ExtraTerrestrial Ascension rave lights up the Phoenix desert

This past weekend, a secret desert location outside Phoenix transformed into a landing zone of bass drops and radiant bodies. Local EDM fans gathered west of the Valley on Saturday for ExtraTerrestrial Ascension, an alien-themed rave.

What awaited were close encounters of the illuminated kind.

Attendees partied into the wee hours at the off-the-radar dance event put on by local promoters Fairytale Productions, Master Peace and AZRaveX. Bass-heavy sounds pulsated as DJs performed on a glowing stage equipped with massive speakers while attendees soaked up cosmic vibes.

Getting to the party was an adventure in itself. Like with many Arizona raves, partygoers were beckoned to a clandestine location after calling an infoline for directions. After making a lengthy trek into the Valley’s desert outskirts, they mingled with other ravers, including a few dressed as little green men.

A colorful scene unfolded during the nine-hour event. Many partygoers at ExtraTerrestrial Ascension came armed with flow toys like LED poi and hula hoops. They spun and swirled the illuminated objects through the air, casting glows that were almost like UFOs flitting about. One raver even dressed up their dog with a string of lights.

Meanwhile, DJs and EDM artists like Meso, Jalaya and Clex spun freeform bass music, riddim and other low-end genres to get people grooving. It almost felt like the hyperdrive rumble of some unseen craft floating overhead. The scene at ExtraTerrestrial Ascension became a wormhole of sound and color as ravers moved like cosmic creatures to the pulse of the bass on carpets covering the ground. (Some attendees managed to move to the music without leaving their camping chair.)

There was more to do than just dance. Partygoers gathered around a desert campfire, swapping stories and laughs. An eclectic lineup of vendors, including Phoenix artist Mr. and Mrs. Meerkat, sold glowing wares, jewelry and other curiosities. Ravers could also indulge in baked treats from Deviously Doughlicious or a variety of other food options.

ExtraTerrestrial Ascension went hard and blasted cosmic beats until just before dawn, offering attendees an out-of-this-world experience. Here’s a look at photos from the rave and all its otherworldly atmosphere.