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NEON CARNIVAL, THERMAL


  • HITS Desert Park Thermal, CA USA (map)
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Neon Carnival

Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Neon Carnival

Deets: Neon Carnival, the highly anticipated desert experience, returned to illuminate the night sky on Saturday, April 13th, with its biggest fête to date in celebration of its 10-year anniversary. In partnership with Levi’s® Brand, the exclusive event welcomed new additions including Australian born beauty brand Bondi Sands and the upcoming big-screen adventure “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu,” from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, to commemorate another year of music and festivities. Conceived by LA’s original nightlife maven, Brent Bolthouse, the unrivaledoutdoor dance party recognized as one of the world’s most coveted after-parties, attracted the industries entertainment elite. 

Since relocating to its permanent home at the HITS Desert Park, the expansive equestrian center welcomed back festivalgoers with a newly redesigned all grass layout spanning 3 football fields, featuring new carnival style games and exhilarating amusement park thrills, with continued involvement from the biggest names in entertainment and consumer lifestyle, including the return of iconic denim inventor, the Levi’s® Brand, back to headline the event for its fifth consecutive year. Award-winning Australian self-tanning brand, Bondi Sands made a splash as they entered the U.S. market by activating at this year’s carnival, including a fully branded bumper car installation emblazoned with neon signs and photo booth fun, in addition to hosting a water race game with branded balloons and more. Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures joined the revelry to celebrate the first-ever live-action Pokémon movie, “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu,” starring Ryan Reynolds as Detective Pikachu and set for worldwide release beginning May 10th, with an electrifying POKÉMON Detective Pikachu themed Ferris Wheel and a chance to catch a photo op with the unique Pokémon. New this year, the Carnival featured the LG Mobile Experience highlighting its newest smartphones: the LG G8 ThinQ and the LG V50 ThinQ. Carnivalgoers engaged with the unique features of these 2 phones with an ASMR Sound Studio, PentaShot Photo Platform and a Dual Display Gaming Zone.

HEIMAT Los Angeles kicked off their on-site presence with an integrated VIP lounge experience. Los Angeles beer staple, Golden Road Brewery provided a unique bar activation bringing in their customized freight container serving up their most popular brews. New-media Company and digital platform for creative leaders, Future Party, help curate this year’s guestlist for weekend 1. No strangers to the nightlife scene, Hollywood heavy hitter DJs Kayper, DJ Ruckus and a special guest performance by world renowned DJ, producer and Fool’s Gold record founder, A-Trakkept partygoers dancing with performances that last into the early morning hours. 

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: 

  • Neon Carnival veteran, Leonardo DiCaprio, who hasn’t missed a single the Levi’s® Brand Presents Neon Carnival with Bondi Sandsand POKÉMON Detective Pikachu was spotted chatting with Neon Carnival Founder Brent Bolthouse. The two were overheard discussing the new layout and setup and the expansion into weekend 3 as Brent joking nudged Leo if he had plans for April 27th. The remainder of the night, DiCaprio kept a low profile remaining incognito in his hooded sweatshirt, hat and glasses while getting cozy with Argentinean model Camila Morrone dancing to the sounds of DJ Ruckus.  

  • “US” star Winston Duke arrived in a festive number at the Levi’s® Brand Presents Neon Carnival with Bondi Sands and POKÉMONDetective Pikachu and was spotted with friends checking out the new LG Mobile Experience ASMR Sound Studio.

  • Festival faithful, Paris Hilton and Alessandra Ambrosio were spotted at the Levi’s ®Brand Presents Neon Carnival with Bondi Sands and POKÉMON Detective Pikachu sharing a moment while joining the stage for their own dance party while DJ Ruckus spun his favorite tracks. The two showed off their dance moves while snapping selfies as on looking partygoers watched in awe.  

  • Fresh off her highly-anticipated set at the desert music festival, Janelle Monae arrived in party mode with her gal pals to the Levi’s® Brand Presents Neon Carnival with Bondi Sands and POKÉMON Detective Pikachu. The “Pynk” songstress was seen lounging in the HEIMAT VIP lounge sipping on Penta Water before making her way through the packed party to catch A-Trak’s first performance at this year’s event. 

  • Cleveland Brown’s newest WR, Odell Beckham Jr. arrived to the Levi’s® Brand Presents Neon Carnival with Bondi Sands and POKÉMON Detective Pikachu with Sports Illustrated model,Danielle Herrington and pals in matching color-coordinated neon outfits with beanies and bright kicks. Beckham was spotted dancing his way to their table before pal Von Miller came from behind for a hug. 

  • Singing couple, Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson-Ross were spotted at the Levi’s® Brand Presents Neon Carnival with Bondi Sands and POKÉMON Detective Pikachu catching up with pal Ed Westwick at their table enjoying an evening of dancing and cocktails with friends.  

  • Famed stylist Rachel Zoe and husband Rodger Berman enjoyed a night out at the Levi’s® Brand Presents Neon Carnival with Bondi Sands and POKÉMON Detective Pikachu. Before heading to their table the two stopped at the LG Mobile Experience checking out the latest smartphones: the LG G8 ThinQ and the LG V50 ThinQ.  

  • Rapper 2 Chainz arrived in style donning in a green sequin Gucci ensemble with matching shorts and tee to the Levi’s® Brand Presents Neon Carnival with Bondi Sands and POKÉMONDetective Pikachu. The “Rap or Go to the League” artist made a statement with his festive attire catching the eyes of friends and fellow musicians, Quavo, Young Thug and Meek Mill inside the packed party.

Spotted: Leonardo DiCaprio, H.E.R., Alessandra Ambrosio, Janelle Monae, Odell Beckham Jr., 2 Chainz, Quavo, Wiz Khalifa, Meek Mill, Young Thug, Nav, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Marshmello, Paris Hilton, Winston Duke, Cuba Gooding Jr., Zedd, Romee Strijd, Shanina Shaik, Quincy, Christian Combs, Justin Combs, Ashlee Simpson Ross, Evan Ross, Karrueche Tran, Victor Cruz, Todd Gurley, Jasmine Tookes, Chuck Liddell, Camila Morrone, Jessica Szohr, Jake T Austin, Dylan McDermott, Al Harrington, Heather MacDonald, Randall Emmett, RJ Mitte, Luke James, Jax Taylor, Rachel Zoe, Tom Sandoval, Jeremy Meeks, Alex Von Furstenberg, Tracey Mills, King Bach, Amanda Cerny, Darren Criss, Kelsey Merritt, Mia Criss, Ser'Darius Blain, Scottie Pippen, Nick Young, Stassi Schroeder, Cody Simpson, Nyjah Huston, Logan Paul, Tobias Sorensen, Chanel West Coast, Kris Humphries, Frankie Delgado, Gregg Sulkin, Ryan Rottman, Laura Barrett, Caroline D'Amore, Lukas Haas, Hannah Ferguson, Cameron Dallas, Nicole Williams, Larry Fisher, Jodie Meeks, Shaun Ross, Mercedes Louis, Ed Westwick, JR Smith, Von Miller, Frankie Grande, Sammi Hanratty,  Javale McGee, Pyper America

Hint for the Average Socialite: This event is strictly invite only.

Neon Carnival was created by Brent Bolthouse and continues annually during music's biggest festival weekend. For more information, please visit http://neon-carnival.com

GUESTS MUST BE 21+ TO ATTEND AND WE REMIND ALL ATTENDEES TO PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

What’s Trending: @Neon_Carnival @levis @bondisands #Coachella

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