Rise Festival 2025: Lanterns, Wishes, and Desert Magic
As a festival reviewer who chases experiences that blend music, ritual, and raw connection, I finally made it to Rise Festival on Sunday, October 3, 2025. Held in the Mojave Desert just 20 minutes from Las Vegas, this event (with additional dates on Friday and Saturday) centers on a single, breathtaking moment: thousands of strangers lighting paper lanterns and releasing them into the night sky TOGETHER. Tickets include everything you need—cushion, lantern, marker, lighter, pin, and instructions—so you arrive ready to write, reflect, and let go.
The vibe was surprisingly serene for a desert gathering. Dust swirled underfoot, but the circular layout kept chaos at bay. Attendees leaned into the aesthetic—beige linen, earth tones, and quiet anticipation. I parked my Jeep in the dedicated lot (dusty but steps from the action), while shuttles ferried others from Vegas hotels. Water stations dotted the perimeter; bathroom lines never formed. Food options were functional—pricey tacos and burgers that fueled you without wowing—but honestly, no one came for the cuisine.
Patrick Watson was a highlight for me with delicate, piano-driven melancholy that felt tailor-made for sunset and ore-lantern vibes. Front-row access was easy since most guests guarded their lantern spots. Elderbrook lifted the energy earlier, Patrick played the mood, Goose rocked the big stage post lighting then John Mayer closed the night with soulful ease. (Rufus du Sol headlined Friday; the full lineup rotates across dates.) As twilight faded, the real show began.
We uncapped markers. Some scribbled prayers, others honored lost loved ones, a few simply wrote “peace.” At the signal, flames caught. Lanterns rose in waves—silent, glowing, impossibly beautiful against the ink-black sky. The desert wind carried them higher, turning the horizon into a living constellation. It felt spiritual without being preachy.
Art installations added depth: mirrored pillars and other totems etched with quotes became natural photo ops and quiet reflection zones. Merch was solid and standard. The only snag in the evening? Post-event traffic funneled cars one direction; heading back to Vegas meant a frustrating 20-mile detour for me since I was headed to LA. A minor blemish on an otherwise polished operation—Rise has run since 2015, and the experience shows.
Four and a half stars. Dock half for the exit routing and forgettable food. If you crave EDM drops, look elsewhere. But if you want a night where music, desert silence, and collective release collide, pack beige, book a Vegas room, and join the circle. I’ll be back with fresh wishes next year.
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