The Mojave Desert is about to witness something extraordinary. RISE Festival, the world's premier celebration of music, art, and light, is marking its 10th anniversary with an unprecedented expansion that's already generating massive buzz in the festival community. Running October 3-5, 2025, this year's event promises to be the most ambitious iteration yet, with a star-studded lineup and groundbreaking partnerships that are redefining the desert festival experience.
Headliners That Command Attention
The festival has pulled out all the stops for its milestone anniversary.
RÜFÜS DU SOL, the GRAMMY-nominated Australian electronic trio, will electrify audiences with a rare back-to-back main stage showcase on October 4th. This isn't just any performance—it's a statement of the festival's commitment to delivering once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Joining them are two musical powerhouses that need no introduction:
Calvin Harris, the Scottish DJ and producer who's dominated global charts for over a decade, and
John Mayer, the multi-platinum guitarist whose crossover appeal spans rock, blues, and pop. This trifecta of headliners represents RISE's evolution from a boutique lantern festival into a major player in the North American festival circuit.
A Bold New Era Takes Shape
What sets RISE apart from typical music festivals is its unique fusion of sonic and visual experiences. Over the past decade, the event has built its reputation on creating magical moments where thousands of sky lanterns illuminate the desert night—a spectacle that's become iconic in festival culture.
For 2025, the organizers are introducing elements that signal a new chapter. "As we celebrate this milestone, we're committed to preserving what makes RISE so special while introducing new elements to make 2025 a truly unique experience," festival representatives stated. This balance between honoring tradition and embracing innovation is evident in every aspect of the anniversary celebration.
World-Class Art Installations
The artistic component of RISE has always been integral to its identity. This year, the festival is showcasing internationally acclaimed installation artists including
HYBYCOZO, known for their intricate geometric light sculptures,
Whitaker Studio, whose large-scale works blur the line between architecture and art, and
This is Loop, masters of immersive visual experiences.
These installations will transform the desert landscape into an interactive gallery, creating Instagram-worthy moments at every turn while providing spaces for contemplation and connection.
The Sanctuary: Elevated VIP Experience
In a game-changing partnership, RISE has joined forces with
Tao Group Hospitality, a globally renowned name in premium entertainment venues. Together, they've created "The Sanctuary"—an exclusive VIP area that takes the festival experience to unprecedented heights.
The Sanctuary features spacious VIP tables with premium bottle service positioned on elevated viewing terraces, offering unobstructed sightlines of the main stage performances. This collaboration brings the sophistication of Las Vegas nightlife to the raw beauty of the Mojave Desert, creating a hybrid experience that appeals to festival-goers seeking both adventure and luxury.
Unprecedented Scale and Accessibility
The festival's expansion isn't just about adding more features—it's about accommodating the growing demand from fans worldwide. Early bird tickets went on sale with competitive pricing designed to make the experience accessible to a broader audience. The three-day format allows attendees to fully immerse themselves in the RISE experience without feeling rushed.
The official performance schedule, unveiled in September 2025, provides attendees with the ability to plan their weekend strategically, ensuring they don't miss their must-see acts.
What This Means for Festival Culture
RISE's 10th anniversary represents more than just a milestone for one event—it's a reflection of how festival culture has evolved. The integration of music, art, and immersive experiences has become the gold standard, and RISE has been at the forefront of this movement since its inception.
The festival's success in the Mojave Desert also highlights the appeal of destination events that offer escape and transformation. In an era of endless digital connectivity, the opportunity to disconnect in a desert setting while connecting with thousands of like-minded individuals holds powerful appeal.
Looking Ahead
As the October dates approach, anticipation continues to build. The combination of world-class musical talent, stunning visual art, and the ethereal experience of releasing sky lanterns under desert stars creates an atmosphere that's difficult to replicate anywhere else in the world.
For those considering attendance, the message is clear: this isn't just another music festival. It's a celebration of human creativity, community, and the magic that happens when art and nature collide in the most unexpected ways. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-timer, RISE Festival 2025 promises to deliver an experience that will resonate long after the last lantern fades into the night sky.
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RISE Festival Latest News
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3. RISE FESTIVAL UNVEILS OFFICIAL SCHEDULE FOR 10TH ...
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