Recently we spoke to the new CEO of the Rise Festival David Oehm about the many changes and exciting announcements for Rise Festival 2025, the world’s largest sky lantern festival. The event after taking a year off is returning with a world class lineup including Rüfüs du Sol after their triumphant sold out 57,000 person show at the Rose Bowl, EDM legend Calvin Harris making a rare US appearance, Australian duo Disclosure and singer/songwriter John Mayer. 

Tickets for the show are available here. Friday night’s event with Rüfüs du Sol is close to sold out while there is greater availability for Saturday and Sunday nights.  The event takes place October 3-5, 2025 at Jean Dry Lake south of Las Vegas. More information on the event is available here.

This lineup spans electronic, indie dance, and rock – how does this diversity reflect RISE’s identity?

The diversity of the RISE lineup is and has always been an intentional reflection of the spectrum of emotion and energy that defines the RISE community. From the pulse of electronic to the storytelling of indie and the soul of rock, each genre offers a different way for people to connect, reflect, and celebrate together.

Walk us through the process of securing such major headliners like Calvin Harris, Rufus Du Sol, John Mayer and Disclosure. What was your strategy?

Over the past decade, we’ve been intentional about building something truly unique in the desert—an experience that resonates deeply with artists. From the beginning, RISE has centered around partnering with talent who understand the emotional weight of our setting. Many of these artists had heard of RISE, had seen the imagery, and felt drawn to the intimacy and intention behind it. Once they understood the spirit of what RISE is about blending music, art, and the largest sky lantern release in the world, they were in.

Which booking are you most excited about personally?

For the EDM crowd, Calvin Harris is the booking I’m most hyped about. His massive catalog of dance anthems—combined with the debut of RISE’s new Horizon Stage—promises a next-level festival set. There’s nothing like hearing “I’m Not Alone” or “Slide” drop as thousands of lanterns rise into the night sky. Pure desert magic.

What specific improvements and changes can attendees expect from RISE 2025 compared to previous years?

RISE 2025 marks the 10th anniversary, so the team is treating it as a reintroduction as well as an opportunity to level-up the experience across the entire show. From a production standpoint, the team has redesigned the layout for better flow, comfort, and sightlines. We have expanded the stage build, improved sound across the grounds, and refined everything from check-in to food & beverage to lighting. RISE will also be introducing new immersive art installations and strengthening our VIP experience with elevated hospitality partners.

How are you addressing any challenges or feedback from past festivals?

One of the most consistent and powerful pieces of feedback from our guests was this:  after the lantern release – the most emotional, transcendent moment of the night – they didn’t want the experience to end. That insight led directly to the creation of the Horizon Stage.  It honors the full emotional arc of the evening.  After the stillness of release, Horizon becomes a place to move, dance, and celebrate. 

What new experiences, stages, or amenities are you introducing?

The Horizon: Brand-new massive performance stage; cinematic scale, immersive tech at desert scale

The Compass: Expanded ceremony space with lounges, torches, and emotional sky‑lantern launch

The Path: Meditative entry experience with art, walking journey, and desert reflection zones

Amenities: Upgraded guest services, shaded retreats, communal comfort areas

VIP Areas: The Sanctuary viewing terraces with elevated service and exclusive stage access

How do you plan to differentiate RISE from other major festivals in the Las Vegas area like EDC?

RISE is about intention. Every part of RISE is designed for connection: to the music, to each other, to something bigger than ourselves. RISE blends large-scale performance with moments of stillness, awe, and reflection. It’s about as much as what you see and hear, but also it is about what you feel.

What makes RISE’s location and setting unique for both artists and fans?

RISE unfolds in the heart of the Mojave Desert – far from the city lights, surrounded by open sky and silence. It creates a kind of natural cathedral, where music reverberates, and people are fully present. Artists often tell us it’s among the most emotionally resonant sets they’ve ever played. And when thousands of lanterns lift into the night sky, the setting becomes not just beautiful, but truly transcendent.

How are you balancing the festival’s growth ambitions with maintaining an authentic experience?

Every step forward must deepen the core of what RISE is. That means curating our audience as much as our lineup, preserving spaciousness, and designing each experience with heart. RISE is growing in a way that protects the intimacy and emotional depth that people come here for.

What role do you see RISE playing in the local Las Vegas music and cultural scene?

RISE is offering a cultural counterpoint that highlights introspection, connection, and purpose-driven celebration. As we expand, we want to be known not just as a destination festival, but as a cultural anchor that supports local artists, businesses, and causes year-round.

Are there sustainability or community initiatives that are important to the festival’s mission?

Absolutely. RISE is proud to partner with Leave No Trace to guide our environmental impact. The Festival pioneered a fully biodegradable lantern that leaves zero trace behind. Beyond that, RISE works with local vendors, invests in clean-up crews, and designs the festival footprint with sustainability at the core. The mission is to uplift the land we gather on.

Beyond 2025, where do you see RISE Festival in five years?

In five years, RISE will stand as a global symbol for intentional celebration. We envision it evolving into a platform for storytelling, art, and meaningful impact – offering ways for our community to engage year-round, far beyond the festival grounds.

What drew you to take on the CEO role at RISE Festival, and what’s your vision for the event’s future?

RISE is unlike anything else. To me, it is more than just music or production —it’s meaning. I saw the potential to lead an organization that could scale emotional and cultural impact in a way few others can. Our vision is to protect what makes RISE special, while guiding it into the next chapter with clarity, creativity, and soul.

What would success look like for you in your first year as CEO?

Success means delivering a RISE 2025 that feels both elevated and deeply rooted in our origins.  It means fans leave transformed, artists call it one of the most meaningful shows of their careers, and we establish the cultural and operational foundation for RISE to thrive over the next decade. 

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By: Greg Wasik
Title: EDM Life interview with Rise Festival CEO David Oehm, Discusses the New and Improved 2025 Event
Sourced From: edmlife.com/edm-life-interview-with-rise-festival-ceo-david-oehm-discusses-the-new-and-improved-2025-event/
Published Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:09:10 +0000

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