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The very best thing about Goldrush, since its debut just last year, has and continues to be its lineup. There is a wide variety of EDM and hip-hop, so everyone can find at least one artist they enjoy. This year featured some of the big names in the dance music industry, like Deadmau5 (featuring THE CUBE!) and Steve Aoki, rappers such as Vince Staples and Kevin Gates, and a handful of amazing Arizona locals, think Cormac and Dark Mark. Personal favorites of this year for us included: Liquid Stranger, Troyboi, Sacha Robotti, Black Tiger Sex Machine, and Chris Lake. Thomas Turner and his team know how to make a lineup with something for everyone.
The second best thing about Goldrush (obviously other than the music) is the western theme and the fact that the crew goes all out in delivering a completely immersive experience. Set in the middle of Arizona’s largest 1880s western-themed venue, Rawhide Western Town, Goldrush is in the perfect place. The year-round town buildings are fully utilized and offer real bathrooms, running water, air conditioning, and more, while being a scenic background that transports you back into the times of the great Wild West. The theme is consistent and festival-goers love it, showing their dedication by breaking out their favorite cowboy hats and assless chaps!
Overall, Goldrush continues to set the bar for a quality themed festival experience. In only its second year, they seriously have it all figured out. I have wracked my brain even thinking of a single hiccup from the entire weekend. Even on the second day, rain began earlier in the afternoon but it did nothing to deter attendees from having a great time. If anything, it only offered an escape from the dust and heat. One great improvement from last year was that the locals’ stage, the Wagon Wheel presented by Bar Smith’s Big Fun Fridays, stayed in one spot so we were not chasing it around the venue!
Phoenix boasts some of the greatest festivals for Freaks like us. And the best part is that they happen year-round, while most other areas are getting a little too chilly or are covered in snow. In fact, right now, festival season seems to be slowing down for the rest of the nation, but in Phoenix, we are preparing ourselves for some of the biggest festivals yet. Think BOO!, Decadence, and if the rumors are true a completely unannounced new festival! Keep an eye out, Freaks. See you at the next big thing.
We had high expectations for GoldRush 2018, and it absolutely shattered all of them. Relentless Beats consistently throws some of the best parties in the country, and Goldrush is definitely one of them. The lineup is diverse and offers something for everyone, from hip-hop fans to headbangers, with lots of house (and more!) in between. The stages and festival grounds overall are a true spectacle, unlike any other experience.
Gold Rush 2018 Deadmau5 | Photo courtesy FMF Joshua Andrews
The very best thing about Goldrush, since its debut just last year, has and continues to be its lineup. There is a wide variety of EDM and hip-hop, so everyone can find at least one artist they enjoy. This year featured some of the big names in the dance music industry, like Deadmau5 (featuring THE CUBE!) and Steve Aoki, rappers such as Vince Staples and Kevin Gates, and a handful of amazing Arizona locals, think Cormac and Dark Mark. Personal favorites of this year for us included: Liquid Stranger, Troyboi, Sacha Robotti, Black Tiger Sex Machine, and Chris Lake. Thomas Turner and his team know how to make a lineup with something for everyone.
Gold Rush 2018 | Photo Courtesy FMF Joshua Andrews
The second best thing about Goldrush (obviously other than the music) is the western theme and the fact that the crew goes all out in delivering a completely immersive experience. Set in the middle of Arizona’s largest 1880s western-themed venue, Rawhide Western Town, Goldrush is in the perfect place. The year-round town buildings are fully utilized and offer real bathrooms, running water, air conditioning, and more, while being a scenic background that transports you back into the times of the great Wild West. The theme is consistent and festival-goers love it, showing their dedication by breaking out their favorite cowboy hats and assless chaps!
Gold Rush 2018 | Photo Courtesy FMF Joshua Andrews
Overall, Goldrush continues to set the bar for a quality themed festival experience. In only its second year, they seriously have it all figured out. I have wracked my brain even thinking of a single hiccup from the entire weekend. Even on the second day, rain began earlier in the afternoon but it did nothing to deter attendees from having a great time. If anything, it only offered an escape from the dust and heat. One great improvement from last year was that the locals’ stage, the Wagon Wheel presented by Bar Smith’s Big Fun Fridays, stayed in one spot so we were not chasing it around the venue!
Phoenix boasts some of the greatest festivals for Freaks like us. And the best part is that they happen year-round, while most other areas are getting a little too chilly or are covered in snow. In fact, right now, festival season seems to be slowing down for the rest of the nation, but in Phoenix, we are preparing ourselves for some of the biggest festivals yet. Think BOO!, Decadence, and if the rumors are true a completely unannounced new festival! Keep an eye out, Freaks. See you at the next big thing.
