Every autumn, the Mojave Desert near Las Vegas transforms into a spectacle of light and sound. The Rise Festival, often called the world’s largest sky lantern festival, brings thousands together for an experience that blends music, art, and personal intention beneath the stars. After a year’s pause for improvements, the eagerly anticipated 2025 edition marks the festival’s 10th anniversary and promises a truly unforgettable celebration.
Rise Festival began in 2014 with a vision: unite people in a collective act of hope and reflection. Participants personalize biodegradable lanterns with meaningful messages before releasing them into the sky in synchronized waves. Over the years, Rise has evolved, becoming a multi-day event featuring major music acts and interactive art installations.
With its return in 2025 at the Jean Dry Lake Bed, Rise Festival has become more than just a lantern launch—it’s a full-scale immersive festival. According to Billboard, organizers expect around 20,000 guests each day, drawn by headline performances and the spectacular lantern display.
The upcoming event boasts an impressive lineup across electronic, indie, folk, and experimental genres. Attendees will enjoy performances from globally renowned artists each night:
As reported by JamBase, this amplified 10th anniversary lineup represents the festival’s most ambitious musical chapter yet. Each day offers a unique atmosphere and a diverse soundscape, ensuring memorable moments for every kind of music lover.
Rise Festival is structured around three dynamic areas:
Festival-goers receive a lantern kit upon arrival and are encouraged to write their hopes and intentions before launching. According to Las Vegas Review-Journal, all lanterns are biodegradable, highlighting the event’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
In 2025, Rise Festival continues its legacy as a positive force. Under new ownership by the NobleLight Foundation, the festival is now a nonprofit initiative. Organizers have also partnered with Leave No Trace, ensuring the desert remains pristine after the celebrations conclude. Every lantern released into the night represents not only a personal wish but also a promise to give back to the environment and surrounding communities.
Whether you’re drawn by the music, the communal spirit, or the breathtaking beauty of thousands of lanterns ascending into the night, Rise Festival 2025 is an event you won’t want to miss. Tickets go on sale May 16, with details available on the official festival website.
Capture the magic, celebrate with friends old and new, and share your dreams with the world at this one-of-a-kind Nevada celebration. Plan your journey to Rise Festival and become part of a decade-long tradition that lights up the desert sky!