From beach clubs to barbecues, Las Vegas is ready to party hard this holiday weekend
Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season. That means lots of entertainment and excitement over a four-day holiday weekend. Here’s how to maximize the fun on and off the Strip in Las Vegas.
1. Big Shows and Concerts
Las Vegas is living up to its reputation as the Entertainment Capital of the World with a packed lineup of artists this weekend. See big names like the Eagles (playing the classic Hotel California album in it entirety plus a greatest hits set) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Limp Bizkit the same night at The Theater at Virgin Hotels and Jack White at the Chelsea inside the Cosmopolitan Sunday. New Kids on the Block also will hit the Michelob Ultra Arena on Sunday with Salt n’ Pepa, En Vogue and Rick Astley on their MixTape Tour.
A few residencies are back in action this weekend. See Keith Urban at the Caesars Palace Colosseum Friday through Sunday, Katy Perry at Resorts World Theater Friday through Sunday or the Doobie Brothers at Planet Hollywood’s Zappos Theater Friday to Saturday.
Short on cash? The Downtown Rocks series at the Fremont Street Experience has free concerts by X Ambassadors on Saturday and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas Sunday.
After a run of preview shows, Mad Apple debuts as the latest production by Cirque du Soleil at New York-New York with performances throughout the weekend. Expect a tribute to the Big Apple with stand-up comedy, rapping, live singing and other new twists on the traditional acrobatic Cirque experience.
2. Nightclubs and Dayclubs
Whether indoors or outdoors, dance floors will be packed all weekend long. Top headliners include Marshmello Saturday and David Guetta Sunday at XS, Brody Jenner/Devin Lucien Friday and O.T. Genasis Saturday at Tao Nightclub, Martin Garrix Friday, Above & Beyond Saturday and Vegas’ own Steve Aoki Sunday at Omnia, Afrojack Friday and Justin Credible Sunday at Marquee. There’s also a loaded lineup of Busta Rhymes on Thursday, Meek Mill on Friday, Lil Wayne on Saturday and Lil Baby on Sunday taking over the roof at Drai’s.
Prefer to party by the pool? Check out Chance The Rapper on Saturday at Elia Beach Club or David Guetta on Saturday. The Chainsmokers spin jams on Sunday at Encore Beach Club, Tyga and Lil Jon bring their bars on Sunday and beats by DJ Paulie D set the mood on Monday at the newly renovated Tao Beach. This is a busy weekend for Wet Republic with Steve Aoki on Friday, Martin Garrix on Saturday, Kaskade on Sunday followed by Lil Jon on Monday.
In a unique twist, Miami’s nightlife icon E11EVEN is taking over Resorts World, where Ayu Dayclub hosts Cash Cash on Friday, Zedd on Saturday and DJ Snake on Sunday. Zouk Nightclub features Louis the Child on Friday and Tiesto on Saturday. Access all Resorts World events this weekend with a single pass for $150.
3. Music Festivals
The Electric Daisy Carnival, also known as EDC, may have wrapped up the previous weekend, but there’s another EDM festival to keep the beats pumping all night long. Neon Dream elevates the good vibes with a costume party at AREA 15. The EDM fest features DJ sets by Tritonal, Firebeatz, Haliene and Jack Beats inside The Portal and outdoors in A-Lot.
If reggae is more your speed, then head over to Citrus Pool at the Downtown Grand. The rooftop pool deck is hosting a Latin-themed Reggaeton Pool Party on Friday night. This is followed by a Reggae on the Roof celebration on Saturday. Both events get underway at 8 p.m. with DJs, dancing and hookah. Swimwear is encouraged.
4. Drinks and Dining
Chinglish in the Boca Park shopping complex is hosting a wine-pairing dinner on Thursday, featuring six dishes prepared with live prawns. The exclusive, upscale event has limited seating and is $475 per person. The night begins with bubbles at 6:30 p.m.
T-Bones Chophouse at the Red Rock Resort is teaming up with WhistlePig Whiskey for a special happy hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday in the lower patio and bar area. Guests can create their own Old Fashioned, order specialty cocktails like a Grilled Peach Julep and enjoy snacks like tempura hot chicken and short rib sliders.
Frank Marino hosts a Diva-Licious Drag Brunch at DW Bistro, featuring impersonators of Cher, Taylor Swift and other stars. Shows take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $20. Dishes are sold a la carte.
The new Sand Dollar Downtown is celebrating its official grand opening weekend at the Plaza in Downtown Las Vegas. Come by for live music and stiff cocktails.
5. Outdoor Fun in the Sun
After a sale and multimillion dollar renovation, the Wet’n’Wild waterpark in the Southwest Valley reopens this weekend as Cowabunga Canyon, an offshoot of Cowabunga Bay in Henderson. Both attractions are welcoming guests for summer fun with slides, wave pools and lounge decks.
Bicentennial Park in Boulder City hosts the Best Dam Barbecue Challenge. Forty-one teams compete by smoking meats low and slow for two days (Friday and Saturday) in hopes of winning over judges from the Kansas City Barbecue Society. The family-friendly event includes tasty food, live entertainment, vendors and more.
Ready to ride? Rick Harrison hosts the 8th Annual Pawn Stars Poker Run for charity, departing from Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ at 10 a.m. (registration 9:30 a.m.) on Saturday. Bikers pick up cards at five checkpoints. The best and worst hands at the end win cash prizes.
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