Neon Carnival Wraps its 14th Year with Unforgettable Performances, Elite Guests, and Electric Energy

THERMAL, CA; April 12, 2025 -The desert lit up once again as Neon Carnival, the most coveted invite-only after-hours experience of the year, returned for its 14^th unforgettable event on Saturday, 4/12 at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California. Created by nightlife impresario Brent Bolthouse and produced by Jeffrey Best of Best Events, the exclusive event delivered its signature mix of high-energy music, immersive attractions, and a who’s who guest list of celebrities, influencers, and entertainment industry elite. (Cover Photo Credit: Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Neon Carnival)

This year’s carnival raised the bar yet again, starting strong with social media phenom and PATRÓN Tequila partner Charly Jordan, who ignited the dance floor with her electrifying mixes. Later, Chase B & Friends took over the decks, delivering a pulse-pounding set that kept the crowd moving into the early morning hours.

As the night intensified, 8x Grammy Award-winning artist Anderson .Paak in his vinyl-spinning alter ego, DJ Pee .Wee headlined the event with a soulful all-vinyl set that brought the night into peak energy, as guests danced the night away under the stars.  Additional special guest performers included The Pharcyde playing “Pass Me By” and “Running” and Too $hort playing “Blow the Whistle.”

Celebrity Spottings

Paris Hilton arrived in a revealing crochet bodysuit with her husband Carter Reum. She was in great spirits stopping to pose in front of the NYX brand convertible. Meanwhile, former boy band member Lance Bass and partner Michael Turchin said “Bye Bye Bye” to their quiet family life, and opted for a dad’s night out at the desert party.

Newly single and definitely mingling, Rachel Zoe made a grand entrance flanked by a fashionable crew. Turning heads with every step, she shimmered through the crowd in flared, body-hugging sequin pants—owning the spotlight. Meanwhile 420-friendly rapper Wiz Khalifa and beautiful girlfriend Aimee Aguilar cozied up to each other in between sets.

Teyana Taylor and Karrueche Tran arrived in sync, pausing for a few playful poses that had cameras flashing. The glam moment didn’t stop there, as model Lori Harvey joined in, showing off her million dollar smile and toned body.

Following their high-energy set, Chase B and Friends took a moment to raise the vibes and the volume—thanking PATRÓN EL ALTO Tequila with a celebratory shout-out from the stage. A toast-worthy moment that perfectly matched the elevated energy of the night.

Desert Libations

Presented by PATRÓN EL ALTO Tequila, Neon Carnival 2025 was elevated with next-level experiences, including the debut of the PATRÓN Headliner Margarita—served in collectible glow-in-the-dark cups—and the brand new PATRÓN EL ALTO minis (50ml bottles) exclusive to VIP table service, a pocket-sized bottle that brings the smooth flavor of PATRÓN EL ALTO to the heart of every celebration. The celebration continued beyond the event with the Neon , Carnival x PATRÓN Festival Gift Set, available online via ReserveBar featuring a 750ml bottle of PATRÓN EL ALTO alongside two festival-inspired collector cups (also available for purchase with PATRÓN Silver, PATRÓN Reposado or PATRÓN Cristalino).

Set against the backdrop of a three-football-field-sized neon playground, the carnival once again transformed the desert into a surreal and sensory spectacle complete with iconic carnival rides, classic games, larger-than-life installations, and nonstop dancing into the early morning hours. With support from additional sponsors including Ghost Energy, Nütrl Vodka Seltzers, LaCroix, and PathWater, every moment was crafted to deliver the ultimate after-party experience.

Until We Meet Again…

From start to finish, the ultimate desert party proved once again why it remains the gold standard for after-hours events. With an unrivaled mix of music, celebrity, spectacle, and immersive experience, the legend of Neon Carnival continues to shine brighter each year.