Goldrush 2025: Arizona’s Bass Bash Returns to the West

Ottawa, ON – July 24th, 2025

September 12–13, 2025 | Rawhide Western Town, Chandler, AZ
Written by Alex Dehlavi @red_bot_ with Photos provided by Alex Dehlavi & Relentless Beats

As the sun sinks behind the desert horizon and Rawhide’s Western Town glows beneath neon lights, one thing is certain — Goldrush is back, and it’s ready to shake the ground. After a three-year hiatus from its iconic home, Arizona’s biggest bass festival returns to the Wild West with a vengeance, bringing a lineup as heavy-hitting as it is diverse. From die-hard bassheads to curious newcomers, Goldrush promises ground-shattering bass and a full-throttle spectacle that’s become a cornerstone of the Valley’s scene.

Back to the Wild West: Rawhide’s Grand Reunion

Goldrush at Rawhide hits differently. The wood-planked facades, saloon balconies, and dusty streets transform into an immersive western fantasy. This homecoming for the festival’s eighth edition brings Relentless Beats’ signature production: towering stages, precision lasers, crystal-clear sound, and visuals that ripple across the town’s architecture.

Multiple stages will be spread across the grounds, letting fans wander from bass drops to deep house grooves without missing a beat. Every corner offers something to discover — from underground house setups to main stages heavy bass, and to intimate, tucked-away sets that always showcase the best of the upcoming local talent.

More Than Music: New Experiences and Fan Favorites

Goldrush 2025 is about stepping into another world. New this year is the Oasis Pool Party hosted by Benny Benassi — a Saturday daytime pre-show at Gila River Resorts & Casinos from 11am to 7pm and recently crowned Best Pool Party in the Valley by Phoenix New Times’ 2024. For the night owls, official afterparties run both nights, with Friday hosted by Infekt, the German producer known for his dark, experimental dubstep, and with Saturday still yet to be announced, the party is already set to start early and end late.

Spotlight: The 8th Annual Goldrush DJ Competition Winner – Ghidorah

On July 24, the Sunbar hosted the 8th Annual Goldrush DJ Competition, where Arizona’s rising talent battled for a coveted festival slot. Emerging victorious was Ghidorah — a powerhouse in AZ’s Freshman class whose sound breathes the very essence of dubstep. With momentum already building in Arizona’s bass community, his Goldrush debut could mark the moment his name breaks beyond state lines.

The Sound of Goldrush: A Genre-Spanning Lineup

At its core, Goldrush is bass — and 2025 delivers seismic waves. Headlining is the historic Illenium b2b Zeds Dead, their first-ever full set together. Their lone 2017 collaboration hinted at their synergy; this pairing promises an emotional, bass-fueled journey.

They’re joined by Excision, Crankdat, and Major Lazer Soundsystem, plus Getter with a special “Resurrection Set.” Space Laces, Infekt, Kompany, and DENNETT keep the low end relentless, while Dillon Francis — returning after playing the inaugural 2017 Goldrush — brings his ow brand of chaos back to the West.

House and electro get their shine with Benny Benassi, Wax Motif, LF System, and Roddy Lima, while techno and tech-house heads can lock into Hi-Lo, ChaseWest, and Slamm.

Looking Ahead

Relentless Beats founder Thomas Turner puts it simply: “With our return to Rawhide Western Town after this hiatus, we knew we had to deliver a lineup that stood up to the immensity of what we’re building… and with Illenium b2b Zeds Dead, we’ve done just that.”

Goldrush 2025 isn’t just a festival — it’s a homecoming, a celebration, and a statement that the West still belongs to the bass. Whether you’re chasing the genre-defining headliners, stumbling onto hidden gems, or soaking in Rawhide’s one-of-a-kind atmosphere, this year’s edition is shaping up to be one for the history books.

See you in the dust.