Inside Desert Nights: The Zenyara Estate's Exclusive Nightlife Series During Coachella 2025

Forbes

06-04-2025

Zenyara will be transformed for Festival Season
CMG
For more than three decades, CMG founder David Corso has been creating and producing some of the most memorable events—particularly in the Coachella Valley, where he has had roots since the Coachella's inception in 1999.
He is the creative force behind the coveted Desert Nights Series, an invite-only late-night lineup that runs alongside the iconic music festival. Desert Nights is the result of more than two decades of event curation, originally starting as private industry dinners as well as pre- and post-festival parties at Corso's personal residence.
For the past eight years, however, the series has found a home at the ultra-luxe Zenyara Estate. Known for its exclusivity and high production value, Desert Nights continues to evolve as a sophisticated gathering on one of the world's most famous estates.
'What makes any event special is when all the right assets come together—the venue, the crowd, the performances, and the experiential components,' says Corso. 'It's a formula that has to be just right, and when it is, the result is unforgettable.'
2025 will mark a banner year for the property, with artists performing fresh off their Coachella and Stagecoach sets.
'We are so grateful for our two-decade valued partnership with Goldenvoice/AEG, an incredible force that continues to push the boundaries of excellence year after year—elevating the festival experience and, in turn, the experiential offerings and guest expectations,' Corso tells me. 'CMG's productions at the festival this year include Heineken House and the new Red Bull Mirage featuring Nobu. Our off-site events are produced through this festival lens with a focus on experiential, creating the ultimate post-festival environment for guests, with esteemed, key partners such as Dorsia, Patron, Heineken, Red Bull, Tao Group Hospitality, and Framework.'
A shot from Dessert Nights 2024
CMG
Zenyara Desert Nights truly attracts the a-list. Everyone from Rihanna to Alessandra Ambrosio to Hailey Bieber has graced the grounds of Zenyara over Coachella weekends every year. Better yet, some of the biggest names in the industry—including Post Malone, Rüfüs Du Sol, Irina Shayk, Stella Maxwell, Blackpink, Idris Elba, Anthony Kiedis, Kaytranada, Skrillex, and Solomun—have performed or stopped by.
This year, the series will take place over all three festival weekends in April, with the addition of Rodeo Nights, which will have more country-inspired vibes—think boots and cowboy hats.
The lineup during Coachella weekend 2025 includes artists such as Bob Moses, Vintage Culture, Mau P, and WhoMadeWho, with headliner Anyma, following a sold-out run at the Las Vegas Sphere.
While the Rodeo Nights weekend lineup during Stagecoach has yet to be announced, it's sure to be just as exciting.
Zenyara Exterior
CMG
Zenyara is one of the most famous luxury estates not just in the Coachella Valley, but worldwide. Available for both long- and short-term rentals, the property can accommodate up to 24 guests, with eleven bedrooms and twelve bathrooms.
It offers an impressive list of amenities, including pools, a golf course, an off-road course, tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, a state-of-the-art gym, and a full spa facility. But these amenities pale in comparison to the biggest one: a jaw-dropping, white sand manmade beach. Over the top in the best of ways, it feels more Dubai and less Southern California.
Next level luxury
CMG
Corso shares, 'The manmade beach is an incredible element to the property, and our guests love to hang out there with the gorgeous views across the lake to the main estate. The lake is a commercial agricultural reservoir that fuels the irrigation of all the date trees.'
Guests are thrilled to see this feature, which is only accessible to private, invited guests. 'The Desert Nights festival series is the only time this property is open to people who are not renting it. Experiencing this estate is a bucket list item—it's one of the best estates in the world. You see this venue in the press and magazines, and it is just the ultimate paradise.'
Interior of Zenyara
CMG
These events are also imporant to Zenyara's owner, Michael Scott.
According to Corso, the production teams spend months planning every element and detail down to the square inch to ensure the venue is protected while maintaining a level of show quality that matches its luxury. 'We keep that top of mind when making choices for staging, seating, and experiential elements. How can we ensure the production elements of the show match the luxury and elevation of the venue?'
Zenyara at sunset
CMG
But in an effort to create a one-of-a-kind experience, one of the most striking features—Zenyara's central reservoir—presented a creative challenge. 'We needed a space for VIP table seating and developed a decking mechanism that goes out over the water so that we had more floor space,' reveals Corso.
Technology also plays a key role in elevating the event. Corso partnered with Dorsia for all guest access levels, which supports much-needed privacy.
But ultimately, it's about creating something that artists want to be part of—and guests absolutely rave about. 'The guest list is always explosive because guests just want to experience this place, and brands are integrated with sophistication.'