Picture this: You’re in the middle of the Sonoran Desert with glitter on your face and your ass out, watching the sun set over a NASCAR racetrack while Tiësto jams out behind a DJ table, sending sound waves out over the sand. Founded in 2017, Goldrush: Sonoran Skies is an Arizona-born EDM festival that gathers international DJs and electronic fans to feel the bass quaking in their bodies. Arizona-based promoters Relentless Beats have been hosting weekly dance and electronic concerts this autumn at the Phoenix Raceway; Goldrush is their final, end-of-season blowout.
Really, these are big names. Tiësto might be in his fifties, but with almost 43 million monthly listeners on Spotify, dude can get away with being an aging Dutch guy with silly sunglasses. His heady, insistent beats will set your heart racing. Alison Wonderland, a blonde Australian girlypop who was the highest-billed female DJ in Coachella history, will hold court behind the table, setting the crowd alight with her catchy samples. Canadian duo Zeds Dead provides a melodic, lower-key respite from the more pulse-raising hard-hitters.
Judging by the outfits, Goldrush is a formal invitation to go all out. The most outlandish and most salacious items of clothing hiding unworn in your closet will be perfect: attendees have lamps on their heads, ass-less chaps, platform stilettos, space helmets. In other words, the worst types of people you know will be here, and you can revel in the worst, frat-house version of yourself, too. This is a nighttime festival – doors open at 5 p.m. and the music goes till 2 a.m. — so you’ll catch the sunset before vibing out to the flashing lights that are fundamental to any EDM show.
The Specs
- Attendance numbers are not available.
- 2-day GA passes are currently going for $179.50, but you can hop up different tiers of premium through the Platinum 2-day pass for $699.50, which includes five drinks per day, VIP viewing, dinner, and a personal “Festival Concierge” to take care of you.
- Single-day passes start at $109.50 for GA and go up to $399.50 for Platinum
- Check out a Fifty Grande-recommended hotel in Phoenix. And here‘s our guide to Arizona.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to Goldrush Music Festival?
The Phoenix Raceway is a 30 to 60 minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, about 22 miles.
Can I bring my kids?
No — Goldrush is strictly 18+, and will check IDs at the entrance.
Is there parking?
There’s limited free parking, and VIP parking available to reserve in advance for $25 per day. You can also reserve the festival’s shuttle service from Tempe, Arizona, just east of Phoenix, for $49 for both days currently (or $89 for two days purchased day-of).
Is the venue accessible?
Yes — Phoenix Raceway has accessible parking spots and seating areas.
Which artists are on the Goldrush: Sonoran Skies lineup?
Alison Wonderland, Louis the Child: Playground Set, Tiësto, Zeds Dead, ATLiens, Brondo, Champagne Drip, Cloonee, Dion Timmer, Dombresky, Dabin, Kayzo, Lizzy Jane, Marie Vaunt, Nostalgix, Ship Wrek, Slushii, Weiss, Will Clarke, Sonny Fodera, Anatta, Svnday Drvr, Zhu, AMÉMÉ, Ben Böhmer, Blond:ish, Bou, Detlef, FrostTop, Hamdi, Jessica Audiffred, Kai Wachi, Khiva, Lady Faith, Madeon, PAWSA, Riot Ten, S!CK!CK, TOBEHONEST, Austin Feldman, Michael Hooker, Sed’s Vortex, Pretty Hard
2023 Poster
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