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T H G I N D I M wishes E PA Y N 6 2 20

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. T S A O T A E K A M . H S I W . T A N E U K O C MA T I MAKE D E C E M B E R 3 1 ST, S T A R T I N G A T 5 P M *

Food

NYE SURF & TURF DINNER $45

Beverage

3-HOUR AYCD PACKAGE $40

Toast the New Year

COMPLIMENTARY CHAMPAGNE TOASTS AT 9PM AND 12AM SCAN THE QR CODE FOR DETAILS

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Alabama Shakes (Courtesy CHill Media)

ON THE COVER

ENTERTAINING A Vegas party planner’s tips for an effortless NYE gathering.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

NYE PARTIES Our roundup of the hottest celebrations across the Valley.

RESOLUTIONS Community movers and shakers look forward to 2026.

YEAR IN REVIEW Local arts and entertainment highlights from 2025.

2025 IN PICTURES The best photos you didn’t see this year.

NEWS Starting January 1, a new law allows temporary bans from the Strip for misdemeanor crimes.

SPORTS Utah legend Kyle Whittingham coaches his final game in the Las Vegas Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

COVER ART Masquerade at Area15/Courtesy Area15

08 SUPERGUIDE

Jackpot brings EDM heavy hitters to the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, ‘90s TV stars host a retro party at Voltaire and more events to wrap up 2025. Want More? Visit lasvegasweekly.com.

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SUPERGUIDE THURSDAY DEC 25

FRIDAY DEC 26 JACKPOT The electronic dance music scene has found a strong ally in the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, where some of the best raves in the city have popped off. The outdoor venue has hosted wild b2bs with Tchami and Malaa and career-defining sets by Wooli, but RVLTN Events’ Jackpot NYE remains the EDM event of the season. In previous years, heavy hitters like Deadmau5, Deorro and Black Tiger Sex Machine have graced the Jackpot stage and this edition raises the stakes. Drumand-bass duo Zeds Dead and dubstep producer Subtronics both released new projects this year and will lead the lineup, alongside EDM notables Getter, Liquid Stranger, Kompany, Svdden Death, Capochino, Calcium and many more. If you’ve ever been tempted to dance your way into the new year, this is the place to do it. 5 p.m., & 12/27, $104-$268, Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, dlvec.com. –Amber Sampson

S U

LVA JAZZ QUARTET 12:30 & 4 p.m., Vic’s, vicslasvegas.com.

LUCY DARLING 7 p.m., Underground Theater, mgmgrand.com.

GLITTERING LIGHTS 5 p.m., thru 1/4, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, glittering lightslasvegas.com.

R G U I

GLOWFEST Thru 2/22, 4 p.m., 2600 Paradise Road, glowfest.com. ENCHANT LAS VEGAS Thru 12/28, dates & times vary, Las Vegas Ballpark, enchantchristmas.com.

NEVADA BALLET THEATRE: THE NUTCRACKER 2 & 7:30 p.m., & 12/27 (& 12/28, 2 p.m.), Reynolds Hall, thesmithcenter.com.

LVP PARTY 10:30 p.m., Tao Nightclub, taogroup.com.

DO IT ALL

LEONA LEWIS Thru 12/28 & 12/3012/31, 8 p.m., Voltaire, voltairelv.com.

KIM LEE 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com. YDG With Vulpiix, Ontap, 11:45 p.m., Substance, seetickets.us.

PATRICK HOGAN 7:45 & 9:15 p.m., & 12/27, Vic’s, vicslasvegas.com.

BACKSTREET BOYS Thru 12/28 & 12/30, 8 p.m. (& 12/31, 10 p.m.), Sphere, ticketmaster.com.

Courtesy/Jesse Hudson

MALÓNE With Hot Delivery, Fremont House Mafia, more, 10 p.m., Discopussy, tixr.com.

THE BRONX WANDERERS 7:30 p.m., & 12/27 & 12/31, South Point Showroom, ticketmaster.com.

MAX AMINI 8 p.m., & 12/27, Encore Theater, ticketmaster.com.

D S U P E R G U I D E

PRESLEY TENNANT 10 p.m., Stoney’s Rockin’ Country, tixr.com.

CLUB 90S PRESENTS NOCHE DE BENITO 9 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, ticketmaster.com.

THE RESISTANCE With Hostile & Hedspc, Saville, 11:55 p.m., We All Scream, tixr.com.

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MUSIC

PARTY

ARTS

SPORTS

FOOD

COMEDY

MISC

SATURDAY DEC 27 S U P E R G U I

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. COLORADO AVALANCHE 7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com.

AP Photo/Ian Maule

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: D3 HOOPS CLASSIC Thru 12/30, times vary, South Point Arena, ticketmaster.com. FAAABULOUS DRAG BRUNCH 1 p.m., Composers Room, thecom posersroom.com. DIVA ROYALE 7 p.m., Notoriety, notorietylive.com.

ODDYSSEY NOIR 10:30 p.m., Oddyssey District at Area15, oddysseylv.com.

MIDNIGHT CABARET With Norwood Fisher, 9 p.m., Fat Cat, fatcatlv.com.

HIGH STAKES FEST With Bolo, San Pacho, Westend, Edris Omar, more, 8 p.m., the A-Lot at Area15, area15.com.

THE CHANNEL With Red Sea, No New Nausea, 9 p.m., Red Dwarf, reddwarflv.com.

QUINN AYERS With Asaiah Ziv, Wes on Acid, Cullen, 8 p.m., the Space, thespacelv.com.

LVP PARTY 10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, taogroup.com. GETTER With Praxis, Tooli, 11:45 p.m., Substance, seetickets.us.

LVP PARTY With Ali Farahani, 11:30 p.m., Drai’s After Hours, draisgroup.com. HEYZ With Sol, Wizdumb, 11:45 p.m., Discopussy, tixr.com. MICHAEL YO HOT MESS COMEDY 7:30 & 9:30 p.m., Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, ticketmaster.com.

F O R M O R E U P C O M I N G E V E N T S , V I S I T L A S V E G A S W E E K LY.C O M .

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SUPERGUIDE SUNDAY DEC 28

S U P E R

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G U I D E

‘90S AFTER DARK PARTY Venetian’s clubby, cabaretish showroom Voltaire has been taking party people back to the good old days with performances from Christina Aguilera, Kylie Minogue, Ashlee Simpson, and next year, with Hilary Duff. But a different kind of nostalgia will take over for just one night after Christmas, because Donna and David are forever. Beverly Hills, 90210 stars Tori Spelling and Brian Austin Green host the ‘90s After Dark Party, featuring all the hits of the era and a live performance by Color Me Badd. It’ll be just like hanging at the Peach Pit. 11 p.m., $59+, Voltaire, voltaire.lv.com. –Brock Radke LAS VEGAS RAIDERS VS. NEW YORK GIANTS 1:05 p.m., Allegiant Stadium, ticketmaster.com.

MONDAY DEC 29

MURDA BEATZ 10:30 p.m., Marquee Nightclub, taogroup.com.

MAU P 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com.. VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. MINNESOTA WILD 7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com. UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. LA SIERRA 7 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center, unlvtickets.com. THE MAGICAL FOREST Thru 12/31, 5:30 p.m., Opportunity Village, opportunityvillage.org.

HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS VS. COACHELLA VALLEY FIREBIRDS 5 p.m., Lee’s Family Forum, axs.com.

ETHEL M HOLIDAY CACTUS GARDEN Thru 1/3, 5 p.m. , Ethel M Chocolates, ethelm.com.

FRANK MARINO’S DIVAS, DRAG & DRINKS 4 p.m., 24 Oxford, etix.com. GEORGE MICHAEL REBORN 8 p.m., Hard Rock Cafe, ticketweb.com. DESEO LATIN SUNDAYS 10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, taogroup.com.

MUSIC

Courtesy

PARTY

ARTS

SPORTS

FOOD

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SUPERGUIDE MUSIC

PARTY

ARTS

SPORTS

TUESDAY DEC 30

FOOD

COMEDY

MISC

WEDNESDAY DEC 31

S U P

BRUNO MARS 9 p.m. (& 12/31, 8 p.m.), Dolby Live, ticketmaster.com.

KINGS OF LEON 9 p.m., & 12/31, Venetian Theatre, ticketmaster.com.

R G U I D S U P E R G U I D E

JENNIFER LOPEZ 8 p.m. (& 12/31, 10 p.m.), the Colosseum, ticketmaster.com.

TOTO 9 p.m., BleauLive Theater, ticketmaster.com.

HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS VS. ONTARIO REIGN 7 p.m., Lee’s Family Forum, axs.com. ASHANTI 10 p.m., LIV Nightclub, livnightclub.com. FISHER 10:30 p.m., Omnia Nightclub, taogroup.com.

MORGAN JAY He may call himself just a goofy guy, but Morgan Jay’s comedy is anything but casual. What started as viral online clips and quips has evolved over more than a decade into a finely tuned mastery of musical comedy, a rare and notoriously tricky art form. The LA-based comic transforms the energy of his virtual presence into a full-scale live experience packed with autotuned singalongs, sharp improvisation and hilarious crowd work. He doesn’t stay planted on stage either, darting through aisles and balconies to pull the entire room into the fun. With a roaming cameraman capturing every chaotic moment, Jay turns any venue into his playground. 10 p.m., & 12/31, $174+, Palazzo Theatre, ticketmaster.com. –Gabriela Rodriguez

Courtesy

LAS VEGAS BOWL: NEBRASKA VS. UTAH 12:30 p.m., Allegiant Stadium, ticketmaster.com. VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. NASHVILLE PREDATORS Noon, T-Mobile Arena, axs.com. UNLV WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. FRESNO STATE Noon, Cox Pavilion, unlvtickets.com. JELLY ROLL With Matt Cooper, 10:30 p.m., the Chelsea, ticketmaster.com. JOHN FOGERTY 8 p.m., PH Live, ticketmaster.com. NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE With Alleycvt, more, 9 p.m., Area15, area15.com.

Find our complete guide to New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas on page 18.

E N T E R T A I N I N G

L A S V E G A S W E E K LY

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BY JESSE O’BRIEN You’ve decided at the last minute you want to stay in for New Year’s Eve. That’s a wise choice. The crowds, cold air, too many drinks and high expectations likely mean ringing in 2026 with mascara running down your cheeks. But now you don’t have time to plan a party at home. Don’t stress. Professional event planner Bri Thomas, owner of Party People Event Design in Las Vegas (partypeopleeventdesign.com), throws elaborate, upscale celebrations (like a recent threeday birthday getaway in Majorca). She offers tips on how to pull off an elevated NYE soiree without much effort. “Going into the new year, it’s about embracing less stress, so don’t overthink it,” Thomas says. “Focus on creating an experience your guests will enjoy. Good music, simple food and a few thoughtful details go a long way.”

If you like your neighbors, Thomas says planning a house crawl on your block relieves the pressure of hosting alone. “The first house might have tacos and margaritas, and the next house may have pizza bites and beer… the next house might have Champagne and dessert,” she says. “That way, all the food and drinks don’t fall on you.” The house crawl also has built-in entertainment with the shifting environments, and it’s fun for kids. If you have the time and energy, make something you can keep warm on the stove, like chili, hot chocolate or mulled wine. Allow guests to serve themselves and choose fun garnishes to their liking. If you have the budget, consider just using a food delivery app and putting the food in nicer dishes. You can also purchase pre-prepped snacks, like Trader Joe’s frozen artichoke and spinach dip. Transfer it into a decorative bowl, and top it with breadcrumbs and parmesan.

Thomas suggests serving drinks that pair with the classic NYE theme. “Depending on when you start your party, let’s say eight or nine, you could have a different Champagne cocktail on the hour,” she says. Her go-to is a French 75 with a Champagne base, gin, a little honey or simple syrup and lemon. Another option is an Airmail, a classic cocktail made with rum, lime juice, honey and Champagne. Keep them coming until the midnight toast. Thomas also suggests setting up margarita, Moscow mule or boozy hot chocolate stations, as not everyone enjoys astringent Champagne. But make it classy with better glassware. “If you ditch the Solo cups and the plastic flutes and actually use copper mugs or real coupe glasses and stemware, that’ll just elevate the party.”

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You can NYE-ify the environment by repurposing Christmas decorations. For instance, Thomas says you can take the ornaments off the tree and replace them with silver and gold tinsel, New Year’s glasses, headbands, hats and other accessories guests can keep. “It’s a little interactive moment, and you’re utilizing your Christmas tree that you already have standing there anyway,” she says. For a simpler touch, she suggests ordering chrome balloons in different shapes, like starbursts, and leaving them on the floor. “Always add a fresh floral arrangement. Whether you purchase it from somewhere or if you make it yourself, that always is going to elevate your space,” she says.

L A S V E G A S W E E K LY

For simple entertainment, try a DIY photo booth made with a tripod, a phone and metallic fringe backdrop that can be found at Target. Give guests props, party blowers and confetti to throw in the air for more candid shots. “I do want to mention music,” she says. “Lots of times, people just turn on the radio, or they turn on the news, or whatever they’re watching until the countdown. I would definitely say leave the TV on, but pick a theme for your playlist.” She recommends downloading a playlist from a favorite DJ, or 2000s hip-hop or ‘90s R&B—something that keeps energy up and takes the pressure off deciding what to play. Games like Twister or Jenga will scratch people’s nostalgia itch, or Cards Against Humanity could get everyone talking. You can separate the game into its own room for people who want to participate.

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ROOFTOP FIREWORKS DISPLAY NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31ST

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YO U R G U I D E T O T H E B E S T E N T E R TA I N M E N T FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE IN LAS VEGAS

C U L T U R E

BY BROCK RADKE

TIËSTO AT OMNIA

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RÜFÜS DU SOL AT XS

JEWEL DJ E-Rock, 9 p.m., Aria, taogroup.com.

in 2025 with Tiësto at Omnia. 9 p.m., Caesars Palace, taogroup.com.

DRAI’S AFTER HOURS The rooftop pool club and nightclub said goodbye earlier this year, but the long-reigning champion of the Vegas afterhours scene is still going strong and ready to ring in 2026 with sounds from DJ Marx and a one-of-akind, intimate experience. 10 p.m., Cromwell, draisgroup.com.

KAOS The nightclub space at the Palms is hosting a special bash loaded with live entertainment that moves out to the pool deck for a fireworks viewing when the clock strikes 12. For a different option at the off-Strip locals’ casino, check out Ghostbar’s NYE party on the 55th floor. 9 p.m., Palms, palms.com.

ROUGE ROOM Sophia Monica & Hooper, 8 p.m., Red Rock Resort, rougeroomlv.com.

HAKKASAN Steve Aoki, 9 p.m., MGM Grand, taogroup.com.

LIV John Summit, 10 p.m., Fontainebleau, livnightclub.com.

HUSTLER CLUB The always wild gentleman’s club invited OnlyFans superstar Sophie Rain to count down the last seconds of 2025. Will she show? Either way, this annual mega-party will have drink specials, live entertainment, DJs and celebrities, and it’ll run way past when the sun comes up (until noon!) thanks to the Neon Jungle experience at Terrace Afterhours. 9 p.m., 6007 Dean Martin Dr., vegashustlerclub.com.

MARQUEE DJ Pauly D, 9 p.m., Cosmopolitan, taogroup.com. OMNIA Who’s been spinning for New Year’s Eve in Vegas megaclubs longer than Tiësto? The Dutch legend has had a huge year, performing a dual residency at different Strip venues, working on a new album returning to his trance roots, and last week, playing a gig at the Great Pyramids in Giza. Celebrate everything that happened

TAO Ying Yang Twins, 9 p.m., Venetian, taogroup.com. WE ALL SCREAM Rcade, Andy Oowops, Neek Lopez, Gregory Michael Davis, DJ Shaun & Wizdumb, 10 p.m., 517 Fremont St., weallscream.com. XS Rüfüs du Sol, Fahlberg, 9:30 p.m., Wynn, wynnsocial.com. ZOUK James Hype, 10:30 p.m., Resorts World, zoukgrouplv.com.

TURN TO PAGE 22 FOR MORE NYE EVENTS

Tiësto courtesy/Sammy Dean; Rüfüs Du Sol courtesy/Mike Kirschbaum

CLUB EGO Anthony Attalla, 10 p.m., 1000 E. Sahara Ave., clubegolv.com.

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JENNIFER LOPEZ

JLo has changed a lot since her first residency show at Planet Hollywood in 20162018 (which was quite underrated, if you missed it). After she finally gained acclaim as an actress in Hustlers and this year’s Kiss of the Spider Woman, don’t be surprised to see a different kind of performance and production with the new Up All Night Live in Las Vegas residency, which opens December 30 and continues through the end of March. 8 p.m., the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, ticketmaster.com. BACKSTREET BOYS

10 p.m., Sphere, ticketmaster.com. DAVE DAMIANI & FRIENDS

Corutesy/Cody Ryan

7 & 9:30 p.m., Vic’s, vicslasvegas.com. FAN HALEN

9:30 p.m., Copa Room at Tuscany, tuscanylv.com. JOHN FOGERTY

8 p.m., PH Live at Planet Hollywood, ticketmaster.com. THE MILLENNIUM ALL-STARS

10 p.m., Stoney’s North Forty, stoneysnorthforty. com. MORGAN JAY

10 p.m., Palazzo Theatre, ticketmaster.com.

JELLY ROLL

10:30 p.m., the Chelsea at Cosmopolitan, ticketmaster.com. KINGS OF LEON

9 p.m., Venetian Theatre, ticketmaster.com.

LEONA LEWIS

FRANKIE MORENO

BRUNO MARS

90’S STATION

8 p.m., Voltaire at Venetian, voltairelv.com. 8 p.m., Dolby Live at Park MGM, ticketmaster.com.

9:30 p.m., Westgate Cabaret Theater, westgateresorts.com. 9 p.m., Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort, stationcasinoslive.com.

TANK, KEITH SWEAT & MYA

Find something a bit different at Virgin this year with the R&B Soulful Nights New Year’s Eve Party, which also happens to celebrate the 50th birthday of Durrell Babbs, aka “Maybe I Deserve” and “Please Don’t Go” singer Tank. (For the record, his b-day is actually January 1, and he doesn’t look anywhere near 50.) Fellow R&B crooners from other decades Keith Sweat and Mya will appear, and other celeb pop-ups wouldn’t be surprising. 10 p.m., Theater at Virgin, axs.com.

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MORE PARTIES AREA15

Bass-pop mastermind Alleycvt headlines the New Year’s Eve Masquerade taking over the A-Lot, the Portal and the Wall at Area15, with support from DJs Smoakland, Tazu and more. But that’s not all—the ongoing Oddyssey party is throwing a new year’s bash of its own in the “submarine speakeasy” featuring live jazz and bottomless Champagne. 9 p.m., area15.com.

AREA15

Courtesy Area15; Alleycvt courtesy 9 Lives Press

BEL-AIRE LOUNGE

9 p.m., Durango Resort, belaire loungelv.com.

BLVD LAS VEGAS

New Year’s Eve at The Overlook, 9 p.m, blvdlasvegas.com. BOTTLED BLONDE

8 p.m., Grand Bazaar Shops at Horseshoe, bottledblondelv.com. BROOKLYN BOWL

Emo Night Brooklyn, 9:30 p.m., Linq Promenade, brooklynbowl.com. ELLIS ISLAND

The Deck Fireworks Viewing Party, 5 p.m., ellisislandcasino.com.

It’d be easy to say the annual Countdown Under the Canopy NYE party is going extra big this year because of said canopy’s 30th anniversary this month, but the fact is this Downtown bash is always huge. Headliners this time around include Robin Thicke, CeeLo Green, Common Kings and Chingy. 9 p.m., vegasexperience.com.

HOFBRÄUHAUS

SILVERTON

LEGACY CLUB

THE STRAT

Midnight in Munich, 1 p.m., 4510 Paradise Road, hofbrauhauslas vegas.com. Countdown in the Clouds, 7 p.m., Circa, circalasvegas.com. PLAZA

Downtown’s only live fireworks show (at midnight), aplazahotelcasino.com.

Skip the Strip, 7 p.m., 3333 Blue Diamond Road, silvertoncasino.com. Party in the Tower, 9 p.m., 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S., thestrat.com. SUNSET STATION

Bottles & Blitz at Sunset Station Sportsbook, 8:30 p.m., 1301 W. Sunset Rd., sunsetstation.com.

LEGACY CLUB

Corutesy

FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE

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countd ow n cel ebr ati on MUSI C, CO CKTAILS, BUBBLES & FRIENDS

W e dn e s day, D e c e m b e r 31 S e le ct O p e n Ba r | Ta b l e Pac k ag e s FREE Parking for GUESTS

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“In 2026, my resolution is to guide Area15 into its most ambitious era yet. With Zone 2 officially open, we have the runway to launch next-level experiences from new culinary concepts and groundbreaking creative partners. I’m committed to shaping the Area15 District into the global gold standard for immersive entertainment. And because the campus keeps growing, we’re exploring an AI-powered ‘concierge of cool’ to help guests navigate all the surprises ahead. This year is about expansion with intention and solidifying Area15 as the cultural heartbeat for locals and visitors alike.”

–WINSTON FISHER CEO, Area15

“In 2026, my resolution is to keep pushing Las Vegas to be seen as one of the great gastronomic capitals of the world. At Amador Cocina Fina, our focus will be on deepening the city’s culinary identity—connecting fire, flavor and craft to create something that feels truly born from the desert. My goal is for Las Vegas to compete not just in spectacle, but in soul—with the same creative energy you find in cities like Barcelona, Tokyo or Paris.”

“My 2026 resolution is to ignite THIRD [Street] and give Las Vegas the ‘arts home team’ it deserves. We’re lighting the fuse, building the roster, and fully expecting y’all to show up like superfans (tailgating and show swag encouraged). If you can clap on beat or yell ‘Bravo!’ with passion, congratulations, you’re drafted! Our talent scorecard and lineup of productions are Vegas-made, cultivated and incubated here. This is your spark, Vegas … game on.”

–GINGER LAND-VAN BUUREN

executive director, Vegas City Opera (one of THIRD Street’s member organizations)

“I want to create more opportunities to discover something rad at The Beverly. Our calendar is full, and the community support has been incredible, but finding a way to intentionally program more each year has always been our goal. I’ve also promised myself to either give F1 a chance or delete my Twitter.”

–KIP KELLY

founding creative director and chief experience officer, The Beverly Theater

–OSCAR AMADOR chef and owner, Amador Cocina Fina

New Year’s resolutions from locals building community and culture

C O V E R

S T O R Y

R E A D Y

F O R

SHANNON

MILLER

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“This year, I visited the exhibition The Choices of Man Through the Lens of the Holocaust with [Nevada Center for Humanity President] Heidi Straus. One of the themes resonated deeply with me—the importance of being an upstander. As we look ahead to 2026, I hope to deepen the ways we actively show up for our community through the arts in Las Vegas. I’m continually inspired by the people who make this city so vibrant, and my hope is that the future Las Vegas Museum of Art is a place where connection, creativity and collective growth are nurtured— not passively observed, but meaningfully supported.”

–HEATHER HARMON

executive director, Las Vegas Museum of Art

“In 2026, I am committed to sustaining both my family and the community we serve through intentional care and collaboration. At Obodo Collective, we will continue strengthening our sustainability, food systems, and expanding support for families alongside our partners. I look forward to a year rooted in collective growth, shared vision and lasting impact.”

–TAMEKA HENRY

founder of Obodo Collective, CCSD Trustee

“As we enter 2026, I’m reaffirming a core intention for myself and for Ovation: to keep expanding access to quality housing. While our recent efforts have focused on creating dignified, affordable homes for seniors, we’ve also continued to grow our market-rate communities—homes designed with the needs of today’s workforce firmly in mind. Later this year, we’ll break ground on our first non-age-restricted affordable community. Our goal is to meet Southern Nevada’s needs across the full spectrum of income levels.”

–JESS MOLASKY

chief operating officer, Ovation

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“Roseman University College of Medicine’s 2026 resolution remains centered on improving community health outcomes by preparing future physicians to be exceptional clinicians and leaders. Through the Genesis Program, students work with assigned households to understand real-life health needs and social determinants. The Empowered Program continues providing comprehensive wraparound services for pregnant and postpartum women with opioid or stimulant use disorders through recovery. Our Aspire Program introduces first-generation students in the Valley to careers in the health professions. And finally, a new combined primary care and dental clinic in Henderson will further strengthen community access to integrated care.”

–DR. PEDRO “JOE” GREER JR.

founding dean, Roseman University College of Medicine

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A local snapshot of Las Vegas Weekly’s favorite music, art, performances, food and cultural moments of 2025 L A S V E G A S W E E K LY S T A F F

Thievery Corporation (courtesy Edward Ronda)

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Bel-Aire Backyard resurrects the poolside show I’ve been yearning for the poolside concerts of my past ever since the Cosmopolitan closed its outdoor stage in 2017. This spring, Clique Hospitality and AEG Presents teamed up to resurrect those electric nights with Bel-Aire Backyard’s Poolside Concert Series at the Durango. The live music experience featured a fully built-out stage on the lawn and a robust booking of bands, including The Fray, Thievery Corporation, Band of Horses and the Beaches. Well-priced tickets, free parking and complimentary pool entry made this a no-brainer for locals like me. This offStrip series took full advantage of the season, and I’m already looking forward to its return. –Amber Sampson

Q’Shaundra James invites art lovers to peek beyond The Veil Las Vegas artist Q’Shaundra James’ first solo exhibition enlightened me more than any other this year. Rooted in the scholar W.E.B. Du Bois’ concept of “the Veil,” a psychological barrier affecting how white communities perceive Black communities, James created an exercise of reflection. Through beautiful, large-scale portrait paintings, she restored agency to Black characters whose stories might have otherwise been pre-written by stereotypes. We were challenged to view “beyond the Veil” both figuratively and literally. One room featured a mirror viewed through gauzy fabric, allowing us to see ourselves from behind that Veil. It gave me something to think about for weeks. –AS

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The Las Vegas Aces deliver the comeback of the year I didn’t grow up with major league sports teams, let alone a basketball team as badass as the Las Vegas Aces. So to see them clinch their third WNBA championship in the way that they did—a 16-game winning streak followed by a 4-0 sweep in the Finals—filled me with an immense amount of joy and hometown pride. The Aces have celebrated their share of championship parades, but this one felt different. After a rough start to the season, many had started to question if the dynasty had come to an end. But as Coach Becky Hammon said at the October 17 parade: “You can’t count this group out ever.” The celebration that ensued that day was one for the history books. A procession of lowriders preceded the Aces’ double-decker bus like a vintage hype train. Fans broke into chants and hysteria at the sight of fourtime WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, who hoisted the championship trophy wearing Thanos’ infinity gauntlet. Onstage, a dance circle even broke out around Hammon and the Southern hip-hop crew Crime Mob (knuck if you buck, Becky!). Being in the presence of so many fans, all draped in celebratory Aces gear and wielding meme-worthy signs like “Broom Service,” gave me a new appreciation for sports culture. It was impossible not to meet people and bond over a love for the game. The Aces might not be a homegrown team, but they’ve become the crown jewel of this city. Recently, Time also named Wilson its Athlete of the Year, a fitting capstone to an incredible season and a reminder of what these women can do when they dig in. –AS

Photo by Steve Marcus

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Hamilton at Smith Center delivers a master class in storytelling

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Kendrick Lamar and Drake resurrected the lost art of the rap feud, providing one of the most culturally enriching weekends of my spring. The social media platform X became a digital amphitheater, disgorging memes and forensic video essays with the fervor of an internet society collectively losing its mind. As someone who has followed Kendrick’s work with a certain level of devotion, watching him go off on track after track felt historic, like witnessing a poet laureate choosing violence. When Kendrick hosted The Pop Out: Ken & Friends, a summit of West Coast royalty featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop, AbSoul, Dom Kennedy and what felt like the entire Los Angeles cultural psyche, I felt a level of FOMO I’d never experienced. Then came the announcement of his GNX tour with SZA, and I knew if I was going to be anywhere in 2025, it would be there. Pulling up to Allegiant Stadium felt like arriving at a backyard party. People stood out front excitedly yapping, chugging Buzzballs and Modelos with sacramental zeal. The ocean of Dodgers hats was so vast it resembled a uniformed congregation. My sister and I nearly face-planted down the stadium stairs to find our seats before Kendrick appeared—unflashy, enigmatic, gravitational. The sold-out crowd erupted as he opened with “Wacced Out Murals,” a track that gnaws at the music industry’s architecture of betrayal. Watching him stalk the stage beside a blacked-out Grand National, I thought, “People will mythologize this performance.” The three-hour set between SZA and Kendrick flew by as we rapped and sang along to every word. It was one of those rare shows where you get in your car and immediately play even more Kendrick. Anything to keep that high going. –Gabriela Rodriguez

Courtesy/Joan Marcus

Kendrick Lamar asserts himself as rap royalty at Allegiant Stadium

I went into Hamilton mostly blind, with the exception of three important facts: It’s about history, it’s a musical, and my emo friend Andy knows it word for word. I’d soon come to learn about its vastly gripping foundation of storytelling through hip-hop, soul and R&B. Before the intermission, I was hooked. Watching Alexander Hamilton rise and unravel through Aaron Burr’s cool, simmering narration gripped me. But it was Eliza Schuyler who leveled me with her quiet strength and heartbreak. I didn’t expect to care this much. But good art ambushes you. Long live the theater. And Hamilton … well, he had it coming. –GR

Ceremony and Angel Du$t rattle eardrums at Substance My friends and I often joke that we’re too old for multi-day festivals, and much too old for a post-fest side show. But Ceremony’s set at Substance following Punk Rock Bowling was a non-negotiable. We crammed into the EDM club to catch Angel Du$t, and before I knew it, I was dodging bodies succumbing to the mosh-proof, beer-soaked floor. That sweaty, exhilarating mess only seemed to prime us for the main attraction. Around 1 a.m., Ceremony took the stage and the room truly snapped awake. “Into the Wayside, Part 1/Sick” summoned us forward, as far as we could possibly go. Crowdsurfers clawed their way over the barricade, the pit swelled, slick floors be damned, and by the end of it all we felt young again. –GR

Angel Du$t (Courtesy/Vera Hernandez)

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Bob Marley Hope Road unites the masses at Mandalay Bay

A rare experience at Bellagio’s Prime Steakhouse Restaurants come and go. Classics endure. Prime Steakhouse at Bellagio, open since 1998, is the OG Vegas dining experience, not just for its frontrow view of the fountains, but for what happens at the table. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has created something rare (and well done) here: a place where every element—the food, the cocktails, the flawless service—comes together perfectly. On a recent visit, we watched a man drop to one knee as the sun set and the fountains danced. We clapped. Then we cut into our filet mignon. It was happiness all around. –GD

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You expect Vegas shows to be entertaining, but few stay with you after the house lights come up. Bob Marley Hope Road resonated long after I left the theater, so much so that I immediately brought friends back. Marley’s music has always spoken to something deeper: unity, resilience, love. But right now, those words feel less like lyrics and more like lifelines. Hope Road channels his artistry through live musicians, dancers and multimedia elements, transforming a theater into a sacred, communal space. It’s the show that reminds you why live performance matters. –Genevie Durano

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The Arts District goes off

PrideStyle Inclusive Pro Wrestling suplexes stereotypes

A few years back I was standing in front of Main St. Provisions with an entertainment industry friend from LA, one who’s seen his share of hipster neighborhoods explode into being. He looked up and down Main, abuzz with Saturday night activity—barhoppers skipping from Velveteen Rabbit to ReBar, theatergoers queueing up at Majestic Repertory, roller skaters testing out new purchases from Fresa’s Skate Shop—and exclaimed, “This neighborhood is going off.” Well, loyal Weekly reader, WT actual F did we know about a neighborhood hitting stride. This year brought a veritable flood of new bars, restaurants and shops to the Arts District: Audio Bar, Bar Boheme, Barter Beer and Mall, Dark Sister, The Doberman, Dustland, Echo Taste & Sound, Johnny Coco’s, Nocturno, Prowl, The Stadium, Viking Mike’s and more. Some existing venues refreshed and expanded their offerings—a new loft bar at Esther’s Kitchen, a remodeled back lounge at Cornish Pasty—while spots that opened in late 2024, notably Craft Creamery and Petite Boheme, found their crowds. To me, the Weekly’s resident scenester antique, this growth has been a revelation. I’m in the Arts District nearly every week, enjoying the world-class cocktail programs of Lu Lopez (Nocturno), Kat Calma (Dustland), Jonah Gibbs (Petite Boheme), Juyoung Kang (The Doberman) and Chris “Tater” Gutierrez (Prowl). I’m drinking on a budget at Berlin, ReBar and the Silver Stamp. I’m springing for fancy dinners at Bar Boheme, Esther’s and Main St. Provisions. I’m getting cookies at Freed’s, local goods at Akin Cooperative, caffeine at Bungalow, Dig It! and Vesta. And though there’s less of it in the neighborhood than there should be, I can enjoy visual and sculptural art at Main Arts District Gallery, Recycled Propaganda, the Arts Factory and more. Eventually 2025 will be remembered as the year the Arts District hit the accelerator. And the only thing that can slow it down is completely eliminating free parking in the neighborhood, which would never … Oh. Oh, no. –Geoff Carter

“A safe space for violence.” That’s what the producers of PrideStyle call their events, and it truly is that: A place where people of all colors, genders and persuasions can come together and deliver armbreakers, chokeslams and diving clotheslines to each other. Here, all are truly free to hit each other with folding chairs, choke each other with lengths of chain or toss each other into the crowd. (“If the action looks like it’s coming your way,” warns ring announcer Diana Sandoval, “it is. Grab your s**t and move.”) The crowd chants, boos, cheers and generally gets along regardless of their biology or backgrounds. PrideStyle is entertaining, solidly produced and, coincidentally, very affordable night of sports entertainment, and I couldn’t have survived this ugly-ass year without its cleansing monthly ceremony of bigotry-free mayhem. –GC

Courtesy/Rick R.L.

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Last Supper at EDO In a year of truly amazing meals beyond Las Vegas—ranging from NYC’s storied Eleven Madison Park to a trek into the Estonian countryside to Hiis Restoran—our final meal at EDO was an unforgettable highlight. Proclaimed as Chef’s Grande Finale Tasting Menu, chef Oscar Amador offered a retrospective on the venue’s eight-year run while hinting at what’s to come at his new project in the same space. There was the savory, crisp bikini gilded with black truffle, Wagyu pastrami accenting a flaky tarte flambée, decadent lobster risotto with even more truffle and more. Along with great wine and even better company, the completion was a fever pitch of flavors portending an unconstrained path yet to come. EDO may be gone but Amador is thankfully here to stay. –Jim Begley Courtesy

Courtesy/Jake West

Fallout Fringe Festival produces a daring run of theater Organized by artists who wanted to create a testing ground for their crafts, the inaugural Fallout Fringe Festival brought 30 acts and more than 100 shows to multiple Downtown theater venues in June. We got up close and a little too personal during puppet speed dating with the colorful cast of Fur and Thundur collective in Puppet Slam: Pride Edition. We cried laughing at Legoland, a hilarious prequel to Majestic Repertory Theatre’s Ride the Cyclone. And we writhed at the irreverent satire that was Take Your Shot With Motivational Speaker Luigi Mangione, a collaboration between TSTMRKT and Indecline. It was everything a live theater lover could want. We can’t wait for it to come back in 2026. –Shannon Miller

Insomniac x Tomorrowland: Unity electrifies at Sphere The two biggest promoters in electronic dance music, Belgium’s Tomorrowland and Electric Daisy Carnival producer Insomniac, teamed up for a run of nine August, September and October shows at Sphere. The headlining sets, by Kaskade, Sara Landry, DJ Snake and others, were big, booming affairs that took full advantage of Sphere’s state-ofthe-art sound system—but it was the opening set for those headliners, featuring Sphere’s incredible visuals and Tomorrowland’s Symphony of Unity orchestra, that truly impressed. The visual of UFOs “attacking” Las Vegas during Knife Party’s “Destroy Them with Lazers” and the soaring orchestration Symphony of Unity added to David Guetta and Kelly Rowland’s “When Love Takes Over” are burned into my imagination. This is why we built that damn orb to begin with. –GC

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Young Thug (Courtesy/Joseph Baura)

Punk Rock Bowling scores big with 25th anniversary celebration It may be remembered as the year the festival went viral for fans literally punching Nazis, but Punk Rock Bowling’s 25th festival made memories in so many other ways. Although headliners Social Distortion, Cock Sparrer and Peter Hook & the Light all rocked, we found ourselves gravitating toward the lesser-known bands. On the PRB main stage, Dallas’ Power Trip returned to Vegas with a transformed lineup after the loss of their frontman in 2020 and gave a relentless, energetic set. Meanwhile, Lambrini Girls stripped down to their bras and stomped around the mosh pit. Guest appearances also abounded, like Laura Jane Grace lending vocals to Gang of Four during “I Love a Man in Uniform.” After moshing in the heat all day, it was tempting not to head straight home after the festival. But we couldn’t resist the club shows. After 10 p.m., Downtown venues came alive with visiting bands rocking out—Mariachi El Bronx at Downtown Grand’s Citrus Pool Deck, Ceremony at Substance and the Bridge City Sinners at Container Park were some of our favorites. The festival in October announced there would be no PRB in 2026 due to “unexpected challenges,” but assured fans they’ll be back the following year. We’ll hold them to it. –SM

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ComplexCon brings the beats Though the limited-edition Yu-Gi-Oh skateboards and New Era snapbacks at the massive streetwear, hip-hop and pop-culture convention known as ComplexCon certainly tested my patience for unbridled consumerism, the stellar music lineup drew me in. Less than a year removed from his controversial imprisonment, innovative trap crooner Young Thug showcased his signature whimsical vocal contortions over throwbacks like “Check” and “Digits” before leading the crowd in an unhinged “F**k VIP” chant. Legendary rap duo Clipse provided another booming set, rife with bangers off one of the best albums of the year in Let God Sort ’Em Out. The best part? I didn’t buy a single thing. –Tyler Schneider

Courtesy/Alan Snodgrass

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My status as a three-time Lollapalooza veteran did little to prepare me for the neon melting pot of crunchy basslines, vibrant costumes and carefree energy that defined my first EDC experience. I still can’t fathom how Insomniac mustered the logistical audacity required to successfully accommodate enough ravers to fully repopulate Sacramento within the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, but their efforts more than justified the two-hour, bumper-tobumper trek in. My initial vantage point from high up in the stands legitimately felt like watching an orc army from Lord of the Rings descend upon Helm’s Deep—except they came bearing unicorn totems and glowstick nunchucks instead of Mordor banners and swords. I trekked over to the Kinetic Field stage alongside a vaping Papa Smurf, a stoney-eyed Ash Ketchum and a female Mario slaying in knee highs, where Mexican superstar DJ Deorro invigorated the crowd with an hourlong set that featured guest stars like Mike Posner and legendary regional Mexican band Los Tucanes de Tijuana. As I grooved under the watchful resting bitch face of a five-story-tall animatronic owl, one camelback-clad PLURitarian welcomed me into their ranks by clipping a small plastic flower sprout to my hat. Emboldened by my newfound sense of belonging, I inhaled a fistful of snack-sized Slim Jims from the press room and powered through the party at a record-setting 16 stages. At Quantum Valley, a set of lingerie-clad Art Deco-inspired statues welcomed me to the hypnotic sounds of Israeli psych-trance duo Vini Vici, while LA DJ RL Grime pummeled fans with booming trap beats over samples of Ellie Goulding’s “Lights” at the pyrotechnic-heavy Cosmic Meadow stage. My commitment to journalistic integrity compelled me to stick around until the wee hours. Perhaps it will again next year. –TS

Courtesy/Chill Media

A first-timer’s EDC adventure

Shanna Christmas offers comedic relief at Fat Cat Nobody does comedy quite like Shanna Christmas. The born-and-raised local cut her teeth in LA and New York and returned to Vegas, bringing her trademark wit, charm and humor to the B Word comedy hour at Downtown’s Fat Cat. Christmas books comedians from around the country and hosts a hilarious, deeply relatable and personal show. July’s installation of the B Word included intro and outro music from the innovative improv duo Sol Fixx as well as stand-up from James Mattern, Jasmine Ellis and more. It’s also worth noting that Christmas won Laugh After Dark’s Best Comedy Special award this year for Highly Intelligent, which came out in May. Catch this local comedy queen on the third Friday of each month starting January 16 at Fat Cat. –SM

Alabama Shakes stuns in highly anticipated reunion show My most memorable show of 2025 was undoubtedly Grammy Award-winning Southern rock trio Alabama Shakes at Fontainebleau. Fresh off an eight-year hiatus, guitarist Heath Fogg and bassist Zac Cockrell slipped back into a familiar rhythm behind vocal powerhouse Brittany Howard, opening with the misty, cerebral murmurs of my favorite song, “Dunes.” Later, Howard’s cathartic, soulful delivery coalesced seamlessly around the tender, twangy riffs of her fellow Shakes on hits like “Gimme All Your Love” and more. And that five-minute standing ovation the band received ahead of its encore? Given the Shakes’ recently announced 2026 tour, there’s plenty more to come. –TS

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ON THIS PAGE PHOTOGRAPHER

WADE VANDERVORT

P H O T O G R A P H Y

1 Paymon Raouf, owner and founder of Paymon’s Fresh Kitchen and Lounge, poses for a photo on April 8. 2 Adam Nordwall performs a Northern Plains Style Warrior’s dance during a Powwow exhibition at the Palms on October 13. 3 Official host Ashley Rapuano Sanchez at the Nightmare in Vegas horror convention at the Silverton on October 4.

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ON THIS PAGE

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STEVE MARCUS

1 A Vegas Golden Knights fan celebrates a goal by Tomáš Hertl against the Minnesota Wild during the teams’ Stanley Cup first-round playoff series at T-Mobile Arena on April 20. 2 Drake Lee, 20, and Victor B., 17, pose outside Rangel Boxing Las Vegas during a concert on April 27. 3 Emilia Gildemeister prepares to descend Plumber’s Crack in Calico Basin on February 27. Cory Statt, president of the Southern Nevada Climbers Coalition, is at right.

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ON THIS PAGE

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CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS

1 The Fortuna yacht cruises across the water at the Fountains of Bellagio October 3 as part of the launch of the Carbone Riviera restaurant. 2 Rider Cade Shepard participates in the Cutting Horse Challenge during the Run For A Million reining competition at the South Point Arena on August 14. 3 Children from the Fort Mojave Tribe participate in a youth bird song dancing during the Fort Mojave Indian Days festival in Needles, California in October.

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IN THE NEWS

HOT SHOT

The Fremont Street Experience celebrates its 30th anniversary all month long. The LED-canopied pedestrian promenade Downtown hosts the Countdown Under the Canopy New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31. (Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

DOWNTOWN

After rallying against a possible noise ordinance change over the summer, dozens of Arts District business owners have again united to organize a petition contesting rising parking costs. Starting October 13, the city rolled out a $1 hourly rate increase for paid meters south of Charleston Boulevard, meaning visitors and employees of the area’s businesses now pay between $2 and $4 per hour. The coalition says this will likely deter customers and financially burden employees. In an email, city spokesperson

Jace Radke shared documents stating that the increase was the result of a comprehensive market rate analysis that showed that Las Vegas’ rates were far lower than other regional cities like LA and Phoenix. According to the city, between September 9 and December 9, parking transactions in the Arts District and Downtown were up by more than 32,000 from the same period in 2024—nearly a 25% increase. The city defends the increased rates as “necessary to ensure there will be adequate parking for Downtown visitors in the future,” adding that the

funds will support “improvements of parking infrastructure citywide.” On December 9, Taverna Costera owner Jeff Hwang and 27 co-signers released an Instagram letter to bring attention to the changes and an unrelated November conversion of some private lots north of Charleston Boulevard from unpaid to $4 an hour. The group has also published a change.org petition asking the city to place a moratorium on paid parking south of Charleston Boulevard through January. It garnered more than 1,700 signatures in its first two days. –Tyler Schneider

ARTS

Las Vegas Museum of Art unveils building details

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As the future Las Vegas Museum of Art has surpassed the halfway mark in its $200 million fundraising goal, the institution has released details about how the museum will look and function when it opens to the public. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Francis Kéré, the 60,000-square-foot building will feature a façade of locally sourced stone inspired by the colors of Red Rock Canyon. A canopy extending far beyond the roof will provide a shady “front porch” for the entry plaza. Inside, a grand staircase will echo the feeling of being in a canyon. “Las Vegas is a place of architectural marvels and of a timeless, awe-inspiring desert landscape. We hope to create a welcoming, engaging building that reflects both aspects of Las Vegas, restoring the presence of the natural world to the iconic skyline,” Kéré said in a statement. Located in Symphony Park, the freestanding art museum is expected to start construction in 2026 and open in 2029. –Shannon Miller Courtesy/ Las Vegas Museum of Art

SPORTS

NBA TO DECIDE ON EXPANSION PLANS IN 2026 In Las Vegas for last week’s NBA Cup in-season tournament championship—won by the New York Knicks—league commissioner Adam Silver said a long-awaited decision on potentially adding new expansion teams would be made in the coming year. It’s “not a secret,” Silver said, that Seattle and Las Vegas have been considered the frontrunners for new NBA franchises. “Obviously we had a team in Seattle that had great success. We have a WNBA team here in Las Vegas in the Aces. ... I don’t have any doubt that Las Vegas, despite all of the other major league teams that are here now, the other entertainment properties, that this city could support an NBA team.” –Staff

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CRIME AND BANISHMENT Gov. Lombardo’s marquee crime bill restores process for issuing bans from the Strip

BY TYLER SCHNEIDER Could a wild night out that includes a simple misdemeanor crime like loitering ultimately lead to a one-year ban from the Strip? After Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo’s major crime bill passed in November’s Special Session of the Nevada Legislature, it will at least become a possibility in 2026. The sweeping 73-page legislation, known as the Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act, is Lombardo’s second attempt to overhaul the

state’s criminal justice system after his original version failed to pass during the regular session this summer. While it broadly includes enhanced penalties for crimes like DUI and child pornography, plus added protections for hospitality workers and retail theft victims, it also features a last-minute Democratic compromise amendment that prohibits immigration enforcement agents from accessing school campuses without a warrant. One particularly controversial component requires the Clark

County Board of Commissioners to re-establish boundaries for a Strip “corridor,” from which the county’s Justice Court could ban individuals for up to one year, even for misdemeanor crimes. The Strip previously experimented with a similar corridor court from 2023 to 2024, issuing more than 4,000 bans before judges voted to dismantle it due to strained resources and high caseloads. Clark County chief communications officer Jennifer Cooper said in an email that commissioners have “no timeline” for when they

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A view of pedestrian and vehicle traffic on the Las Vegas Strip looking south from Flamingo Road in 2023.

expect to set the mandated corridor boundaries, noting that the Justice Court has sole authority to establish a corridor court. The Culinary Union joined gaming companies like Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts in testifying in favor of the bill, with some proponents citing increased crime and a need for public safety measures for Strip tourists and workers. However, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill touted “historic reductions” in an October press conference. The state’s crime data supports that claim, with property crimes and violent crimes down more than 20% year-over-year. Lombardo’s press secretary Josh Meny said in an email to the Weekly that the safety of the Strip—the “heartbeat” of Nevada’s economy— was paramount. “By designating high-risk tourist corridors and strengthening protections for hospitality workers, the bill helps reduce criminal activity, preserve the Strip’s reputation as a secure destination, and support the economic vitality and prosperity of Nevada,” Meny said. Opponents of the Strip corridor bans included the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada (ACLU), the Fines and Fees Justice Center and Clark County public defenders Paloma Guerrero and Brennan Bartley, who argued that the policy disproportionately targets the homeless given the fact that a Clark County ordinance went into effect in February making it a

misdemeanor for people to camp, lay down, sleep or store personal property in public spaces. The public defenders noted that most cases in the now-shuttered corridor court involved minor crimes committed by homeless individuals, and those crimes already carry penalties of up to six months of jail time and a fine up to $1,000. “This courtroom was also created with the premise that people were going to be offered services, but those services never came,” Guerrero said in a November 24 ACLU of Nevada webinar on the bill. “The result of that was a revolving door or plea factory for homeless people.” Southern Nevada’s homeless population grew 20% between 2023 and 2024, according to data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Would reinstating the Strip bans help alleviate the underlying causes of homelessness, like addiction? Critics like Athar Haseebullah, executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, say absolutely not. “It’s not a specialty court that’s treating people based on individual conditions. It simply allows resorts to accuse people of loitering, obstructing, or whatever the case, and have those individuals arrested—at which point an order out provision will allow for those individuals to be banished for a year or face more serious penalties,” Haseebullah says. First-time offenders could be banned from the Strip corridor for up to one year, while those facing subsequent offenses within two years must receive a mandatory

one-year ban. Violating a ban is itself a misdemeanor crime, creating what critics call a punitive cycle concentrated on people with nowhere else to go. Robert Banghart, who lived on the streets and tunnels near the Strip from 2013 until he entered longterm addiction treatment in 2018, was once among them. Today, he advocates for the homeless through leadership roles with groups like substance treatment center Crossroads of Southern Nevada and the nonprofit Shine A Light Foundation, which provides outreach and case management. “A lot of these guys have a hustle that helps them survive, like busking, panhandling, or God knows what else. Of course, some homeless people are up to no good, but a lot more are just trying to get by,” Banghart says. “With the crime bill, the fact that they’re so concerned about the [Strip bans]—and not how we can connect them to the services they need—is probably the scariest part of all. How does separating them further solve the problem?” The sprawling bill split the Democratic-majority Legislature. Majority leader Sen. Nicole Cannizzaro, who negotiated the bill with Lombardo and voted yes on it, did not respond to a request for comment. Democratic state Sen. Fabian Doñate, whose jurisdiction includes the resort corridor, says his “yes” vote hinged on a need to protect Strip workers like his own father, as well as the immigration amendment for Nevada’s students.

Democratic Assemblymember Duy Nguyen—one of 11 in the 42-member body who opposed the bill in the special session—was closer to the middle of the pack. “We’re the entertainment capital of the world, but no one wants to come when there are safety challenges. If the [corridor] court can mitigate those risk factors, great. But there are some concerns about the process and implementation,” Nguyen says. “It became law, but the next Legislature can always go in and fix a few things. We can protect our livelihood in the Strip corridor and also address some of the challenges that our unhoused community is experiencing. We don’t have to do just one.” Haseebullah expects to see a push for a new Strip corridor court within the next year and a half, though he admits he doesn’t know “how far it will get.” Bans can still be issued either way, though a new court would centralize its efforts. Still, he argues that the act of banning people from the Strip in and of itself is “not only a constitutional issue, but a due process issue that pervades its way into human rights.” In his perspective, lawmakers sided with the interests of the resorts at the expense of constitutional rights. “If you are creating a system that’s specifically designed to appeal to people’s vices, but you wash your hands of this and pretend it doesn’t have an implication or overlap with what’s going on, it’s a little disingenuous at best,” Haseebullah says. The bill goes into effect on January 1.

“We can protect our livelihood in the Strip corridor and also address some of the challenges that our unhoused community is experiencing. We don’t have to do just one.” – Democratic Assemblymember Duy Nguyen

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Utah legend Kyle Whittingham coaches his final game in the 2025 Las Vegas Bowl on New Year’s Eve

A FITTING FAREWELL

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in giving 17 points to Nebraska in local sports books. While the matchup therefore might not hold the appeal of past powerhouse-packed Las Vegas Bowls like USC’s comeback 35-31 victory over Texas A&M last year, the storyline of this year’s pairing separates it from the three-week jumble of BY CASE KEEFER postseason games. Whittingham’s send-off will be Utah has made a record-high six a celebratory affair as he’s among appearances in the Las Vegas Bowl, the most respected and accomand coach Kyle Whittingham has been plished coaches in the nation. He on its sideline for all of them. ranks third in the nation among He was Utah’s defensive coordiactive coaches with 177 career nator for an initial pair of wins, over victories including two undeFresno State in 1999 and USC in 2001, feated seasons, two Rose Bowls before being promoted to head coach and winning records in 18 of 21 for the last four in which the campaigns. Utes have gone 2-2 including The success allowed a 2023 loss to Northwestern. Utah to transition from LAS VEGAS The 66-year-old “Coach a mid-major conference, BOWL Whitt” will lead the Utes the Mountain West, Utah (10-2) into their seventh Las Vegas to two different power vs. Nebraska Bowl on New Year’s Eve at leagues, first the Pac-12 (7-5). December 31, Allegiant Stadium in his final in 2011 and then the Big 12:30 p.m., act as they face the Nebraska 12 last season. $86-$1,042. Cornhuskers. He announced “The legacy that Kyle Allegiant Stahe would be moving on after Whittingham leaves dium, lvbowl. com/tickets. 21 years in his position, and distinguishes him as one TV: ESPN. 31 overall with the program, of the most impactful shortly after Utah finished figures in the history off a 10-2 regular season and of Utah athletics,” said received the familiar bowl Mark Harlan, Utah athassignment. letics director. “The time is right to step down,” There were murmurs that Whittingham said. Whittingham would retire after The place also couldn’t be more last season, with defensive coorappropriate as Whittingham champidinator Morgan Scalley named oned Las Vegas from a time back when “coach-in-waiting” after having the city was largely shunned by the previously been stripped of the sports world. Such archaic views are title amid scandal, but Utah largely absent in the present day with debuted in the Big 12 with a disapa few exceptions, including Nebraska pointing 5-7 season. coach Matt Rhule who griped college Whittingham didn’t want to go sports shouldn’t be in Las Vegas out with his first losing record in during Big Ten Media Days this summore than a decade. mer at Mandalay Bay. He poured extra effort into It might be the Cornhuskers who building a more complete roster look like they don’t belong in the going into this season, one Las Vegas Bowl, if the betting line is that matched the program’s proven correct. Utah is the largest reputation for physicality and favorite of bowl season (not including dominance along the lines of the College Football Playoff games) scrimmage. One market where he found talent was Las Vegas, as he’s done frequently over the years. The Utes had three local products on

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their roster this year as freshmen, though Nevada’s all-time leading high school football tackler Christian Thatcher, a linebacker out of Arbor View High, recently announced he was entering the transfer portal. Bishop Gorman defensive lineman Sione Motuapuaka similarly didn’t get on the field during his first season in Salt Lake City, but fellow Las Vegas native Kana’i Lopes appeared in every game. Lopes initially went to Liberty High before moving to Southern California and graduating from St. John Bosco. No Utah players have opted out of playing in the Las Vegas Bowl at publication time, while Nebraska has already seen three players depart including star running back Emmett Johnson. That does not include Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, who suffered a broken leg late in the season and then entered the transfer portal. A team’s motivation is always a talking point going into bowl games, and Nebraska’s looks murky at best with all the defections coming off a 7-5 season. There’s no question Utah’s desire will be high. The Utes want to send Coach Whitt out with a win and set the tone for one of his former players turned assistants to steer the program into the future. “I am forever indebted to him for believing in me and giving me opportunity after opportunity to grow in this profession,” Scalley said. “He has mentored me, inspired me and given me a vision for the future of the Utah football program, and I’m ready and excited to see it through.”

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TAURUS (April 20-May 20): When potters center clay, one hand applies steady force inside the vessel while the other remains fluid, stabilizing the outer rim. This balance of firm bracing and minute adaptation creates perfect symmetry. Make this your metaphor, Taurus: control meeting surrender. You are crafting a new balance between security and surprise. Too much rigidity and the form cracks; too much flow and it collapses. Practice the middle art. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Poet Audre Lorde argued that self-care is the foundation of the ability to serve others, not an act of selfishness. Educator Stephen Covey advised being patient with oneself, noting that “self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground.” These should be your keynotes, Gemini. You cannot pour from an empty cup. In the coming months, boost your self-care to sublime levels and treat your own development as your greatest investment. CANCER (June 21-July 22): The jellyfish Turritopsis dohrnii can convert its mature cells back into stem cells, essentially recycling its body into youth. In the coming months, Cancerian, your emotional wisdom will show similar regenerative power. Challenging situations will be opportunities for stunning acts of renewal. Like the jellyfish, you won’t merely manage change, you will use it as a catalyst for vigorous growth and a metamorphosis you’ve never experienced before. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): According to Egyptian myth, the sun god Ra rode a celestial boat by day and plunged into the underworld by night to wrangle with chaos and rebirth the light. That is your mythic assignment, Leo: renew and nurture your radiance in the dark. Your courage will lie in learning from your doubts without identifying with them. You won’t be less golden for passing through the shadow; your magnetism will only deepen as you descend. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In medieval monasteries, scribes added “drolleries”—whimsical drawings of musical frogs or chasing rabbits—into the margins of sacred manuscripts. I recommend you experiment with drolleries of your own, Virgo. Inject improvisation into duty and add ornament to order. You’ll accomplish more by enjoying the work than by obsessing over perfection. A touch of friskiness improves efficiency, so when you edit, doodle; when you analyze, wink. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Italy’s Orto Botanico di Padova is the world’s oldest botanical garden still in its original location. Its layout, a square inscribed in a circle, symbolizes harmonious order. In the coming months, Libra, associate yourself with a similar wonder: an enduring source of beauty and revelation that you can both serve and benefit from. Seek out environments and traditions that offer you this kind of long-term enrichment. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Astronaut Chris Hadfield notes that in the microgravity of space, motion is smooth and objects float in a pace that is tranquil and unhurried. I foresee you enjoying this kind of grace in the coming months, Scorpio: momentum without mania. Expect constant fluid movement that never feels hectic or rushed. It is a great privilege to rack up flowing accomplishments without the weight of stress. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In Kyoto’s moss gardens, caretakers arrange shed foliage to create visual harmony rather than removing it. This reflects the aesthetic of embracing imperfection. I propose you adopt this approach, Sagittarius. Integrate rather than edit. Be creative with what is changing form, and treat unexpected plot twists not as blemishes, but as rich textures that make your life’s garden feel more meaningful and inspiring. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A newly planted orchard spends its first year growing roots, not fruit. Underground and unseen, the real work happens. That is your path in the coming months, Capricorn: invisible stabilization and preparation. If anyone asks what you’re producing, smile and say, “depth.” Commit to the quiet, hidden work rather than a showy performance. The nourishment you store now will sustain a massive later abundance. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Engineers use “stress testing” to evaluate a system’s hardiness by subjecting it to extreme pressure. Life will bring you a benevolent version of this trial soon, Aquarius. It isn’t meant to break you, but to prove how much resilience you have developed. Situations that might have formerly cracked your confidence will now affirm your upgraded endurance. Take note of your composure; you have every right to exult in your growth. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Author Anaïs Nin wrote that love dies only because we don’t know how to replenish its source. Apply this counsel dynamically, Pisces. Be the great replenisher. Make yourself a fountain of beauty and nurture tenderness with unexpected flowers or affection expressed through artful thoughtfulness. Be brilliant and persistent in ensuring that love thrives. Your elegant generosity should enrich everything you touch.

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Eating a meal in Las Vegas isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience. In the age of social media and the triumphant rise of foodies, the atmosphere of a restaurant is as important as the delectability of its dishes, if not more so. From music to lighting, bars to booths, salty to sweet eats, food is all about the mood it evokes. At Resorts World Las Vegas, delicious food and meticulously curated vibes make for top-shelf culinary experiences. Feeling hungry? Looking for beautifully plated In the mood for vegan “mood food?” meals? Drop in at any one of these Crossroads at Resorts World, the first fully plant-based Italian and Mediterranean fineculinary destinations for “mood dining restaurant on the Strip, is the place to food” that satisfies. be. Led by Chef Tal Ronnen and Executive Chef Scott Okazaki, Crossroads continues to deliver the elevated dishes that made the Los Angeles original a standout. This season, the menu leans on familiar flavors and fresh ingredients for a refined experience for all. Among the standouts are figs and feta finished with white balsamic, truffle-dusted mushroom arancini, and celery root tartare paired with Granny Smith apples and dill pickle potato chips. Wide-set tables and bright lighting give way to hearty house-made pastas such as spicy rigatoni vodka and campfire potato gnocchi with root vegetable velouté.

Stepping through the moon gate at Genting Palace sets the tone for an elegant Cantonese dining experience, where refined Chinese motifs and plush seating create an elevated atmosphere. The menu reflects balance, with dishes like apple-wood smoked soy sauce chicken, Macau-style crispy pork belly, roasted Chilean sea bass with fried ginger and the richly layered Yang Chow fried rice with house XO sauce. Guests can explore a range of seafood, noodle and vegetable dishes. The restaurant launched its new Dim Sum Brunch every Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., offering handcrafted dumplings and delicate small plates that highlight the artistry of Cantonese cuisine. It’s a fresh weekend ritual that’s inviting, leisurely and aligned with the restaurant’s graceful ambiance.

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Sometimes the mood you’re after isn’t just found in one place. Explore the abundant, diverse and flavorful stalls at Famous Foods Street Eats, Resorts World’s expansive food hall that channels the energy of Southeast Asia’s bustling street markets. Michelin-starred chefs, approachable pricing and a lively, communal atmosphere make Famous Foods a go-to destination for everything from a quick bite to a leisurely meal. The venue brings together a range of concepts, from Salad Jack’s, a modern salad bar built around locally sourced ingredients, bold dressings and customizable options, to James Beard Award-winning Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Streetbird Las Vegas, serving hot and spicy fried chicken, wings, shakes and comfort food favorites. Guests can also dig into Blood Bros, which pairs classic Texas barbecue techniques with Chinese and Vietnamese influences, or savor traditional Vietnamese pho at Famous Pho, where aromatic broths, tender rice noodles and fresh herbs anchor each bowl. “Mood food” further comes to life at Kuru Kuru Pa from iconic DJ Steve Aoki and his restaurateur brother, Kevin Aoki, where rice bowls are finished with the duo’s signature teriyaki sauce, green onions, toasted sesame seeds, cabbage, carrots and a choice of protein.

Michelin-starred Chef Jeremy Ford, winner of Season 13 of Bravo’s Top Chef, brings to the Las Vegas Strip an unapologetically refined culinary vision and a dining journey that’s equally bold and elegant at Stubborn Seed. Every detail at the restaurant, from flavors to the feelings it evokes, is handpicked to deliver an extraordinary culinary experience to guests. Ford uses seasonal ingredients to create unforgettable and innovative dishes, including specialized twists to classics like burgers, ribs and more. In addition to the chef’s tasting menu, guests can explore an à la carte selection featuring dishes such as truffle organic chicken, Iberico ham fritters and cacio e pepe cheesy puffs. Stop by Stubborn Seed for cocktails, candlelight and a unique take on modern American cuisine.