Rise Festival refers to two distinct EDM experiences that share a name but offer completely different vibes. The first is RISE Las Vegas, where thousands of sky lanterns float into the Mojave Desert night sky just 20 miles south of Vegas. This three-part immersive festival blends art, music, and light into something genuinely magical. The second is Rise Festival in Les 2 Alpes, France, a week-long celebration of electronic music and alpine adventure where you can ski by day and dance all night at 3,600 meters above sea level.
This guide covers everything you need to attend either festival. You'll find official dates, ticket links, venue details, lineup information, and practical tips for planning your trip. We'll break down what makes each festival unique, what to expect when you arrive, and how to make the most of your experience. Whether you're drawn to floating lanterns in the desert or partying on a mountaintop, you'll know exactly how to prepare.
Why Rise Festival matters in the EDM world
The two Rise Festivals occupy unique positions in electronic music culture because they push beyond typical concert experiences. RISE Las Vegas transforms a simple sky lantern launch into an immersive art installation where music serves the atmosphere rather than dominates it. This approach has influenced how festival producers think about multi-sensory experiences in the desert setting. Les 2 Alpes brings serious electronic music to a ski resort environment, proving that dance music thrives anywhere people gather with energy and intention.
Cultural impact and community building
Both festivals create tight-knit communities that return year after year. The Las Vegas edition attracts roughly 20,000 attendees who participate in synchronized lantern releases, creating viral moments that spread across social media without feeling manufactured. Les 2 Alpes draws thousands of ski enthusiasts and ravers who appreciate the rare combination of world-class freeriding and established DJs performing at altitude. You won't find these exact experiences replicated elsewhere in the EDM calendar.
These festivals prove that location and concept matter as much as lineup when building memorable events.
Specialized festival concepts continue gaining traction as audiences seek experiences beyond traditional multi-stage formats. Rise Festival demonstrates that fans will travel significant distances for distinctive events combining electronic music with unique settings or activities that standard venues can't replicate.
How to plan your Rise Festival trip
Planning your rise festival experience starts with choosing between two completely different destinations that happen to share the same name. You need to decide whether desert sky lanterns in Nevada or alpine dance parties in France align better with your travel preferences, budget, and available dates. The Las Vegas festival typically runs in October or November, while Les 2 Alpes takes place in early December, so timing rarely conflicts.
Choosing which Rise Festival to attend
Your decision between festivals depends on what experience you prioritize. RISE Las Vegas offers a single-night spectacle focused on the lantern release ceremony, with music and art serving as supporting elements throughout the evening. You'll spend roughly three to four hours in the Mojave Desert creating one unforgettable moment. Les 2 Alpes delivers seven days of continuous programming where you balance skiing, snowboarding, and electronic music across multiple venues at a French