The musical performances might be the primary draw, but don’t overlook the festival’s other engaging experiences
UPDATE: Migos has cancelled their LIB performance. This is a developing story.
Life Is Beautiful, a three-day annual festival (September 16–September 18), celebrates everything that makes Las Vegas the world’s hottest party destination: electric entertainment, unrivaled cuisine, a diverse art community and unforgettable adventures. The city’s downtown area will transform into a 18-block party featuring chart-topping musicians, rib-tickling comedians, extraordinary culinary talents, accomplished visual artists and other wildly unique experiences.
Since its inception in 2013, the yearly Las Vegas blowout has attracted thousands of festival goers with iconic headliners such as Billie Eilish, Foo Fighters, Chance The Rapper, and Stevie Wonder, among others. This tradition continues with another dynamic musical lineup. The larger-than-life musical performances, however, are not the only reason to attend one of Las Vegas’ most prominent events of the year.
Whether you want to jam out or explore a diverse culinary village, here are nine things we’re looking forward to partaking in at Life Is Beautiful 2022.
The Versatile Musical Lineup
For concert-goers seeking a repertoire with variety, Life Is Beautiful understood the assignment. The forthcoming festival boasts a musical lineup catering to nearly every musical palate on the planet. There will be seven different stages with acts ranging from smooth hip-hop acts to upbeat electronica music. Here is a glimpse of the soundtrack for Life Is Beautiful 2022.
Hip-hop lovers in the crowd may vibe with “First Class” artist Jack Harlow, along with Migos, Shaggy, Isaiah Rashad, Yung Nudy, Coi Leray, Cochise, Rico Nasty and Big Boi, among others.
And, of course, there will be plenty of DJs preparing to spin trending electronica beats. Don’t sleep on sets by “Stay With Me” artist Calvin Harris, Beach House, Kygo, Dermot Kennedy, Becky Hill, Alison Wonderland and Marc Rebillet.
Alternative rock will be performed by notorious bands such as Arctic Monkeys, Gorillaz, Cage The Elephant, The Moss, Oliver Tree, and others.
Luminary pop artists headlining include “Royals” singer Lorde, as well as Alessia Cara, Charlie XCX, Sam Fender, and Valley, to name a few.
The festival also recognizes up-and-comers in the underground music scene that are rapidly growing an audience. Road to Life Is Beautiful and Sessions Live joined forces to select 15 artists from an online competition to perform on the Rising Stars Stage at Container Park. Head over to Fremont and South 7th Street to listen to emerging artists before they make it big.
The all-encompassing concerts might be the primary draw, but don’t overlook the festival’s other engaging experiences.
Eating Our Way Through the Culinary Village
Taste your way around the festival. Life Is Beautiful offers a diverse culinary village with everything from multi-course meals to grab-and-go bites. Aside from all the food vendors, LIB is throwing it down with special culinary experiences such as The Cookout, Cocktail School, Omakase Cantina, The Pizzeria, and some exclusive VIP dining options.
The Cookout, curated by chef Justin Kingsley Hall of Whiskey in the Wilderness, will feature culinary talents spicing things up with live fire cooking experiences. Renowned chef Jose Andres’ restaurant collective will elevate the feast by bringing in chefs from his award-winning food and beverage establishments. But save room for chef Justin Kingsley Hall and guest chef Chrystina Nyguyen’s delectable dishes.
Wash it all down with a specialty libation accompanied by a lesson at The Cocktail School. Bryant Jane of Starboard Tack curated interactive seminars that include inspired cocktail tastings. Sip on adult beverages prepared by illustrious mixologists from around town, including those from BACARDI ®, Golden Tiki, The Sand Dollar Lounge, and other well-known hangouts.
The Omakanese Cantina, an exceptional dining experience tucked away inside the fest, brings an exclusive fine dining experience to LIB. Secretburger.com’s cuisine queen, Jolene Mannina, curated an upscale tasting experience featuring bites designed by chefs from top-notch restaurants, such as AMARI, La Strega, Harlo Steakhouse, and Momofuku. This 45-minute specialty dinner may be purchased as a general admission add-on.
Want to eat more casual, comfort food? The Pizzeria, a new festival feature rotating a menu of pies, might just be the right fit for an aficiona-dough. Curated by chef Vincent Rotolo of Good Pie, the selection varies from classic flavors to gourmet delights. Chow down on a cheesy slice of pizza or go for a flavorful vegan alternative. There are no wrong answers here.
Lots of Laughs at Kicker Comedy
Nothing beats the rush of laughing so hard that it almost hurts. Enter The Kicker Comedy experience. Each year, LIB conjures up a roster of hilarious stand-up comedians, dynamic drag stars, and amusing podcasters ready to tickle the funny bone. It looks like they’ve done it again.
Some notable comedians taking the stage include Butterboy, Hannah Einbinder, Joel Kim Booster, Megan Stalter, Andrew Lopez, Ricky Velez, Sarah Sherman, Jordan Rock, Atsuko Okatsuka; and an appearance by RuPaul Drag Race star, Latrice Royale.
For podcast fanatics, several live tapings and appearances from popular podcast hosts are happening during the LIB weekend. Have a few laughs with the “Giggly Squad,” “Going Deep with Chad and JT,” “Celebrity Book Club with Stephen and Lily,” and “Y2YAY with Sydnee Washington and Marie Faustin.”
Getting Lost in the Immersive Art Exhibitions
Keep an eye out for new, imaginative art exhibitions and murals located all around the festival grounds. Local, national, and global artists contribute to the striking collection of artwork that embodies the personality of LIB. Local artists beautifying the backdrop include Melanin Girl Culture, Cerissa Lopez, KRIE, Pretty Done, and Eric Vozzola.
Notable guest artists bringing mesmerizing art installations are: 3D muralist from the Netherlands, Leon Keer; Seattle-based multimedia artist, Neon Saltwater; 2022 Burning Man Honoraria Grant winner, Abram Santa Cruz; 3D inflatable art designer, Ashley Ramage; sculpture artist and Toronto native, Mathew Rosenblatt; and artists Space Objekt and Rezna Hasni will make their first USA debut with an immersive light exhibition.
Another way to venture into the art scene is by watching live painting performances by local artists such as Melanin Girl Culture, wife-and-husband-duo Elliot and Jessica Demlow, Pretty Done, Mila May, and Travis Jackson.
Local artist Richie Rizo, recipient of the Art Poster Contest, will also present his winning design of a collage and collection of Las Vegas then and now. The piece shows the city’s growth while appreciating its consistent charm over the years.
Celebrating Fergusons Downtown DJ Collectives
Fergusons Downtown will transform into a mega dance party to deliver a spellbinding weekend. The Life Is Beautiful website describes it as “the best kept secret of the festival.” Each night in the open-air space, music collectives will convert the outdoor area into a dance club. Get pumped up to beats curated by Club Soda, We The Beat, and Headliner Music Club. It will feature both local and guest performers in the DJ sets. Get into your groove by dropping by to vibe with Flamingosis, Kryptogram, Vice, DJ Scene, DJ Dan, Bexxie, The Trash Pandas, and more.
Retail Therapy at Market In The Alley
Wander into the Market In The Alley, a shopaholic’s dream, to snag handmade jewelry, clothing, candles, art, and other handcrafted pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Over 30 vendors will showcase their small businesses, artwork, and specialty merchandise. Not only will purchases be supporting local creatives but also embracing the Las Vegas community’s arts and culture collective. Visit everything from bold streetwear merchandisers like Garbage to upcycled craft beer can candles made by Brew and Boujie. The Market In The Alley will be open each festival day from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. The market space will be between 10th and 11th Street.
Getting Spicy at the Latin Dance Party
CASA BACARDI, a Latin dance party mixing zesty music with BACARDI® Rum libations, will host a lively fiesta at the Place on 7th. The festivities include a 3-day cocktail program, giveaways, mariachis and salsa lessons. The musical roster features Puerto Rican singer and rapper, Farruko; Puerto Rican indie duo, Buscabulla; UK electronic couplet, Tibasko; DJ Gian Varela; rapper Ric Wilson; and London’s rising star, Benjiflow.
Two-Steppin’ at the Western Country Club
The Western Country Club at the Western Hotel and Casino is gearing up for a honky-tonk hoedown for country music fans. Wear your cowboy boots and prepare to line-dance to the sounds of Tenille Arts, Tanner Adell, Dez Hoston, and The Longwood Band. If you enjoy the music, but don’t like to dance, then you are in luck. The Western Country Club will also provide games for attendees to play while enjoying live performances of country western tunes.
Chilling Out at the Silent Disco Party
Silent discos—parties where guests listen to the same music playlist or DJ via wireless headphones—have become a trendy social activity. LIB will also host a silent disco party featuring a different lineup of DJs each festival day at the 7-Eleven Brainfreeze garage.
At the dance party, concert attendees may cool down by drinking a free Slurpee while grooving to beats by DJ Shaun, J. Rich, DJ Neva, BMAC, DJ Cyberkid, and others.
Art enthusiasts may also dig the interactive 3D chalk mural featured at the Silent Disco Party. Artist Naomi Haverland will utilize the mural to create a live immersive optical illusion. Guests will become part of the art during this magical experience.
The DJs play as early as 10:30 a.m. each day and spin jams until 4:30 p.m. It’s never too early to dance in Las Vegas.
Important Festival Info
The Life Is Beautiful festival will take over downtown Las Vegas from Friday, September 16 to Sunday, September 18. Entrances to the event will be on Fremont and 7th street and Fremont and 11th Street. The festival’s daily hours are 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Before going to the event, be sure to double check the bag policy, download the LIB app for a map of the venue, and register your wristband with an emergency contact.
If you are attending LIB, tag @offthestrip on Instagram for a chance to be featured.
