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City Cast Las Vegas

Rob Kachelriess

 is now open on IMAX screens before expanding to a wider theatrical release next week. The film offers a look at the King’s groundbreaking Las Vegas residency with rare footage uncovered from the early 1970s.

I saw a preview screening at the Westgate’s International Theatre, the same place where Elvis performed 

, back when the property was known as the International Hotel and later, the Hilton.

The movie is a fascinating and often exhilarating time capsule, stitched together with 35mm and 8mm footage from the Warner Bros. archives, discovered by director Baz Luhrmann while laying the groundwork for his 2022 “Elvis” biopic.

The first thing that hits you: it looks amazing — the benefits of recording on film before “high def” came around. You see Elvis in all his glory. Every pore and stray hair. But I was also struck by the clarity of the sound mix, especially after learning some of the original film footage was silent and painstakingly synced to alternative audio sources.

This isn’t your standard documentary. There are no talking heads spouting off scripted observations. Just Elvis himself, always full of personality, chatting to the press, mugging for the cameras, and joking around with his band. I think he’d be a lot more restrained and self-aware if cellphones and social media were around. Watching him kiss one female fan after another — without hesitation, right on the mouth — is jarring by today’s standards, but if you want to see the ‘70s, you’re gonna get it.

In a moment of seriousness, Presley tells the camera it’s not his place to talk about politics, drawing fierce applause from some in the audience during my screening. Today’s divisive climate doesn’t take a break, even at the movies. It wasn’t lost on me that Elvis spoke those words during the Vietnam War, a time when opinions on the latest news cycle didn’t always match the reflections that came decades later.

The one thing we can all agree on: the raw power and natural talent of Elvis. I’m not sure if he was a musical genius, but he was definitely a musical spirit. He feels every note and every beat. And you feel it through him — even on film. Some song clips are longer than others, but the best moment is when the King trades the stage moves for a guitar, sits down, and croons the lesser-known “Little Sister” from beginning to end. Messy hair, sweat everywhere — and it’s perfect.

Who needs stage effects or backing tracks?

I’d love to go back in time and experience this Las Vegas residency live in person, but 

 is the next best thing. See it in a theater if you can.

Found Footage of Vegas Residency in Elvis Concert Film

Elvis Uncovered: Found Footage Never Looked (and Sounded) So Good

People, places, and scenes from Las Vegas's past.

Las Vegas History

Shake off that New Year’s Day hangover. The rest of January is full of cool things to do. So check out all the fun stuff we have planned for you.

Seeing a top-level Elvis Presley impersonator recreate the King’s groundbreaking 1969 residency at the Westgate was one of our favorite events of 2025. (Elvis’ own brother 

.) Now, the resort is taking a trip back in time to the singer’s 

 with a one-night-only concert on Jan. 14, plus property-wide events, from themed karaoke to suite tours and more.

If you want to understand how artificial intelligence will 

 make our lives more convenient and efficient, the 

 is back to give us a glimpse into the future of tech. The event, which runs Jan. 6-9, is industry-only, but that covers a lot of ground these days — so 

 and see how it goes. Some of the affiliated 

January is a month for renewal and resolutions. For some, it’s about going “dry” with mocktails or signing up for a fitness club membership to use for about three weeks. Rather drop the meat instead? Our friends at Vegans Baby have a brand-new, updated 

, giving you the inside scoop on dishes even a carnivore like me could love.

“Showgirls: An Unauthorized Musical Parody”

 for anything based on “Showgirls” — a Vegas movie that 

, so take a road trip to see a choice of hot air balloon festivals in 

 (Jan. 23-25). If Ely is more your speed, the 

 runs Jan. 16-18, celebrating art and entertainment in the old mountain town, plus fireworks and a bonfire 🔥 👀

, a popular Italian sandwich shop with a Las Vegas location at UnCommons, hosts 

 every other Thursday at 5:30 p.m. The night starts with a spritz and continues with a glass of wine while munching on sandwich tastings and a selection of cheese and meats. Somewhere in the middle of all this, you’ll participate in the class and take home a fresh schiacciata flatbread of your own.

 of the year (tonight!) in the Arts District. This weekend also marks the final dates for “American Duet: Jazz & Abstract Art” at the 

. Round out the month with an Arts After Dark mixer with the 

 at the Clark County Library Jan. 24, and a piano performance by Broadway veteran Philip Fortenberry inside the 

 in Las Vegas with the first brand-new episode of 

It's a great month for art, theater, hot-air balloons, and eating vegan to get over that New Year's Day hangover. 

Things To Do in Vegas in January

What to Do in Las Vegas in January 2026

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

Las Vegas’s Best

Las Vegas' Best

November has more to offer in Las Vegas than open health care enrollment and the traffic headaches associated with the 

. There’s a fun month ahead — and we’ve got proof!

We’re excited about Thanksgiving, but Vegas likes to get a jump on the winter holidays early. Check out the return of the 

 at the Ethel M chocolate factory on Nov. 6. 

 kicks off a new season just one day later with a drive-thru holiday light show at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

 at AREA15 shifts into winter holiday mode with the debut of “Krampus and Kin” Nov. 15 🫣, the Las Vegas Ballpark transforms into the 

 is here with a Christmas show at Park MGM, beginning Nov. 28 with a themed 

 continues with Bach & Brahms Nov. 15 at the Smith Center. Meanwhile, 

 take place Nov. 7, 13, and 20 with small groups performing classical takes on a wide variety of music, from Vivaldi to Adele, at The Industrial and the Doyle. You can also catch a free concert by the 

Las Vegas is full of great pizza and you can sample slices from our community’s best at the 

 at Lee’s Family Forum on Nov. 8, featuring more than 800 options and plenty of spirits too. Book a rideshare for that one. And make sure to catch 

, a new show on the Strip that mixes comedy with wine tastings 🍷

 (which is kinda like the after-party for the 

 auto industry expo) with Queens of the Stone Age, Black Crowes, and Neon Trees on Nov. 7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Retired rockers KISS are reuniting for 

, a weekend fan festival at Virgin Hotels Nov. 14-16. And while the Strip is preoccupied with F1 racing, the 

 takes over Downtown Nov. 21-23 with free performances by Good Charlotte, De La Soul, Bowling for Soup, Deadmau5, Hoobastank, and more.

has a brand-new episode dedicated to even more 

What to Do in Las Vegas in November 2025

You’ve made it to October and those rare wind-free weeks when the weather is neither too hot or cold. It’s a great month to cheer on the Golden Knights, tolerate the Raiders, and check out all the other cool stuff happening around the valley.

 is open year-round, but draws its biggest crowds of the year for its Fall Harvest. Roam the grounds, pick out pumpkins, snip sunflowers, and nosh on apple cider doughnuts. It’s so busy, a 

 is in place. Find time to also visit the nearby 

, an animal sanctuary and weekend market with its own selection of seasonal treats.

It's a great month to experience art and culture in a variety of formats. Begin with the 

 on The Lawn at Downtown Summerlin Oct. 10-12. Then, head Downtown to Historic Fifth Street School for the annual gathering of panels, readings, workshops, and more at the 

 on Oct. 18. The Las Vegas Museum of Art 

, but is offering a preview of things to come with its first exhibit, 

, at the Las Vegas Civic Center Art Gallery, debuting Oct. 14.

We’re bummed that Whiskey Pete’s closed last year, but the Primm casino is back from the dead — more or less — with 

 on four weekends in October. The Pioneer Saloon is also getting in on the fun with a 

, featuring paranormal tours on Oct. 11 and 

 throughout the month. Even Circus Circus has spooks. Take a 

 and find out. Prefer to go at your own pace? Commercial Center just introduced 

self-guided “Mob, Murder, Mystery” tours

Halloween festivals, bars, and haunted houses

There’s a festival for everyone — and anyone — this month in Las Vegas.

 at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center Oct. 3-5

 at the St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church in Silverado Ranch Oct. 10-12

 at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center Oct. 10-12

 at Water Street Plaza in Henderson Oct. 11

 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds Oct. 18-19

 at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater in Downtown Oct. 25

Laugh After Dark Standup & Comedy Film Festival

 in the Downtown Arts District Oct. 27-29

 that were closed during summer due to the heat. It’s also a great time of year to visit 

 and skip the entrance fees. [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]

Things To Do in October

October is a big month for festivals, the great outdoors, Halloween, and yes ... beer. 

What to Do in Las Vegas in October 2025

Your Guide to Las Vegas in October

 is Sept. 16. That’s a Tuesday this year, but the fun starts early this weekend — and we’re not just talking about the big 

 fight at Allegiant Stadium. The holiday is bigger than ever in Las Vegas with Mexican-inspired food and drink deals.

 by Mexico City’s Handshake (keep those names straight) Sept. 12-13.

🥃 Another Mexico City bar, Licorería Limantour, is sending its top mixologist to Resorts World for a 

 multi-room experience at Fashion Show mall already has a “Colors of Mexico” theme and is now becoming more festive with 

 Sept. 12-16. Admission begins at $19.96 with a $15 credit going toward food and drink.

 on Mexican Independence Day — and every Tuesday for that matter — with tacos, taquitos, chips and dips, tequila, beer, micheladas, mango sorbet, and a churro sundae among your choices.

 on Sept. 16, 4-10 p.m. with live performers 6-9 p.m. Stick around for the 

 menu, featuring margaritas, agua frescas, and tacos made with house-pressed tortillas 5-9 p.m on Sept. 16. Free tepache tastings will be available too.

, an agave spirits bar inside the Fontainebleau, hosts 

The Spirit of Mexico: Tequila Tasting with Tequila Casa Dragones

 6-7:30 p.m. on Sept. 16. $150 includes a lineup of tastings paired with passed canapés.

, which has locations in Henderson and the Southwest, blends Mexican and Asian food together on one menu. The restaurant is lowering the price of its Volcanoritto (a burrito with chicken katsu and Japanese fried chicken) from $18 to $15 in time for the holiday weekend.

 will have food, drinks, and live mariachi performances 

. Keep your eyes peeled for free El Cristiano tequila tastings, 12-7 p.m. on Sept. 12-13 and 16.

 is now open at Boulder Station in Henderson. Either way, you can try a couple holiday specials: chiles en nogada (stuffed poblano chile) for $18 and a flavorful sopa poblano crema soup for $12.

 has $20 endless tacos, $25 bottomless margaritas, and $7 shots from 3 p.m. to close on Sept. 16

 in Chinatown is elevating its usual Taco Tuesday special on Sept. 16 with $20 bottomless margaritas, $3 shots, and $2 tacos from 3 p.m. to close.

 at the CasaBlanca resort in Mesquite is giving away free frozen margaritas with any entrée purchase on Sept. 16.

 (including Patron 👀) in time for Mexican Independence Day.

 on Sept. 13, from 2 p.m. to late, featuring a deep lineup of live performers, food deals, and pop-up bars serving Modelo, Corona, and Pacifico.

, from great values to happy hours and unusual recipes. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

Las Vegas bars and restaurants have deals and specials in honor of Mexican Independence Day.  

Mexican Independence Day Bars and Restaurants in Las Vegas

Where to Eat and Drink in Honor of Mexican Independence Day in Las 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

It’s time to shift from summer to fall, while shaking off the mild interruption of monsoon season. It’s a month we call September in Las Vegas — and it’s full of cool stuff to do.

 presents “The Cottage,” a British farce, Sept. 5-21, in Chinatown. 

 wraps up its season with “Singin’ in the Rain” at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park Sept. 11-27. The 

 kicks off its 10th season with “THE CRAFT'D: An Unauthorized Musical Parody” Sept. 11 with dates through November.

Mexican Independence Day is fast-becoming one of the biggest celebrations of the year in Las Vegas. And since it falls on Sept. 16, a Tuesday this year, we get to stretch it out to an extra-long fiesta. The closest weekend usually involves a big Vegas fight (in this case, 

 at Allegiant Stadium), pool parties, tequila, and 

We love outdoor shopping, but it’s much more enjoyable when the weather cools down a bit. So we’re happy to see the debut of the 

 at Ariva Luxury Residencies. Don’t forget about 

, back at UnCommons (Sept. 6), Green Valley Ranch (Sept. 13), Downtown Summerlin (Sept. 14), and the Arts District (Sept. 20).

Despite the name, Oktoberfest is a September tradition. (Don’t ask why. Just order beer and roll with it). Take a sip with celebrity keg-tappings at 

 on Fremont Street Sept. 19-21, and special-edition craft beers from your favorite 

 are kind of like a cross between a TED Talk and 

. Speakers get five minutes — no more, no less — with 20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds. It’s time to make learning fun again, so check it out when the event 

 at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Sept. 26-28

 at Bicentennial Park in Boulder City, Sept. 27

Fork in the Desert International Food Festival

Think of this as your gateway drug to classical music. The 

 kicks off a new season at the Smith Center’s Reynolds Hall on Sept. 27 with a performance of 

 featuring familiar favorites synced up to vintage Warner Bros. cartoons.

September Activities in Vegas

From food festivals to stage plays and Oktoberfest, September is busy month in Las Vegas. 

What To Do in Las Vegas in September 2025

 for Labor Day weekend. I guess that means if there’s nothing else better to do, you might as well end up here.

👷 Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day in the First Place?

It’s simple, comrade. President Grover Cleveland 

 in 1894 that designates the first Monday in September as Labor Day. The move was pushed by labor leaders to celebrate the hard work by Americans that will soon be taken over by artificial intelligence.

 on the Strip is carrying over to Labor Day weekend, especially at Resorts World, which has a 

, including a Poolside BBQ (Aug. 29-31, $40+), Rose Rooftop party (Aug. 30, $40+ with one free drink for ticket holders with Nevada ID), Blood Bros BBQ food hall takeover (Aug. 30-31), and Redtail brunch buffet (Aug. 31, $50+).

 at the Aria’s Proper Eats Food Hall has an 

 for $25 per person, Aug. 30 to Sept. 1. Well, it’s only “endless” within a two-hour limit, but that’s still a decent deal — and it applies to all brews on tap.

 is giving out a free game with every two purchased on Labor Day.

 at Durango has a poolside pop-up Aloha Friday luau with Hawaiian street food on Aug. 29.

 concerts series picks back up at the Fremont Street Experience, traveling back to the ‘90s with free performances by Toad the Wet Sprocket, Dishwalla, Vertical Horizon, and Nine Days on Saturday, Aug. 30, plus Our Lady Peace, Ugly Kid Joe, and Sponge on Sunday, Aug. 31.

Head to Mt. Charleston, where Lee Canyon introduces a new two-day country music festival, 

The Palms Pool hosts a free Labor Day party with DJs by day and a live set by country act 

 at night. Minimum spends for cabanas start at $300, which isn’t bad at all. The first 100 Nevada locals get a free Heineken 🍻

 celebrates gay pride in two locations over two days: the Portal at AREA15 on Aug. 30 and the pool at Luxor on Aug. 31. The Sahara continues its summer Saturday 

 parties with Las Vegas Pride at the Alexandria Pool with a holiday weekend version on Aug. 30, noon to 6 p.m. Admission begins at $25 with BOGO drinks until 2 p.m.

 comes to an end over the holiday weekend with a screening of 

 at the Fontainebleau’s Oasis Cinema Club on Friday, Aug. 29 and 

 at the Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool on Monday, Sept. 1 with interactive touches and themed snacks.

Take advantage of the long holiday weekend to get out of town. The 

 will have one of its largest crowds of the year for fun in the water, so be prepared and arrive early. If you have more rubber to burn, take a three-hour road trip north to Pioche for a weekend-long 

 that takes over the small Nevada town with games, food, and other fun.

It's time to stop wearing white and starting eating BBQ. Labor Day weekend is a time for parties and free fun in Vegas.

Things To Do for Labor Day Weekend Las Vegas 2025

How To Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in Las Vegas

Brace yourselves. Beyoncé-mania is about to sweep Las Vegas. It’s “last call” for the singer’s worldwide Cowboy Carter tour, which wraps up with 

 this weekend. If past shows are any indication, merch stands and other photo-friendly activations should be open to the general public outside the venue, but a few other events are getting in on the action too.

Did you know Beyoncé has her own whiskey? File this information under “news Rob can use.” 👍 

 (no “e” necessary) is distilled with rye and malted barley, then aged in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for a taste said to be 

 in the Arts District for a night of cocktails and music 7:45-10:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 24. Visit SEVEN:45 in person or reach out 

You can also sample SirDavis cocktails and/or the spirit neat at 

 welcomes fans at the W Las Vegas hotel, just a short walk from Allegiant Stadium, July 23-28. Browse exhibits of memorabilia, costumes, rarely seen video footage, and other items while taking part in Q&A sessions with those who know the singer well. Tickets are $135.

 on Friday night, July 25, beginning at 10 p.m. It’s the ultimate post-concert after-party with DJ Rosegawd spinning your favorite Beyoncé hits. Tickets are $26.54.

Beyoncé's latest tour wraps up in Las Vegas this weekend, but the week is full of off-shoot events and parties. 

music

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