You asked, we answered: this year’s Goldrush festival will return to the beloved Rawhide Western Town in Chandler, AZ on September 12-13th, marking the triumphant return of Arizona’s premier Western-themed electronic dance music festival to its original home after a three-year absence. The annual two-night music festival debuted at the attraction back in 2017, establishing a unique concept that seamlessly blends cutting-edge electronic music with authentic Old West atmosphere. The festival’s return to Rawhide Western Town, located on the Gila River Indian Community, represents more than venue selection—it’s a homecoming that restores the event’s authentic character and immersive experience.
Star-Studded Lineup
Slated to be one of the top festivals of 2025, the lineup is a heaven-sent list of electronic music talent, anchored by some big names like Excision, Illenium b2b Zeds Dead, Disco Lines, Crankdat, Major Lazer, creating a roster that spans multiple electronic genres while maintaining exceptional production quality throughout. This year, we’re keeping the theme going with a historic, first-ever Illenium b2b Zeds Dead set that’s already got the entire bass community in a frenzy, promising a performance that will become part of electronic dance music history.
Immersive Wild West Experience
Bringing back the spirit of the frontier, Goldrush: The Return to the West will transport festivalgoers to a reimagined Wild West setting, complete with immersive production, saloons, a general store, and an old western town atmosphere. This attention to thematic detail distinguishes Goldrush from typical music festivals by creating comprehensive entertainment experiences that engage all the senses. Festivalgoers could pan for gold, ride a mechanical bull or take aim in the town’s shooting gallery when they weren’t dancing and raging at multiple stages, demonstrating the festival’s commitment to authentic Wild West activities alongside world-class musical performances.
Event Details
🗓️ Event Dates: September 12-13, 2025
⏰ Hours: Gates open at 6:00 PM, music continues until 2:00 AM
📍 Location: Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, AZ 85226
💰 Admission: 18+ event, ticket prices vary by package and purchase date
📞 Contact: Relentless Beats event information
🌐 Website: goldrushfestaz.com
📱 Social Media: @relentlessbeats for updates and announcements
Age and Access Requirements
This event is 18+, ensuring an adult-oriented atmosphere that matches the festival’s high-energy electronic music programming and late-night entertainment schedule. No camping available, but the Phoenix metropolitan area offers extensive hotel and accommodation options within reasonable distance of the venue.
Musical Diversity
The lineup spans across the electronic spectrum, from Showtek’s hardstyle mastery and Wilkinson’s drum & bass energy to Space Laces’ and Excision’s dubstep dominance, ensuring that electronic music enthusiasts of all preferences find exceptional performances throughout the weekend. The multiple-stage setup allows for simultaneous programming that caters to different electronic genres, enabling attendees to discover new artists while enjoying their favorite styles.
Unique Setting
The rustic kitsch of Rawhide, located on the Gila River Indian Community, fit Goldrush’s Western theme like a tasseled glove, providing an authentic backdrop that cannot be replicated at conventional festival venues. The historic Western town’s architecture, combined with state-of-the-art production technology, creates visual experiences that complement the exceptional musical programming.
Production Quality
Excision is bringing his mind-boggling visuals to the desert, representing the level of technical sophistication that defines the Goldrush experience. The festival’s production values extend beyond individual artist requirements to create cohesive audio-visual experiences that enhance the Wild West theming while delivering contemporary electronic music in optimal conditions.
A Unique Arizona Experience
Goldrush: The Return to the West succeeds by embracing seemingly contradictory elements—historical Western atmosphere and futuristic electronic music—creating something entirely new and uniquely Arizona. The festival’s return to Rawhide Western Town restores its authentic character while introducing new elements that push creative boundaries. This event represents Arizona’s ability to honor its heritage while embracing innovation, creating cultural experiences that could only exist in the American Southwest.
