Summer Nights in Las Vegas, NV
Like New York, Las Vegas has become a city that never sleeps. The activities seemingly never stop, ranging from constant action in the casinos to athletic events and festivals that bring us together as part of a vibrant community.
Las Vegas and surrounding areas get particularly busy during the summer. Looking for ideas for you and your family? We’ve put together a list of our favorite events to make this a summer to remember (and, as a bonus, we also provide a few marquee events that reach into early fall).
The Fireworks
Las Vegas does everything on the grandest possible scale, and the celebration accompanying the nation’s birthday is no exception. If tradition holds, you’ll be able to witness multiple fireworks displays, depending on your location in and around the Las Vegas Strip. In previous years, the major resorts have coordinated fireworks displays to make one giant impression on the people in town for the holiday. Other possible venues include the Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch Resort, Lake Las Vegas, and Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas. Check with each venue to confirm details such as the time and place for their fireworks displays.
America’s Pastime
Las Vegas is officially part of the major leagues in football and hockey but not yet in baseball. But you can still enjoy a night at the ballpark. The Las Vegas Aviators are the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland A’s and play on many summer nights, featuring players who are a step away from the big leagues. The Aviators have about 24 home games scheduled between July 1 and Sept. 1. You’ll find the games in the appropriately named Las Vegas Ballpark, just outside of Las Vegas in Summerlin.
- When: Multiple dates.
- Where: Las Vegas Ballpark, Summerlin.
- Learn more about the Las Vegas Aviators.
Attention Soccer Lovers
If there’s one thing the game of soccer does well, it’s marketing on a global scale. Soccer fans in Las Vegas are among this year’s beneficiaries. The Soccer Champions Tour seeks to expose the world’s most iconic teams to new audiences. The tour is coming to Allegiant Stadium this summer with a game pitting AC Milan of Italy against FC Barcelona of Spain. Both teams were founded in 1899 and compete at the sport’s highest level in their individual leagues.
- When: Aug. 1.
- Where: Allegiant Stadium.
- Learn more about the Soccer Champions Tour.
Monster Jam
What’s a summer without some big truck action? Come marvel as these giant machines take over the Thomas & Mack Center over two days in August. When we call them big trucks, we mean it: Each truck entered the Monster Jam measures 10.5 feet tall, 12.5 feet wide, and 17 feet long and weighs 6 tons.
Still not impressed? The tires alone weigh 645 pounds each and are 66 inches in diameter and 43 inches wide.
Get there early for Monster Jam Trackside, which offers previews of the competition, interviews with drivers, a behind-the-scenes look at the pit crew, and more.
- When: Aug. 4-6, starting at 7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. on Sunday.
- Where: Thomas & Mack Center.
- Learn more about Monster Jam.
Def Con 31
Las Vegas is the convention capital of the world. One of the more interesting events to come to town each summer is Def Con, which brings together computer hackers and cybersecurity professionals, journalists, lawyers, government officials, and researchers to discuss the latest in computer hacking software, hardware, and other cybersecurity techniques.
- When: Aug. 10-13.
- Where: Caesars Forum.
- Learn more about DefCon31.
Life Is Beautiful Festival
The organizers of the Life is Beautiful Festival, now in its 10th year, have set themselves quite a bar. “We exist to build a more beautiful world. A name like ‘life is beautiful’ comes with great responsibility. Because ‘life is beautiful’ is more than just a festival, it’s a mantra — a way of moving through the world.”
Spreading across 18 city blocks in historic downtown Las Vegas, Life is Beautiful (the festival) is a three-day celebration of creativity and expression, featuring musical acts such as Kendrick Lamar, a variety of other musical talents, art installations, food, and so much more. It’ll leave you thinking, “life is beautiful.”
The festival draws headline acts, and on tap this year are The Killers on Friday night and Kendrick Lamar on Saturday night.
- When: 3:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sept. 22-24, 2023.
- Where: The 18-block area bordered by Seventh Street, 11th Street, Mesquite Avenue and Carson Avenue.
- Learn more about Life Is Beautiful Festival.
iHeartRadio Music Festival
If outdoor festivals aren’t your jam, then you’re in luck. That same weekend marks the return of the annual I Heart Radio Music Festival, a two-day cavalcade of musical acts inside the T-Mobile Arena, home to the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League.
In its 13th year, the iHeartRadio Music Festival has yet to announce the lineup for 2023. But previous years have brought Paul McCartney, Mary J. Blige, Drake, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, and many others to the festival stage. The event is known to produce many surprises, such as music premieres and exciting collaborations.
- When: Sept. 23-24, 2023; times TBD.
- Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas Strip.
- Learn more about iHeartRadio Music Festival.
Rise Lantern Festival
You may be after something lower-key than a crowded arena or packed downtown city streets. In that case, consider the Rise Lantern Festival, now in its ninth year. You’ll have to drive about 25 miles south to the middle of the desert to attend the Rise Lantern Festival, which culminates with the world’s largest sky lantern release.
The Rise Lantern Festival offers many activities. The event combines good food and drinks with live music, art displays, and camaraderie to celebrate the human condition. Before launching your lantern, you can write heart-felt messages of peace and reflection on the side. The festival is meant to be relaxing and filled with positivity.
- When: Oct. 6-7.
- Where: Jean Dry Lake Bed.
- Learn more about Rise Lantern Festival.
Summer Events in Las Vegas
It’s quite the summer ahead for those who love Las Vegas. Our team at De Castroverde Law Group hopes you take advantage of all that our region has to offer. If you find yourself in need of legal representation, call us or contact us online.
Photo Credit: City Center, Las Vegas by Tomás Del Coro is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0