The 10th Anniversary of RISE Festival in the Mojave Desert came to a breathtaking conclusion on Sunday night, October 5th, 2025, leaving tens of thousands of attendees with memories they will carry for a lifetime. From the glowing art installations to the immersive musical performances, the festival’s final day perfectly captured what makes RISE unlike any other experience on Earth—a collective celebration of music, light, and human connection beneath the vast desert sky.

The day began as festival-goers passed through the stunning installations, greeted by the uplifting sounds of Forester. Their joyful performance set the tone, inviting guests to dance and move from the gates all the way to the Desert Club. Soon after, Goose took the stage at The Horizon, their infectious grooves and high-energy performance providing the perfect transition from a full-moon sky lantern release that bathed the desert in soft, ethereal light. The band praised the festival’s magical atmosphere, and it was clear that the audience was equally mesmerized by the breathtaking setting.

As the sun gave way to twilight, Patrick Watson delivered a spellbinding set that placed attendees in a heart-filled sonic trance. His ethereal soundscapes intertwined perfectly with the festival’s signature sky lantern release, in which more than 30,000 biodegradable lanterns floated into the night sky. The moment was both intimate and communal, a striking visual representation of hope, intention, and shared human experience that has become synonymous with RISE.

Elderbrook then took the Compass Stage by storm, electrifying the audience with a dynamic set that had guests dancing freely and celebrating with unrestrained joy. His performance captured the festival’s spirit of expression and release, demonstrating why music at RISE is not just heard but felt in every fiber of the body.

Capping off the weekend, John Mayer delivered a masterful full-band performance that served as the festival’s unforgettable finale. His soaring vocals and intricate guitar work created an emotional arc that perfectly complemented the RISE ethos, blending intimacy with grandeur. As the final chords echoed across the desert, the RISE Closing Ceremony lit the sky with a spectacular fireworks display, leaving the audience awestruck and perfectly summarizing three days of shared magic, artistry, and connection.

Following a landmark 10th Anniversary, RISE Festival has firmly established itself as more than a music and lantern festival—it’s a living work of art, a celebration of hope, and a collective experience that elevates the soul. Attendees and performers alike departed with hearts full and spirits lifted, eagerly anticipating what RISE will bring in October 2026: new artistic collaborations, reimagined designs, and even more moments of magic under the desert sky.

For those seeking a festival that blends music, light, and human connection like nowhere else on Earth, RISE remains a luminous, transformative experience—one that reminds us why we come together to celebrate, dream, and rise.

RISE Festival Day 3 Comes to a Close with John Mayer, Goose, & More