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City Cast Las Vegas

Inspired by the centuries-old tradition of decorating graves with flowers, Memorial Day had its beginnings in the aftermath of the Civil War. Today, the observance takes place on the last Monday in May to honor those who have died during military service.

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army Republic (an organization of Union veterans) issued 

, designating May 30 as a day “of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves” of soldiers who were killed during the Civil War. Originally called Decoration Day, the date was chosen to ensure the availability of “the choicest flowers of springtime.”

New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a holiday in 1873. All Union states followed suit by 1890. Congress passed the 

 in 1968 to designate the last Monday in May as Memorial Day, calling on the people of the United States to remember fallen soldiers and pray for permanent peace. It officially went into effect in 1971.

 at Police Memorial Park | 7 p.m. | Lone Mountain

 at Woodlawn Cemetery | 7-11 a.m. | Las Vegas Blvd. & Owens

 at Skye Canyon Park | 9 a.m. | Skye Canyon

 at Boulder City Municipal Cemetery | 9 a.m. | Boulder City

 at Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary & Cemetery | 10 - 11 a.m. | Henderson

 at Cornerstone Park | 9 a.m. | Henderson

 at Lake Sahara South Park | 9:30 a.m. | The Lakes

 at Woodlawn Cemetery | 9:30 a.m. | Las Vegas Blvd. & Owens

 at Olympia Sports Park | 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Southern Highlands

Inspired by the tradition of decorating graves with flowers, Memorial Day has its beginnings in the aftermath of the Civil War and is now observed on the last Monday in May.


Why We Observe Memorial Day in May

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

Las Vegas is entering those months when outdoor fun is better — and more tolerable — after dark. So it’s no surprise that the valley has a wide variety of outdoor movie experiences during spring and summer. Some are by the pool. A few are free. And no matter which flicks float your boat, it’s better than doomscrolling on the couch.

. Admission is $15 (or free for hotel guests). Doors open at 7 p.m. and movies start at 8 p.m. with the full lineup below:

“Finding Nemo” (May 24), “Luca” (May 31), “Jurassic World Rebirth” (June 7), “Frozen” (June 14), “Inside Out” (June 21), “How to Train Your Dragon” (2025) (June 28), “Captain America: The First Avenger” (July 3), “Finding Dory” (July 5), “The Secret Life of Pets” (July 12), “Lilo & Stitch” (2025) (July 19), “The Bad Guys 2” (July 26), “Zootopia 2” (Aug. 2), “Black Panther” (Aug. 9), “Frozen 2” (Sept. 6), and “Super Mario Galaxy” (Sept. 24).

 tradition on Monday nights at the rooftop Boulevard Pool with the Strip skyline in the background. Admission is $10 for locals, free for hotel guests, military, and first responders — and $15 for everyone else. Movies are shown on the hotel’s marquee at 8 p.m. with plenty of food and drink available. The schedule:

“A Minecraft Movie” (June 8), “The Mighty Ducks” (June 15), “Clueless” (June 22), “Rush Hour” (June 29), “Talladega Nights” (July 6), “Space Jam” (July 13), “How to Train Your Dragon” (live action) (July 20), “Superman” (2025) (July 27), “Super Mario Galaxy” (Aug. 3), “Ocean’s 11” (Aug. 10), and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (Aug. 17).

🌳 Movies on The Green at Green Valley Ranch

 on The Green (next to Whole Foods) concurrently with Makers Hive Market. Bring a chair or blanket. Seating opens at 6:30 p.m., and is first come, first served. The season kicked off last weekend with “The Wizard of Oz” (the old one, not 

) and continues with “Jurassic Park” (May 23). Expect additional dates to be announced.

, every other Friday at the M Pool. Admission is $10 and movies are shown on a 800-square-foot LED screen at 7:30 p.m. See the following films under the stars:

“Luca” (May 22), “Inside Out 2” (June 5), “Big Hero 6” (June 19), “Captain America: The First Avenger” (July 3), and “Wonka” (July 17).

 movie theater has first-run feature films throughout the summer season in North Las Vegas. General admission begins at $9 for adults. Check out the opening dates for the following Hollywood releases:

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” (May 22), “Passenger” (May 22), “I Love Boosters” (May 22), “Backrooms” (May 29), “Pressure” (May 29), “The Breadwinner” (May 29), “The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act” (June 4), “Scary Movie” (June 5), “Power Ballad” (June 5), “Masters of the Universe” (June 5), “Disclosure Day” (June 12), “Toy Story 5” (June 19), “Jackass: Best and Last” (June 26), and “Supergirl” (June 26).

Where to See Outdoor Movies in Las Vegas

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

Las Vegas’s Best

Las Vegas' Best

Rob Kachelriess

. Not so much the sandwiches, but the flavor profile repackaged in unexpected ways. I even wrote a story about PB&J Old Fashioneds years ago for a defunct publication named Supercall (although the accompanying 

 was reprinted elsewhere). But my favorite place for peanut butter and jelly is on a good burger. Sounds weird, but it totally works — and the following restaurants agree.

, a locals-oriented sports bar by Station Casinos, has locations in North Las Vegas, Henderson, and the West Valley — and all serve the PB&J Smash Burger. The recipe has a spicy kick, thanks to a house-made raspberry-jalapeno jam. A pair of short rib-and-chuck patties get smashed on the grill for a nice crust while both halves of the bun are smeared with peanut butter and griddled until golden brown. The kitchen adds it all together with pickles and American cheese for one indulgent, delicious bite.

Whether in Silverado Ranch or the Northwest Valley, 

 has the P.B. & Jealousy, a favorite on the menu since day one. It layers a flame-grilled angus beef patty, thick-cut bacon, melted peanut butter, and strawberry jelly on a honey wheat bun. (Feel free to substitute a 50/50 patty — half beef, half ground bacon — at no extra charge for extra smokiness.)

The Ellis Island Casino is getting in on the act too. 

 just introduced a new menu that includes a PB&J Burger with bacon, cheddar cheese, and peanut butter jam with the crunchy kick of fried jalapenos. Wash it down with one of Ellis Island’s own craft beers. (I recommend the amber ale.)

 is best known for its pet-friendly policies, welcoming doggies to hang out with their owners on large covered patios with locations in 

. Bring your pup and ask for the PB & J Burger, which combines a half-pound burger with peanut butter, grape jelly, candied bacon, and havarti cheese with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.

Peanut butter and jelly is perfect on a sandwich, but the combo is even better on a burger. Trust us. 

Peanut Butter and Jelly Burgers in Las Vegas

Peanut Butter & Jelly Burgers: Your Stickiest Guilty Pleasure

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

Mother’s Day is Sunday — and it’s not always easy to make plans or find the perfect gift.

My mom lives in North Carolina, so I shipped over some fancy ice cream before learning my parents took an impromptu vacation to the beach this week. My package arrived yesterday. I think it’s still on the porch 📦 (Good luck dry ice. We’re all counting on you.)

If your mom lives here in Vegas, we’ve got a few ideas for Mother’s Day fun 😁

 at UnCommons celebrates Mother’s Day weekend on May 9 with 

, featuring tea service, bites, and a free mini-bouquet.

 party on Mother’s Day with light bites, desserts, and an interactive game. It’s free, but secure your spot via RSVP.

🎭 Entertainment and the Performing Arts

 performance by R&B group Spectrum & Radiance. You can also bring mom a day earlier to Reynolds Hall for 

, the Las Vegas Philharmonic’s season finale with new musical director Rei Hotoda.

 throughout Mother’s Day weekend. The stage drama by Juliana Noble explores the relationship between a mother and daughter living under the same roof.

always knows how to have fun with a theme, inviting movie fans to see 

 on Saturday for some Mother’s Day “pregaming” on Saturday. Stroll and sip through 18 wine tasting stations.

Mother’s Day Weekend Sound Bath with Horses

 on Saturday evening for those 18 and over.

The Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum

 that’s perfect for all ages on Mother’s Day.

 hosts a Mother’s Day afternoon crafting session to learn about dark skies and nocturnal animals while 

 in North Las Vegas is serving coffee and sweet bread during a 

Two of my favorite restaurants are debuting new brunches on Mother’s Day: 

If your mom lives here in Vegas, we’ve got a few ideas for Mother’s Day fun.

Things to Do in Las Vegas for Mother's Day 2026

Last-Minute Mother’s Day Ideas for Las Vegans

. Hello May. It’s promising to be a busy and exciting month in Las Vegas.

When Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday fall on the same day, you already know May is gonna be 

. Learn more about the history of Cinco de Mayo, plus specials and festivals in Las Vegas in our 

EDC isn’t the only parade in town. The 

 parade is back, marching through Downtown on May 9 in honor of our city’s Old West history. You can further celebrate the past with the 

 exhibit, which wraps up at the Clark County Museum in Henderson on May 25. The Mob Museum has two special events this month: Jack Sheehan presents 

Deadly Sources: A Las Vegas Journalist’s Close Encounters with Killers

 ​ (presented by Jack Sheehan) on May 6 and 

The Lives of the Showgirls: True Stories from Mob-Era Las Vegas

 on May 21. Both are free to attend with admission.

“Star Wars” fans are so passionate, May the 4th (as in “May the force be with you…”) has almost become a de facto holiday. See the best movie in the series, “The Empire Strikes Back” the way it was intended — on the big screen — at the Beverly Theatre with two May 4 showings. It’s also a great excuse to cosplay with fellow geeks at 

, win a game of Empire Trivia at House of Blues, and get more familiar with 

, which has crafts, movies, and other ways to celebrate.

Have some words to share? Enter the Henderson Libraries 

. Submissions are accepted May 4-30 with “pathways” as the theme. The piece can be a short story, creative nonfiction piece, or poem.

Las Vegas Indian Food & Cultural Festival

Lee’s Discount Liquor Beer & Tequila Experience

International Food Fest: A World of Flavors

, which welcomes hotel guests for the first time on May 29. The casino floor and Giada restaurant continued to do business as usual during the transition and the rooftop pool has changed its name from Drai’s to Soleia. Expect the influence of restaurateur, designer, and reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump to expand beyond remodeled rooms and suites in the months ahead.

A big congratulations to French Laundry alumni Tyler Vorce who just locked down a lease in Chinatown for a brick and mortar version of Lilli, which 

 at Durango Social Club. Book a reservation for a multicourse meal or just walk in and sit at the bar to check out a menu of small bites. We’re equally excited for the May 1 arrival of 

 at the Sahara. The Caribbean steakhouse by Kwame Onwuachi is unlike anything else in Vegas. Even the chef’s cucumber salad at a 

 about Maroon, May the Fourth, and other fun this month in the latest 

 episode. I joined host Jesse Merrick and guest Melinda Sheckells to run down our favorite 

events, eats, and activities throughout Las Vegas in May

Your Guide to May 2026 in Las Vegas

May is a busy month with food festivals, restaurants, Cinco de Mayo parties, "Star Wars" celebrations, and more. 

Things to Do in Las Vegas April 2026

What To Do in Las Vegas in May 2026

Cinco de Mayo just seems to get bigger every year in Las Vegas. Yet the celebration is about more than margaritas — although there’s plenty of that too 🍋‍🟩

 doesn’t celebrate the founding or independence of Mexico as a nation. (That comes later in the year on 

). May 5 marks the anniversary of Mexico’s military victory over France in the 

The Chicano social movement of the 1960s 

 with Cinco de Mayo, raising the profile of the holiday while identifying with Indigenous resistance to foreign oppression or influence. Over the years, Cinco de Mayo became a more generalized celebration of Mexican food, culture, and heritage as it grew in acceptance throughout the United States.

Cinco de Mayo is usually a weekend celebration (especially this year with the holiday falling on a Monday) with festivals, parades, decorations, food, and drink. Las Vegas traditionally hosts a big boxing extravaganza too. This year, unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez defends against undefeated two-division world champion David Benavidez on May 2 

 at Bob Price Park | May 1 | Sunrise Manor

Gritos Y Guitarras Cinco de Mayo Celebration

 at West Las Vegas Theatre | May 1 | Historic Westside

 at Fremont Street Experience | May 5 | Downtown

 at Cabo Wabo Cantina | May 2-5 | Planet Hollywood

 at El Segundo Sol | May 1-5 | Fashion Show Las Vegas

cool stuff happening in Las Vegas throughout May

 in today’s episode. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

Learn the history behind Cinco de Mayo and the best ways to celebrate in Las Vegas.

Cinco de Mayo Events in Las Vegas 2026

How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas

Nevada is full of ghost towns. We actually have 

. You can thank a boom-and-bust mining legacy, which left behind a few spooky but historic sites to visit within driving distance of Las Vegas.

Located between Beatty and Death Valley, 

 began as a small camp in 1904, then exploded in size when gold was discovered. It quickly became a full-blown town with street lights, hotels, an opera house, stock exchange, schoolhouse, and dozens of saloons. At its peak, there were 10,000 residents. It all went belly-up by 1920 and the town cleared out. Today, Rhyolite is a fascinating place to see the crumbling remains of a bank, jail, and railroad depot while taking some impressive photos.

 isn’t nearly as well known as Rhyolite, but just an hour or so northwest, making it a relatively easy stop on a ghost town road trip — or 

 🎰 The town was known as Lime Point and Hornsilver before Gold Point stuck. It grew from a cozy mining camp to a town with more than 200 tin and wood structures before fizzling out around World War II. Investor Walt Kremin 

 in the 1980s with a partner who contributed winnings from a Vegas slot machine to the effort and now you can book a night in an old mining cabin, order whiskey from a saloon, and send mail from the original post office.

The place known as “Nelson Ghost Town” southeast of Vegas is actually 51 acres of private property outside Nelson’s official boundaries. Nestled within Eldorado Canyon, it includes the historic 

, which was once the richest place to dig for gold in Nevada — and attracted all sorts of criminals and riff raff hoping to get rich. Today, you can 

 and walk among historic structures. A lot of the “ghost town” elements — like vintage vehicles and gas station pumps — were added over the years. You’ll also spot old planes, including one filmed in a crash scene for the movie “3,000 Miles to Graceland.”

 has the unique distinction of becoming a ghost town twice. Once when left behind by native tribes and another when Mormon settlers were forced to clear out — or risk being flooded by the rising waters created by the construction of the Hoover Dam. Now that Lake Mead is receding, St. Thomas has become visible again, revealing what’s left of old buildings and foundations. Getting there is a little tough, due to a rocky, unpaved access road in Moapa Valley.

Nevada's boom-and-bust mining legacy produced hundreds of ghost towns. A few of them are within driving distance from Las Vegas. 

Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas

The Coolest, Creepiest Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas

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

Las Vegas History

It’s not uncommon to find a coffee joint inside a bookstore, mall, or even a casino here in Las Vegas. But we uncovered a few more secret-ish spots, tucked away inside unlikely local businesses.

, a Summerlin hair salon. Whether you have a hair appointment or not, you’ll appreciate the fresh-brewed coffee, featuring Onyx beans with fun creations like a PB&J Latte, made with peanut butter espresso and apricot syrup. A few options are more health conscious with protein powder, monk fruit, or date syrup.

 is a Southwest Valley bicycle sales and service shop with its own coffee counter. Java nerds will love the pour-over option. Just pick your own beans (locally roasted by Vesta) and give it a few minutes. The pastries, made exclusively by MG Patisserie, are excellent. So try a croissant or brownie. 

, which rents exotic cars and three-wheeled slingshots off the Strip. Guests are welcome to sip away on lattes and espressos while checking out high-performance vehicles on display. The menu is also big on matcha and “Red Bull infusions” 😳 Come by on Sundays when the party picks up with vendors, a DJ, and sports viewing parties.

 is a coffee shop inside a thrift store near Flamingo and Buffalo. Browse discount clothes, home goods, vinyl while saving a few bucks on coffee, which, like everything else in the space, is priced on the affordable side. (The Cuban Coffee is less than three bucks.) Those on the run can place an online order for pickup.

 inside Neiman Marcus at Fashion Show mall. Sure, you can enjoy an espresso or cappuccino, but the champagne list actually dwarfs the coffee menu. Cocktails and lunch bites are available too. No matter what you order, the best seats are on the patio overlooking Las Vegas Boulevard.

 is a mobile coffee bar that now has a location inside the 

 on the corner of Decatur and Oakey. Just look for space D-61 to enjoy a pan dulce and horchata latte while shopping for anything and everything from hundreds of merchants.

 The West Valley food scene is picking up in a big way. 

caught up with two of our favorite foodies, Al Mancini and Gemini Stevens of the Food & Loathing podcast, for a revealing look at why 

North Summerlin is booming with new restaurants

Can the Summerlin North Dining Scene Compete with the Strip?

We uncovered a few secret-ish coffee spots, tucked away inside unlikely local businesses.

Secret Coffee Houses Hidden Inside Las Vegas Businesses

Hey wrestlenerds. I used to be one of you — back when WrestleMania was about stuff like “Rowdy” Roddy Piper choking out “Adorable” Adrian Adonis in a sleeper hold. Teenage me would’ve loved what you get today: two nights of WrestleMania surrounded by days of official and not-so-official events. I'll let someone else 

 while I focus on what appears to be a new trend this year: booze-soaked drinking activities for wrestling fans.

🍸 One of my favorite cocktail lounges on the Strip, the 

 at 4 p.m. inside The Vault backroom speakeasy, April 16-19. You’ll learn how to make two specialty drinks (The Dirty Dom and Charlotte’s Flair) and customize a third one of your own. (Mine would just be an Old Fashioned, since that’s how I like my wrestling.) The price is $100.

 with WWE fans in mind (although anyone can appreciate this) April 17-19. No cover charge and no wristband necessary. Just roam between 10 bars and restaurants for $5 drink specials, which could ease the sting of those 

 💸 My advice: Start with a margarita at Cabo Wabo Cantina and take it from there.

 on Fremont Street has a $15 WrestleMania special that includes a slice of any specialty pie and a “Stone Cold Austin beer,” which I think means Steve Austin’s 

, but check with the restaurant for details.

🍷 Meet, mingle, and drink with former WWE faves during a 

 on April 17. The price of admission begins at $113 and includes a beer, wine, or cocktail at five stops inside 

at The Strat hosts a free meet-and-greet on Friday (6-8 p.m.) with Gunther. (For those unfamiliar, he’s the guy who 

). The event is sponsored by Wheatley Vodka and anyone who buys a bottle gets it signed.

 closes out WrestleMania weekend on April 20 with a viewing party for Monday Night Raw with DJ 

 spinning classic WWE entrance music. Cosplay as your favorite wrestler and get a free shot.

 will be packed with wrestling fans this weekend too. 

which local strip clubs serve surprisingly good food

 in between lap dances. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

Is the Food at Vegas Strip Clubs Actually ... Good?

It's a big weekend for pro-wrestling in Las Vegas, and fans can maximize the fun with themed bar crawls and drink specials. 

Bar Crawls and Boozy Events for During WrestleMania Weekend

Drink Your Way Through WrestleMania Weekend

It’s April 15 — the deadline to file taxes (or file an extension, slackers). If you’re in the hospitality field, I hope the 

 thing worked out this year. If not, a few local businesses have discounts to take the sting off any bill.

🍕 To match the 1040 used to file taxes, you’ll get $10.40 off when ordering at least $40 worth of food at 

. The deal is good for the pizzerias in Boca Park, Henderson, and Spring Valley (Rainbow & Warm Springs), but not the one inside the Grand Canal Shoppes.

🍔 It’s not a Tax Day special, but this deal happens to fall on it. 

 (featuring a full half-pound of beef) every Wednesday to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. The deal is dine-in only, good from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a drink purchase.

things to do

Why We Observe Memorial Day in May

Where to See Outdoor Movies in Las Vegas

Peanut Butter & Jelly Burgers: Your Stickiest Guilty Pleasure

Latest articles

Why We Observe Memorial Day in May

Where to See Outdoor Movies in Las Vegas

Peanut Butter & Jelly Burgers: Your Stickiest Guilty Pleasure

Last-Minute Mother’s Day Ideas for Las Vegans

What To Do in Las Vegas in May 2026

How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas

The Coolest, Creepiest Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas

Latest articles

Last-Minute Mother’s Day Ideas for Las Vegans

What To Do in Las Vegas in May 2026

How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas

The Coolest, Creepiest Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas

Secret Coffee Houses Hidden Inside Las Vegas Businesses

Drink Your Way Through WrestleMania Weekend

Tax Day Freebies, Deals, and Discounts in Las Vegas