup beautifully blends national acts with local Arizona artists. How important is that mix to your identity as a festival, and what role does it play in shaping your overall programming?
RJ Largay: It’s everything. Arizona has an insanely talented scene that deserves a platform alongside national artists. That balance keeps the lineup fresh and gives fans a sense of discovery. It’s not just about who’s on top of the poster — it’s about who’s next. Scottsdale Arts has been instrumental in nurturing that ecosystem. Their year-round support of local talent directly fuels our ability to showcase emerging voices and make them part of the Dreamy Draw story.
Frontstage Magazine: With the new Artist Pass and Cabana options, you’re introducing a more exclusive side to the Dreamy Draw experience. What percentage of your audience do you expect to opt for these premium offers compared to standard admission?
RJ Largay: It’ll probably be around 10% of the total audience. These premium options are designed to enhance — not separate — the experience. Some people love having a more curated, social setting, but the majority of our fans just want to be in the crowd, close to the music. Both have their place, and both are equally part of the Dreamy Draw energy. Scottsdale Arts really embraces that balance between accessibility and creativity — they understand that inclusivity doesn’t mean limiting experience, it means broadening it.
Frontstage Magazine: Studies show that U.S. festival and concert prices are significantly higher than those in Europe. How do you view this pricing gap, and what role does it play in your philosophy of creating “the best party for the best price”?
RJ Largay: The U.S. market has become bloated with fees, middlemen, and overspending. We run lean, we own our infrastructure, and we make decisions like fans — not financiers. “The best party for the best price” isn’t just a slogan; it’s how we operate. And the City of Scottsdale gives us the platform to make that happen. They’ve built an environment that truly values cultural experience — it allows us to prioritize creativity and community over profit. That’s rare, and it’s something we’re really proud of.
Frontstage Magazine: As likely the first German media outlet to attend Dreamy Draw in person, how do you see international press coverage influencing the festival’s reach and global visibility moving forward?
RJ Largay: It’s huge. Dreamy Draw might be rooted in Arizona, but the energy and creativity are universal. Having international press opens the door for cultural exchange — it allows us to share what we’re doing with a broader audience and, in turn, learn from global perspectives on music and community. And it’s something the City of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Arts really champion — they’ve been incredible advocates for putting Scottsdale on the global map as a home for creativity, art, and live music.
Frontstage Magazine: After two sold-out years and a major step forward for 2025, what’s your long-term vision for Dreamy Draw — both creatively and structurally — over the next five years?
RJ Largay: We’re building something that can live for decades. The goal is to make Dreamy Draw a destination festival that stays true to its Arizona soul — but also evolves. That means expanding into more immersive art, storytelling, and culinary experiences, while deepening our sustainability efforts and tourism partnerships. In five years, I want people to say Dreamy Draw isn’t just a festival — it’s a reflection of what happens when a city like Scottsdale invests in culture and when partners like Scottsdale Arts stay committed to the belief that music and art can define a place.
Tickets und Infos über das Festival findet ihr hier.
Fotocredit: Oh Wow Company
