RISE LANTERN FESTIVAL

What is Rise Lantern Festival?

RiSE Festival is a festival once a year where people come together to celebrate life, joys, dreams, hopes and blessings. The festival is a “Leave No Trace” policy so they retrieve 100% of the lanterns. Each lantern is also 100% biodegradable. I love this about them!

I was lucky enough to attend the second annual Rise Festival at the Mojave Desert, Nevada. The festival was truly one of the most magical experiences I have ever experienced. The sky is illuminated by more than 20,000 lanterns over the Mojave Desert.

Things to know before the event

• Purchase tickets in advance by signing up for notifications on the site. I was able to get tickets through the pre-sale and it was not easy!
• Get the shuttle pass and avoid driving on your own. The festival company seemed to figure it out this year and the shuttles were timely and not crowded at all
• Book your hotel in advance, preferably at the same hotel as the shuttle pick up
• The event is usually held in early October, which provides the perfect weather!
• Bring your own blanket if you like
• Be prepared to get dirty from all the dust

Event Details

The shuttle ride from Las Vegas to the festival was under an hour. We arrived fairly early around 5 and decided to grab food from the food trucks. I even ran into The Clumsy Traveler while waiting in line at the food trucks! The event provides you with mats and two lanterns per person. We were lucky enough to witness the most beautiful cotton candy sunset and of course my girlfriend and I decided to take plenty of photos like the rest of the girls there.

The event has live music throughout the day. The first release is at 8:30pm once the sky is completely dark. I suggest relaxing and decorating your lanterns while you wait for the first release.

“RiSE elevates hope, ignites dreams, and creates moments you will never forget”

Lighting the lanterns is not easy

1. Light the torch
2. Partner up and hold the lantern above the torch to light the block
3. Hold it there about 2-3 minutes (make sure one hand is holding the top of the lantern as it can easily get burned)
4. Once you feel like the lantern is ready, let go and watch it fly!!
5. Be careful and start ducking as lanterns fly over your head! I almost got hit a few times and very close to having my hair catch on fire! (yes it is a bit dangerous)

The very first release is very heartfelt and emotional. It’s truly a magical experience to see all of the lanterns light up with each persons hopes and dreams fly into the dark sky.

Together We Rise.

Learn more about other event locations and tickets here.

Shop my favorite festival looks: