There’s no shortage of star power at this year’s Out of the Park Music Fest, but if you show up right when the gates open, you might catch the most electric set of the day.
The annual festival returns Saturday, March 21, from 2 to 10 p.m. at Mark Coronado Park in Surprise. The event serves as the City of Surprise’s Spring Training sendoff, featuring a full day of live music, food trucks, a vendor village, games and activities for all ages. Tickets start at $50 and increase to $60 on the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased at OutOfTheParkMusicFest.com or day-of online and at the Surprise Stadium Box Office.
Headlining the night is multi-platinum country artist Russell Dickerson, joined by chart-topping performer Niko Moon. The lineup also features Nashville riser Redferrin, breakout singer-songwriter Karley Scott Collins and Arizona native Kyle Mercer. KMLE Country’s Niko and Cheyenne will serve as event hosts, keeping the energy high between sets throughout the day.
The 2:15 p.m. Set That Might Surprise You
Before the headliners take over, Echo Rebellion kicks off the day at 2:15 p.m. as the festival’s opening act. The band earned its spot by winning the city’s “Play Your Way to the Park” competition. Formed through School of Rock – Goodyear/Litchfield Park, the group has quickly gone from beginners to the main stage.
The lineup includes local young musicians Selene on vocals, Liam on lead guitar, Clare on rhythm guitar, Luke on bass and Jace on drums. Together, they bring a high-energy mix of rock, country and crowd-favorite covers, delivered with a confidence that feels well beyond their years.
For Selene, the moment is equal parts excitement and nerves as the band prepares for its biggest audience yet. “I’m really excited, but also a little nervous,” she says. “This will be the biggest crowd we’ve performed for, but I think it’s going to be really fun.”
Jace, at just 10 years old, is still taking it all in. “I get to open a music festival with my band,” he says. “We worked so hard to get here, and now we get to play in front of a lot of people. It’s going to be an awesome experience.”
Clare says the journey to this point has been just as meaningful as the performance itself. “All the rehearsals and everything we’ve been building toward, it’s just amazing,” she says. “Getting to this point feels surreal.”
For Luke, the scale of the show is starting to sink in. “This is definitely the biggest show I’ve played,” he says. “I’m nervous, but I’m really excited to be doing it with my band.”
Liam keeps it simple. “I’ve never been this excited,” he says with a smile.
From First Lessons to Festival Lights
Behind the scenes, Mike Toerpe has watched it all unfold. As owner of School of Rock – Goodyear/Litchfield Park, he worked with the group as students, served as a judge during the contest’s online submissions and emceed the live competition where the band ultimately won their spot on stage.
“It’s everything you hope for as a teacher,” Toerpe says. “These kids came in as complete beginners, and in under a couple of years they’re winning contests and getting ready to open a festival like this.”
He says the transformation goes beyond music.
“I started this school to help people find their passion,” he says. “Once they discover that love for music, getting on stage becomes life-changing. I remember being 14 and playing my first show and knowing that was what I wanted to do. Now I get to help these kids find that same feeling.”
Toerpe doesn’t hesitate when talking about their potential.
“They can absolutely hold their own,” he says. “I think they sound better than a lot of adult bands out there. That comes from dedication and just loving what they do.”
What to Know Before You Go
It’s Arizona in March, which means sunshine is part of the lineup, too. With no re-entry allowed, festivalgoers will want to come prepared for a full day outdoors.
Start hydrating before you even arrive, and plan for lightweight, breathable clothing. Hats and sunscreen are strongly encouraged unless a sunburn is part of your festival aesthetic.
You can bring factory-sealed water bottles, and there will be a free cold water refill station on-site, along with room for electrolyte packets if you want to stay ahead of the heat.
Chairs (under 35 inches) and umbrellas (under 42 inches) are allowed, so you can claim your spot and create a little shade between sets. First aid services will also be available throughout the day if needed.
With a little planning, you can focus on what matters most: the music, the energy and making it all the way to the headliner without melting.
Trust Us, Get There Early
For the band, the goal is simple: play hard, have fun and make the most of the moment.
For the audience, it’s a chance to catch something special before the day hits full speed.
Follow the band’s journey on Instagram at @echo_rebellion and plan to be there when they kick off the festival. You might just be watching the next big thing before everyone else catches on.
