Now in its 8th year, Neon Desert Music Festival is soon to take over downtown El Paso once again. Known for bringing the biggest names in music along with the best local acts to the borderland stage, Neon Desert is a reverberating celebration of sound and culture that is unlike any other music festival across the country. It’s all going down May 26-27 just ahead of Memorial Day, and tickets are selling fast.
The masterminds behind Splendid Sun Productions, Zach Paul and Brian Chavez came up with the idea for Neon Desert over drinks at a bar in Austin. From its humble beginning, Neon Desert has become fully realized, attracting crowds by the thousands every year. This time around, audiophiles can look forward to an eclectic, energetic lineup with EDM A-lister Martin Garrix, gangster rap icon Gucci Mane and El Paso’s own rockers At the Drive-In, among the headliners.
Neon Desert is celebrated for the diverse array of performers that it brings to the stage, which includes household names and underground acts alike. Chavez is particularly excited to host indie pop band LANY and self-produced synth experimental soloist Cuco. Of course, showcasing local and Latin talent is one of the festival’s finest appeals. “Neon Desert really incorporated a lot of the culture that El Paso has. Being in a city that’s on the border with Mexico, we definitely took that and made it a pivotal point,” Chavez explained. El Paso artists constitute nearly half of this year’s lineup, which features beloved borderland performers like Space Captains Collective, Medvedi and Gila Monster among others.
Beyond the music, festival goers can expect outstanding live art exhibitions curated by El Paso’s very own EXIST1981. Artists from the East coast, San Diego, the local scene and more will create new works of art during Neon Desert—EXIST1981 will be presenting his own work as well. NDMF attendees can also look forward to stellar food. Neon Desert partners with the best local restaurants to showcase Chuco Town cuisine. Between the music, the art and the food, the fest invites attendees to experience and celebrate borderland culture. Ultimately, it’s all about the community and bringing El Paso to the forefront on the global stage. “In the past 4 or 5 years, music coming out of El Paso has taken steps forward and events like Neon Desert definitely help [with] being able to showcase the local talent,” Chavez said.
Neon Desert has enjoyed exponential growth through the years, and the trend is sure to continue well into the future. To accommodate amassing crowds, the organizers have made changes to the stage placement, opting for a more spacious layout. Like every year prior, Neon Desert is sure to deliver world-class entertainment, energy and excitement. Chavez added, “For the people who haven’t been there, it’s probably the best party that happens all year long. For the people who’ve gone, they definitely know already.”
