Events
A Year-Round Guide for 2024-2025
Las Vegas, often referred to as the Entertainment Capital of the World, is a vibrant city located in the Mojave Desert of Nevada. Known for its bustling nightlife, grand casinos, and diverse entertainment options, Las Vegas also hosts an array of events throughout the year that draw millions of visitors from around the globe. From cultural festivals and music concerts to trade shows and culinary extravaganzas, the city’s calendar is packed with activities that cater to a wide range of interests.
The city’s appeal as an event destination is unparalleled, thanks to its world-class venues, easy accessibility, and a wide array of accommodation options. Whether you’re a fan of high-energy music festivals, intimate art shows, or large-scale conventions, Las Vegas has something for everyone.
January
CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
- Dates: January 7-10, 2025
- Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Contact: CES
What Makes It Special: CES is the world’s largest tech event, showcasing cutting-edge innovations and trends in consumer electronics. Attendees can experience product launches, demonstrations, and keynote speeches from industry leaders.
The Las Vegas Winter Market
- Dates: January 28-February 1, 2025
- Location: World Market Center, 475 S Grand Central Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89106
- Contact: Las Vegas Market
What Makes It Special: This premier furniture, home decor, and gift market attracts buyers and sellers from all over the world. It features a wide array of showrooms and exhibitors, offering the latest trends in home furnishings.
The SHOT Show
- Dates: January 21-24, 2025
- Location: Sands Expo Convention Center, 201 Sands Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89169
- Contact: SHOT Show
What Makes It Special: As the largest event of its kind, the SHOT Show brings together professionals from the shooting, hunting, and outdoor industries. The event includes product showcases, demonstrations, and networking opportunities.
February
Chinese New Year in the Desert
- Dates: February 1-9, 2025
- Location: Various locations including The LINQ Promenade, 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Contact: CNY in the Desert
What Makes It Special: Celebrating the Lunar New Year, this festival includes traditional lion dances, cultural performances, and culinary delights. It’s a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture in the heart of Las Vegas.
Magic Las Vegas
- Dates: February 11-14, 2025
- Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Contact: Magic Las Vegas
What Makes It Special: Magic Las Vegas is the ultimate fashion marketplace in the U.S., showcasing the latest in apparel, footwear, and accessories. The event features runway shows, seminars, and networking opportunities for fashion professionals.
Black History Month Festival
- Dates: February 22-23, 2025
- Location: Springs Preserve, 333 S Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107
- Contact: Springs Preserve
What Makes It Special: This festival celebrates African American culture with live music, dance performances, art displays, and educational exhibits. It’s a family-friendly event that highlights the rich cultural heritage of the African American community.
March
NASCAR Weekend
- Dates: March 1-3, 2025
- Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7000 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89115
- Contact: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
What Makes It Special: This high-octane weekend includes the Pennzoil 400, featuring NASCAR’s top drivers competing in a thrilling race. The event also includes fan experiences, meet-and-greets, and pre-race entertainment.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
- Dates: March 15-17, 2025
- Location: Downtown Henderson, Water Street, Henderson, NV 89015
- Contact: Henderson Events
What Makes It Special: One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the region, this event includes a lively parade, cultural performances, and a carnival. The festival offers fun for the whole family with traditional Irish food, music, and dance.
Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit
- Dates: March 27-30, 2025
- Location: Various locations on the Strip
- Contact: Vegas Uncork’d
What Makes It Special: This premier culinary event features renowned chefs, interactive cooking demonstrations, and exclusive dining experiences. Attendees can enjoy gourmet tastings, wine pairings, and meet some of the world’s top culinary talents.
April
Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend
- Dates: April 10-13, 2025
- Location: The Orleans Hotel & Casino, 4500 W Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103
- Contact: Viva Las Vegas
What Makes It Special: The largest rockabilly event in the world, this weekend includes car shows, live music, burlesque performances, and vintage fashion shows. It’s a celebration of 1950s culture and style.
The Mint 400 Off-Road Race
- Dates: April 4-7, 2025
- Location: Primm, NV (Start/Finish Line at Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino)
- Contact: The Mint 400
What Makes It Special: Known as the “Great American Off-Road Race,” The Mint 400 is a grueling off-road race through the Nevada desert. Spectators can enjoy thrilling off-road action, meet drivers, and participate in fan events.
Las Vegas Film Festival
- Dates: April 22-26, 2025
- Location: Various venues including the Palms Casino Resort, 4321 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103
- Contact: Las Vegas Film Festival
What Makes It Special: This festival showcases independent films from around the world, featuring screenings, panels, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers. It’s a platform for emerging talent and a celebration of cinematic creativity.
May
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)
- Dates: May 17-19, 2025
- Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7000 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89115
- Contact: Electric Daisy Carnival
What Makes It Special: EDC is one of the largest electronic dance music festivals in the world, featuring top DJs, spectacular light shows, and immersive art installations. It’s a three-day celebration of music, dance, and creativity.
Helldorado Days
- Dates: May 8-11, 2025
- Location: Downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street
- Contact: Helldorado Days
What Makes It Special: This annual rodeo and western heritage celebration includes parades, rodeo events, carnival rides, and a chili cook-off. It’s a tribute to Las Vegas’s Wild West roots and a fun family event.
Billboard Music Awards
- Dates: May 18, 2025
- Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena, 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Contact: Billboard Music Awards
What Makes It Special: Celebrating the biggest names in music, the Billboard Music Awards features live performances, star-studded red carpets, and award presentations. It’s a glamorous evening honoring the year’s top musical talents.
June
World Series of Poker (WSOP)
- Dates: June 1-July 15, 2024
- Location: Horseshoe Las Vegas, 3645 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Contact: World Series of Poker
What Makes It Special: The WSOP is the world’s most prestigious poker tournament, attracting professional and amateur players from around the globe. Participants compete for millions in prize money and the coveted WSOP bracelets.
Las Vegas Restaurant Week
- Dates: June 10-16, 2024
- Location: Various restaurants across Las Vegas
- Contact: Las Vegas Restaurant Week
What Makes It Special: This annual event offers fixed-price menus at top restaurants, with proceeds benefiting local food banks. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy gourmet meals while supporting a good cause.
NHL Awards
- Dates: June 19, 2024
- Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena, 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Contact: NHL Awards
What Makes It Special: Celebrating the best players in the National Hockey League, the NHL Awards feature presentations, performances, and appearances by hockey legends. It’s a must-attend event for hockey fans.
July
Fourth of July Fireworks and Celebrations
- Dates: July 4, 2024
- Location: Various locations including The Strip and Fremont Street
- Contact: Las Vegas 4th of July
What Makes It Special: Las Vegas celebrates Independence Day with spectacular fireworks displays, concerts, and patriotic events. The city’s skyline lights up with pyrotechnic shows that are among the best in the country.
Las Vegas Summer League (NBA)
- Dates: July 5-15, 2024
- Location: Thomas & Mack Center, 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154
- Contact: NBA Summer League
What Makes It Special: The NBA Summer League features rookie and sophomore players from all 30 NBA teams, providing fans a first look at the league’s up-and-coming talent. It includes games, fan events, and meet-and-greets.
Evo Championship Series
- Dates: July 19-21, 2024
- Location: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
- Contact: Evo Championship Series
What Makes It Special: Evo is the world’s largest fighting game tournament, featuring competitions in games like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Super Smash Bros. It draws the best players from around the globe for intense matchups and esports excitement.
August
Def Con
- Dates: August 8-11, 2024
- Location: Caesars Forum, 3911 S Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Contact: Def Con
What Makes It Special: One of the world’s largest hacker conventions, Def Con offers talks, workshops, and competitions related to cybersecurity, hacking, and technology. It’s a unique event for tech enthusiasts and professionals.
Las Vegas Elvis Festival
- Dates: August 15-18, 2024
- Location: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Contact: Las Vegas Elvis Festival
What Makes It Special: Celebrating the legacy of Elvis Presley, this festival features tribute artists, live performances, and memorabilia exhibits. It’s a must-visit for Elvis fans and music lovers.
International Pizza Expo
- Dates: August 26-29, 2024
- Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Contact: International Pizza Expo
What Makes It Special: The largest pizza show in the world, the International Pizza Expo includes exhibitions, demonstrations, and competitions. Pizza professionals and enthusiasts can discover new trends and products.
September
Life is Beautiful Festival
- Dates: September 20-22, 2024
- Location: Downtown Las Vegas
- Contact: Life is Beautiful
What Makes It Special: This multi-day music and arts festival features performances from top artists, street art installations, culinary experiences, and inspirational speakers. It transforms downtown Las Vegas into a vibrant celebration of creativity.
iHeartRadio Music Festival
- Dates: September 27-28, 2024
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, 3780 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89158
- Contact: iHeartRadio Music Festival
What Makes It Special: Featuring performances from some of the biggest names in music, the iHeartRadio Music Festival is a two-day event that spans multiple genres. It includes live performances, collaborations, and surprise guest appearances.
Las Vegas Pride Festival and Parade
- Dates: September 6-8, 2024
- Location: Downtown Las Vegas and Sunset Park, 2601 E Sunset Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89120
- Contact: Las Vegas Pride
What Makes It Special: Celebrating diversity and inclusion, the Las Vegas Pride Festival and Parade features live entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. The colorful parade is a highlight, showcasing the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
October
Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival
- Dates: October 4-6, 2024
- Location: Tivoli Village, 400 S Rampart Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89145
- Contact: Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival
What Makes It Special: This gourmet event features tastings from world-renowned chefs, fine wines, and spirits. Attendees can enjoy culinary demonstrations, live music, and exclusive VIP experiences.
Halloween in Las Vegas
- Dates: October 31, 2024
- Location: Various locations including Fremont Street and The Strip
- Contact: Halloween Las Vegas
What Makes It Special: Las Vegas transforms into a spooky wonderland with costume parties, haunted houses, and themed events. The city’s nightlife venues host extravagant Halloween bashes, making it one of the best places to celebrate the holiday.
Las Vegas Book Festival
- Dates: October 19, 2024
- Location: Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S 4th St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Contact: Las Vegas Book Festival
What Makes It Special: The largest literary event in Nevada, the Las Vegas Book Festival features author readings, panel discussions, book signings, and children’s activities. It’s a celebration of literature and the written word.
November
Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Finals
- Dates: November 6-10, 2024
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, 3780 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89158
- Contact: PBR World Finals
What Makes It Special: The PBR World Finals bring the top bull riders in the world to compete for the championship title. The event includes thrilling rides, fan experiences, and entertainment.
Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
- Dates: November 17, 2024
- Location: The Strip, starting at Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue
- Contact: Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
What Makes It Special: This marathon is known for its festive atmosphere, live music along the course, and the chance to run on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. It includes various race distances and draws runners from around the world.
Thanksgiving Weekend Events
- Dates: November 28-30, 2024
- Location: Various locations including The Strip and Downtown
- Contact: Thanksgiving in Las Vegas
What Makes It Special: Las Vegas offers a range of events for Thanksgiving weekend, including special dining experiences, shows, and Black Friday shopping. It’s a great time to enjoy the city’s entertainment offerings with family and friends.
December
Las Vegas Bowl
- Dates: December 21, 2024
- Location: Allegiant Stadium, 3333 Al Davis Way, Las Vegas, NV 89118
- Contact: Las Vegas Bowl
What Makes It Special: This annual college football bowl game features teams from the Pac-12 and Mountain West conferences. It’s a thrilling sporting event that brings football fans together for a festive atmosphere.
Christmas in Las Vegas
- Dates: December 1-25, 2024
- Location: Various locations including The Strip and Fremont Street
- Contact: Christmas in Las Vegas
What Makes It Special: Las Vegas celebrates the holiday season with festive decorations, holiday-themed shows, and special events. Highlights include the Bellagio Conservatory’s holiday display and ice skating at The Cosmopolitan.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
- Dates: December 31, 2024
- Location: The Strip and Fremont Street
- Contact: New Year’s Eve Las Vegas
What Makes It Special: Las Vegas hosts one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world, with spectacular fireworks, live performances, and parties at various venues. The city comes alive with revelers celebrating the arrival of the new year.
Highlights and Features
Each event in Las Vegas has its unique highlights and features. Whether it’s the cutting-edge technology at CES, the culinary delights at Vegas Uncork’d, or the thrilling rides at the PBR World Finals, there’s something special about every event. Many events include special performances, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to meet industry leaders and celebrities. The themes range from technology and fashion to sports and music, ensuring a diverse and vibrant event calendar.
Tickets and Pricing
- CES: Prices start at $100 for an exhibit pass; registration available online.
- EDC: General admission starts at $349; tickets available on the EDC website.
- Las Vegas Restaurant Week: Prices vary by restaurant; menus available online.
Getting There
- Public Transportation: Las Vegas offers convenient options including buses, the Monorail, and ride-sharing services.
- Parking: Most venues offer ample parking, but it’s advisable to arrive early for major events.
- Accessibility: Many event venues are fully accessible; check specific event websites for details.
Insider Tips
- Best Times to Attend: For popular events like CES or EDC, attend early in the day to avoid crowds.
- Local Customs: Respect local etiquette by dressing appropriately for formal events and following rules for photography and behavior.
- Other Attractions: While attending events, explore other Las Vegas attractions such as the Neon Museum, Red Rock Canyon, and world-class shows.
Safety and Comfort
- Safety Measures: Large events often have enhanced security measures; follow all guidelines and be aware of your surroundings.
- Comfort Tips: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, stay hydrated, and bring essentials like sunscreen and a hat for outdoor events.
Planning Your Visit
Las Vegas’s event calendar is packed with exciting activities throughout the year. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a music lover, a foodie, or a sports fan, there’s an event for you. Plan your visit around these events to make the most of your trip to Las Vegas. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, diverse culture, and unparalleled entertainment that this city has to offer.