The dog days of summer are gone and the temperatures are cooling down, making it the perfect time of year to visit Las Vegas. As you plan your trip, here’s what’s new and what’s noteworthy that you need to know for your upcoming Vegas vacation.
NEW IN FALL 2024
New Neon City Festival Hits the Streets of Downtown Las Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas is gearing up to host the first-ever Neon City Festival which will take over all of Fremont Street Experience, eclectic destinations in the Arts District, and down Las Vegas Blvd. spanning to The STRAT Hotel, Casino, & Tower. The free, all-ages event will feature headlining talent, local food and beverage vendors, art shows, fireworks, and more. More details will be announced and you can sign up to be the first to know at neoncityfestival.com.
Henderson’s Artisan Booze District Welcomes Return of Las Vegas Distillery
One of Henderson’s original gems, the Las Vegas Distillery, has reopened after a two year hiatus. The distillery has undergone a complete transformation including new owners, property renovations, new liquors, cocktail program and bites. Tours and tastings are available Thursday-Sundays and feature the production and tastings of the distillery’s rum, vodka, whiskey and coffee liqueur. These spirits are also showcased in their cocktails such as Espresso Martini, Cable Car, Mai Tai, a Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned, and many more craft cocktails. Lite bites are also available featuring artisan breads from Monzu Italian Oven & Bar and cheese and charcuterie boards from Cured & Whey.
Tropicana Implosion Date Set
As the 35 acres of land on the corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd. transitions over to a new MLB stadium which will house the Athletics, an official date of October 9th has been set for the implosion of the Tropicana Las Vegas. One of the last remaining relics of the ol’ days of the Las Vegas Strip, the icon of the Strip will not go out without a bang. Implosion organizers are planning a commemorative fireworks display and drone show late on October 8th, leading up to the 2:30 a.m. implosion on October 9th.
A close neighbor, The Foundation Room, is hosting a Tropicana Implosion Watch Party. If you haven’t been, The Foundation Room sits atop the Mandalay Bay and offers spectacular views of the city, including the neighboring Tropicana venue. Make a night of it and order a party bus from Discreet Transportation for you and your crew to get to and from the festivities!
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
Neon Museum Seeks To move, expand, at two new locations
As more and more iconic properties, like the Tropicana and Mirage, are closing and/or being imploded to make way for new structures, the Neon Museum has outgrown its current capacity to the point where only about 35% of its collection is on display. It was only a matter of time before more space would be required. For The Neon Museum, that space comes in two complementary locations in the Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas.
According to their press release “The Museum has entered due diligence on two sites: the first being a 60,000-square-foot outdoor display space and 47,000 square feet for an indoor area on the 9th and 10th floors of a proposed parking garage; and a second location a short walk away offering 35,000 square feet of programmable space.”
Las Vegas Finally Getting the Art Museum it Deserves
Las Vegas is one of 30 largest cities in the U.S. without a standalone art museum. After years of adding major league sports arenas, a focus is finally being placed on the arts. The Las Vegas City Council recently approved the design of a $150 million art museum to be located on a 1.5-acre parcel which was sold to the Las Vegas Museum of Art for $1. The museum, designed by notable architect Francis Kéré, will feature two floors of exhibition space as well as more than 600 residential units, a 400-room Marriott Hotel, and a nearby sculpture park. The museum is a collaboration with Los Angeles County Museum of Art, who will lend artwork and provide expertise. The museum is primarily funded by angel investor Elaine Wynn, who has been instrumental in bringing this project to life.
Ferrari Challenge Added to Las Vegas Grand Prix Weekend
Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix just announced the addition of a Ferrari Challenge to the race weekend. This means that spectators will now have the opportunity to see two racing series events take place on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. A practice and qualifying round will take place Thursday, November 21 with races taking place November 22 & 23. Additionally, Ferrari Challenge garages will offer fans an up close look at the 296 challenge cars during a free daytime event set for November 22 & 23 on Las Vegas Boulevard across from Wynn Las Vegas. The event will also feature F1 and F1 ACADEMY team appearances, live entertainment, food trucks, and more.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS
Moapa Valley Corn Maze
One of the most popular fall traditions in the Las Vegas Territory returns! This is the local’s favorite hot spot to get out of the city of neon lights and get a peek at rural farm life with corn mazes (day, night, and haunted), pig races, petting zoo, concessions (including funnel cakes, apple pie fries, and caramel apple slices), hay rides, and plenty more fall fun! The attraction is open select nights September 27-October 30. Get the full schedule, pricing, and more at mvcornmaze.com.
Moapa Valley Pomegranate Festival
Small town, hometown feels… don’t miss Moapa Valley’s Pomegranate Art Festival hosted the first weekend in November at the Clark County Fairgrounds. This free, two-day gathering features artisan craft makers, holiday gift shopping, and entertainment. One must not forget the pomegranate jelly and honey stands and other tasty treats.
Boulder City WURST FESTIVAL
Join locals and tourists alike for this one-day bavarian festival at Bicentennial Park in Boulder City on September 28. Brat-grillers will grill up more than 4,000 brats, sausages, and hot dogs accompanied by refreshing soft drinks, water, margaritas, wine and beer served by Boulder City Sunrise Rotarians. After chowing down on some delicious brats, you can take a stroll through the park which will also have several classic cars on display for the Wurst Dam Car Show.
Art in the Park
Continuing in the spirit of giving back to the community, Art in the Park, benefitting the Boulder City Hospital Foundation, returns October 5-6. The festival spans across Wilbur, Bicentennial, and Escalante parks in Boulder City. The free, family-friendly festival features 300+ juried fine art, fine craft & traditional craft artists selling original artwork, live demonstrations, live music, raffle giveaways, and more! More info at bchcares.org/art-in-the-park/.
From the GRAND events of the Strip to the annual community traditions of the small towns surrounding Las Vegas, there’s plenty to do to make your trip to the Las Vegas Territory memorable. Plan your trip now!