Meet the #HumansOfDTLV: stories and snapshots from the urban core of Las Vegas
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When The Garden Las Vegas (1017 South 1st Street) opened in the middle of the pandemic last June, owner Eduardo Cordova wasn’t sure if anyone would show up. “It was a very strange time telling people to come out when the government was telling people to stay in,” he says.
Much to his surprise, people showed up — and kept showing up.
“We were reservation-only, as was everyone else, and were sold out every day,” Eduardo says. “For that I am grateful to our amazing LGBTQ+ and local community.”
Eduardo and his team celebrate that success this Friday, June 11 during their lavish one-year anniversary bash with Ru Paul’s Drag Race season 13 winner Symone.
The Garden’s triumph should come as no surprise.
A veteran promoter who’s hosted events on the Strip for a dozen years, Eduardo knows how to throw a good party. “What has worked for me is very simple: having great music, great entertainment and a beautiful venue,” he says.
That blueprint is what’s made The Garden one of the most popular venues in Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV). It’s always bumpin’ with top tier DJs, celebrity drag performances, weekend brunch parties, locals nights, yappy hour for pups, and more.
Most Importantly, The Garden’s become a safe, inclusive home base for Las Vegas’ LGBTQ+ community.
“I am very proud we can represent our beautiful LGBTQ community in Las Vegas. The Garden welcomes everyone, we have an amazing drag brunch and a place to feel proud to be gay and feel fabulous.”
Eduardo Cordova
The Garden’s become so popular that Cher stopped by for the opening of their Rainbow Sidewalk last October. “When I got a call from her team asking if she could come, I was on cloud nine,” Eduardo says.
With year one in the books, Eduardo’s hoping to expand on his initial vision.
The Garden Las Vegas owner, Eduardo Cordova
“I was looking for a place where we could create a gayborhood,” he says. “I wanted a walkable place where you can bring your dog or bar hop and do dinner and brunch.
The year ahead will see The Garden expand its footprint and add more outdoor spaces adjacent. The finer details are, of course, under wraps.
“I can’t say much but everyone will love what we are working on for The Garden 2.0,” Eduardo says.
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