As cathartic and communal as it is visually stunning, the annual Rise Festival marks the release of thousands of illuminated lanterns into the night sky above the Mojave Desert. The two-day festival (Oct 7, 8) outside of Las Vegas kicks off in the afternoon with music sets, sound baths and breath work, and each night culminates in a massive, simultaneous lantern release just after sunset—and we do mean massive, with thousands of attendees expected. Why exactly you choose to float a lantern and what wishes or remembrances you imbue it with are totally up to you, to be shared among a Burning Man-esque circle of attendees all doing the same thing.
Now, to answer one of the most important questions you probably have: All lanterns are 100% biodegradable, and following the event, organizers retrieve the lanterns as well as any pre-existing litter from the surrounding desert. In addition, Rise purchases carbon offsets for every vehicle it uses—attendees will have to do so on their own, though, if they’re interested.
You’ll find the festival about 25 miles outside of Vegas, just off the 15 at the Jean Dry Lake Bed. Tickets start at $99 on Friday and $119 on Saturday, with premium options available for a VIP lounge and a picnic for two.
