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City Cast Las Vegas

Rob Kachelriess

The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is much more than a tourist attraction. Originally the home of Steve Wynn’s private art collection, the space has become an enduring advocate for history and culture in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.

Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt

, is now welcoming visitors through September 13. The exhibit showcases nearly a hundred ancient Egyptian artifacts, including more than 30 mummified animals unearthed from cemeteries in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Some are wrapped without fanfare in minimalist clay pottery. Others are preserved inside elaborate coffins that resemble the contents within, from cats and crocodiles to a majestic ibis, whose beak is nearly as long as the slender legs that fold underneath the bird’s body. Graphics underneath information panels correspond to X-rays and CT scans, which offer a peek inside the mummified remains.

On loan from the Brooklyn Museum, where many of the pieces were discovered in storage, the collection marks a fascinating intersection between history and mythology. Compared to other civilizations, Ancient Egypt had a stronger degree of reverence for animals, although you can see the evolution documented throughout the exhibit.

An imposing bull’s head, crafted of wood, glass, and ivory, represents how the animal was worshipped as a god in early Egyptian culture. A frieze (or horizontal carving, possibly from above a doorway) is from a later era when Christianity was dominant and animals were viewed as subservient to humans. The oldest piece, a lion’s head carved from pegmatite, dates back five thousand years — give or take.

Tickets begin at $29, but it’s worth spending a little extra for guided docent tours, which take place daily at 11 a.m.

A new exhibit at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art dates back thousands of years and reveals how ancient Egyptians viewed animals.  

Animal Mummies, Now on Display at the Bellagio

Get to know the natural side of Las Vegas: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Las Vegas Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

Is it a good time to get into the Vegas hospitality biz? Shifts are being 

. But don’t forget — leisure and hospitality is nearly a 

. The opportunities are still there. You just have to find ‘em.

). The school runs expedited programs in food service, kitchen work, bartending, and even housekeeping with the support and cooperation of the resort industry. If you’re short on funds, they’ll work it out. Nobody is turned away — and placement is a priority.

 is another top option for in-person and online courses for learning about service, kitchen, and bartending jobs.

 goes more in depth on wine, cocktails, and other drink categories with some of the most experienced people in the biz. If you want to be the best of the best, this helps 🍸

As for casino dealers, you can try your luck with the Sahara, which runs 

 (CEG), which has a history of working closely with Station Casinos for job placement.

Otherwise, use Google to shop around and compare options. Vegas has too many bartending and casino dealer schools to list here. For long-term education, 

 has programs for the culinary arts, food service, and management in hotels, gaming, and events.

You can’t just show up from Ohio with your suitcase and walk right into a service job. A 

 (for alcohol awareness) are required for serving food and drinks.

Some positions (like bartenders and casino dealers) require a 

 (work permit via Metro Police, possibly with an FBI background check), but that typically requires a referral after being accepted for a job.

Nobody wants to send out a resume cold. It’s best to have some kind of contact. Otherwise, the chances of getting your work experience past automated scanners can be slim. Whenever possible, hit a job fair. They happen in Vegas all the time. There’s one coming up on 

 with the likes of Caesars Entertainment, Station Casinos, Harry Reid International Airport, and dozens more in attendance.

I know this article only scratches the surface of what it takes to find a job in Las Vegas. Don’t be afraid to start small with a less-than-ideal position before working your way up. It could open the door to some much-needed experience and contacts for better opportunities down the line 👍

Getting a job in Las Vegas isn't easy. But we have some ideas and guidance on where to start.

How to Get a Job in Las Vegas at Restaurants, Hotels and Casinos

How to Get a Hospitality Job in Las Vegas

What Las Vegans have been wondering. We break down why things in Las Vegas are the way they are and how they work.

Las Vegas, Explained

Following an 18-month building process, the all-new 

 opens to the public on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Built from the ground up, the nearly 42,000-square-foot facility more than doubles the size of the previous version, giving the surrounding community an invaluable resource for navigating a constantly evolving world.

Occupying a parcel of more than five acres, the library is a sleek, modern structure with lots of natural light, outdoor spaces, and a towering foyer with a lobby designed as a place for people to gather and hang out. (Yes, power outlets are everywhere.) The east-facing front entrance was inspired by Southern-style porches — a communal space with plenty of shade from the daytime sun and benches that resemble open books (#cute).

An innovation lab is dedicated to the latest tech, teaching guests about laser cutters, 3D printers, and how to code. Have boxes of old VHS tapes lying around? The digital memory preservation lab can transfer that footage to a thumb drive and cure your hoarding habits. Updated computer stations are available throughout the library.

The multimedia center is especially impressive, allowing guests to record and mix music (with instruments on standby) or produce a podcast. There’s even a room with a wraparound green screen for aspiring filmmakers to experiment with chroma key special effects. An art gallery in the main lobby showcases works by local artists.

The main downstairs area is kids’ stuff, featuring special areas dedicated to teens and tweens (with a gaming console ready to play on a first-come, first-serve basis). Lunchtime meals are provided by Three Square Food Bank. The upstairs level is for adults. A corner room for quiet reading and studying has a clear view of Downtown casinos, making for an especially cool backdrop after dark.

The new library represents a renewed commitment to revitalizing the Historic Westside, a community with a 

. Historical figures and community heroes are highlighted throughout the venue with a timeline mural offering an extensive look at how local and national news events often collide.

More Than Books: A Look Inside the New West Las Vegas Library

 makes an appearance in Las Vegas on Wednesday. June 25. The convoy arrives at Historic Commercial Center 

 to receive the Key to the Strip by Clark County Commission Chairman Tick Segerbloom before making its way down the Strip at 

Please note that we’ve updated the schedule for the elephants’ procession to reflect new information as it came in.

The Great Elephant Migration is an art project with a mission. The 100 life-size elephants, hand-crafted by Indigenous artists in South India, represent a theme of coexistence, based on the shared spaces between wild animals and people in densely populated Indian communities.

The elephants are currently on a thousand-mile road trip through the American West, from Jackson Hole to Beverly Hills, making stops along the way, including national parks like Zion and Joshua Tree. The elephants travel in groups of two and three on Hertz trucks decorated in the style of Indian lorry art.

 of more than 200 Indian artists who coordinate with environmental leaders and organizations around the world. The elephants are designed to spread awareness of environmental issues through art and support more than 20 conservation NGOs (non-governmental organizations) that protect biodiversity around the world.

Sure! The elephants themselves are fundraisers for the nonprofit effort. You can 

, ranging in price from $8,000 to $22,000. If you don’t have that kind of cash lying around, you can contribute to the cause by ordering 

clothing, decorations, and other merchandise

 Great Elephant Migration to your list of 

cool things to do in Las Vegas throughout June

The Great Elephant Migration comes to the Las Vegas Strip. The 100 hand-carved, life-sized wooden elephants mix art with activism. 

Where to See the Great Elephant Migration in Las Vegas

An Elephant Migration is Coming to Las Vegas

 is back this weekend, offering a three-day fix for junkies of Vegas casino history and artifacts at the South Point exhibition hall. Make sure to say hello to the “Queen of Swizzle” Pam Ashlund 🍹 The founder of the Swizzle Stick Collectors Club will be on the floor Friday with an educational seminar at 3 p.m.

​How did you become the swizzle stick queen?

“Back in 2008, I was reaching for a pen on my mother’s desk and instead, pulled out a long plastic swizzle stick topped with a skull from the Ivanhoe Restaurant in the 1950s. From then on, it was a slippery slope of tiki mugs, mid-century cocktail menus, and eBay bidding wars at 2 a.m. One day, I looked up and I was the proud owner of 50,000 vintage swizzle sticks. I claimed my crown and declared my realm. I reign over the House of Swizzle, where the drinks are strong, the sticks are vintage, and the vibes are mid-century marvelous.”

What exactly is a swizzle stick — and why are they so closely associated with Vegas casinos?

“A swizzle stick is a drink stirrer. They can be glass, plastic, wood, and sometimes gold and silver. Swizzle sticks and matchbooks were given away at bars and restaurants and often taken home as souvenirs. Vegas casinos gave out swizzle sticks with free drinks at the slots. My favorites are from the Dunes, Tropicana, and MGM Grand.”

“I can no longer pick my most prized, but one I get a kick out of is topped with the Titanic and served in a drink over ice. As the ice melts, the poor ship sinks in your glass. It was a promotion for an old movie, ‘A Night to Remember,’ and later retired by the studio as it was in bad taste.”

 to the founder of the Casino Collectibles Association last year about 

 and listed the event as one of the best 

Swizzle sticks are more than just trinkets. They're history. 

“Queen of Swizzle” Pam Ashlund on Unique Pieces of Casino History

What Las Vegas celebrities, public figures and key citizens have to say about living here.

3 Questions With Las Vegas Public Figures

3 Questions With

If the doomscrolling is out of control, it’s time to put the phone down and do something productive. You can 

, a simple but critical procedure involving chest compressions that anyone can learn 👍

during cardiac arrest or another medical emergency

 when someone is unconscious, has no pulse, or isn’t breathing (or is struggling to gasp for breath). CPR helps ensure that oxygen-rich blood continues to pump through the heart and reach the brain, keeping the victim alive.

Begin performing CPR — one hand over your other hand, pushing down hard and fast on the center of the victim’s chest. How fast? Experts say 

, which also happens to be the pace of “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees 🕺

If an AED arrives, activate it and follow the instructions. It’s designed to guide you in a clear manner in high-stress situations. The 9-1-1 operator will provide direction too.

If an AED isn’t available or doesn’t work, continue to perform CPR until medical help arrives. If you get tired, another person can step in and continue the hand compressions. Continue to rotate as needed.

While the process of breathing into someone else’s mouth to stimulate resuscitation is still taught to medical professionals, it’s now 

 among the wider general public. One reason is uncertainty about viruses or illnesses that can be transmitted. (First responders may have a 

 to use.) Another is that it’s difficult to do properly on the spot — prompting uncertainty and hesitation — and it’s better to act quickly and focus on hands-only CPR.

 can teach the basics of learning CPR. It’s better than nothing, but not the same as taking a certification course, which can be found with the help of the following resources:

Most of these courses will also cover how to perform CPR on an infant, familiarity with using an AED, and other basic first aid skills. While it’s unlikely you’ll ever have to perform CPR, it’s a skill you’ll be grateful to have mastered when a life-or-death situation arises.

Learning how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (or CPR) is easier than you think, and it could save a life.

Where to Get Certified for CPR in Las Vegas

Why CPR Is Important and Where to Get Certified in Las Vegas

Tips and tricks for living your best Las Vegas life, by locals, for locals.

Las Vegas Life Hacks

Your local library isn’t just for checking out books, although that’s pretty cool all by itself. As it turns out, your library card can get you all kinds of free stuff across 25 branches within the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District.

 The Windmill Library takes appointments for 

While the selection isn’t as deep as Spotify or Apple Music, you can use your library card to log into 

 for ad-free music streaming at no charge.

 to listen to audiobooks, read digital versions of books on a phone or tablet, and read current issues of magazines like The New Yorker or Rolling Stone, which are usually behind a paywall.

Your library card grants instant access to 

, which has a variety of movies ready to stream. You can even get a “binge pass” for Hallmark romcoms or Ken Burns documentaries. The library system also offers access to 

, specializing in indie films, classics, and documentaries.

The East Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Sahara West libraries are among a dozen local branches with their own 

The resources are truly endless, from tutoring, homework help, and ACT mentorship for younger visitors to learning programs for adults. Learn a new language or work your way toward a high school diploma. Libraries also offer access to computer stations, laptops, and printers.

Sure, you can send your kids to college, but learning how to DJ is where the real money is in Vegas. Youngsters are welcome to take music production classes at the Clark County Library’s 

. Drop beats and drop knowledge. You can even learn filmmaking and podcasting skills too. The newer East Las Vegas Library is also equipped with music and video editing equipment.

Several branches are equipped with a Digital Memories Preservation Lab, which teaches you how to convert media on outdated formats (like VHS, cassette tapes, Super 8 camcorder videos, etc.) to digital spaces like the cloud or a USB drive.

, including open houses, Q&A sessions, and demonstrations to teach indoor gardeners how to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs in water instead of soil.

This is pretty cool. At least 17 branches have 

 you can operate for free. Some require the supervision of a manager. Either way, you need to take a certification course first — also free. Create prints from a catalog or bring in designs from trusted third-party sources.

 to places like the Discovery Children’s Museum, Neon Museum’s STEAM Saturdays, Springs Preserve, and state parks like Valley of Fire. Keep in mind, you can’t just show up at the entrance gates with a library card. You need to physically check out a pass — and there’s usually a wait.

Yes, you can check out books, but you can also stream movies, operate a 3D printer, and learn how to be a DJ with your library card.

Cool Stuff You Can Do with Your Las Vegas Library Card

Cool Things You Didn’t Realize You Can Do with Your Las Vegas Library Card

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

Las Vegas’s Best

Las Vegas' Best

 is more than a training ground. It’s the best meal deal in Las Vegas. Much like getting a haircut from a trainee in beauty school or checkup from a student in dental school, the on-campus 

 offers amazing discounts on lunch favorites done right, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“I ask three things of everybody who comes in here," instructor Kirsten Considine says. “Bring an appetite — because the food is fantastic — patience, and understanding, because these are students … This is not a restaurant. This is a classroom.”

The Westside Bistro is an opportunity for culinary students to prepare and serve meals in an environment that reflects a real-world setting, balancing everything from allergies and dietary restrictions to details on every recipe.

The menu includes staples that wouldn’t look out of place in your average Vegas restaurant — like salmon served over rice with vegetables, bayou shrimp pasta, or a BBQ buttermilk chicken sandwich. A constantly evolving selection keeps things interesting for regulars eager to try new dishes in a corner of North Las Vegas that’s heavy on national chains and fast food. On a recent visit, specials included a true-to-form Monte Cristo sandwich and a baked potato loaded with barbecue pulled pork and crispy onion rings.

Soups and sandwiches are in the $6-8 range. Entrees are typically $15 or less. The steak and fries is just $14, bringing to mind days of sorely missed loss-leading casino meals. The bistro runs at nominal margins. Revenue goes right back into covering the costs of ingredients and training. Servers aren’t allowed to accept tips as students, so any gratuity collected is donated to the scholarship fund. There’s no tax, either, since the operation is nonprofit.

You can place pickup orders too. That’s another part of learning, after all. Students also handle food for special events like quarterly graduations and off-site catering, including 5,000 meals a week for the North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center. Everything runs under the direction of executive chef Joel Schaefer and chef instructor Paul Boyd. Students round out their skills in the field at the 500 Grand Cafe inside the Clark County Government Center.

The bistro is just one part of the Academy, a joint labor management trust with the board split between labor and casino resort representatives. The program has been around for more than 30 years, beginning inside an old Downtown Days Inn before moving to a larger campus on the corner of Lake Mead and Revere.

Nobody is turned away. The certificate programs are licensed by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education. More than 80 percent of new students receive funding. No debt. No loans. Nothing to pay back. Funding comes from various public and private sources. About half of the student body is union members who get to train and upskill for free as part of their benefits package.

“Folks can come in, they can be brand new to the industry — maybe they're unemployed or underskilled,” CEO Dr. Bobbi Damrow says. “We will meet them wherever they're at.”

The curriculum is designed to be as short as possible, generally two weeks, which according to a union agreement, qualifies as one year on a resume. The longest program is 13 weeks for professional cooks. There are hundreds of students at any given time, but classes are kept small for direct teacher-to-student interaction.

In addition to the servers and chefs visible at the Westside Bistro, the students include front-of-the-house staff, bussers, bartenders, pastry specialists, and baristas. The Academy even goes beyond the culinary side of hospitality with housekeeping programs, featuring a true-to-life hallway of replica hotel rooms as the training ground.

The Academy offers job placement and anything else possible to eliminate barriers to working opportunities, from childcare and transportation to resume building and paperwork like food handling or alcohol awareness cards.

Great food, low prices, and a mission to make Las Vegas a better place. The Westside Bistro is the best lunch value in town.

The Westside Bistro at the Culinary Academy Las Vegas

The Culinary Academy's Westside Bistro is the Best Lunch Deal in Vegas

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Las Vegas. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Las Vegas Food & Drink

Food & Drink

September marks the peak of fall migration season as birds travel south in search of food and warmer weather. And while birds are the best kinds of Vegas tourists, they aren’t always easy to spot. So get the lowdown on how to see 

 this fall and help them continue their journey safely.

More than a billion birds travel via the 

 each year. Think of it as an aerial highway between the Arctic tundra and the South American wetlands. It passes through Southern Nevada, where birds typically rest during the day, hang out, and 

Birds have their own built-in navigation system. Most travel at night, taking off about an hour after sunset, using the magnetic pull of the Earth as well as the moon and stars to chart their course. Smells help guide the way as well.

There are too many species to name, but it’s 

 migrate through Southern Nevada. You might also see an 

 and other larger creatures. Remember the Yellow Billed Loon that famously 

 earlier this year? It was in migration mode, but went off course.

It may feel like a drop in the bucket (or a light bulb in the skyline), but 

 helps reduce the city glow of Las Vegas and assists the birds in staying on course and reaching their destination. It can also keep birds from becoming disoriented and flying into buildings or windows.

 is one of the best places to see nearly 300 species of resident birds as well as some of the thousands of migratory visitors that pass through each year. The 140-acre oasis is full of lush plant life and has nine ponds, which collectively makes it the third-largest body of water in Southern Nevada. Admission is free with registration at the Visitor Center. 

The Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is hosting a free seminar 

 this Thursday, September 19, at 10:30 a.m. inside the West Henderson Library.

It's migration season. We reveal why the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is the best place to see feathered tourists. 

When Do Birds Migrate in Southern Nevada

It's Migration Season for Birds Passing Through Southern Nevada

 return to the classroom one week from today. As we all know, a new school year isn't always easy. The following nonprofits have a proven track record of lending a hand to local youngsters when help is needed the most.

began as diaper bank for low-income families and has grown to provide additional services over the years, including a 

has 13 locations in the Las Vegas area, helping fill the gap between home and school with programs, activities, homework help, and more.

 helps students cope with anxiety and stress with a presence in dozens of valley schools. The organization hosts a 

 that helped save the lives of at least four local students over the summer.

works to increase graduation rates, offering tutoring, classroom supplies, and other forms of assistance.

 helps keep kids off the streets with mentoring, activities, classes, and more.

provides art classes, job training, and other programs to kids and adults with disabilities.

provides meals, clothing, and workshops to homeless, displaced, or disadvantaged students.

provides weekend take-home meals for students in need.

 promotes literacy by getting books into the hands of students, regardless of income level. The organization has donation boxes throughout the valley, including one at 

is a 40-acre ranch in Boulder City that provides transitional living for unhoused or at-risk youth.

has student outreach programs designed to improve literacy, graduation rates, college applications, and career guidance.

Please volunteer or donate if you can. These are just a few of the nonprofits doing good work in the community. If there is an organization, event, or fundraiser you believe deserves a shoutout, 

. We’ll do our best to spread the word.

 in class this year, a move designed to improve focus, productivity, and mental health. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

Las Vegas has resources and volunteer services to help students get through another school year. 

education

Animal Mummies, Now on Display at the Bellagio

How to Get a Hospitality Job in Las Vegas

More Than Books: A Look Inside the New West Las Vegas Library

Latest articles

Animal Mummies, Now on Display at the Bellagio

How to Get a Hospitality Job in Las Vegas

More Than Books: A Look Inside the New West Las Vegas Library

An Elephant Migration is Coming to Las Vegas

“Queen of Swizzle” Pam Ashlund on Unique Pieces of Casino History

Why CPR Is Important and Where to Get Certified in Las Vegas

Cool Things You Didn’t Realize You Can Do with Your Las Vegas Library Card

Latest articles

An Elephant Migration is Coming to Las Vegas

“Queen of Swizzle” Pam Ashlund on Unique Pieces of Casino History

Why CPR Is Important and Where to Get Certified in Las Vegas

Cool Things You Didn’t Realize You Can Do with Your Las Vegas Library Card

The Culinary Academy's Westside Bistro is the Best Lunch Deal in Vegas

It's Migration Season for Birds Passing Through Southern Nevada

Resources for Students in the New School Year