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City Cast Las Vegas

Find the best that Las Vegas has to offer.

Spring is here and the weather is getting warmer — on some days, at least. As Vegas hotels open their pools for the season, there’s no reason for locals to feel left out.

 is open to non-hotel guests who are 21 and over. In a killer deal that’s almost too good to believe, anyone with a Nevada ID can book a free cabana Sunday-Friday (and seven days a week through April 30).

General admission is $20 (via walkup or online through 

 at Virgin Hotels. The latter serves the entire menu from neighboring Kassi Beach House (one of Virgin’s best restaurants) without a poolside markup.

 is open daily with free admission for locals 21 and over. And yes, the Sahara remains one of those rare 

 pool deck for as little as $30 admission, although there’s no cover when dining at the Backyard Grill. Those who work in hospitality get free admission on Industry Mondays.

 has a newly renovated pool area to go along with its new name. Cabanas start as low as $200 (or $350 during peak season) with water bottles and a fruit plate included. Regular admission is $20 ($10 for kids under 10), although those prices increase by 10 bucks on May 1. Get a two-for-one admission deal Monday-Thursday.

 for non-hotel guests is $15 (Monday–Thursday), $25 (Friday–Saturday), or $35 (holidays) with bottle service beginning at $150. Locals get half-price adult admission on Thursdays. A VIP Season Pass ($199 through April 30, $249 as of May 1) includes unlimited entry to both M Pool and the DayDream dayclub throughout the season.

 at the Aria gives locals free admission on Wednesdays, along with a champagne open bar for the ladies (12:30-1:30 p.m.), $200 bottle specials on tequila and vodka, and buy-one, get-one well cocktails.

 more dayclub fun? Locals get free admission and drink specials Wednesdays at 

As always, deals can change at any moment 🤑

Vegas resorts aren't just for tourists. Have fun and save a few bucks with the best pools deals and discounts for locals.

The Best Vegas Hotel Pools for Locals

Find the best of everything that Las Vegas has to offer.

Las Vegas’s Best

Las Vegas' Best

free performances by the Nevada Shakespeare Festival

, but what else is there to do in April — besides taxes, of course? 💸 We have a few ideas.

Forget Coachella. (It’s sold out anyway.) The Beverly Theater has 

 — a series of music-focused movies throughout the month. Highlights include the 50th anniversary edition of “The Song Remains the Same" (April 5, 8), which captures Led Zeppelin at their peak in 1973, and Disney’s “Fantasia,” a visual feast for classical music that ages incredibly well. The Beverly Theater is also honoring the late, great Rob Reiner with 

 by the director: “Stand By Me,” “The Princess Bride,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Misery.” It’s the best 15 bucks you can spend in Vegas.

Poolside tastings are making a comeback in Las Vegas. Check out the inaugural 

 at the Red Rock Resort, showcasing bites from Station Casinos’ restaurants under the stars on April 18. We’re also excited about the return of 

, which puts local, neighborhood chefs front and center, offering one-night-only dishes at the Palms Pool on April 26.

April is full of big events that celebrate music, culture, and sometimes, maybe a little bit of both:

🧑‍🎨 Chalk One (or Two) Up For Art

Two events are celebrating the beauty of chalk art in different ways. The 

 festival returns to the Arts District for the third straight year, inviting local artists to decorate sidewalks in conjunction with Market in the Alley on April 18. A week later, the 

 comes to the Summerlin Library on April 25, showcasing art along with a day of live music.

Arbor Day falls on the last Friday of April to celebrate the importance of trees. The message resonates strongly in our desert climate. Clark County has teamed up with the Arbor Day Foundation, 

 to local residents who qualify. The City of Henderson is 

 to those who plant trees and convert their yards to desert landscaping — and organizing an 

 to explore nature along the Pittman Wash.

 is open from April 4 to May 25. It’s beautiful and zen-like, but draws big crowds. Our own Sonja Cho Swanson shares a hot tip 🔥 for how to get in early and beat the rush during the latest episode of 

best activities and recommendations for April

Your Guide to April 2026 in Las Vegas

April is a busy month in Las Vegas. Here's your guide to festivals, dining, art,  and more.

Things to Do in Las Vegas April 2026

What To Do in Las Vegas in April 2026

Rob Kachelriess

 at his North Las Vegas warehouse studio to publicly unveil his latest work: a 70-foot-tall steel dragon named Golspar. And yes, it breathes fire 🔥

3011 Coleman St., North Las Vegas, Nevada 89032

“ We want everybody to bring their families and kids,” Stone says, noting the celebration runs from 4 to 10 p.m. with two open bars 👀, complimentary charcuterie spreads, and food sold by the 

, a new medieval-themed resort in the Wisconsin Dells. It took 20 months to complete and will be dismantled and shipped to the Midwest following Saturday’s event. When it arrives, the sculpture will overlook the hotel parking lot, standing atop a concrete platform containing two thousand-pound propane tanks that allow the dragon to shoot fireballs up to 35 feet long.

“Golspar is about 17,000 pounds, the largest steel dragon in the world,” Stone says. “It had to be engineered to handle 150 mile-per-hour windstorms, snow, and other kinds of weather.

The sculptor’s career began as a welder by trade in Canada, working on commercial buildings and bridges before turning to art. He’s built big steel creatures before, including a 50-foot-long 

 near British Columbia’s Okanagan Lake, a 10,000-pound 

eagle at the entrance of a roller coaster

More jumbo-sized sculptures are on the way, including a tree for the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami and an eagle for an Independence Day celebration in Seattle at the Port of Kalama.

Stone has lived in Vegas for more than two years. He says it’s much easier to transport his art throughout the country now. (Imagine trying to cross international borders with a giant steel dragon.)

“My work is so detailed and so big, people think it's AI or something when looking at pictures,” Stone says. Come see the real thing for yourself 

An artist welcomes the public for a free party with open bars, charcuterie, food truck munchies for sale, and a 70-foot dragon.

I’ve Got a Dragon Warehouse Party to Tell You About

 is here to command your attention. The nonprofit theater organization just kicked off a new season, putting a new twist on the poet and playwright, whose works remain timeless — with an adjustment here and there.

“We are an adaptive festival, so we adapt the scripts, we twist the scripts,” according to founder and executive director Matt Morgan. “We try to make them current in their presentation while at the same time, maintaining the integrity of the stories, characters, and relationships that William Shakespeare wrote about.”

The season is already off to a strong start with “Henry V,” presented in a series of free park performances and adapted to just 80 minutes. The story follows a young English king who leads an invasion to seize the French throne.

“Our version moves lightning fast,” Morgan says. “The action is always moving forward. We hit the highlights, we hit the characters, we hit the relationships, but you don't have to sit and listen to poetry for three and a half hours.”

The season continues with “The Taming of the Shrew,” a larger-scale production inside a temperature-controlled tent at Henderson’s Cornerstone Park, April 23-May 2. Running more than two hours (including intermission) and set in the Italian Renaissance, the production is presented in the context of a play-within-a-play that goes wrong. Don’t be surprised to see set pieces collapse and understudies replace actors in the middle of the show.

The Nevada Shakespeare Theater also partners with local libraries and schools, giving generations of all ages a fresh look at Shakespeare via short, stripped-down performances.

“I'd like to think that Shakepeare had a punk rock sense about himself,” Morgan says. “He was pushing, he was provocative. He was daring, he was making bold choices. He was making political statements.”

independent theater can thrive in a city of spectacle

A nonprofit exposes a new generation to William Shakespeare with a series of performances at Southern Nevada parks. 

The Nevada Shakespeare Festival Proves You Can Teach an Old Bard New Tricks 

Time to cheer, scream, bet, and eat chicken wings. March Madness gets underway this week and Las Vegas is loaded with viewing parties.

As the weather heats up, enjoy March Madness from the comfort of a temperature-controlled pool or cabana. Stadium Swim, the rooftop pool deck at Circa, has 

 viewing parties throughout the month with the action easy to watch on a massive 78-million-pixel video wall.

 that’s hard to refuse at UnCommons in the Southwest Valley. Anyone dressed in support of their favorite team gets a free draft beer or dessert.

The Fontainebleau is staking its claim as a top spot for NCAA basketball tournament viewing with 

, transforming the BleauLive Theater into one big party March 19-21. Depending on your ticket, a buffet and at least two drinks are included. You’ll get to watch games on high-def video walls and place bets at an on-site sportsbook.

The D has done a good job establishing itself as one of the best places for March Madness viewing in Downtown. 

 runs March 18-21 with cocktails, concessions, satellite betting stations, and more. Best of all, it’s free! Unless you want to act like a baller and book your own 

 at Boulder Station is one of my favorite sports bars in Henderson. It operates 24 hours a day, the layout is wide open with plenty of seats, and food and drink specials begin at just $5.

 from the premises, Bottled Blonde is one of the best places to watch sports on the Strip. The multi-level bar and restaurant is promising to crank up the sound 

 with table reservations available and open seating by the bar.

Concert residencies are in short supply at Resorts World these days, so it’s nice to see the hotel’s theater put to good use as a 

 viewing party. Admission is free with plenty of food and drink to buy. You can also upgrade to couches and other VIP seating options.

Resorts World and Fontainebleau both offer locals 

Between sports bars and viewing parties, Las Vegas has fun spots for cheering on your favorite teams during March Madness.

Best Restaurants and Viewing Parties for March Madness in Las Vegas

The Best March Madness Viewing Parties in Las Vegas

, setting us up for a hot and sunny spring. Enjoy the weather while you can. There’s lots of stuff to do.

 has a free St. Patrick's Day party on March 13. The event includes drink and pizza specials on the open-air Terrace Overlook, 6-8 p.m. with a drone show finale.

Sons and Daughters of Erin St Patrick's Festival and Parade

 hits Water Street in Downtown Henderson for three straight days, March 13-15. There’s a parade Saturday at 10 a.m. and a car show Sunday at 8 a.m.

The Fremont Street Experience is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for four straight days with the 

, featuring live music on multiple stages March 15-17.

The biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration on the Strip is back at New York-New York. It used to be called Celtic Feis, but now it’s simply the 

. It begins March 14 (coinciding with a Village Street block party and 

 head-shaving) and continues through March 17 with green beer, entertainment, and food by Nine Fine Irishmen on the patio by the Brooklyn Bridge.

🍸 Last Call for Cool Casino Restaurants

If you wonder why casinos keep sticking with the same old restaurants, it’s because the more adventurous ones don’t always draw enough customers. (So yes, I’m blaming you 🫵) Marc Vetri’s 

 pasta bar is one of Durango’s highlights, but will become the resort’s first restaurant to close on March 27. If that’s not enough, one of my favorite Strip restaurants, 

, inspired by the clean, simple recipes of the French Riviera, shutters at the Cosmopolitan on March 31. You still have time to appreciate both of ‘em.

 follows up its regular monthly block party in the Arts District (March 6) with the 

 at Civic Center Plaza March 21 with workshops, speeches, and entertainment.

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour

, which celebrates outdoor sports and culture, comes to the Clark County Library on March 14.

 takes over the Lawn at Downtown Summerlin March 21 with unlimited sips from dozens of local and national breweries, food trucks, games, and big screens, so you won't miss out on March Madness 🏀

 comes to Craig Ranch Regional Park March 21, featuring food trucks, a scavenger hunt for the kids, and a kit to make your own floating water lantern with a release after sunset.

Wetlands Park in Henderson hosts a free, all-ages 

 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 21 with arts and crafts, food, music, and more.

 brings 200 vendors and food trucks to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway March 27-29.

 returns to its roots as a Fremont East street fest March 28. It’s the biggest beer bash of the year with hundreds of sips of beer and cider waiting for you, plus some food to soak up all that booze.

. Bring your own bag to the University of Nevada Reno Extension on Paradise, March 14-15, and fill it up for five bucks 👀 You can also browse used books at the Spring Valley Library’s 

 on March 22 and geek out over comics, art, and pop culture at 

 inside Henderson’s James I. Gibson Library on March 28.

Vegas pools begin to open this month — and you might as well take advantage of the weather early. So I joined the latest episode of 

 to share how and when locals can score a 

cool things to do in Vegas throughout March

March Fun in Vegas

Our Vegas roundup of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, beer festivals, book events, and more.

Las Vegas Events March 2026

What To Do in Las Vegas in March 2026

 — but what if you (or your S.O.) forgot to make plans for Valentine’s Day? The romantic holiday arrives on Saturday, Feb. 14. If you can’t score a reservation at one of the 

 in town, we’ve got a few last-minute date ideas that fall on the affordable side, but won’t make you look cheap.

 is showing two classic romantic comedies on Valentine’s Day at 

 while keeping the titles a mystery until showtime 👀 Tickets are just $15, so take a chance with a different kind of “blind date.” Then again, if you don’t like surprises, check out Oscar contenders 

 celebrates its anniversary on Feb. 14, which is kinda appropriate since it has a full exhibit dedicated to Chicago’s notorious 

. In a tradition locals can appreciate, anyone with a Nevada ID 

 for the day on a first-come, first-served basis.

Valentine’s Day with Mardi Gras for a big party

 in the Arts District on Saturday night, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The “carnival” includes New Orleans drink specials (like sazeracs and hurricanes), mini king cakes, and prize giveaways.

🍣 Whether on the Strip or in Chinatown, it’s not uncommon for Japanese omakase dinners to cost $300 to $500 per person. So we’re happy to see 

 for $148. Highlights include miso-marinated black cod, spicy beef tenderloin, sashimi, maki rolls, and a special strawberry matcha ice cream sandwich.

 in the Arts District. Everyone gets a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, a Coors Banquet draft or Waves canned wine, and a Twinkie while watching “A Fistfull of Dollars” at 5:30 p.m. or “For a Few Dollars More” at 7:30 p.m.

, a year-round scary attraction at AREA15, has a four-course 

 dinner for just $80 per couple through the end of February inside the Premiere House restaurant. (You’ll love the Die-ver Scallops 😋) Cocktail pairings are an additional $40 per person.

💪 A couple that gets in shape together, stays together. So get a workout in at 

 talks to the founder of the Majestic Repertory Theatre about the 

 and how new productions are finding success by tapping into ‘90s nostalgia. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

Forget to make plans? Short on cash? Don't worry. We have you covered for Valentine's Day in Las Vegas.

Cheap Valentine's Day Date Ideas for Las Vegas

Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Date Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

Saturday is Valentine’s Day and we’ve already given you a few 

. But a newer concept, Galentine’s Day, seems to grow in popularity every year.

Galentine’s Day is a celebration of female camaraderie, whether it’s single ladies watching each other’s backs or the fully committed carving out time for their besties. Brunches, bars, bottles of wine — it’s all fair game.

Galentine’s Day isn’t a real holiday by any means, but it semi-officially falls on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. But why stop there? As you’ll see below, celebrations and events are only limited to your imagination and your day planner, taking place throughout the week, including on at least some occasions, on Valentine’s Day itself.

Much in the same way Festivus was a plotline on “Seinfeld” that grew into something bigger in the real world — share your 

 with us anytime — the origins of Galentine’s Day are grounded in another popular sitcom. Amy Poehler’s character Leslie Knope came up with it on an episode of “Parks and Recreation,” bringing ladies together to celebrate without boyfriends or husbands.

👀 Where Can You Celebrate Galentine’s Day in Vegas?

 is hosting a Galentine’s Day networking mixer at the StarBase event space tonight (Feb. 10). Bites and drinks are included in the $65 ticket price.

 (featuring wine-based cocktails) Feb. 13, and a 

, a new rooftop bar at Ellis Island, transforms into 

 Feb. 11-28. Couples and gal pals alike get to munch on charcuterie and other shareable bites while sipping on themed cocktails. Between open-air Strip views and holiday decor, there’s plenty of opportunity to snap Instagram-worthy photos.

 has a multicourse Besties & Bubblies dinner of modern Indian cuisine at Durango Social Club on Feb. 12. Tickets are $60 per person.

 dinner and show debuts a new storyline, “With This Ring, I Thee Dread” Feb. 12-15 at the Rio with chocolates, champagne and rose.

For those with a pessimistic side (or celebrating a fresh divorce), the 

 hosts a “Love Dies” celebration on Feb. 13, featuring a Jason-esque villain in a hockey mask. Order the Painkiller.

Head to AREA15 on Feb. 13 for 30% off reservations for parties of four or more at 

 with half-price martinis and mimosas. Option B: 

Uncorked: Tour of Rosé: San Valentino Edition

 at the Chef’s Table on Feb. 13. The class and wine tasting explores Italian rosé and sparkling wines with a few bites included for $80.

 with $5 margaritas for the ladies and free Mexican candy shots throughout the evening on Feb. 13.

Hold off a day and hit Lotus of Siam’s first 

 of 2026 at the Red Rock Resort on Feb.14. There’s a $65 all-you-can-drink special 1-4:30 p.m. and ladies get a one-hour champagne open bar at 1 p.m.

Step aside fellas. Galentine's Day is all about female bonding, and it's bigger than ever in Las Vegas.

Galentine's Day Events in Las Vegas 2026

Galentine’s Day Celebrations in Las Vegas

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it's a busy one with Lunar New Year festivities, Valentine’s Day, and the 

Lip Smacking Foodie Tours just launched a new two-hour 

, featuring stops at Nocturno, Doberman Drawing Room, Craft Creamery’s CC Speakeasy (which we 

), Prowl, and the newly opened Viking Mike’s — with drinks at each one and a few bites along the way. Considering the average price of just one cocktail these days, $99 for the full tour is a steal.

 exhibit by the main entrance, featuring the work of DARIUSTWIN. The artist uses long-exposure photography and colorful lights to “draw” images in the desert landscapes of Nevada, including ghost towns, state parks, and the Extraterrestrial Highway near Area 51 🛸

It’s a month for carbs. The proof is at Tivoli Village, where 

 on Tuesday nights for $95 per person. The restaurant has a late-night half-priced pasta happy hour too 👀 We’re also fans of the three-course $65 dinner for two on 

 inside Green Valley Ranch. Master your own skills, learning how to 

Ready to celebrate the Year of the Horse? The Bellagio already has a full exhibit at the 

 festival at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (Feb. 13-15), 

 at Desert Breeze Park (Feb. 22), plus a 

🍗 Chicken Wings As a Competitive Sport

 leaves Philadelphia and comes to Las Vegas for the first time, one day before Super Bowl Sunday at the Plaza — and 

. General admission is sold out, but you can still book a private VIP table for four people. It’s $300, but you get to see three rounds of competitive eating while chugging bottomless Beer Zombies blond ale and rocking out to a live performance by Trapt. (Remember 

 is raising the stakes in the Southwest with chances to win center-ice tickets for a Vegas Golden Knights game. The original 

 on Flamingo was known for its Labubu prizes, but the new one in Chinatown is full of unique games (like pulling “carrots” from the ground or playing a miniature pool table) with camera-ready photo spots, viral 3D ice cream, and plans for a communal courtyard with neighboring 

February is a busy month with food, festivals, and all sorts of fun in Las Vegas.

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