GoldRush Return To The West: A Two-Day EDM Spectacle in the Arizona Desert
GoldRush: Return to the West made a powerful comeback on September 12th and 13th, transforming Rawhide Western Town in Chandler, Arizona into a high-energy EDM paradise. Hosted by Relentless Beats, this two-day festival delivered an unforgettable experience filled with immersive stage designs, top-tier talent, and a true Wild West vibe.
This year’s lineup featured some of the biggest names in electronic music, including Major Lazer, Dillon Francis, Excision, Illenium, Crankdat, Zeds Dead, and Kompany, among many others. With six themed stages, a silent disco, and interactive attractions like the ferris wheel, GoldRush proved once again why it’s one of Arizona’s must-attend EDM events.
Immersive Western Vibes and Stunning Stages
The Rawhide Western Town venue provided the perfect backdrop for the festival’s signature Wild West theme. From saloon-style stage fronts to pyrotechnic displays and laser-filled light shows, the attention to detail was remarkable.
The Pioneer Peak Stage stood out with its saloon-inspired design and spectacular lighting. Another highlight, the Sound Cabin Stage, kept crowds hyped with its bursts of flames, killer laser setups, and non-stop bass drops. Even the ferris wheel became part of the experience offering panoramic views of the lights and crowds below.
Night One: Bass Drops and Explosive Energy
The first night kicked off with a blend of exploration and excitement as festival-goers wandered through Rawhide’s Western streets. An Early Performance from Nikita The Wicked brought infectious energy, setting the tone for the night.
Arius delivered one of the most visually captivating shows of the weekend with dancers in LED suits and lasers synchronized to every beat. William Black followed with anime-inspired visuals and melodic drops that energized the crowd.
Eliminate, fresh off his new Turn It Up EP release, showcased a dynamic mix of new tracks and fan favorites. The main stage came alive with Dillon Francis, whose humor and high-energy performance kept spirits high even after a quick technical glitch.
Crankdat continued the momentum with a powerful set that had fans headbanging from front to back. Closing the night, Excision delivered his signature spectacle—complete with lasers, fireworks, and earth-shaking bass drops cementing Night One as a highlight of the weekend.
Night Two: Nostalgia Meets High-Octane EDM
Day two carried the energy into a stacked lineup featuring Benny Benassi, Major Lazer, Disco Lines, and more. From Dennett’s explosive riddim drops to Wilkinson’s fast-paced drum and bass, every corner of the grounds was alive with sound.
Benny Benassi brought waves of nostalgia with his iconic beats, while Versa and Mvrda kept the dubstep fans moshing with heavy bass. Over at the main stage, Disco Lines fueled the crowd with vibrant energy and danceable tracks.
A standout moment came during Kompany’s set, We viewed it from the ferris wheel a breathtaking vantage point combining stage lights, pyrotechnics, and adrenaline.
As the night progressed, Major Lazer took over with their signature blend of tropical and house beats, transforming the dust and fog into a lively party atmosphere. Space Laces followed with hard-hitting riddim drops before the grand finale: a back-to-back set from Illenium and Zeds Dead.
Their joint performance was a dream come true for EDM fans, blending melodic anthems with heavy bass for a powerful ending.
From the Wild West aesthetic to the world-class performances, GoldRush: Return to the West delivered a weekend of nonstop music, lights, and energy—setting the stage for an exciting festival season ahead.
