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Las Vegas is known for its entertainment. Visitors and locals can find just about anything here. But if you’re looking for a way to take your experience to the next level, Vegas is also home to some of the biggest local festivals.
From multi-genre music fests to massive cultural celebrations, you can find almost anything in Vegas at any time of year. While this article addresses all the big festivals, check out some favorite local festivals.
What makes a big Vegas festival so great? More than the music, these events bring an atmosphere of community, art, and togetherness you can’t get anywhere else.
Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend (April 18-21)
WHERE: The Orleans Hotel in south Vegas, only minutes from The Strip.
WHEN: As early as 10pm on Wednesday the 17th until the wee Monday morning hours.
Renowned worldwide, the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend is a four-day festival that pulls in cool cats and betties from all around (over 20 countries, in fact).
The Sounds
- You can expect a variety of DJs each day, including sets from DJ Diamond D, DJ Lady Luck Lexy, DJ Deano, and much more.
- Musical guests include rockabilly bands like Tupelo Highshots, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, Eddie & thee Scorpions, and the Country Side of Harmonica Sam.
The Bash
In addition to the music, Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend has a packed schedule of events:
- Sober Meetup
- Singles Meetup
- Vinyl Meet ‘n’ Greet
- Fashion Show
- Burlesque Showcase
- Swimsuit contests
Electric Daisy Carnival (May 17-19)
WHERE: The Las Vegas Motor Speedway on the northeast end of the city.
WHEN: The opening ceremony starts at 5pm Friday, May 17th, and goes through Sunday, May 19th.
The Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC Las Vegas) is a massive, immersive, and transformative three-day event that boasts the record of being North America’s largest electronic dance music (EDM) festival.
Are you wondering about the atmosphere? Under a spectrum of festive lights, EDC Las Vegas proudly revolves around a theme of self-expression, love, unity, and respect.
The Music
Popular EDM artists include (but certainly aren’t limited to):
- John Summit
- Vintage Culture
- Alesso
- Hannah Laing
- Punctual
The Extras
- Food and drink vendors can be found throughout the festival
- Free water refill stations across the festival
- Vegetarian and vegan food will be offered
- Locker rentals are available to store your items
- You must be 18+ to enter and 21+ for alcohol and VIP access
Las Vegas Juneteenth Festival (June 12-15)
WHERE: The Expo at World Market Center
WHEN: Wednesday, June 12th through Saturday, June 15th
The largest Juneteenth celebration in Las Vegas is the Las Vegas Juneteenth Festival (LVJF), celebrating its 23rd anniversary this year. Attendees can expect live music, delicious food vendors, local artisans, and activities for the whole family, all celebrating African American history and culture.
Entertainment
The entertainment lineup and event schedule are yet to be announced. Stay updated on their website for new information.
What to Know
- This event is free to attend. However, their website does encourage a donation to the general fund.
- Parking is free inside the Expo garage, but there will be a charge for any overflow parking.
- Drugs and alocohol are not permitted at the LVJF
iHeartRadio Music Festival (September 20 & 21)
WHERE: T-Mobile Arena
WHEN: Doors open at 6:30 on September 20th and 21st, ending around midnight
Celebrating its 14th year in Las Vegas, the iHeartRadio Music Festival lasts two days and features chart-topping artists from an eclectic array of music genres.
Past iHeart fests have featured artists such as Deadmau5, Mary J. Blige, Paul McCartney, and Justin Timberlake. 2024 artists have yet to be announced, but if previous headliners are any indication, it’ll be another exciting year!
What to Know
- An adult must accompany guests under 16
- The Strip offers a variety of lodging accommodations to choose from
- Reserved parking is available to T-Mobile Arena visitors
Life is Beautiful (September 20-22)
WHERE: Downtown Las Vegas
WHEN: Friday, September 20th through Sunday the 22nd
Every year, the Life is Beautiful festival brings popular music acts and a plethora of food and beverages to Downtown Vegas. The 2024 lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but last year featured an eclectic range of genres, with each day’s respective headliners being The Killers, Kendrick Lamar, and Odesza.
What to Do
The event offers more than music. Guests can enjoy themselves by:
- Checking out featured culinary spots
- Indulging in the local art scene.
- Bar crawling to see what local joints have to offer
What to Know
- Vegas.com suggests guests should be prepared for limited cell service!
- The festival stretches across 18+ city blocks, so plan your stops ahead of time.
- Shuttles will be available.
- Stay hydrated, because capable persons may be traveling on foot a lot. And Vegas is in a desert, after all.
When We Were Young Festival (October 19 & 20)
WHERE: Las Vegas Festival Grounds
WHEN: Each day officially starts at 11am and will last until around midnight
When We Were Young aims to evoke your 2000s nostalgia with some of the era’s most popular emo and pop punk, including a number of bands playing through their classic albums from front to back.
My Chemical Romance plans to play the entirety of “The Black Parde” while Jimmy Eat World will play all of “Bleed Amerian.”
Featured Bands Include
- Fall Out Boy (headliner)
- Simple Plan
- Dashboard Confessional
- A Day to Remember
- The All-American Rejects
- Saves the Day
- New Found Glory
And a ton more. Check out the website for more info about the lineup.
What to Know
The festival is open to all ages, but attendees must have a ticket. Amenities include bars, concessions, and free water stations. And don’t forget about the merch booths!
