Gear Up for Rise Up (Reggae Rise Up – Las Vegas 2025)

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Reggae Rise Up is returning to Downtown Las Vegas, October 3–5, 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited. This festival has been one of our favorites since we first started attending back in 2021—the inaugural year in Vegas! The vibes, the lineup, the location—it all makes for a weekend of sunshine, music, and connection under the neon lights.

If you’re heading to this year’s event, here’s what you need to know (especially if it’s your first time).

A Little History

Reggae Rise Up began in Florida back in 2015 and has since grown into one of the biggest reggae festivals in the U.S. Over the years, it’s expanded into Utah, Maryland, Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada—bringing reggae love to fans all across the country.

Las Vegas was first announced in 2020 but delayed due to the pandemic. The festival officially debuted in October 2021 at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, and we were there for the inaugural one! Since then, it’s become one of our absolute favorite yearly stops on our music train.

The Venue

Reggae Rise Up Las Vegas takes place at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC). It’s a wide-open space just steps from City Hall, and the infamous Fremont Street. Easy walking from most hotels (The D, Four Queens, Circa, etc.)

I must say as festivals go, it’s one of the best in terms of layout and organization. There are 2 stages. A main stage which is to the right when you enter and smaller stage to the left when you enter. Both stages are split between GA and VIP and have separate entries accordingly. You need to have your wristband in order to be scanned/enter.

Heads up: No seating or ground covers allowed. That means no pop-up stools, folding chairs, or blankets. (There are some bleachers on the Main Stage VIP side.) You’ll be dancing and on your feet most of the day, so wear comfy shoes and bring your shades and hat (it’s hot as hell in the sun!).

There is turf on the main stage area as well as a huge pavilion along the back, (also where you purchase festival and artist merchandise) where you can sit or lay down in the shade. There is also a shaded pavilion to the right of the main stage for VIP’s (also where you pick up your VIP merch gifts). There are no such pavilions at the small stage and it’s on tarmac, so prepare accordingly.

Also at the main stage pavilion, there is a vendor village selling all sorts of items from yoga pants to Jamaica vibes, etc. David Foral from Dirty Heads was there last year selling his artwork – we met him, signed our art, super cool.

Pink & Green Bear with David Foral, Reggae Rise Up – Vegas, Oct 4, 2024

Good variety of food and beverages all around, so no worries there. However, last year, no water refill stations – you had to buy bottled water. (Let’s hope maybe this changes in 2025…) You can however, bring in one bottle of unopened water each time you enter – take advantage of this.

One of the best things about this event, so long as you have a GA+ ticket or higher (VIP/Platinum), you are allowed one in and out privilege each day (typically, you must be out and back inside the venue before 6pm PST – see festival security for exact information as this changes) but this allows you to go back to your hotel room, freshen up, change clothes, grab another unopened bottle of water, and get ready for the rest of the night.

Download the app for a festival map, vendor and food information and artist set times.

Next week, I’ll be sharing my exact packing list, with some additional tips, so you can make the most of this great event, stay tuned.

Gate & Music Schedule

Plan your arrival with the gate and music times:

Friday, October 3rd

  • Gates Open: 12:00 pm
  • Music Starts: 1:30 pm
  • Lineup: Rebelution, SOJA, The Elovators, Steel Pulse, DENM, Skip Marley, Eli-Mac, Joe Samba, Veni Sun

Saturday, October 4th

  • Gates Open: 12:00 pm
  • Music Starts: 12:45 pm
  • Lineup: Dirty Heads, Public Enemy, Little Stranger, Matisyahu, Rome, Ballyhoo!, Shwayze, Surfer Girl, The Sub Herbs, Tunnel Vision

Sunday, October 5th

  • Gates Open: 12:00 pm
  • Music Starts: 12:45 pm
  • Lineup: Slightly Stoopid, Iration, special appearance by E-40 & Too $hort, The Hip Abduction, Hirie, Artikal Sound System, Bumpin Uglies, Satsang, Cydeways, The Irie

All amplified music ends by 11:30 pm each night. (Still scoping after parties – stay tuned next week for updates.)

What’s Allowed (and Not Allowed)

The official list is always worth reviewing—find it here: Reggae Rise Up Vegas Info Page.

Highlights:

  • One sealed water bottle (up to 1 liter) OR an empty reusable/insulated cup (I recommend you bring both).
  • Small bags/purses (within size limits).
  • No outside food or alcohol.
  • No chairs, stools, blankets, or ground covers.

Hack alert: While you can’t spread a blanket, a lightweight pashmina is perfect for sitting, shading, or bundling up at night. Shop our favorites on our Festival Essentials page.

TIP: Need merch storage or a phone charge between sets? Book a locker ahead of time: Reserve Your Locker.

Stay Cool

October in Las Vegas can still reach the mid 90s during the day. It’s a bit early to tell just yet but appears it will be a hot weekend. Prepare accordingly and keep an eye on the AccuWeather forecast for Las Vegas as we get closer.

Our Festival Essentials must-haves for keeping cool:

Check out our full Festival Essentials page for more picks.

Bonus: We’re partnering with Rise Up Supply Co. — use code PinkBear at checkout for 10% off your order!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we personally use and love.

Why We Love It

For us, Reggae Rise Up Las Vegas is more than just a festival. It’s a family reunion of familiar faces, a safe and welcoming vibe, and nonstop positive energy.

VIP upgrades are worth it if you love shorter lines and flushing toilets, but GA is still full of love and great views. When the music ends, you’re right in the heart of downtown, walking distance to Fremont Street for lights, food, and late-night fun.

First Timer Tips

  • Arrive early—discover new bands before the headliners.
  • Hydrate often —Vegas sneaks up on you.
  • Plan your nights—no official after parties yet, but Brooklyn Bowl, 24 Oxford, and Fremont Country Club often host shows (We keep looking – stay tuned)
  • Bring your vibe—positivity, dancing, and love are what this crowd is all about. Don’t overcrowd or push your way in – not cool.

See You in Vegas

We’ll be back next week with our Reggae Rise Up Las Vegas Packing List —so stay tuned!

Until then, check out our Festival Essentials Shop, grab your tickets if you haven’t yet, and start the countdown.

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If you are aware of any after parties or have any Rise Up tips or stories you’d like to share, we’d love to hear them, please comment.

Counting down the days to Vegas with you!

-Pink Bear

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