Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

101 Things to Do in Utah

We’re most familiar with Southern Utah, but the entire state has amazing places to check out. If you love skiing and snowboarding, Northern Utah is amazing for that. If you prefer exploring unique rock formations, they are around every corner in Southern Utah. To help you plan your future trips, we’ve broken up our bucket list into regions.

Things to Do in Southwest Utah

Southwest Utah is full of amazing landscapes, National Parks, amazing rock climbing, and more. It’s easily accessible from Las Vegas and one of our favorite road trip areas.

See More: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

See More: 15 Incredible Things to do in Zion National Park

Things to Do in Southeast Utah

Southeast Utah is best known for the Moab area, which is the perfect base to explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

See More: The Ultimate Guide to Arches National Park

Things to Do in Northern Utah

Northern Utah is home to world-class slopes in the winter, arguably the best bouldering in the US, and even the real-life UP house.

See More: 11 Breathtaking Canyons in the US You Can’t Miss

Map of 101 Things to Do un Utah

What are the 10 Largest Cities in Utah?

These are the major cities in Utah by population.

1. Salt Lake City
2. West Valley City
3. Provo
4. West Jordan
5. Orem
6. Sandy
7. St George
8. Ogden
9. Layton
10. South Jordan

How Many National Parks are in Utah?

There are 5 major National Parks called the Mighty Five, and then there are 5 National Park units, which are lands with natural or historical significance managed and protected by the National Park service.

1.  Arches National Park
2.  Bryce Canyon National Park
3.  Canyonlands National Park
4.  Capitol Reef National Park
5.  Cedar Breaks National Monument
6.  Golden Spike National Historic Site
7.  Natural Bridges National Monument
8.  Rainbow Bridge National Monument (by boat only)
9.  Timpanogos Cave National Monument
10.  Zion National Park

Utah State Symbols

• State Emblem: Beehive
• State Animal: Rocky Mountain Elk
• State Flower: Sego Lily
• State Rock: Coal
• State Bird: California Seagull

See them all here.

Essential Tips

• When to Visit: Utah is a big state with four distinct seasons, so the best time to visit depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. In general, Southern Utah is best in the Spring and Fall. You’ll find moderate weather to explore the desert landscapes. During the winter, you may find snow in some areas. Northern Utah is a winter wonderland and draws visitors in for their slopes. During the rest of the year, you’ll find lots of hiking and massive peaks to conquer.
• Best Airports: Salt Lake City (SLC) is the largest airport in the state and a great place to fly into if you’re exploring Northern Utah or the Moab Area. If you plan on exploring Southwest Utah, fly into Las Vegas (LAS).
• Best Way to Get Around: Having your own car is definitely the best way to explore Utah. Shop for the best rental car rates here.
• What to Pack: Whether you’re traveling in the summer or winter, it’s always smart to have layers. Temperature changes drastically based on elevation and in desert climates, nights are chillier.
• Guides: Check out our National Park Guides to get more specific tips.

Best Places to Stay

More Resources

• Utah Travel Guide
• Utah Road & Recreation Atlas
• Southwest USA Travel Guide
• Zion & Bryce Canyon Travel Guide

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2024 – What You Need to Know Before You Go

If you plan on attending the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, we’re going to cover what you need to know, our experience, and give you plenty of tips to help you plan your trip.

General Information About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque Balloon Festival happens every year in October. The festival runs for 9 days with all types of events happening throughout the week.

The 2024 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta dates have been set for October 5, 2024, to October 13, 2024.

Tickets

Tickets for the Albuquerque Balloon Festival are $15 per person per session and typically go on sale in April. Most days have a morning and evening session. If you leave the park in between, you will have to purchase another ticket. Some things include tickets like the Park & Ride and particular RV spots. Buy your tickets online here.

If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, there are a few upgraded options:

• Chasers’ Club ($65 per session): Access to a special viewing area with guaranteed seating, buffet, private bathrooms, and a cash bar.
• Gondola Club ($130 per session): Everything the Chasers’ Club gets plus a parking pass, open bar, shuttle service, souvenir gift, and more.
• Concierge Program ($350 per session for 1-2 people): General admission ticket, premium parking pass, and a private golf cart and driver during your session. You also get a Balloon Fiesta gift.

The Music Fiesta is additional as well ranging from $15 for general admission tickets to $499 for the ultimate experience.

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Schedule of Events + The Main Events You Can’t Miss

Main Events You Can’t Miss

Over 9 days of the festival, there are multiple events that highlight different types of balloons, disciplines, and more. It can be a bit daunting to figure out what is worth going to. Before getting to the full schedule, let’s talk about the main events to help you decide what you want to see.

• Dawn Patrol (daily) – Each morning, a few balloons take off before the sun rises to check the weather conditions to ensure it’s safe for the rest of the balloons to fly. This is the least impressive to watch, and because it’s dark, photography is challenging.
• Balloon Glows (various) – Balloons will burn their propane in sync with each other before when it’s still dark while still tethered to the ground. They have a Morning Glow, Twilight Twinkle Glow, and Night Magic Glow.
• Mass Ascension (weekends) – Hundreds of balloons will launch in two waves, filling the skies with hot air balloons.
• Competitions (various) – Throughout the week, pilots fly their balloons and compete in various challenges testing their skills. One of the most popular is America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race. This annual long-distance race starts at the Balloon Fiesta Parks and tests to see how far they can go without coming down. Often times they are in the sky for multiple days.
• Special Shape Rodeo (various) – One of the coolest things to see is all the crazy balloon shapes that they have. During these events, they focus on only these unique balloons, whether it’s flying or glows.

Pro Tip: If you’re into photography, check out the Canon booth. You can take souvenir photos and get free cleanings on your Canon gear. They even rent out cameras to try them out during the balloon festival.

See More: 15 Best Festivals in the US to Add to Your Bucket List

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Schedule of Events

Here is the 2024 Albuquerque Balloon Festival Schedule of Events. It’s always best to check their site for the most up-to-date information.

Note: Days are broken up into two balloon sessions. The morning session runs from 5:30 AM to 10 AM, and the evening sessions goes from 5 PM to 9 PM.

Getting to and Around the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival

The Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque is home to the festival each year. Located on the north side of town, the official address is: 4401 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113 (map). Come event days, you may head to a different area since they have parking spread out but we’ll go over those details a little further down.

Getting to Albuquerque: The Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) airport is right in town. Once you arrive, we recommend renting a car.

Getting to the Balloon Fiesta

Once you’re in Albuquerque, there are a few different options to get to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival. Having your own car is the most convenient.

• Parking at the Balloon Fiesta – There are large, designated parking lots around Balloon Fiesta Park. When you drive towards the park, there will be signs and attendants pointing you the closest available lot. The parking is $20 per sessions (cash only) and they fill quickly so arrive early. You can also purchase an all-sessions parking pass from the Balloon Fiesta Gift Shop.
• Park & Ride Shuttle Bus – Another option is the Park & Ride system which has different stops in the city. The advantage is that these buses will bypass heavy traffic. The tickets include round-trip transportation and admission to the Balloon Fiesta. Tickets need to be purchased in advance here and are $25 for adults and $13 for children. They do sell out. The four park & ride locations are:
  • Cottonwood Mall: 10000 Coors Bypass NW
  • Coronado Center: 6600 Menaul Blvd NE
  • Hoffmantown Church: 8888 Harper Road NE
  • Intel (Only on Weekends): 1600 Rio Rancho Dr SE (southeast lot only)
• Ride Share (Taxi, Uber, or Lyft): If you prefer not to rent a car, you can Uber or Lyft, but you’ll be stuck in the same traffic. Plus, there will be surge pricing. They’ve tried to negotiate using the shuttle lanes so check back to see if they’ve made any changes.
• Biking or Walking: If you’re staying close enough to Balloon Fiesta Park, walking is a great way to avoid traffic. You can also bike and they have a complimentary bike valet.

Note: If you require special disabled parking or assistance, contact the Balloon Fiesta staff in advance and they will be able to help you out.

Best Places to Stay During the Albuquerque Baloon Fest

There are multiple options for accommodations during the Balloon Fest. Since we had our own car and a parking pass, we ended up booking a hotel nearby so that the morning commute to beat traffic wouldn’t be long. If you plan on doing the Park & Ride, you can look for hotels near those locations.

Since people come from all over the world, be sure to book your accommodations early as they do sell out quickly. There are also options for RVs and Glamping right next the festival grounds.

Hotel Options

Rving, Camping, and Glamping

RVers flock to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival every year. There is an area near the launch field entirely dedicated to RVs. The prices range from $35 a night to $250 a night at the most coveted spots at President’s Compound. Spots open up a week after the previous Balloon Fiesta and spaces sell out really fast. Find details here.

• Tent Camping: $35/night
• Standard: $50/night dry camping in South RV Lot
• Box View: $60/night dry camping in the South RV Lot
• Premium: $100/night 30amp and water connection in South RV Lot
• VIP West/East: $115/night dry camping adjacent to the Launch Field (includes 2 GA tickets)
• VIP North: $115/night dry camping adjacent to the Launch Field (includes 2 GA tickets)
• President’s Compound: $250/night on a bluff overlooking the Launch Field with water and electric hook-ups (includes 4 GA tickets)

They also have Camp 505 where camping gear is provided and set up for you. It costs $800 and includes 3-nights for 2 guests. It also includes admission, access to portable toilets, 24-hour security, refillable water bottles, phone charging station, and firepit and games.

Glamping sites are relatively new to the Balloon Fiesta. The tents are set up all together within walking distance to the Launch Field. Each site includes a safari tent, beds (1 queen or 2 singles), linens, heater, fridge, electric blanket, lamps, and premium parking. There are trailers set up with restrooms and showers. It costs $1600 for 3 nights for 1-2 people.

hot Air Balloon Rides Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Watching the balloons from the ground is amazing on its own, but riding a hot air balloon during the festival takes it to the next level. Fortunately you can make that happen by booking a ride with the Rainbow Ryders. This is the only company allowed to take guests during mass ascension.

As with everything during the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, prices are at a premium. Rides usually run for at least $430 (normally $150) and they book up quickly. For reservations, contact them here:

Rainbow Ryders
1-800-725-2477
flightinfo@rainbowryders.com

Another way to get a ride, is to volunteer with a pilot. You can sign up online or if you meet pilots, ask if they need help on their crew. Jacob joined the Chase Crew of the balloon that I rode and helped pack up the balloon once we landed. Typically pilots will give volunteers a ride sometime during the week, but it also isn’t guaranteed.

Pro Tip: Don’t book your flight on the last day in case there are cancellations due to weather.

Best Places to Watch the Hot Air Balloons

Nothing compares to seeing the balloons take off from Balloon Fiesta Park, but since the wind controls their fate, you can see the balloons from outside the park as well. Unfortunately, there isn’t a good way to predict which way they’ll go each day.

While Jacob was with the Chase Crew, they used a mix of GPS, walkie talkies, and just trying to see the balloon in the sky to stay in touch with where the pilot was headed.

With that in mind, here are some popular spots to watch the balloons if they’re flying in that direction.

• North Domingo Baca Park (7521 Carmel Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, map)
• Vista Del Norte Park (1005 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, map)
• Wildflower Park (San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, map)
• Sandia Peak Tramway (30 Tramway Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122, map) although far away
• Los Ranchos/ Journal Center Railrunner Station (101 El Pueblo Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, map)

Local Tip: Since it’s hard to predict, just pick a location to start and have a backup location on the opposite side in case the balloons float away from you.

Essential TIps for the Albuquerque New Mexico Balloon Festival

Tips for Planning Your Trip

• Book Early! The Albuquerque Balloon Festival is an extremely popular event and people travel from all over the world to see it. Book everything ASAP.
• Arrive early to the events to avoid the crowds and traffic. It will always take you longer than you think to get to the launch field.
• Plan your trip around what you’re interested in. The mass ascension is a must see, but it’s always good to catch different events throughout the week.
• It’s cold in Albuquerque this time of year. Pack layers since it’ll be 20-40°F in the mornings and 50-70°F during the day. A hat, gloves, and rechargeable hand warmer was essential since we’re standing around a lot.
• Carry a backpack or daypack so you have somewhere to put layers you don’t need and other items you packed. Be sure to check out our entire packing list below.
• Food in the park is plentiful. There are all kinds of food vendors with options similar to those at any outdoor festivals. Think burgers, pizza, nachos, donuts, and burritos. Some spots are also open for breakfast too so you can grab coffee.

Tips for After You Arrive

• Photography is super popular at the festival. Walk around to find the best spots. To get a higher vantage point, head to the north side of the launch field.
• Respect the Balloons, Pilots, and Zebras. One of the best things about this event is that you can walk right onto the field where they are launching. Just be respectful and don’t touch any of the balloons unless given permission. Pilots love telling their story, but if they are busy trying to launch, don’t bug them. Zebras, the people with the ref jerseys on, are there to ensure everything goes smoothly so listen to them if they are instructing you to do something.
• Be sure to check out the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque Balloon Museum, which has multiple exhibits, balconies overlooking the launch field, and gift shop. During the festival, they have special events too.
• The Balloon Discovery Center Tent is also great for families. Here you’ll find exhibits and activities for kids related to hot air balloons.
• Bathrooms are located easy to find. There are tons of port-o-potties located throughout the park.
• Pins are a popular collectible and each year there’s a whole set of new ones. Pilots also carry Balloon Trading Cards that feature their balloon. If you meet one, you can ask if they have any on them.
• Here are some keywords you’ll hear on the field.
  • Zebras are a nickname for launch directors. They look like refs and help ensure launches go smoothly. Keep an eye out for them and listen to any instructions they say.
  • The Box is referencing the weather phenomenon where low winds fly in one direction and high winds fly in the opposite direction, allowing the balloons to fly in a box shape and land where they took off.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Balloon Festival

FAQs About Planning Your Trip

FAQs After You Arrive in Albuquerque

What to Pack

• Warm Layers – It’s cold in the mornings (we’re talking 20-40°F) and you’ll be standing around waiting for everything to happen. Gloves and a hat are really helpful too.
• Backpack or Daypack – To carry everything around.
• Rechargeable Hand Warmer – Ever since getting this, it has come with us on every cold trip. We need to get a couple more so we don’t fight over it.
• Sunblock and Sun Protection – Albuquerque is at a higher altitude.
• Camera, Wide and Long Lens, and Extra Batteries – Keep in mind that batteries die quicker in the cold.
• Picnic blanket or Lightweight Camping Chair – Seating is limited and it’s nice to get off your feet every once in a while.
• Portable Charger – To keep all your devices charged all day. Batteries die faster in the cold.
• Headlamp or Flashlight – Especially if you’re arriving really early or staying late. Some areas are dark.
• Cooler – If you have drinks you want to keep cold and plan on staying put. It would be a pain to walk around with otherwise.

More Things to Do in Albuquerque

Take advantage of being in Albuquerque and explore the rest of town. Just keep in mind that there will be a lot of other visitors doing the same thing.

• ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
• ABQ BioPark Zoo
• Albuquerque Old Town
• American International Rattlesnake Museum
• Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque
• Grave of Walkter White
• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
• Kimo Theatre
• New Mexico Museum of National History & Science
• Petroglyph National Monument
• San Felipe de Neri Church
• Sandia Peak Tramway
• The Albuquerque Museum
• The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
• The Turquoise Museum

More Resources

• Santa Fe, Taos & Albuquerque Travel Guide
• Albuquerque Street Map
• 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Albuquerque
• New Mexico Travel Guide
• Lonely Planet Southwest USA

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

Your Ultimate Guide to the Rise Festival Las Vegas

The RISE Festival is the largest lantern release in the world. It’s a magical experience as you see thousands of lanterns dotting the dark sky like stars.

It started in 2014, and we’ve attended in 2019 and 2021. In 2021, they had over 24,000 attendees with Saturday sold out at 13,000 attendees.

I’m not usually a fan of big festival events, because I’m petite and get buried in a crowd. Fortunately, this one is spread out in the desert with plenty of breathing room.

We’ve heard from people who went  in previous years that they didn’t have the best experience, but we really enjoyed our time there. Over the years, they’ve made a lot of improvements to the festival, including insured tickets based on weather, additional parking, longer lantern release times, and overall just trying to make everything more efficient.

If you’re hoping to go this year, we’ve put together a guide with all the details to help you plan your trip.

Information on Attending the Rise Festival Las Vegas

Let’s start off by talking through all the information you need to attend.

When is the Rise Festival?

The RISE Festival takes flight every October. It usually happens on the first weekend of the month on Friday and Saturday. They celebrating 10 years on October 3 and October 6, 2025 where they will be restructuring the event.

If you plan on attending, buy tickets as soon as you know. Tickets officially go on sale on their website.

See More: Full List of October Las Vegas Shows and Events

How Much Does the Rise Festival Cost?

Tickets to RISE start at $189 and go up to $989, depending on which package you purchase.

• Silver / Child$189 – comes with lantern ceremony, six musical performances, two lanterns, personal cushion, art installations, mediation halos
• Gold $269 – all the above plus expedited entry, access to RISE Desert Clubs, VIP restrooms
• Platinum $489 – all the above plus VIP Areas, VIP Havens, complimentary food and open bar, VIP private retreats, Horizon viewing area
• Diamond $989 – all of the above plus Diamond Sanctuary and Diamond viewing area.

You need to purchase a parking pass or a shuttle ride. They will send a follow up email with more information after purchasing your tickets.

Find ticket details here.

What Comes with My Ticket?

Each ticket type comes with access to different parts of the festival.

Silver Tickets Come With

• RISE Sky Lantern Cermony
• Two Music Stages in the Desert
• Six Musical Performances Each Night
• Two Sky Lanterns
• Personal Desert Cushion
• Unlimited Water Refills
• Access to all Art Installations
• Access to RISE Meditation Halos

Gold Tickets Come With

• All of the Above Plus
• Expedited Event Entry
• Access to the RISE Desert Clubs
• Access to VIP Restrooms

Platinum Tickets Come With

• All of the Above Plus
• Reserved Compass VIP Areas
• Access to the RISE VIP Havens
• Complimentary Food
• Complimentary Open Bar
• Access to the RISE VIP Private Retreats
• Access to the RISE Horizon Viewing Area

Diamond Tickets Come With

• All of the Above Plus
• Access to the RISE Diamond Sanctuary
• Access to the RISE Diamond Viewing Area

NOTE: Children tickets will be able to enter with the corresponding adult ticket holder.

Which Day Should I Attend the Rise Festival & Do Tickets Sell Out?

This year is new because they have musical artists performing each night. Tickets will sell out so select the night of the artists you’re most interested in.

RISE Festival Musical Artists

• Friday, Oct 3: Rufus Du Sol, Ben Bohmer, LP Giobbi, Emmit Fenn, Coco & Breezy, Eduardo Castillo
• Saturday, Oct 4: Calvin Harris, Disclosure, Oliver Heldens, RY X, Rivo, Carrie Keller
• Sunday Oct 5: John Mayer, Goose, Elderbrook, Patrick Watson, Forester, City of the Sun

Note: The tickets you purchase are for a specific day and are not transferable to a different night.

What Happens in the Case of Inclement Weather?

If it is raining or the winds are over 10mph, the lantern release may be delayed or canceled. 

If the event is canceled before the gates are open, which will be announced on all RiSE Festival social accounts and via email, they will follow up with more info.

Directions – Where is the Rise Festival and How Do I Get There?

The RiSE Festival takes place on the Jean Dry Lake Bed located in the Mojave Desert 25 miles south of Las Vegas.

By Plane: The closest airport is the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. Once you arrive, you need to coordinate how to get to the festival site using one of the options below.

By Car: If you are coming from the North on I-15 (from Las Vegas), take exit 25 for Sloan and follow the signs to the parking area. If you are coming from the South on 1-15 (from California), take exit 12 for Jean Goodsprings and follow signs to the Jean Dry Lake Bed. Parking attendants will be there to tell you where to park. The earlier you arrive, the closer you will park to the grounds.

Note that the parking pass is only good for entry to the event once. Once you leave the grounds, you will not be allowed to re-enter.

Shuttle: If you are staying on the Strip, the RiSE Festival runs a shuttle. The exact pick-up location has not been announced yet, but it will be at a hotel on or near the Strip.

By RV: Unfortunately parking for RV’s is not allowed on site.

Rideshare: Since you are in a remote location and cell service is limited, Ubers, Lyfts, and other rideshares are not allowed to ensure that you don’t get stranded there.

Walking: Once you park or arrive in the shuttle, there is a 10-15 minutes 1000 meter walk from the parking lot to the venue. If you are unable to make the walk, they do provide complimentary shuttles for those with ADA needs. There are also wheelchair accessible toilets on the grounds.

What are the Main Events at the Rise Festival?

The 2025 event will unfold through three distinct settings: The Path, The Compass, and The Horizon.

The Path

The Path is where we begin our transition from the stress of modern life and breathe in the beauty of the spectacular Jean Dry Lake Bed.

As we walk among inspiring art pieces by world-famous artists, the setting sun coloring the mountains of the Mojave Desert offers a sense of peace and possibilities.

In the distance, we can see RISE Meditation Halos awaiting us. They are an oasis of sorts: relaxing desert lounges. Here we sink into soft seats, soak in the surrounding scenery, take a deep breath, and ground ourselves.

The Compass

The Compass is the centerpiece of RISE, the site of our signature Sky Lantern Ceremony. The venue itself is a visual cue, inviting us to find our bearings, reflect on where we are, and chart a path to where we want to go.

With live music, high-quality food, and elevated drinks, it offers a place for connection, community, and gratitude.

It’s also a space for reflection. An ideal time to set intentions, express appreciation for loved ones, and dedicate our sky lanterns.

As dusk deepens and daylight fades into the indigo sky, we light our lanterns and release them to the heavens. Tens of thousands of personal stories float gracefully above and eventually shimmer as one.

The experience is deeply personal, but also profoundly connective. A collective act of wonder that unites friends, family, and strangers in reverence, awe, and a powerful sense of collective accomplishment.

As the last lanterns drift into the night sky, our final venue calls, beckoning us with sound and light.

The Horizon

The Horizon is where we DANCE.

This final phase of RISE is a time to release and celebrate life with music from legendary artists in the expansive desert landscape.

With stars shimmering in the sky above and elevating music flowing everywhere, we are immersed in a magical dance of light and sound.

The Horizon stage is a perfect complement to the Mojave’s surreal beauty, an exceptional place for an unforgettable, transcendent dance party filled with joy.

See More: 101 Things to Do in Las Vegas Bucket List

The Rise Festival Las Vegas Frequently Asked Questions

Before and during our attendance, we had a lot of questions come to mind so we did some research afterwards.

Where Should I Stay During the Rise Festival?

Looking for the best accommodation options near Rise Festival Las Vegas? If you are using the shuttle, I recommend staying at a hotel close to one of the pick up locations. Once those are announced, we’ll give you some suggestions.

If you are renting a car or driving your own car in, look for a hotel near other spots you want to check out while in town.

If you’re asking, ‘Can I camp on-site?’ camping is currently not allowed, although they plan on adding that in the future.

Our Experience and What to Expect

Below we’ve shared more about our experience, so that you know what to expect. Keep in mind that this experience is based on the old format.

Before the Rise Festival

Full disclaimer: We attended the festival as media.

Before attending, we weren’t sure what to expect. We read through the rules on what you were allowed to bring so we packed one backpack for the both of us. Since we decided to go to check out some of the concerts, we also brought sunscreen to stay protected in the desert sun.

October weather can go either way, but regardless of how hot or cold it is, as soon as the sun drops, the temperature cools significantly.

We tend to pack light, but no matter what we do, it’s always a good idea to bring layers in case it gets cold. Plus, it’s just a good idea for Vegas in general. Even if it’s hot outside, they keep the AC pumping inside.

Arriving at the Rise Festival

With so many people arriving at one location, we were a bit nervous about how long it would take to get in and out. 

Since we didn’t want to miss anything, we left Vegas at 4 pm the first day to get there early. When we arrived, the signage was clear and there were hardly any cars in line to get in. The traffic directors pointed us to parking and we were on the grounds in no time.

The next day, we decided to go back and left Vegas around 5:15 pm. There was a line cars to get in, but nothing unbearable, and it took us an extra 20 minutes to park.

While inside the festival, the crowds exponentially increased closer to the first launch.

Rise Festival During the Day

The festival is still trying to grow its audience of music lovers. For the most part, it felt pretty empty until later in the evening. 

That means if you arrive to see the acts, you can be front and center at the stage. Otherwise, you can walk the grounds taking photos with the art installations or getting food at the food trucks.

We spent our time walking around checking out the different areas, getting our lanterns ready, writing on our lanterns, and going on a bathroom run so we wouldn’t have to worry about it during the launch.

Rise Festival Lantern Release

As the sun started to set, the anticipation for the lantern release was palpable. Someone from the RiSE team made announcements on stage and most people had already claimed a spot in their section. 

We headed to the outskirts of the giant circle and found a spot with plenty of space. As we followed the instructions, we lit our lantern and waited for it to expand. 

This is where my impatience got the best of me when I saw all the other lanterns being released around me. I ended up letting go of my first one too early so it started to float but then returned to the ground.

For the most part, people didn’t’ have issues with their lanterns, but there were definitely some in the crowd. The key is to be really patient to make sure that it’s full enough to start rising on its own before you let it go. You’ll feel it.

The best part is after you release them all, you can enjoy the view of the thousands of lanterns filling the sky. There’s nothing quite like it.

Essential Tips to Make the Most Out of the Rise Festival in Vegas

• Get tickets early to get first selection on which night you want to go.
• Pack layers since it gets colder once the sun starts to set.
• Wear light colors if you’re in the photos. Darker colors will blend into the night sky.
• Bring extra batteries for your camera and a phone charger (this is our favorite) since they don’t have charging stations.
• Carpool if you can. It saves you money and it’s easier than driving multiple cars there.
• Be patient when releasing your lanterns – make sure they are full. Watch out for other lanterns that get released prematurely, so you or your stuff doesn’t accidentally get burned.
• Do not push your lanterns when you release them. It will push the air out the bottom. Gently allow it to rise on its own and let go.
• Before you go, re-read what you can and cannot bring.

More Things to Do Near the Rise Festival in las Vegas

• 15 Unique Bucket List Worthy Experiences in Las Vegas
• Your Essential Guide to the Best Las Vegas Escape Rooms
• 49 Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas
• 9 Las Vegas Shows You Can’t Miss

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

17 Unique Bucket List Worthy Experiences in Las Vegas

People come to Las Vegas for the casinos, buffets, and parties, which we can admit is all part of the experience. If you never leave the strip, though, there’s so much more you miss out on. On this post, we’ve put together a list of the most unique and bucket list worthy experiences in Las Vegas.

14. Gamble at Iconic Casinos

Whether you want to try table games like blackjack or roulette, or give it a go at slots, people usually try their hand at gambling at least once when in Vegas. We’re not big gamblers, but when our friends come in town, we usually end up playing.

Local Tip: If you don’t know what you’re doing, dealers at the table games can help you learn the rules and how to play. Just don’t forget to always tip them! We didn’t learn good gambling etiquette until recently.

Map of Bucket List Experiences in Las Vegas

More Experiences in Las Vegas

• Skyjump off the Strat
• Eat with Mermaids at Silverton
• Helicopter Ride over the Vegas Strip or to Grand Canyon – the one over the strip is a 15-minute flight. Sometimes seating is out of your control because it’s determined by weight distribution, but I will say that if you sit in the back right, you won’t see much.

VEGAS IN Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later