Goldrush returned to the Western town bigger than ever. From its roots in the Arizona desert to what is now the largest Goldrush to date, the festival has grown into something truly special.
This Goldrush 2025 is back at its stomping grounds at Rawhide Event Center. As a first-timer of this festival and venue, let me tell you – it literally felt like you were in a Wild West movie (except for the lasers and bass of course)!
@lexipynnmedia
While the stacked lineup of fan-favorite artists delivered everything from house to bass to techno and riddim, it was the unexpected sidequests that made this year’s Goldrush an unforgettable journey.
Ferris Wheel Ride
The Ferris Wheel, perched right by the Pioneer Peak Stage. The best time to catch it was at golden hour, just as the sun sank behind the mountains. At night though, the entire wheel transformed into a glowing spectacle, putting on its own hypnotic lightshow.
1UP Arcade x Lightstrike
While wandering through the desert, I stumbled upon the 1UP Arcade, powered by Lightstrike Hard Refresher. It was a bar, retro gaming lounge, and an EDM hideaway. Free samples were provided and I really enjoyed trying the different flavors.
@jacobtylerdunn
Sound Cabin Art Car
Tucked between stages was the Sound Cabin Art Car. The lasers here were sick and the music was very vibey. It was the perfect pitstop as you traveled from the Beatbox stage to to Pioneer Peak.
Dusty Disco x Red Bull
Over at the Dusty Disco, Red Bull was throwing a club-like party. The checkered dancefloor was popping and I was really impressed by the artists that DJ’d here. The decorations here were so sick with disco balls and neon LED signs – so many photo ops! The coolest part about this area was the free hat decorating – free hats + supplies to decorate including sprouts, gems, and ribbon! There was also a bar with plenty of redbull mixers to refuel throughout the night.
@chadwadsworth_atx
Geek Bar Silent Disco
At the Mission Patio, I stumbled into the Geek Bar Silent Disco which featured three DJs on three channels, very “choose your adventure” vibes. If I’m being honest, I enjoyed people-watching without a headset more than actually joining in!
Samurai Saloon
Goldrush showcased an exciting pop-up: Samurai Saloon, the debut from Only Sometimes, a festival-focused concept from Pretty Decent Concepts. This was not your average grab-and-go spot. Think smoky live-fire flavors, precision-crafted cocktails, and an atmosphere.
Menu highlights included sizzling small plates, original cocktails, and non-alcoholic drink options. If this is the future of festival food, count me in.
@jacobtylerdunn
Glamour Garden in VIP
One of my favorite little detours at Goldrush was the Glamour Garden in VIP, tucked right by the mainstage. Presented by Fascinations, this beauty bar offered hair braiding and colorful extensions to look good/feel good during the festival. It was a nice reset moment that added a fun, playful touch to the weekend.
Cannabis & Culture
Goldrush leaned into Arizona’s cannabis scene with a dedicated activation space. Goldrush 2025 sponsors included Tru Infusion, Curaleaf, Dr. Dabber, Trulieve, and Jeeter. Budtenders were on hand to chat strains and help canna-curious ravers select products. The environment was educational, welcoming, and relaxed.
@hsmithmedia x @luisdcolato
Of course, the heart of Goldrush is the music, and this year delivered across the board. But it’s the in-between moments, the sidequests, the spaces where creativity and community collide, that make this festival shine like a diamond in the desert.
From decorating a cowboy hat to diving into a gourmet dish at Samurai Saloon, from retro arcade games, to laser-lit secret stages, Goldrush 2025 was a Western dreamland.
We can’t wait to see where the trail leads next!