“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 flooding social media after the 10th Anniversary of RISE Festival, held on October 3–5 in the Mojave Desert. Each of the three sold-out nights brought together tens of thousands of guests and artists in what many described as “surreal,” “transformative,” and “unlike anything else on earth.”
A Decade of Light and Connection
Celebrating ten years of creativity, unity, and renewal, RISE Festival once again transformed the desert into a living tapestry of music, art, and light. The festival journeyed through three distinct spaces — The Path, a meditative art garden featuring large-scale installations by HYBYCOZO, Lyman Whitaker, and This is Loop; The Compass, the circular heart of the event and home to the World’s Largest Sky Lantern Ceremony; and The Horizon, the main stage where world-class performers played against stunning digital visuals designed by David Ariew.
As one attendee beautifully described, “RISE is more than just a music and lantern festival. It’s a celebration of hope, new beginnings, and letting go. As thousands of lanterns rise into the sky, each one carries dreams and reflections, creating a powerful moment of unity and peace.”
A Stellar Musical Experience
Headliners RÜFÜS DU SOL, Calvin Harris, and John Mayer led an all-star lineup 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 experienced every performance in full — each show a moment of connection, healing, and joy.
The artists themselves were deeply moved by the event:
- Ry X shared, “When life itself feels surreal and you’re swimming under tens of thousands of intentions and prayers into the sky.”
- LP Giobbi called it “a unique experience full of uplifting emotions and incredible music.”
- Forester described it as “a reminder of the beauty humans are capable of creating.”
- Oliver Heldens called his set “a surreal experience.”
- And Calvin Harris summed it up simply: “Wow @risefestival. Thank you.”
Rising Above the Wind
Despite Friday’s strong winds and dust storms, the RISE production team adapted seamlessly, ensuring music continued late into the night.
Friday Night Highlights:
RÜFÜS DU SOL delivered a mesmerizing 90-minute headline set, followed by a breathtaking Closing Ceremony and fireworks display. Ben Böhmer, LP Giobbi, and Emmit Fenn each brought unforgettable energy to the stage, captivating guests under the desert moonlight.
Saturday Night Highlights:
Calvin Harris’s electrifying set elevated the Horizon Stage to new heights, followed by Disclosure’s dynamic, dance-driven performance that turned the entire desert floor into one massive dance floor. Ry X performed at The Compass, pairing his ethereal sound with the release of more than 30,000 biodegradable sky lanterns, while Oliver Heldens’s high-energy set brought sunset euphoria to the desert.
Sunday Night Highlights:
John Mayer closed the weekend with a stunning full-band set and a final RISE fireworks ceremony, creating a finale that left guests in awe. Goose, Patrick Watson, Elderbrook, and Forester delivered equally transformative sets, weaving the weekend together through moments of reflection, dance, and unity under the desert sky.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Following a decade of unforgettable memories, RISE Festival now looks ahead to its next chapter. Returning in October 2026, the festival promises new artistic collaborations, reimagined design, and an even more profound experience that continues its legacy as a global celebration of light, love, and human connection.