This past weekend, PHXLIGHTS landed like a UFO loaded with lasers, bass, and enough vibes to orbit Mars. The two-night intergalactic gathering transformed Rawhide into a playground for ravers, aliens, and bassheads chasing their next cosmic drop. From the second people stepped onto the grounds, it was clear—this wasn’t just a festival. It was a launchpad to the stars!
Intergalactic Beats
The festival was a cosmic journey, featuring a constellation of artists who each brought their unique flair to the intergalactic celebration. The weekend was packed with legendary performances, from Rezz‘s hypnotic bass to itsmurph‘s high-energy beats. But it was the surprise moments of each individual artist that stole the show.
Friday night saw Hybrid Minds take the crowd on a smooth, liquid drum & bass journey. Said The Sky weaved emotional melodies with powerful drops, sending the crowd deep into the vibes. And our beloved STPHN—he killed it on the BeatBox Invasion Stage, delivering a heavier-than-expected set that surprised us all. His balance made it amazing—intense, yet still undeniably STPHN.
Saturday night cranked the heat up even more. Netsky brought his signature drum & bass sound, filling the air with infectious energy and euphoria. Then Kaivon absolutely melted my face off! His futuristic bass and mind-bending soundscapes hit so hard; it was like he was pulling the strings of the universe itself. To top it off, Louis The Child closed the weekend with pure magic, filling the night sky with uplifting future bass that had everyone dancing under the stars.
Bass, Bites, and Booths from Another Dimension
Let’s talk vendors—because PHXLIGHTS wasn’t just a festival, it was a cosmic market of color, chaos, and creativity. Moon Lvnding showed up and showed out with hand fans snapping like thunder, trippy tees, and interstellar accessories crafted for stardust royalty. We weren’t just vending—we were vibing. Our booth radiated energy, drawing in flow artists, sparkle-drenched fairies, and curious Earthlings alike. It felt like a storefront from another dimension—it was main character energy. Need a cool enamel pin to top off your rave look? DayTripper has you covered!
For foodies, EDMunchies, Saucy Noods, Sonoran Grillz, and Chick-fil-A fed the masses with fuel that tasted like pure serotonin. We’re talking spicy chicken, loaded Sonoran burgers and dogs, and waffle fries that somehow hit harder after a rail ride. The BeatBox truck delivered more than drinks—you could design a bandana, snag freebies, and walk away with flavored swagger.
But wait—there’s more! Geek Bar didn’t just serve vibes; they hosted the silent disco at the Geek Bar Fallout Stage, keeping the energy alive even after the lasers cooled down. LIGHTSTRIKE kept the energy flowing, bringing their electrifying presence to the festival with samples that lit up the crowd. And tucked inside the grounds, Voodoo Ranger brought the nostalgia heat with their 1UP Arcade—yes, full-on retro games in the middle of a rave. Meanwhile, hammocks swayed under neon lasers and teeter totters bounced like glitchy basslines—because why just dance when you can play?
Lights, lasers, and love filled every corner of the venue. PHXLIGHTS didn’t just return—it leveled up and blasted off. From unforgettable performances to insane vibes from the crowd, this was one for the books. The experience was nothing short of intergalactic, with every detail designed to keep festivalgoers immersed in the energy. If you missed it? Better start prepping for next year, earthling—because PHXLIGHTS is only going to keep getting bigger, brighter, and bolder.
Photos taken by Alexander Peet // @thelensofpeet
