In the middle of the Las Vegas desert, hundreds of house music fans gathered on October 3rd & 4th for The Rise Festival. Performances by Disclosure, Calvin Harris, and RÜFÜS DU SOL filled the air as floating lanterns illuminated the night sky.
Every October, the Jean Dry Lake Beds turn into a magical paradise when hope and dreams come true for everyone. This year was especially anticipated due to the well known and popular headliners such as Disclosure, Calvin Harris, and RÜFÜS DU SOL.
Senior, Madi Labay ‘26, stated, “ What originally drew me to the festival was the fact that Calvin Harris was playing. When I learned more about the ceremony, such as the lanterns and the other DJs, it made me want to go even more because it sounded like a fun experience!”
Madi had the time of her life as she got to experience the mix of exhilaration and emotion that was filling the desert air. She got to witness Disclosure and Calvin Harris blow fans away with their amazing beats and high energy crowds dancing beneath the desert stars. Not only were people thrilled to see these amazing headliners, but also be able to watch thousands of lanterns being sent into the sky.
Tourists and people from Las Vegas were also able to write a message on their lantern before they lifted it up into the night. Cooper Fontes ‘26 explained his message that he sent up with his lantern, “I was trying to let go of all the stress that I was having with college applications. It’s an extremely stressful time in everyone’s life as a senior where they have to be constantly dealing with college and what they want to do for the next four years of their lives. Letting go of the stress lets me stay in the moment.”
Cooper was able to share a connecting moment with thousands of strangers as all the lanterns rose into the sky, each carrying a message of hope for that person. It was both a tranquil and electric experience that brought people from all over the world together. This was not just any ordinary festival and instead a celebration of letting go of negative energy, connection, and life changing music.
Madi Labay ‘26 also added, “I saw it as a celebration, because it was very fun and upbeat. The lanterns were such a fun and beautiful activity that was celebrated with all the people there. The music especially made it feel like a celebration because it was very lively, with everyone dancing and singing along as one community.”
The Rise Festival left the crowds with memories of music and lights that they will always remember. This experience helped teach people that letting go of negativity can be the most beautiful part of the experience and make us into better human beings.
