The 10th Anniversary RISE Festival Celebrated as Beautiful, Magical, and Meaningful

Artists and guests reflect on the three-night event as "Life-Changing and Surreal"

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LAS VEGAS, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "The most unforgettable experience of my life," "I will remember RISE forever," and "The most magical thing I have ever seen." These were just a few of the reactions shared across social media by tens of thousands of guests following the 10th Anniversary RISE Festival held in the Mojave Desert on Oct. 3rd, Oct. 4th, and Oct. 5th. The event saw sold-out nights over its three-day run, guests and artists alike described RISE as "surreal," "transformative," and "unlike anything else on earth."

A Decade of Light and Human Connection

Marking a decade of creativity and community, RISE Festival transformed the desert into a living work of art, music, and light. Each evening unfolded as a three-part journey through The Path, a meditative gallery of large-scale art installations by HYBYCOZO, Lyman Whitaker, and This is Loop; The Compass, the festival's circular heart and home to the World's Largest Sky Lantern Ceremony; and The Horizon, where world-class headliners performed in front of innovative graphics from the visionary digital artist David Ariew.

One RISE guest described the event perfectly, saying, "RISE is more than just a music and lantern festival. It's a beautiful celebration of hope, new beginnings, and letting go. As thousands of lanterns rise into the night sky, each one carries personal intentions, dreams, and reflections, creating a powerful collective moment of unity and peace."

An Elevated Musical Lineup

Headliners RÜFÜS DU SOL, Calvin Harris, and John Mayer led a dynamic lineup of musicians that included Disclosure, Goose, Ben Böhmer, Elderbrook, Oliver Heldens, LP Giobbi, Patrick Watson, Ry X, Emmit Fenn, Coco & Breezy, RIVO, Forester, City of the Sun, Mascolo and Carrie Keller. With no overlapping sets, guests could fully experience each artist's performance in unifying and unforgettable moments of healing, harmony, and hope.

RISE musical artists were equally moved by the experience.

• Ry X said, "When life itself feels surreal and you're swimming under tens of thousands of intentions and prayers into the sky."
• LP Giobbi said "RISE created a unique experience full of uplifting emotions and incredible music. Everyone there felt in tune with a larger connection steeped in love."
• Forester described RISE as "one of the coolest festival experiences we've ever been a part of and a reminder of the level of beauty we as humans are capable of creating."
• Oliver Heldens called his set "a surreal experience," thanking fans for the energy and atmosphere that made the desert come alive.
• Calvin Harris summed it up with one word, "Wow @risefestival. Thank you."

Rising Above the Wind

Despite strong winds and dust storms disrupting Friday night logistics, the RISE production team quickly adapted, ensuring that musical performances continued throughout the evening.

FRIDAY NIGHT

RÜFÜS DU SOL delivered a 90-minute spellbinding performance that left the crowd in awe. Guests were captivated by the trio's setlist and the scale of the production. Guests were then blown away by the RISE Closing Ceremony with spectacular fireworks.

Ben Böhmer delivered a soulful and unforgettable performance. His masterful blend of soaring vocals and intricate musical arrangements left the crowd wanting more.

LP Giobbi's talent and charisma shined while dancing beneath the moonlight. When Mascolo joined her on stage, the audience was mesmerized.

Emmit Fenn took the audience on an unforgettable musical journey that energized the crowd with a dynamic range of songs.

SATURDAY NIGHT

The Calvin Harris set exceeded expectations, featuring enhanced production that elevated an already spectacular Horizon stage. His mix of unique edits and global hits brought the night to an electrifying close as the RISE Closing Ceremony once again stunned the audience.

Disclosure delivered one of the weekend's most unforgettable performances, blending stunning visuals, lighting, and infectious stage energy into a seamless post-lantern-release experience. From the opening beat to the final track, the entire crowd was dancing—no one stood still across the desert grounds, including the RISE production team, security staff, and hosts.

Ry X took the stage at The Compass for a breathtaking performance marked by stunning vocals and a deeply moving setlist. His ethereal sound created a moment of reflection and connection, enveloping the crowd in a truly magical atmosphere for the RISE sky lantern release of over 30,000 biodegradable sky lanterns.

Oliver Heldens lit up the RISE Festival grounds with a high-energy set packed with crowd-pleasing classics and big-room anthems. His electrifying performance had everyone dancing and celebrating as the sun began to go down.

SUNDAY NIGHT

RISE Festival 2025 came to a breathtaking close with a full-band performance by John Mayer, capped off by the RISE Closing Ceremony with a spectacular fireworks display that left the crowd in awe. Mayer's masterful blend of soaring vocals and intricate guitar work created an unforgettable finale that captured the true magic of the RISE Festival.

Goose kicked off The Horizon stage with infectious grooves and uplifting energy, providing the perfect transition from the stunning RISE sky lantern release under a full moon. The band praised RISE Festival for its magical atmosphere and breathtaking desert setting that captivated both the audience and performers alike.

As the sunset melted into twilight, Patrick Watson delivered an unforgettable performance with a beautifully curated set that placed RISE guests in a heart-filled, sonic trance. His ethereal sound provided the perfect lead-in to a flawless sky lantern release as more than 30,000 lanterns illuminated the night sky.

Elderbrook emerged as a festival highlight, with guests dancing freely around the Compass Stage in pure expression. His electrifying performance and dynamic setlist infused the crowd with energy, keeping spirits high as the day unfolded under perfect conditions.

As RISE guests arrived, passing the festival's stunning art installations, they were welcomed by a beautiful performance from Forester. The duo's uplifting set had RISE guests dancing from the gates to the Desert Club, setting the perfect tone as the day gained momentum.

Looking Ahead to RISE Festival 2026

Following its landmark 10th Anniversary, RISE Festival will return in October 2026, promising new artistic collaborations, reimagined design, and an experience even more moving than before.

About RISE Festival
Founded in 2014, RISE is the World's Largest Sky Lantern Festival featuring a collective celebration that blends art, music, and light in an unforgettable shared experience in the Mojave Desert south of Las Vegas. The festival returned for its 10th Anniversary on October 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2025, and was a luminous celebration of light, sound, and soul, bringing people together in a shared journey of elevation and joy. As a non-profit charitable event, RISE is a collective art project dedicated to advancing the arts through art education, appreciation, and support for artists around the world. Visit www.RISEfestival.com for more information.

SOURCE RISE Festival