All photos from Rise Festival’s website
Get ready to light up the desert sky as Rise Festival returns October 3–5, 2025, at the Jean Dry Lake Bed near Las Vegas for its 10th anniversary celebration. Known as the world’s largest sky lantern festival, Rise blends world-class music, immersive art, and a soul-stirring nightly lantern release ritual. Picture thousands of glowing lanterns drifting upward under the Mojave stars, carrying hopes, dreams, and intentions. It is a bucket-list experience unlike anything else and I can’t wait to experience it firsthand.
The Rise Experience
Rise is not simply a festival, it is a journey. To cultivate this experience, the grounds are divided into three unique spaces, guiding attendees from introspection to euphoria:
- ✨ The Path: Your introduction to the magical world of Rise. The Path is dotted with immersive art installations, idyllic lounges, and spaces for meditation and reflection. Wander through towering light sculptures, interactive pieces that react to movement and sound, and serene zones perfect for setting intentions before the night begins. Whether you want to pause for a quiet moment or capture stunning photos of the desert’s transformed landscape, The Path is a grounding experience that awakens all your senses.
- ✨ The Compass: The heart and soul of Rise, The Compass is where the lantern ceremonies take place twice each evening. Here, the festival transitions into a ritual of community and intention. Festival-goers write wishes on lanterns and release them together, creating a breathtaking sea of floating lights against the desert night. Live music enhances the atmosphere, and food vendors, desert lounges, and reflective art installations surround the area, inviting you to connect and celebrate.
- Note: all lanterns are biodegradable and the festival is committed to a “leave it better than we found it” approach. For additional details, see the”Sustainability” section below or a link to their website here
- ✨ The Horizon: As night descends, The Horizon awakens, transforming into a vibrant dance floor where festival-goers come together beneath a canopy of lights and a sky full of stars. This is where the festival’s most euphoric moments unfold, inviting movement, joy, and shared celebration. The Horizon embodies the transformative power of music in the open desert, giving attendees the freedom to let go, lose themselves in the rhythm, and fully immerse in the magic of the night.
The Soundtrack for Rise Festival
Rise Festival 2025 features an extraordinary lineup, including headliners RÜFÜS DU SOL, Calvin Harris, and John Mayer, along with a well rounded group of electronic and live acts like Disclosure, Ben Böhmer, Oliver Heldens, RY X, Goose, Elderbrook, and more.
- Elderbrook – My personal must-see at Rise, Elderbrook is known for his riveting live shows that blend live vocals with dynamic electronic production. His thrilling, emotive voice paired with hypnotic beats creates an atmosphere that is both intimate and electrifying. Expect moments of quiet reflection and explosive drops that will leave the crowd in awe. I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing Elderbrook live and I cannot imagine a more perfect place than Rise Festival.
- RÜFÜS DU SOL – Masters of expansive, euphoric soundscapes, RÜFÜS DU SOL are perfect for desert sunsets and the lantern release. Their music flows seamlessly from dreamy, introspective melodies to high-energy climaxes, creating emotional peaks that resonate under the open sky. There’s no place I’d rather be 🙂
- Calvin Harris – Known for his classic festival anthems and electrifying stage presence, Calvin Harris brings dance-floor-ready tracks and mesmerizing light shows, making him a perfect match for The Horizon’s high-energy moments.
- John Mayer – With 25 years of experience, crowd favorite John Mayer brings soulful vocals and masterful guitar to the festival stage. From his solo hits to his dynamic performances with Dead & Company, Mayer’s eclectic catalog promises something for every fan. There’s nothing quite like the electric energy of a live band, and festival-goers are in for a performance that will leave the desert night buzzing.
- Disclosure – Disclosure are electronic music powerhouses, celebrated for their infectious beats and genre-defying sound that spans pop, garage, bass, and house. Since bursting onto the scene with their 2012 hit “Latch,” featuring Sam Smith’s unforgettable vocals, brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence have spent 15 years crafting a catalog of hits and three studio albums. Their live shows are electrifying, keeping dance floors moving and audiences completely captivated from start to finish.
- Ben Böhmer – Specializing in melodic house and progressive electronic music, Ben Böhmer creates lush, cinematic soundscapes that mirror the desert’s dreamlike beauty. His music takes listeners on an emotional journey, moving from soaring, euphoric peaks to deep, introspective moments that invite reflection and connection.
- RY X – Ethereal and haunting, RY X’s minimalist yet deeply emotive live performances offer a soulful counterpoint to the festival’s high-energy sets, ideal for reflective lantern-release moments.
- Goose – Known for blending electronic beats with jam-band sensibilities, Goose delivers dynamic, unpredictable live sets that are both playful and immersive. Their genre-bending improvisations have cultivated a dedicated following and promise an unforgettable, high-energy experience for festival-goers.
Here is a playlist to acquaint you with the roster of amazing talent that Rise Festival is brining together.
Tickets and Passes
Ticket tiers Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond offer varying perks, from VIP viewing and lounge access to expedited entry. Each ticket includes two lanterns for the ceremony, ensuring every attendee can participate in the festival’s signature ritual. For more information, visit their website.
Lodging and Travel
Rise is a no-camping festival, but it partners with local hotels to make your stay comfortable. Las Vegas is just a short drive away, offering convenience and amenities alongside the desert’s tranquil beauty. Booking early with Rise’s official lodging partners is recommended to secure the best rates and easy access.
Festival Tips
✨ Dress for the desert – As autumn blesses the desert, expect hot days and chilly nights. Layers and comfy shoes are essential.
✨ Arrive early – Take your time and lose yourself exploring the art installations. Contemplate your intentions for the lantern ceremony and find the perfect spot for the magical catharsis.
✨ Mindful photos – Capture the magic but also be sure to take time to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
✨ Hydrate – Always bring water!
Sustainability at Rise Festival
Rise Festival is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Held at the Jean Dry Lake Bed, the festival adheres to a “Leave it better than we found it” philosophy. This commitment is evident in their use of 100% biodegradable sky lanterns and a strict Leave No Trace policy. Post-event, Rise Festival conducts thorough cleanups, removing all lanterns and collecting 1–2 tons of pre-existing litter from the desert floor. The festival also emphasizes waste reduction by offering free water refill stations, utilizing digital tickets, and minimizing packaging on lanterns and merchandise. To further mitigate their environmental impact, Rise Festival purchases carbon offsets and encourages attendees to do the same for their travel emissions.
Why Rise 2025 Is Unmissable
For a decade, Rise Festival has been more than music and lights. It is a gathering of intention, release, and connection. The 10th anniversary edition promises to be the most spectacular yet, blending immersive art, transformative lantern ceremonies, and a world-class lineup under the desert stars.
Grab your lanterns, set your intentions, and join me for the Mojave’s brightest night and unforgettable memories.
