Popular Festivals and Events in Las Vegas

Musical Festivals

Las Vegas is beautiful at all times. But sometimes, a little reset is needed to avoid being completely sucked into the world of gambling and sin. Here are some interesting events in Las Vegas that can provide some fun.

Electric Daisy Carnival

EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival) is the biggest carnival you have ever seen. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway transforms into a massive adult playground, full of wild rides, inventions, and the best artists in the industry. The festival lasts three days and takes place every May/June.

iHeart Radio Music Festival

Here you will find all your favorite pop and hip-hop artists under one roof. Every September, the event gathers thousands of people in one place. The festival takes over the southern part of the city for two days with many leading artists. Major performances include Coldplay, The Weeknd, Chris Stapleton, and Pink on the first day. Headliners on the second day include DJ Khaled, Miley Cyrus, Kings of Leon, and Big Sean.

Life is Beautiful

Life is Beautiful is a truly unique festival. Don’t believe it? Well, how about naming another festival that can take up more than 18 blocks in downtown Las Vegas for three days every September? Yes, we thought so.

The festival was born in 2013 as part of a large-scale transformation of Las Vegas into a cultural center. Many artists have performed here, including Kanye West, Foo Fighters, Lorde, Duran Duran, and Tegan & Sara. Just take a walk around downtown and enjoy its splendor.

Punk Rock Bowling & Music Festival

This year, a landmark festival will take place in downtown Las Vegas, where punks return with a stunning lineup. Iggy Pop is the main headliner, and his manic energy electrifies not only fans but also opponents of punk rock.

Punk Rock Bowling is a music festival founded in Las Vegas in 1999 by brothers Shawn and Mark Stern. It’s a fusion of rockers, bowling lovers, activists, the music industry, and a large number of random spectators who just want to see what all the noise is about. When thousands of punks gather in one place, it's a real spectacle, we assure you.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Okay, maybe Coachella is technically not in Vegas, but it’s damn close. And when else will you get a chance to mention this luxurious three-day feast of good music? A quick four-hour drive from the Las Vegas Strip will take you to a place where Depeche Mode, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bjork, Jack Johnson, Beyoncé, and practically all the other great (and not so great) artists of the world have performed. The festival takes place on weekends in April.

Cultural and Gastronomic Festivals

Epicurean Affair

More than 70 restaurants come together to give you the ultimate gourmet experience. You might fall into a food coma from the abundance of deliciousness. Forget about the perfect toned body and indulge in a feast of delicious food for a few days in May. Of course, no tasting event would be complete without top-notch chefs, mixologists, and other culinary masters. From the first sips to the last bites, this is something you can’t miss.

RiSE Lantern Festival

Las Vegas is not just about dining and partying. Sometimes you need to rest your soul. And what could be better than heading out into the desert and visiting the lantern festival? No roaring music, no annoying service, no alcohol, and no screaming crowd. Just you and your thoughts.

Vegas Uncork’d

This annual gastronomic event, organized by Bon Appétit magazine, brings together the best chefs and sommeliers, offering guests a unique opportunity to try exquisite dishes and drinks. Masterclasses, tastings, and gala dinners make the festival a real treat for gourmets.

Las Vegas Film Festival

The Las Vegas Film Festival attracts movie lovers and industry professionals from around the world. The festival program includes screenings of new films, masterclasses, and meetings with directors and actors. It’s a great opportunity to learn about new releases in the film industry and meet like-minded people.

Great American Foodie Fest

This festival is dedicated to street food and brings together the best vendors and chefs from different parts of the country. Here you can try a variety of dishes, from traditional American burgers to exotic delicacies. The festival offers its guests not only delicious food but also an entertainment program with live music and contests.

Special Events and Activities

NASCAR Weekend

Car racing enthusiasts will definitely appreciate this weekend held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Here you can see exciting races, meet the drivers, and enjoy the atmosphere of real motorsport. NASCAR Weekend attracts thousands of spectators and offers unforgettable emotions.

Las Vegas Pride Festival

Dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, this festival is held every year and attracts thousands of participants. Parades, concerts, parties, and events make Las Vegas Pride a bright and unforgettable event. The festival promotes tolerance, respect, and equality.

Route 91 Harvest Festival

Although this country festival has not been held since 2017, it left a deep mark in the history of Las Vegas. It was known for its stars and unique atmosphere. Despite the tragic events, Route 91 Harvest Festival remains a symbol of country music and love for life. More than 50 headliners, such as Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Big & Rich, Jake Owen, Florida Georgia Line, and others helped hold the country music festival every fall for three days. Whoever said country boys and girls don’t like to have a good time obviously never attended the Route 91 festival.

How to Prepare for the Festival

Knowing what to expect can help you get the most out of your experience and avoid mistakes that can ruin the positive experience. Here are some important things to know before the festival.

• There are always many artists you want to see, but unfortunately, you can't always catch them all. Find out where they play and how to get there. There are times when you have to choose one over the other due to conflicting schedules.
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Dehydration is one of the biggest dangers for festival-goers.
• Music festivals are about having fun, meeting people, and making memories, and it’s important to stay healthy.
• Don’t think you can save your phone's battery and have a working phone by the end of the night. Chances are, your phone will die during the festival, so bring a power bank.
• Wear loose, comfortable walking shoes. Dress appropriately for the weather. Bring extra clothes if necessary.
• Don’t forget to apply sunscreen every morning before leaving.

You can learn more about the festivals in Las Vegas from our selection of articles.