RISE Festival Caps Off Day 1 with Rufus Du Sol, Ben Bohmer, LP Giobbi, & More

“The most unforgettable experience of my life.” “I will remember RISE forever.” “The most magical thing I have ever seen.” These were just a few of the tens of thousands of posts flooding social media following the 10th Anniversary RISE Festival in Las Vegas, held October 3rd through 5th in the vast openness of the Mojave Desert. Over three sold-out nights, RISE once again proved why it stands apart as one of the most breathtaking and transformative festivals on the planet—a radiant collision of music, art, and human connection beneath a canopy of stars.

Now celebrating a decade of creativity and community, RISE has become more than a festival—it’s a living ritual. Each night was designed as a journey through three immersive spaces: The Path, a meditative corridor of large-scale installations by HYBYCOZO, Lyman Whitaker, and This is Loop; The Compass, the circular heart of RISE and home to the World’s Largest Sky Lantern Ceremony; and The Horizon, the main stage where a world-class roster of musicians performed before mind-bending visuals crafted by the digital visionary David Ariew. Together, these elements created an experience that was equal parts dream and devotion.

As one guest described, “RISE is more than just a music and lantern festival. It’s a beautiful celebration of hope, new beginnings, and letting go.” That sentiment came to life each evening as thousands of glowing lanterns floated skyward, each carrying handwritten wishes, prayers, and promises. The desert air shimmered with color and emotion as attendees watched their collective hopes drift upward, forming constellations of human intention across the night sky.

Musically, the weekend was equally transcendent. The lineup featured an all-star blend of electronic, rock, and indie acts including RÜFÜS DU SOL, Calvin Harris, and John Mayer, alongside genre-defying artists like Disclosure, Goose, Ben Böhmer, Elderbrook, LP Giobbi, Patrick Watson, Ry X, Emmit Fenn, and more. With no overlapping sets, fans were able to savor each performance without compromise—every artist contributing to the event’s evolving emotional arc.

Friday night belonged to RÜFÜS DU SOL, whose 90-minute set cast a hypnotic spell across the desert floor. Their cinematic sound and immersive visuals turned the horizon into a living pulse of rhythm and light. Later, Ben Böhmer delivered a soaring performance that blended deep emotion with intricate electronic textures, creating a sense of collective euphoria. LP Giobbi brought infectious energy and radiant joy, dancing beneath the moonlight and lighting up the stage with Mascolo by her side. And Emmit Fenn took the crowd on a dynamic, soul-stirring journey, building to one of the most talked-about sets of the weekend.

By the time the RISE Closing Ceremony erupted in fireworks, the festival had transcended the traditional concert format—it became a shared moment of catharsis, unity, and awe. For many, RISE 2025 was more than a weekend escape—it was a reminder of our shared humanity, the beauty of letting go, and the power of coming together under one glowing sky.

A decade in, RISE continues to prove that light isn’t just something we see—it’s something we share.

Photo Courtesy of @Kursza