Las Vegas is constantly changing so keep up to date with these recently announced Vegas Happenings.
OCTOBER 2025 VEGAS HAPPENINGS
F1 ARCADE ON STRIP SETS OPENING DATE
A new entertainment destination dedicated to Formula One opens on October 17 and is now accepting reservations. Located in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, F1 Arcade covers 21,000 square feet and features 87 full-motion simulators. Drivers can choose between Team Racing or go Head to Head. There are also reaction-based games like React, which simulates the Batak-style training used by drivers. F1 Arcade has a full dining menu and bar, and will serve as the home for official F1 watch parties for upcoming races. The venue will be open noon to midnight Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday. All ages are welcome until 7 p.m. Guests 21 and older must have a valid ID after 7 p.m. Children under 14 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
NEW SEASONAL OUTDOOR LOUNGE COMING TO THE MOB MUSEUM
The Mob Museum is introducing The Starlight Plaza, a new seasonal outdoor cocktail lounge, entertainment, and event venue. Officials indicate that the plaza is inspired by the golden age of Las Vegas, a period showcased at The Mob Museum. The 7,700-square-foot space will feature shades of green, pink, and gold, a nod to the desert modernism and lively color palettes of classic Strip resorts. Guests will be able to enjoy a selection of craft cocktails and mocktails, carefully crafted by Clint Thoman, the Mob Museum’s Senior Director of Food and Beverage. More details and photos are slated to be released in the coming weeks, with the grand opening scheduled for this fall.
ZOOX LAUNCHES ITS ROBOTAXI SERVICE IN LAS VEGAS
Amazon’s Zoox launched its robotaxi service in Las Vegas, offering free rides through parts of the entertainment mecca for anyone willing to gamble on the safety of a driverless vehicle. The Las Vegas debut of Zoox’s long-planned ride-hailing service reflects confidence in the safety of the boxy vehicles after two years of testing them in the city. The robotaxis initially were only available to employees in Las Vegas before gradually expanding to friends and family members. Now, anyone with the Zoox app can request a ride to five designated locations, including Resorts World, the Luxor hotel and the New York-New York hotel. The longest distance the Zoox robotaxis will travel is about three miles (4.8 kilometers) while carrying up to four passengers. All rides will be provided free for at least the first few months to help promote the existence of the service. Once it begins charging for rides, Zoox says its prices will be comparable to traditional taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.
ENJOY STRAT’S FALL PACKAGE
The STRAT is aiming to attract visitors with a new package for the fall season. Casino officials introduced their ‘All-In Fall Stays’ package, where all-in room rates start at $59 midweek and $99 on weekends for stays through January 2026, with blackout dates subject to change. Available when booking with the code ALLIN25, the package includes: Complimentary admission to the Observation Deck inside The STRAT Tower for up to two guests and a $25 daily dining credit. The pricing includes all taxes and fees, and many rooms have been recently remodeled.
NEW “MAGIC SPEAKEASY” COMING TO THE STRIP
A first-of-its-kind “magic speakeasy” will soon captivate guests on the Las Vegas Strip. The LINQ Promenade and Pompey Entertainment announced The Magicians Room, an experience scheduled to open on October 20. Visitors will enter through a “crane-only” arcade that contains a hidden entrance to the magic showroom. They can enter through either a “human crane” elevator or a secret staircase. Inside, the venue will enchant audiences with magic performances from world-famous artists, enhanced by holograms, augmented reality and immersive effects. Families can attend daytime shows, while after-dark performances will be limited to adults only. Guests can also enjoy a full-service bar and mobile ordering from nearby restaurants in the promenade. The Magicians Room is available for VIP events, private parties and corporate gatherings.
NEW TOURISM CAMPAIGN “WELCOME TO FABULOUS LAS VEGAS” LAUNCHES
Amid a noticeable visitation drop this year, Las Vegas’ tourism agency launched a new marketing campaign to highlight the spirit of the city. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” campaign, a nod to the famous sign that welcomes visitors on the Strip. The campaign started with a 60-second commercial that features an office worker who escapes the day-to-day doldrums with a trip to Las Vegas, including the Fremont Street Experience, The Venetian, The Orleans and Circus Circus. The city remains a great value for visitors, and resort operators will take more steps to address concerns about affordability.
POPULAR VEGAS NIGHTCLUB MOVING
Drai’s Nightclub, the popular Las Vegas Strip hot spot, is moving this fall. The club announced that it will relocate from The Cromwell Hotel’s rooftop to its “iconic basement” space. Halloween weekend is planned for the final weekend of rooftop operations, as celebrations run October 31 through November 2. That Sunday will serve as the industry closing party. Drai’s says that with its move to the basement, it will be open five nights a week. Multiple sounds will be featured across different rooms, which Drai’s says will offer something for everyone. The Cromwell is currently undergoing a rebranding to become the Vanderpump Hotel, part of a venture between Caesars Entertainment and entertainment personality Lisa Vanderpump. The rooftop will be turned into a new luxury venue and resort-style pool that can host private events. It’s scheduled to reopen next summer.
POPULAR FASHION BRAND ARRIVES AT BLVD RETAIL PLAZA
H&M opened its 23,000-square-foot store to customers at BLVD on September 10. The new location offers collections for men and women, plus the H&M Move activewear line for men. Customers can also find a gallery-like atmosphere, upgraded interiors and enhanced service features. Store hours are Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight. BLVD is located at 3747 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, just south of Harmon Avenue.
NEW SLOT LOUNGE AT PLAZA
Plaza Hotel & Casino opened Buffalo and Mo’Friends, a new slot lounge featuring 63 titles from Aristocrat Gaming, including the hugely popular Buffalo and Mo’Mummy franchises. The themed area is the only one of its kind in downtown Las Vegas, and launched with special promotions for Plaza Rewards members, including Buffalo-branded swag and prize opportunities. A ribbon cutting for the new slot area, located between the casino cage and the Plaza Rewards Players Club took place on September 4.The Buffalo & Mo’Friends area features player favorites such as Buffalo Ultimate Stampede, Buffalo Power Pays, and many more Buffalo games. There is Mo’Mummy, Spooky Link, Ultimate Fast Cash, Phoenix Link, Dragon Link and Lucky Looters.
WESTGATE ANNOUNCES NEW 2026 ELVIS CONCERT SERIES
Following the overwhelming success of 1969 LIVE! – The King Returns at Westgate — two sold-out performances that transported fans back to Elvis Presley’s legendary Las Vegas comeback – Westgate is doubling down on its commitment to preserving and celebrating The King’s legacy. In 2026, the legendary International Theater will once again host a series of electrifying, era-defining shows that reimagine Elvis’ most iconic live performances. Headlined by internationally acclaimed Elvis Tribute Artist Travis Powell, each show is more than a tribute — it’s a time machine for a new generation of fans, cementing Westgate Las Vegas’ status as the ultimate home for Elvis fans worldwide – where history lives, legends return, and the music never dies.
ZONE 2: THE TERMINALS NOW OPEN AT AREA15
The newly opened Zone 2: The Terminals at AREA15 features dozens of newly installed, festival-style sculptures and vibrantly hued murals; Looper Bar, offering guests a fresh place to sip and socialize; new culinary options such as The Beast Mobile Food Trailer; and two new retail kiosks. In addition, Universal Destinations & Experiences’ first ever year-round, fully immersive horror experience Universal Horror Unleashed is now open. Coming months will see the openings of more attractions, bars, eateries, retail experiences and the world-famous Boeing 747 from Burning Man, which is being reimagined as a dining and nightlife experience.
M RESORT’S SECOND HOTEL OPENING SOON
M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson has moved up the date for completing its much-anticipated expansion. Penn Entertainment announced that it expects the second hotel tower to open to the public on December 1, pending regulatory approval. That puts the $206 million expansion project months ahead of the initially expected opening date. In addition, the company revealed it’s partnering with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant group for a new dining destination. Called Meril, the restaurant will serve contemporary American cuisine with a menu inspired by Lagasse’s career. M Resort’s new hotel tower will double the property’s capacity, bringing its hotel room and suite total to 765.
LAS VEGAS WELCOMES MARRIOTT’S LARGEST DUAL-BRANDED HOTEL
A pair of new hotels has opened in downtown Las Vegas. The dual-branded AC Hotel by Marriott Symphony Park and Element by Westin Symphony Park opened its doors, marking a significant milestone for the hospitality brand as Marriott’s largest dual-branded AC and Element development. Organizers say the five-story hotel features 441 guest rooms, comprising 322 rooms in the AC Hotel by Marriott, and 119 spacious rooms in the Element by Westin, designed for longer stays with a focus on wellness and comfort. Guests can utilize over 18,000 square feet of meeting space, savor various dining options, unwind in seven entertainment suites, take a dip in an outdoor pool, and bask in the views from a large terrace. The hotel sits between the World Market Center and The Smith Center for the Performing Arts at 330 South Grand Central Parkway.
SEPTEMBER 2025 VEGAS HAPPENINGS
RIO ADDS POPULAR LA BREAKFAST SPOT
Rio Las Vegas is adding a popular Los Angeles restaurant known for its breakfast sandwiches and risqué name. The off-Strip resort announced that Eggslut is scheduled to open later this year. Described as a chef-driven, gourmet food concept, Eggslut opened in Los Angeles in 2011. Its menu features sandwiches and specialty bites meant to offer a twist on classic comfort foods. This will mark Eggslut’s second Las Vegas location, after the restaurant at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and its first off the Strip.
NEW FEAR ZONE HAUNTED EXPERIENCE OPENING
Your chance to check out Fear Zone, a new haunted attraction at the Adventuredome inside Circus Circus is here. The immersive experience, set to debut on September 26, will feature a combination of haunted houses, scare zones, live actors, and a unique coaster ride in the dark. Visitors can also enjoy merchandise, food, and beverage offerings. The attraction will operate throughout October from 7 p.m. to midnight. Ticket options include: General Admission starting at $79; Fast Pass starting at $129; and Adventuredome/Fear Zone Package starting at $149. There are also VIP and Private VIP Tours available.
FORMULA 1 FAN EXPERIENCE TO CLOSE IN SEPTEMBER
The local Formula 1 fan experience will be concluding public operations in September as the plaza prepares for the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix. Attractions like F1X (hands-on activations) and Fuel & Fork (dining) will close after September 14, while F1DRIVE (karting attraction) and F1HUB (including F1SIMS) will remain open through September 29. The destination will reopen in early 2026. Fans should anticipate an announcement soon regarding the reopening date.
PLAY PLAYGROUND LAUNCHES NEW ATTRACTION AT LUXOR
Play Playground, a popular social game experience and bar, is expanding its presence at the Luxor Hotel & Casino with the launch of Duck, Duck Boom!, a high-energy, arena-style attraction. Duck, Duck Boom! is designed for up to eight players per round and features two rotating boom arms that sweep across a 30-foot by 30-foot inflatable arena. Participants are challenged to stay on their feet and be the last one standing, combining the intensity of a bull ride with the excitement of a game show. Access to Duck, Duck Boom! is $12 per game for general walk-up guests and is included with all VIP Play Passes. The VIP Play Pass, priced at $69 daily, offers unlimited gameplay for three hours, access to over 20 experiences, one complimentary cocktail or mocktail, expedited entry, and a keepsake lanyard and card. Play Playground and Duck, Duck Boom! are located on the Atrium Level of the Luxor, and are open Sunday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to midnight. There are no age restrictions for Duck, Duck Boom!, but guests must be at least 48 inches tall to play.
MLB AWARDS RETURN TO LAS VEGAS
The MLB Awards are making a comeback this November at the Chelsea Theater in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Major League Baseball All-Star Mookie Betts and comedian Roy Wood Jr. will be hosting the event. MGM Resorts and BetMGM are official partners of Major League Baseball, which further enhances Las Vegas’s reputation as an emerging sports city.
ARTWORK FROM THE MIRAGE UP FOR AUCTION
You could soon own a piece of Las Vegas history. More than 300 pieces of artwork from The Mirage on the Las Vegas Strip will go up for auction. Pieces up for auction include more than 50 statues, one Chihuly piece of art, two bronze mermaid statues and two brass dolphins from inside the resort. Absentee bidding is now open through September 19. Live bidding will start at 10 a.m. on September 20. Visit liveauctioneers.com to learn more and to view the full catalog. The Mirage closed in July last year and is currently being renovated to open as the new Hard Rock Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in 2027.
PROPER EATS FOOD HALL OFFERING FESTIVE EVENTS & SPECIALS
Proper Eats Food Hall at ARIA Resort & Casino is serving up a variety of festive food and drink events throughout September. From Monday to Friday, guests can enjoy a $2 Oyster Happy Hour at Proper Bar from 4 to 6 p.m. On weekends, the Ultimate Tailgate package returns, offering an all-you-can-eat experience for $59 per person, available every Saturday and Sunday during football season. The package includes unlimited access to nearly all of Proper Eats’ dining concepts, such as Egghead, Happy Leaf, and Wexler’s Deli, with an option to add cut rolls from Temaki Bar for an additional $20. For Labor Day weekend, Proper Eats will offer endless draft beer for $24 per person, with a two-hour limit, available from 11 a.m. to close in the Proper Bar area. On September 5, in celebration of National Cheese Pizza Day, Pizzaoki will serve slices of New York Style Cheese and White Pizza, priced at $8.50 per slice and $34.50 for an 18-inch pie. Finally, on September 29, National Coffee Day, Proper Bar will feature an Espresso Martini for $18, crafted with Absolut Vanilla, cold brew, Kahlúa, and simple syrup, promising to energize patrons with its espresso kick.
VIBRANT SEPTEMBER EVENTS COMING TO EIGHT LOUNGE & GATSBY’S
Resorts World unveiled an exciting lineup of September events for Eight Lounge and Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge. The schedule includes celebrations for Mexican Independence Day, football game viewings, and unique themed nights. Eight Lounge, renowned for its luxurious cigar and cocktail offerings, will host a series of events throughout the month. Football fans can enjoy pro and college games on large-format HDTVs, with a chance to win tickets to Las Vegas home games. The lounge will kick off the football season on September 4 with a viewing party featuring an open bar and light bites. Mexican Independence Day weekend, will feature tequila and mezcal specials, along with live DJ performances. On September 13, boxing enthusiasts can watch the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight. Other notable events include “Sticks & Kicks” on September 18, celebrating cigar and shoe culture, and “Havana After Dark” on September 25, offering Cuban music and dance lessons.
ROUGE ROOM AT RED ROCK CASINO RESORT UNVEILS SEPTEMBER LINEUP
Rouge Room, the Parisian-inspired cocktail lounge at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, announced its September lineup of events, promising a month filled with captivating performances and themed nights. Known for its intimate setting and vintage decor, Rouge Room was voted “Best Off-Strip Lounge” in Las Vegas Weekly’s “Best of Las Vegas 2024” awards. The lounge will host a variety of events, including the popular Night Swim and Rouge Noir, featuring guest DJs. Rouge Noir will transform the venue every Saturday at 10 p.m. into a hub of style and intrigue with Las Vegas’ hottest house DJs. On September 6, Rouge Noir will feature Kryptogram, known for his Serbian-inspired electric beats, while Benjo will take over on September 20 with his fresh takes on house music. Thursdays will see the return of Ladies’ Night and Rouge Roundup, a country-themed event complete with a mechanical bull and live performances by country artists Sierra Black and Harmony Shay. Fridays and Saturdays will feature live music starting at 8 p.m., with performances by BADD JUJU and Radical West.
GOLDEN GATE TO REMOVE LIVE DEALERS
Table game team members at Las Vegas’ oldest hotel will be offered new opportunities as the property shifts to electronic table games. Derek Stevens, owner and CEO of the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, expressed excitement over the changes coming to the classic downtown Las Vegas landmark. “We’ve always embraced the future, and now we’re reimagining our casino floor with a high-energy electronic table games pit unlike anything downtown has seen,” Stevens said. Stevens noted that all table games team members at the Golden Gate would be offered roles at Circa or the D, adding that they could also explore “new departments within the company.”
GYMKHANA COMING TO ARIA
A two-Michelin-star Indian restaurant from the United Kingdom will soon arrive at the ARIA Resort & Casino. MGM Resorts announced Gymkhana will debut at ARIA this fall, marking its first U.S. location. Founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi of JKS Restaurants, the original Gymkhana opened in London in 2013 and quickly generated acclaim, receiving two Michelin stars. The restaurant is described as offering cuisine influenced by the breadth of India, focusing on tandoor-grilled specialties, regional curries, biryanis and sharing plates. Its name is a nod to Indian social and sports clubs. MGM says more details on the restaurant’s opening will be announced in the coming months.
ONE STEAKHOUSE UNVEILS NEW BAR MENU
ONE Steakhouse at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is enticing patrons with a new bar menu designed for after-work relaxation, pre-dinner snacks, or impromptu nights out. Available from 5 p.m. until closing, the menu offers an elevated selection of small plates featuring bold and satisfying flavors, exclusively at the bar. Highlights of the menu include lollipop chicken wings served with sweet chili soy and blue cheese dipping sauces for $16, lobster rolls topped with celery and dill on warm buttered brioche for $24, Angus mini burgers with mushroom duxelle and chipotle mayo for $18, a steak sandwich with cherry pepper, roasted tomato, and burrata for $28, and mini tuna tartare tacos topped with avocado, cilantro, and mango aioli for $16. Guests can enhance their experience by pairing these dishes with a well-crafted cocktail while enjoying the ambiance at the bar. Longtime “fun-ologist” and bon vivant Johnny O’Donnell adds a touch of Irish charm, providing another reason for guests to return for more than just the food.
HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED FOR LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX
The performers for the T-Mobile Stage at the upcoming Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix are set. The race is set to feature an electrifying musical lineup with performances by: T-Pain, Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Zedd. Additional performances include artists such as Sofi Tukker, Jess Glynne, Cimafunk, Balu Brigada, and Cassian. Fans with tickets to the T-Mobile Zone at Sphere will enjoy premium views of the race and will also gain access to exclusive fan activations. Details about additional entertainment, including the Heineken Silver Stage acts, the LIV on the Grid DJ lineup, and other performance offerings, will be announced in the coming months. Guests can enhance their experience by pairing these dishes with a well-crafted cocktail while enjoying the ambiance at the bar. Longtime “fun-ologist” and bon vivant Johnny O’Donnell adds a touch of Irish charm, providing another reason for guests to return for more than just the food.
NAUGHTY PATTY’S OPENS AT THE COSMOPOLITAN
Naughty Patty’s, a new burger concept from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, has officially opened its doors. Officials say the restaurant promises a unique dining experience with its playful and bold offerings, featuring “buns that won’t quit and sauces worth spilling.” Described as a blend of “retro charm and modern mischief,” Naughty Patty’s aims to attract visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and flavorful menu. The establishment is positioned as a go-to spot for both late-night cravings and mid-day meals. Located on the second level of the Boulevard Tower at the Block 16 Urban Food Hall, Naughty Patty’s operates from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and extends its hours to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
ZOOX BECOMES RIDE-HAILING PARTNER FOR AREA15
There will soon be a new way to get to Omega Mart, Universal Horror Unleashed and the John Wick Experience. Robotaxi company Zoox announced a new partnership to become an official ride-hailing partner for AREA15, the Las Vegas entertainment district west of the Strip. Zoox will have a dedicated pickup and drop-off location at AREA15 once its service launches this year. Zoox, a subsidiary of Amazon, has been testing its autonomous fleet in Las Vegas for several years. The general public will be able to hail rides in the coming months, according to the company. A similar partnership was announced with Resorts World Las Vegas back in June.
MASTER KIM’S KOREAN BBQ TO OPEN AT PALACE STATION
Palace Station has announced the upcoming arrival of Master Kim’s Korean BBQ, a renowned Las Vegas favorite celebrated for its authentic Korean flavors and vibrant atmosphere. Owned by local restaurateur Freddy Hwang, the restaurant is set to open in spring 2026. Master Kim’s will offer an all-you-can-eat dining experience, featuring a modern yet cozy 6,500-square-foot space with over 30 built-in tabletop grills. The restaurant will accommodate more than 100 guests, allowing them to cook their own meats and vegetables. The menu will include a variety of premium proteins such as USDA Prime brisket, marinated short rib, pork belly, spicy chicken, and seafood. Guests can also enjoy banchan (side dishes), Korean-style sauces, and rice or noodle dishes. Two all-you-can-eat menu options will be available, along with an à la carte menu. The new location at Palace Station will maintain Master Kim’s signature lively environment and sleek interiors, making it an ideal spot for family dinners, date nights, or group outings.
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT INKS DEAL FOR SECOND VENUE
Sphere Entertainment has inked a deal for its second venue in the United Arab Emirates. The company, which recently reincorporated in Nevada, announced in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it finalized a 25-year franchise agreement with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism. Under the terms of the deal, Sphere Entertainment grants Abu Dhabi the exclusive right to build and operate a new Sphere venue. The city government will also have at least 10 years to build additional venues in the Middle East and North Africa. Sphere Abu Dhabi will have licenses to use all of Sphere Entertainment’s intellectual property, technology and ancillary content. The contract also carries two 10-year renewal terms that Abu Dhabi can exercise. In exchange, Abu Dhabi will pay Sphere Entertainment an undisclosed “franchise initiation fee,” plus royalties based on the ticket sales and other revenues.
AUGUST 2025 VEGAS HAPPENINGS
JABBAWOCKEEZ TO DEBUT NEW SHOW
Jabbawockeez, the world-renowned dance team, will launch a new show at MGM Grand this fall. The resort announced the current production, “TIMELESS,” will conclude with a September 18 finale. The team will then begin work on its next act, which is scheduled for a debut in October. Rocketing to fame after appearing on “America’s Got Talent,” the Jabbawockeez have performed at MGM Grand since 2010. “TIMELESS,” their fourth stage production, debuted in 2020. It showcases a futuristic narrative with the group’s hallmark choreography and visuals as they search Earth for the “quintessential music playlist.” Details on the new production planned for a fall debut will be announced in the near future.
TREASURE ISLAND FORGES PARTNERSHIP
Treasure Island on the Las Vegas Strip has forged a new franchise partnership with a global hospitality brand. The resort announced that it will join Accor, a hospitality company based in France, as part of its “Handwritten Collection.” This makes Treasure Island Accor’s first hotel in Las Vegas. Under the agreement, Treasure Island will receive brand support and Accor’s full array of services, such as marketing and loyalty. Perks like free self-parking and valet will continue to be honored, according to the resort.
HOGS & HEIFERS SALOON FINDS NEW HOME
Hogs & Heifers Saloon, a beloved Downtown Las Vegas institution, is set to begin a new chapter after securing a new location on Main Street. Owner Michelle Dell announced that the business is officially in escrow for a property positioned between the Bridger Hotel and Las Vegas City Hall, at 307 and 319 Main Street. The move comes as the saloon wraps up operations on Downtown 3rd Street after two decades. The new half-acre parcel will offer an expanded bar footprint, on-site parking, and space for community events. Hogs & Heifers has been a cornerstone of Downtown Las Vegas since 2005, welcoming over 200,000 visitors annually. The saloon’s final party at the Downtown 3rd Street location took place on July 5, marking 20 years since its first soft opening. The new location is expected to open in December 2025, with the team committed to preserving the spirit of Hogs & Heifers throughout the transition.
GREEN VALLEY RANCH RESORT ANNOUNCES FULL RENOVATION
Station Casinos announced that Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson will renovate all of its guest rooms, part of a property-wide transformation. Designed in partnership with Avenue Interior Design, the renovation will turn each room into a “serene escape” that evokes a “sophisticated pied-à-terre ambiance,” according to Station Casinos. The redesign of the West Tower is planned for completion this fall, and full room and suite renovation is scheduled for completion next year. More property announcements are expected in the coming months. Station Casinos says the cost of the room and convention renovation is expected to be about $200 million.
LAS VEGAS TOPS LIST AS PREMIER U.S. CITY FOR LIVE MUSIC LOVERS
Las Vegas has been recognized as the top city in the United States for live music, according to a recent analysis by Betway. The study assessed over 50 cities across North America, taking into account factors such as the number of annual music festivals, upcoming concerts, live music venues, summer hotel affordability, and annual search interest. Las Vegas, renowned for its legendary artist residencies featuring icons like Elvis Presley and contemporary stars such as Adele, has taken the lead with over 2,500 upcoming concerts. This amounts to approximately 398 concerts for every 100,000 residents, along with 11 planned music festivals. The city also leads in search interest, with nearly 700,000 annual searches for live music events, which is about 108,164 searches per 100,000 residents. Following Las Vegas, New Orleans and Minneapolis ranked second and third, respectively, as the top destinations for live music enthusiasts.
VIRAL BURGER SENSATION NADC BURGER LAUNCHES POP-UP AT RESORTS WORLD
A viral burger sensation has made its debut on the Las Vegas Strip. NADC Burger, which stands for Not A Damn Chance, launched its highly anticipated pop-up at Resorts World Las Vegas with a grand opening that drew large crowds. Fans began lining up at noon to meet co-founders Neen Williams, a professional skateboarder, and Chef Phillip Frankland Lee, known for his Michelin-recognized restaurants and as Co-Owner of Scratch Restaurants Group. Guests were treated to NADC’s 100% Wagyu beef burgers, including the exclusive Breakfast Burger, available only in Las Vegas. The pop-up will operate for three months, offering service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This marks the latest expansion for the viral brand, which already boasts locations in New York City, Denver, Chicago, Austin, and more.
SPHERE STUDIOS REVIVES WIZARD OF OZ SCORE ON ORIGINAL SOUNDSTAGE
The iconic film “The Wizard of Oz” is set to make a grand return next month at the Sphere, offering audiences a unique and immersive experience. The team at Sphere Studios has re-recorded the film’s score to enhance the sound quality for the venue’s advanced audio system. Remarkably, the new score was recorded at the same soundstage where the original movie score was produced in 1939. The World of Oz will come to life on August 28, promising a transformative experience for all who attend.
ENCHANT TO RETURN TO LAS VEGAS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Enchant Christmas is coming back to Las Vegas this winter. The popular festival attraction has announced its return for its fourth year to the Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin, starting on November 21 through December 28. Attendees will be able to enjoy what organizers say is a brand-new, never-before-seen theme and experience, featuring larger-than-life light sculptures, an ice-skating trail, and other new festive features yet to be announced. For those ready to secure their tickets, a special ‘Christmas in July’ opportunity started on July 18.
BELLAGIO UNVEILS DETAILS FOR NEW RESTAURANT
The Bellagio Resort & Casino has unveiled details for a new restaurant that will be set against its famous fountains. CARBONE Riviera will take over the space that once belonged to Picasso, complete with a luxury mini yacht that will carry guests around the Lago di Como for the first time in the resort’s history. The restaurant comes from Major Food Group in partnership with MGM Resorts. The two companies say CARBONE Riviera will serve guests a new vision of a seafood-driven experience that will include a seafood display with an ice-laden centerpiece that showcases delicacies flown in daily. The whole fish program boasts dishes like salt-baked branzino and grilled Dover sole, all presented tableside. The menu will also feature pastas, cooked seafood and more. A new guest experience is the luxury Riva mini yacht. A 33-foot open powerboat and one of only 18 produced, the yacht will transport guests through the Bellagio’s lake and provide new views of the resort’s famous Fountains. An opening date has not yet been announced. MGM says more details will be revealed in the coming months.
BACKSTREET BOYS LAUNCH IMMERSIVE FAN EXPERIENCE
Fans of the Backstreet Boys are in for a special treat ahead of the band’s return to Las Vegas. A new immersive fan experience, “Backstreet Boys Terminal,” at The Venetian Resort, is set to celebrate the release of their new album, “Millennium 2.0,” and their upcoming residency at The Sphere. The experience opened July 10 and will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays, during show weeks. The terminal features an airport theme and pays homage to the band’s famous “Millennium” album, taking fans on a trip through the band’s history. It includes a full replica of the MTV Total Request Live (TRL) studio, where they frequently appeared, including their famous 1999 Times Square takeover. Visitors can enjoy interactive and photo opportunities, such as a private jet photo booth, a Millennium tour stop map, and lounges designed to resemble exclusive airport lounges. A merchandise shop sells limited-edition items from brands like Madeworn and Anti Social Social Club, which are not available anywhere else. Fans can also see dressing rooms inspired by each band member. The Backstreet Boys Terminal is on the second floor of the Waterfall Atrium at The Venetian Resort, near the Grand Canal Shoppes entrance. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome.
MOB MUESUM SEEKING HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS
Got mob-era artifacts? The Mob Museum wants to give them a new home. The Mob Museum is home to a collection of items from Las Vegas’ early days as a hub for mob activity. Now, the Mob Museum is calling upon the community for “rare, original artifacts.” These items should be unique with intriguing backstories that “capture the grit, glamour and underworld intrigue of Mob-era Vegas.” Examples of artifacts the museum is searching for include: Showgirl costumes; Well-preserved casino uniforms; Musical instruments played by prominent Las Vegas entertainers; Vintage vehicles driven by mobsters; Casino equipment used in “illicit operations”; and any other personal belongings of mob members and/or law enforcement figures. Artifacts are being accepted by the museum until August 31.If you have pieces you’d like to submit for consideration, contact the Mob Museum’s curatorial team through the website. If artifacts are accepted, their owners will be contacted directly by the museum.
WEDDING ROW CELEBRATES THREE YEARS
The City of Las Vegas is celebrating the third anniversary of Wedding Row, a downtown destination dedicated to love, vows, and happily ever afters. Known as the “Marriage Capital of the World,” Las Vegas hosts over 150 marriages per day. To mark the occasion, a new set of banners has been unveiled downtown to honor the city’s thriving wedding industry. Wedding Row includes several chapels and the Clark County Marriage License Bureau, located at 201 E. Clark Ave. Wedding Row follows the successful launches of Restaurant Row at Carson Ave. and Brewery Row in downtown Las Vegas. For more information about Wedding Row, visit the city’s official website.
WESTGATE UNVEILS THE IMPERIAL SKY VILLA: A LEGENDARY TRIBUTE TO ELVIS PRESLEY’S LEGACY
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino has introduced its newest luxury accommodation: the Imperial Sky Villa, a reimagined Sky Villa that honors the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley, as part of the resort’s “Year of Elvis” celebration marking his 90th birthday. Formerly known as the Tuscany Sky Villa, the Imperial Sky Villa is more than a name change — it’s a living, breathing piece of Las Vegas history. Originally built atop the hotel when it opened in 1969, this area was once home to Elvis’ suite, known as the “Elvis Presley Suite”, where the King himself lived during his legendary Vegas residency.
MOB MUSEUM ACQUIRES TOMMY GUN FROM VALENTINE’S DAY MASSACRE
The Mob Museum in Las Vegas has acquired an artifact from one of the most notorious gangland shootings in American history. The museum announced that it has added one of the Thompson submachine guns used in the 1929 St. Valentine’s Day Massacre to its exhibit on the killings. Seven men tied to Chicago’s North Side Gang were lined up facing a wall and shot on February 14, 1929. Speculation swirled as to who ordered the killings, with much attention paid to Chicago Outfit leader Al Capone. One of the gunmen was identified as Fred Burke. His “Tommy gun” was recovered from his home and matched to the crime scene by forensic pioneer Dr. Calvin Goddard.