A look at 2025’s Dreamy Draw Music Festival

The cowboy-curious had their chance to dance once again at the third annual Dreamy Draw Music Festival.

Nestled in a pocket of Old Town at the Scottsdale Civic Center, this weekend, centered around four stages, has become a staple for not only the Valley but for the music community at large. While it is still a relatively young production, this was their biggest year yet.

Dreamy Draw veterans were confused to learn the Bronco Stage had moved to Scottsdale Stadium, where fans could sing and sway on a larger scale from the outfield of one of our finest MLB Spring training facilities. Let’s hope this growth buys us at least another year. This excellent change is a good sign of things to come.

It feels as if the festival promoters are attempting to sell every ticket holder to a ‘Scottsdale As A Southern Town’ experience. Whether it’s genuine or not, it sure does work.

People from near and far gathered as confidently as they could in their coolest pants to enjoy a potent lineup under some gentle sun. Some young Texas women made their way over to see Saint Motel and The Lumineers after they won an Instagram giveaway; one is certain she will be transferring to the office here in Scottsdale before the day was even over. A large family from Wisconsin flew down to visit their Sun Devil and celebrate a birthday with Vampire Weekend. An older couple from Idaho wouldn’t miss a chance to groove with Thee Sacred Souls after getting delivered a well-timed Facebook ad.

Of course, Valley residents were out in full force, too, along with the Arizona visitors, and seemed just as grateful for one last moment to slow down and enjoy a $47 double Paloma with a Tajin rim before the holidays.

Veteran construction workers rubbed elbows with high school couples at Marcus King. The trucker-chic drank the same tequila as the golf bros. Grandmothers twisted and shouted along with resilient man-bun dads late into the night at Local Natives.

There were times when it felt like some big fashion show if you spent too much time away from the music, maybe in line for a pour-over from local roasters Beal Beans (also, why isn’t coffee a bigger asset for concerts and festivals?). It was impossible to miss the influencers, jumping at an opportunity to pose in some grass at golden hour and dancing into the worst blisters of their life thanks to new plastic boots. Crowds became more agile by the song, dipping and bending past all the outstretched cameras so as not to ruin any valuable Instagram shots.

But content creation didn’t take away from the magic of the two days beneath Camelback Mountain. No matter where you went, you could not escape the good times. It’s not exaggerating to say that everyone I spoke with made sure to mention the vibes and the ambiance as incredible, if not immaculate.

Kids of all ages were running around with their families, enjoying the wide, clean spaces to climb trees and cartwheel around without any unreasonable worry. Couples danced, old friends caught up, new friends met, all to the indie movie soundtrack of our dreams. There were tacos, barbecue, stick and poke tattoo tents, improved accessibility, good lookin’ merch and unbeatable sunsets both nights. And who could forget the boutique cowboy hat vendor?

While mostly everyone ran with the theme in terms of bad headwear, the previously country-laden lineup gave way to more millennial classic rock. Marcus King and Ashe did most of the heavy lifting in that aspect, giving a peek at the authentic blues and soul that make southern music great. Beyond those two sets, any twang was probably dishonest. Flatland Cavalry, Charles Wesley Godwin and Paul Cauthen hollered in 2024 and validated the scene.

I’m not so sure Asiris and Houndmouth were up to the task of justifying the sheer amount of bellbottoms this year, though. Tucson’s Sophia Rankin made JB’s Lawn a delightful place to catch your bearings. Modern folk band Richy Mittch and the Coal Miners made their stamp on emotional TikToks with “Evergreen,” but I was not alone in leaving that crowd impressed and inspired on my way over to the main stage. Maybe influencers aren’t all that bad if they can help more people find good music? That deserves its own discussion at a later date.

Thee Sacred Souls provided the smoothest groove of the weekend, walking through the crowd under a purple sky. The Lumineers and all their bongos and tambourines brought up good memories of bad relationships in simpler times with each stomp, clap, ho, and hey.

Day 2 was highlighted by Barrett’s DJ set at the Poncho Stage just inside the entrance. Dancing was unavoidable under the trees in the final glow of the day, bubbles flying around, friends on shoulders. It was a positive affirmation that Dreamy Draw has fun in every corner, if not great music.

Father John Misty brought some noise to the Day 2 lull, impressing some fans that have seen him multiple times and had “never seen him with so much energy.” I can say that while Local Natives brought their usual excitement, it can’t be understated how dearly Kelce Ayer’s voice is missed.

Vampire Weekend closed the weekend with their smart brand of whimsy, gifting everyone a delusional SBTRKT cover that they unleashed on every unsuspecting fan. “Walcott” was their exclamation point.

All in all, once again, Dreamy Draw delivers a good time. As long as there are country-adjacent artists that don’t mind some sun and warmth before the holidays, and as long as there’s a person in a thrifted denim jumpsuit within earshot, Dreamy Draw will remain a success.

Here are more photos from the 2025 Dreamy Draw Music Festival: