RISE Celebrates 10 Years With RÜFÜS DU SOL, Calvin Harris, and John Mayer

Photo Credit: Kursza

“The most unforgettable experience of my life.” “The most magical thing I have ever seen.” “I’ll remember RISE forever.”

Those were just a few of the reactions lighting up social feeds after the 10th Anniversary RISE Festival, which unfolded over three unforgettable nights — October 3rd, 4th, and 5th — in the Mojave Desert. With sold-out crowds, awe-inspiring art, and a star-studded musical lineup, the milestone year reaffirmed RISE’s status as something more than a festival. Guests described it as “surreal,” “transformative,” and “unlike anything else on earth” — though its wind-swept, dust-shrouded opening night experience felt a bit Mad Max meets Burning Man.

Photo Credit: Kursza

For its 10th edition, RISE once again transformed the desert into a living canvas of music, art, and intention. The journey began each night at The Path, where large-scale installations by HYBYCOZO, Lyman Whitaker, and This is Loop created a meditative entryway into the RISE universe. From there, guests flowed into The Compass, the circular heart of the festival and home to the world’s largest sky lantern release. And finally, the evening reached its crescendo at The Horizon, where international headliners performed against a backdrop of visionary visuals from digital artist David Ariew.

But it’s the lanterns — more than 30,000 biodegradable vessels of light — that defined the weekend. Each one carried a personal message, dream, or intention, collectively rising into the desert sky in a shared moment of release, reflection, and renewal. As one guest put it, “RISE isn’t just a festival. It’s a celebration of hope, of letting go, and of starting again.”

Photo Credit: Kursza

For its 10th anniversary, RISE curated a lineup as ambitious as its art direction. Headliners included RÜFÜS DU SOL, Calvin Harris, and John Mayer, joined by Disclosure, Goose, Ben Böhmer, Elderbrook, Oliver Heldens, LP Giobbi, Patrick Watson, Ry X, Emmit Fenn, Forester, Coco & Breezy, RIVO, City of the Sun, Mascolo, and Carrie Keller.

With no overlapping sets, the programming allowed every guest to experience each performance in full — a rarity in the festival circuit and part of what made the weekend feel so intentional.

Artists themselves were visibly moved:

• Ry X described it as “swimming under tens of thousands of intentions and prayers into the sky.”

• LP Giobbi said, “RISE created a unique experience full of uplifting emotions and incredible music. Everyone there felt in tune with a larger connection steeped in love.”

• Forester called it “a reminder of the beauty we as humans are capable of creating.”

• Oliver Heldens called his set “a surreal experience,” thanking fans for igniting the desert.

• Calvin Harris summed it up in one word: “Wow.”

Yet, not even the Mojave’s notorious winds could shake RISE. On Friday night, dust storms disrupted logistics, but the production team pivoted seamlessly. Music continued, lanterns lifted, and fireworks crowned the night. RÜFÜS DU SOL delivered a hypnotic 90-minute performance that had the entire desert entranced, while Ben Böhmer, LP Giobbi, Mascolo, and Emmit Fenn kept spirits soaring.

Photo Credit: Kursza

Saturday night belonged to Calvin Harris, who closed the evening with a set that fused global hits with dazzling production. Disclosure brought infectious energy and visuals that had everyone dancing — from guests to staff. Meanwhile, Ry X’s ethereal Compass Stage set created a profound moment of reflection during the lantern release, as more than 30,000 lights filled the night sky.

By Sunday, the energy shifted into something intimate, soulful, and unforgettable. John Mayer’s full-band set was the perfect finale, his guitar work and vocals weaving into the desert air as fireworks exploded overhead. Goose, Patrick Watson, Elderbrook, and Forester rounded out the night, each performance layered with emotion and artistry that left guests speechless.