By Marissa Willman
As the music festivals return to the desert this month, so did one of the most exclusive after parties: Neon Carnival.
The star-studded event returned to the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal on April12 for after-hours festival fun with headliners including DJ Pee .Wee (AKA Anderson .Paak), Charly Jordan, and Chase B. Of course, the event was filled with its signature carnival rides and games, plus activations from sponsors including Patron Tequila, Ghost Energy, LaCroix, Nutrl, and Path Water.
Neon Carnival remains one of the most coveted wristbands during Weekend 1, thanks to its 14-year reputation of drawing A-list stars and surprise performances. This year’s celebrity sightings included Paris Hilton, Lance Bass, Wiz Khalifa, and Rachel Zoe.
The night kicked off with Charly Jordan’s high-energy set that kept the crowds on the dance floor as they flowed into the desert carnival. Shortly after, DJ Pee .Wee—Anderson .Paak’s vinyl-spinning alter ego—took over with an all-vinyl mix of funk, soul, and hip-hop. Later, Chase B & Friends turned up the tempo into the early morning hours. Surprise performances from The Pharcyde and Too Short brought an added nostalgic edge, with tracks like “Pass Me By” and “Blow the Whistle” hyping the crowd.
Presented by Patrón El Alto Tequila, the party introduced several elevated touches this year: glow-in-the-dark Headliner Margaritas and VIP-only Patrón El Alto minis (50ml bottles), which made their exclusive debut.
Between carnival rides, branded activations, and a constant stream of music and lights, guests mingled and danced under the desert sky. Paris Hilton made a dazzling entrance in a crochet bodysuit, pausing at the NYX Cosmetics display, while Rachel Zoe turned heads in sequin pants. Teyana Taylor, Karrueche Tran, and Lori Harvey shared a photo-ready moment near the VIP area, as cameras flashed all night.
Neon Carnival continues to define the after-hours scene in the desert: a rare blend of celebrity, spectacle, and sound that’s become a destination in its own right.
