The Mojave Desert will transform into a mesmerizing spectacle of light and sound as RISE Festival returns to the Jean Dry Lake bed, just 20 miles south of Las Vegas, Nevada, from October 3 to 5, 2025. This annual event combines the natural beauty of the expansive desert landscape with thousands of illuminated lanterns ascending into the night sky, creating a breathtaking display visible for miles around.
Festival gates will open daily at 2:30 p.m., with musical performances beginning at 3:00 p.m. across multiple stages including the Horizon Stage and Compass Stage. The 2025 festival promises to feature an eclectic mix of electronic, indie, pop, and rock artists, with RÜFÜS DU SOL confirmed as one of the headline acts. Music will continue throughout each evening until approximately 10:15 p.m., providing a continuous soundtrack to the desert experience. Performers are advised to conduct thorough venue soundchecks before their sets to ensure optimal acoustics in the challenging desert environment.
Music flows through the Mojave from afternoon to night, with RÜFÜS DU SOL headlining across multiple desert stages.
The iconic lantern ceremonies remain the centerpiece of RISE Festival, with organizers anticipating the largest release in the event’s history. Each attendee will receive two biodegradable lanterns to inscribe with personal hopes, dreams, or messages. The primary lantern release ceremony is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. each evening, transforming the Mojave’s vast sky into a canvas of floating lights that create both an impressive visual spectacle and a profound emotional experience.
Beyond the music and lanterns, the festival grounds will feature numerous immersive art installations designed to encourage exploration and reflection. The 2025 edition marks ten years of the festival, making this milestone anniversary especially significant for longtime attendees. Attendees can immerse themselves in large-scale installations specifically designed to create spaces for interaction and personal reflection. Attendees seeking moments of tranquility can retreat to the RISE Meditation Halos, specially designated quiet zones amid the festival’s energy.
For those desiring premium accommodations, VIP experiences through partnerships with Tao Group Hospitality will offer enhanced amenities and exclusive viewing areas. Artists performing at RISE will benefit from various revenue streams, including merchandise sales at dedicated festival booths, creating additional income opportunities beyond their performance fees.
The Jean Dry Lake bed venue, with its flat terrain and unobstructed views, provides an ideal setting for this convergence of natural beauty and human creativity. Festival organizers emphasize their commitment to environmental responsibility, ensuring the desert landscape remains protected throughout the event while still delivering the magical atmosphere that has made RISE Festival a bucket-list experience for thousands of attendees each year.
