Lori Ballen, the owner of this website, benefits from purchases made through her affiliate links.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this site are affiliate links. Portions of this content are generated by AI.
I’ve lived in Las Vegas since I was five years old, and even after a lifetime here, RISE still stops me in my tracks. There’s a moment, right after sunset, when thousands of people all release their lanterns at once and the entire dark desert sky fills with soft, floating light. It’s quiet, it’s emotional, and it’s unlike anything else happening around Las Vegas. If you love a good bucket-list evening, this is one to put on the calendar.
Get the best things to do in Las Vegas in your inbox — free.
A Shared Moment of Light in the Desert
RISE brings together thousands of people on a wide-open dry lake bed for an evening built around one big shared moment: releasing biodegradable paper lanterns into the night sky together at sunset. The organizers describe it as a three-part experience of light, sound, and reflection, and the atmosphere leans more toward a meaningful communal gathering than a typical concert or festival crowd.
Lanterns, Live Music & Desert Views
The day builds toward the main lantern release, with live music, art installations, and desert scenery filling the hours before and after. Most people arrive well before sunset to find a spot, write a message on their lantern, and settle in as the sky changes color. It’s a full evening out in open desert terrain, so plan for sand, wind, and cooler nighttime temperatures even in early fall.
When and Where in 2026
RISE typically happens in early October, over a Friday-through-Sunday weekend, but the exact 2026 dates had not yet been officially announced as of this writing, so confirm them directly at risefestival.com before you make plans. In the most recent years the festival has been held on the Jean Dry Lake Bed, in the open desert roughly 40 minutes south of the Strip near the town of Jean, off I-15. RISE has used different desert venues in different years, so always double-check the current site for the year you’re attending rather than assuming it’s the same spot as last time.
Tickets, What to Bring & Getting There
RISE sells tiered ticket packages, and in recent years pricing has ranged from around $190 for a general admission tier up to premium packages closer to $1,000 with added perks; check risefestival.com for the current 2026 tiers and pricing since they change every year. This is a remote desert event, so I’d bring a blanket or low chair, a warm layer for after sunset, closed-toe shoes for sand and gravel, and plenty of water. Traffic leaving the lake bed after the lantern release can be slow, so build in extra time and patience for the drive back into town.
This is one of my favorite fall picks in my Las Vegas fall things-to-do guide.
Book a Las Vegas Experience
Tours, tickets, and experiences for your Las Vegas trip.
Some links are affiliate links; we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Thinking about moving to Las Vegas?
There’s a reason so many people fall for this city. If you’re considering a move — or wondering what your current home is worth — my team would love to help.
Get My Home Value → Contact Lori
Lori Ballen
REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Las Vegas, leading The Ballen Group. A lifelong Las Vegan sharing the best of the valley.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this site are affiliate links. Portions of this content are generated by AI.
