Rise Festival has officially announced its 10th anniversary event, set for October 3-5, 2025, in the Mojave Desert just south of Las Vegas. Touted as "The World’s Largest Sky Lantern Festival," the weekend will be headlined by Rüfüs Du Sol (Friday), Calvin Harris (Saturday, with a special guest to be revealed), and John Mayer (Sunday). The expanded lineup includes Ben Böhmer, Oliver Heldens, Goose, Elderbrook (DJ set), and more.
Community Reaction Overview
The announcement has sparked a lively conversation on r/coachella with mixed sentiments:
- Unexpected Headliner: John Mayer’s Sunday slot caught some fans off guard given his blues-rock background contrasting the primarily electronic and indie focus.
- Tongue-in-Cheek Takes: One user joked if The 1975 had replaced Rüfüs Du Sol, all headliners would have dated Taylor Swift — a nod to their past relationships.
- Lineup Legitimacy: Questions linger about the festival’s authenticity and the completeness of the announced lineup.
- Environmental Concerns: Releasing thousands of paper sky lanterns raises sustainability doubts despite festival claims of 100% biodegradable materials and a Leave No Trace policy.
- Excited Fans: Despite reservations, many expressed enthusiasm, with some planning to dedicate Friday to the festival.
Environmental Impact Context
Though Rise Festival promises eco-friendly sky lanterns, similar festivals worldwide have faced criticism:
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Taiwan’s famed lantern festivals offer breathtaking visual displays but leave significant lantern litter, requiring organized cleanup efforts by volunteers and school kids.
Reuters coverage on Taiwan cleanup -
Environmentalists raise alarms about sky lanterns causing fire hazards, wildlife entanglement, and microplastic pollution at events such as Indonesia’s Dieng Culture Festival.
The Jakarta Post on environmental concerns
These challenges spotlight the complexity of balancing festival spectacle and sustainability.
Final Take
Rise Festival 2025’s milestone event is positioned as a visually stunning, musically rich weekend with unique lantern-themed experiences. However, festival-goers and environmental advocates alike are advised to stay vigilant on ecological impacts and await any updates on lineup details.
Keep following Extra Chill Festival Wire for ongoing coverage and insider updates.
Source: r/coachella