When the music winds down at the desert’s biggest festival, the real party begins, and this year, Neon Carnival once again delivered the most exclusive, high-voltage after-hours experience under the stars. Held at the sprawling Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California, and presented by PATRÓN EL ALTO Tequila, the fourteenth edition of the invite-only bash raised the bar with high-octane performances, immersive installations, and a jaw-dropping guest list that read like a who’s who of pop culture.
Paris Hilton, Nurys Mateo, and Rachel Zoe at Neon Carnival 2025. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Created by nightlife visionary Brent Bolthouse and produced by Jeffrey Best of Best Events, Neon Carnival has become an institution of desert nightlife, and 2025 proved it’s still the undisputed heavyweight champion of post-festival parties.
DJ Charly Jordan – Photo by Cassidy Sparrow
The Vibe: Vinyl Spins, Celeb Clout & Glow-in-the-Dark Cocktails
The evening kicked off with DJ and social media star Charly Jordan, a longtime PATRÓN partner, who lit the dance floor on fire with her magnetic presence and crowd-pleasing beats. But it was Anderson .Paak, spinning as his soulful alter ego DJ Pee .Wee, who stole the night with a rare all-vinyl set that had VIPs and music heads alike grooving until dawn.
Following the funk, Chase B & Friends kept the momentum going with a high-energy set that turned the carnival into a dance marathon. Surprise performances from The Pharcyde and Too Short brought nostalgic heat, with anthems like “Pass Me By” and “Blow the Whistle” blasting through the neon-lit air.
On stage and off, it was a full-sensory celebration. Chase B, in true style, paused to toast the crowd—raising a mini bottle of PATRÓN EL ALTO and thanking the tequila brand for keeping the good times flowing.
Star Power on the Ground
This year’s guest list glittered just as brightly as the lights. Paris Hilton, radiant in a barely-there crochet bodysuit, arrived with husband Carter Reum and made time to pose glamorously in front of the NYX convertible. Rachel Zoe, recently single and unmistakably fabulous, turned heads in dazzling sequined flares, while Karrueche Tran and Teyana Taylor delivered coordinated coolness on the pink carpet, joined later by Lori Harvey for a flawless fashion moment caught by every lens in sight.
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. Photo: Jerritt Clark
Lance Bass made it a night to remember with husband Michael Turchin, both spotted dancing to Anderson .Paak’s vinyl vibes. Celebrity sightings also included Jhene Aiko, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and more.
Tequila Elevated: The PATRÓN Experience
This year’s party was more than just music and fashion—it was a celebration of elevated taste, courtesy of PATRÓN EL ALTO Tequila. From the PATRÓN Headliner Margarita—served in collectible glow-in-the-dark cups—to exclusive PATRÓN EL ALTO mini bottles available only via VIP table service, every sip matched the energy of the night.
Imani, Fatlip and Slimkid3 of The Pharcyde at Neon Carnival 2025, Photo by Jerritt Clark
Fans who missed the action in person could still bring home a piece of the magic with the Neon Carnival x PATRÓN Festival Gift Set, available via ReserveBar, which included a 750ml bottle of EL ALTO and two festival-themed collector cups. Versions featuring PATRÓN Silver, Reposado, or Cristalino were also up for grabs.
A Playground for the Wild at Heart
With its iconic mix of rides, oversized games, and neon-drenched décor stretching across a three-football-field expanse, Neon Carnival once again blurred the line between fantasy and reality. Thanks to the added support of sponsors like Ghost Energy, Nütrl Vodka Seltzers, LaCroix, and PathWater, every detail—from hydration stations to high-octane cocktails—was dialed to perfection.
Still the One
Fourteen years in, Neon Carnival isn’t just a party. It’s a legend. A place where celebrities let loose, DJs go deep, and tequila flows with purpose. With PATRÓN EL ALTO leading the charge, this year’s edition didn’t just meet expectations—it redefined them.
See you under the lights next year.
Confirmed Attendees included Paris Hilton, Carter Reum, Rachel Zoe, Karrueche Tran, Teyana Taylor, Lori Harvey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Too Short, Lance Bass, Jhene Aiko, Anderson .Paak (DJ Pee .Wee), Charly Jordan, Chase B & Friends, and more.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images for Neon Carnival
Feature photo of Anderson paak by Jerritt Clark.
