Step into Tournament of Kings, where medieval legends come to life and dinner comes with a side of sword fighting. Cheer for your champion as rival kingdoms clash in a thrilling tale of courage, betrayal, and glory. And while the knights battle for honor, you’ll be tackling your own challenge: feasting on a hearty medieval feast the old-fashioned way—with your hands! It’s part tournament, part feast, and 100% unforgettable.
Features
Imagine Exhibitions
A world of discovery on the Strip PAGE 48
Mary J. Blige
Back for more of her hit residency at Park MGM PAGE 54
Barry Manilow
Master showman returns to Westgate Las Vegas PAGE 56
Omega Mart
Do not miss Phenomenomaly at this AREA15 attraction PAGE 60
Kelly Clarkson
Ready for more Studio Sessions at Caesars Palace PAGE 62
Tournament of Kings
Family entertainment at Excalibur PAGE 64
Editor’s Note PAGE 13
Publisher’s Picks
Our publisher gives you everything you need to plan the perfect month PAGE 14
Spotlight Fantasy: The Strip’s Sexiest Tease PAGE 17
AREA15
Enjoy a fun-packed month PAGE 18
BLVD Las Vegas
Shop in style at this retail mecca PAGE 20
Universal Horror Unleashed
A scary-good AREA15 attraction PAGE 22
Peter Luger Steak House
A classic experience at Caesars Palace PAGE 24
Stadium Swim
So much to do at Circa Resort & Casino PAGE 26
International Fight Week
Head-to-head action PAGE 28
Caramella
This Planet Hollywood restaurant shines PAGE 30
¡VIVA!
Mexican cuisine par excellence at Resorts World Las Vegas PAGE 32
Gymkhana
Award-winning food at Aria PAGE 34
Cheers
Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge
Feel like you’ve stepped back in time at Resorts World Las Vegas PAGE 38
Friends With Benefits
Luciano Pontiroli PAGE 40
Nosh
Barry’s Downtown Prime
This Circa Resort & Casino restaurant is one of a kind PAGE 42
Showbiz
Your guide to everything in Las Vegas PAGE 67
The Cabinet of Curiosities and REAL BODIES PAGE 81
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A Month of Enjoyment
It’s an exciting time for Las Vegas Magazine. You hold in your hands the newest iteration of our long-standing tourist publication: After decades of weekly issues, this is our first monthly mag! We’ve increased its size in order to pack in as much vital information as you can handle to enjoy the Strip to the full extent. We hope you enjoy perusing the following pages as much as we did putting them together. No matter how long you’re in town, remember to keep this book close.
Now down to business! In this inaugural monthly issue, you’ll find everything you need for the perfect stay, including:
• Live entertainment. Not only does July mark the return of Mary J. Blige to her Park MGM residency (“Extending Her Reign,” p. 54) and the return of Kelly Clarkson to her Caesars Palace residency (“Up Close and Personal,” p. 62), it could also be the long-awaited return of Barry Manilow to Westgate Las Vegas if his health permits (“Making It Through the Rain,” p. 56 ).
Friend us on Facebook facebook.com/LasVegasMag Follow us on Instagram @LasVegasMagazine
Follow us on X @LasVegasMag Read us online lasvegasmagazine.com
Hitting the town tonight? Stop by your concierge to pick up a copy of our sister publication, VEGAS2GO.
• Dining. From world-class steakhouses like Peter Luger Steak House at Caesars Palace (“Still One of the Best,” p. 24) and Barry’s Downtown Prime at Circa Resort & Casino (“Relax & Enjoy, p. 42) to Mexican fare at ¡VIVA! by Ray Garcia at Resorts World Las Vegas (“Cultural Classics,” p. 32), Indian cuisine at Gymkhana at Aria (“Rich Traditions,” p. 34), and indoor and outdoor Italian excellence at Caramella at Planet Hollywood (“Fun and Flavorful,” p. 30), there really is something for everyone.
• Attractions. Visit whole new worlds at AREA15 with Omega Mart (“Aisles of Smiles,” p. 60) and Universal Horror Unleashed at AREA15 (“How Many Scares Can You Take?” p. 22).
And this is only the beginning of the fun inside. Welcome to a month of enjoyment!
KEN MILLER
July 2026
What to do in Las Vegas this month
Katie Dixon, Publisher
Omnia Dayclub
Tao Group’s brand new, 46,000-square-foot playground brings festival energy poolside, with worldclass DJs, luxe cabanas and an incredible 8K LED main stage. Grab a cocktail and get ready to party the day away. Caesars Palace, caesars.com
BLVD Las Vegas
One of the Strip’s newest retail and dining destinations. Browse the shops, then head up to the rooftop terrace for a slice at How Ya Dough’n—its cult favorite sourdough crust is reason enough to visit. 3755 Las Vegas Blvd. S., blvdlasvegas.com
Olivia Dean
The British singer-songwriter brings her soulful show to the Strip on July 18. Known for her flawless vocals and magnetic stage presence, Dean has been captivating audiences across the U.S. this summer. MGM Grand, mgmgrand. mgmresorts.com
The Vanderpump Hotel
Lisa Vanderpump’s first-ever boutique hotel has arrived. Explore the newly reimagined property, pop into the lounge for a cocktail and head upstairs to Giada’s for Italian cuisine with stunning Strip views. caesars.com
Maroon by Kwame Onwuachi photo by Scott Chebegia BLVD Las Vegas and The Vanderpump Hotel courtesy photos
BLVD Las Vegas
Maroon by Kwame Onwuachi
Le Spritz Bar
Transport yourself to the French Riviera at this seasonal bar. Carversteak’s patio is transformed into a European aperitivo escape, with spritz cocktails and small bites. Resorts World Las Vegas, carversteak.com
For Insider Tips go to lasvegasmagazine.com
Maroon by Kwame Onwuachi
The James Beard Award–winning chef brings his bold Afro-Caribbean steakhouse to the Strip. It’s rooted in Jamaican, Trinidadian, Nigerian and Creole influences. SAHARA Las Vegas, saharalasvegas.com
Bellagio
Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Its stunning summer display, Paradise: Nature’s Most Beautiful Creatures, transforms the space into a jungle retreat with towering palms and cascading vines. bellagio.mgmresorts.com
Omnia Dayclub and Olivia Dean courtesy photos
The Vanderpump Hotel
Omnia Dayclub
Olivia Dean
Photo by Oscar Picazo
All-In-One Action
Attraction includes everything from rides and sweets to bingo and parties
AREA15 already offers enough food, music, attractions and entertainment to keep you occupied all day long. But this all-in-one destination has a truly packed calendar this month!
This month at Zone 2, enjoy brandnew ride Eye Dropper, pictured, a 200-foot-tall thrill ride that can launch, freefall or combine both at speeds of up to 36 mph and forces ranging from weightlessness to 4.0 Gs.
This month also sees the opening of AREA15’s Museum of Ice Cream, as well as the following one-off activities:
July 8—PRIDE Family Bingo from 7-9:30 p.m. at The Portal. Enjoy menu items from The Beast while enjoying game packs starting at $20 (early bird game packs can be purchased online for $10).
July 10—Stern Army IFPA Pinball Tournament at Asylum Bar & Arcade at 6 p.m.
July 10—Sploinky Rave: Las Vegas at The Portal at 9 p.m. (21 and over), featuring pulsating beats and psychedelic visuals.
July 11—The Last Stand, a concert featuring Shashou and Aalioura at The
Wall at 8 p.m.
July 16—Fulton Lee brings his Sing With Me Tour to The Wall at 7 p.m. (all ages)
July 19—Family Rave at 1 p.m. Bring the kids to The Portal for music, lights and dancing.
July 31—Electric Feels, an electronic dance party at The Portal at 9 p.m. featuring DJs, a stage production and much more (18 and up). –Ken Miller
3215 S. Rancho Drive. area15.com
Yo, Check This Out!
New retail complex offers distinct shopping, dining and more
Take the afternoon or evening to explore the behemoth experience that is BLVD Las Vegas, the Strip’s newest dining and retail destination.
This 400,000-square-foot hot spot is filled with many special offerings. Top brands have built their flagships here and names like Pandora, Adidas, JD Sports, H&M, Lululemon and Boot Barn offer exclusive, only-in-Vegas merchandise. Stores like Puma go one step further and offer interactive experiences like customizable footwear and apparel, as well as partnering with brands like Ferrari
to bring the F1 Las Vegas racetrack alive through racing simulators that shoppers can drive. Expect more top brands to make BLVD Las Vegas their home in the coming months like Miniso, a store packed with all the viral tchotchkes one desires.
The only-in-Vegas theme flows over into dining and interactive experiences. Dine at the country’s largest In-N-Out Burger, and at the end of the summer, a must-visit will be Tenshou Collection, where diners can taste the culinary genius from six of Japan’s Michelin-starred chefs in
chef-led omakase experiences. The restaurant will also house a bar by world-renowned mixologist and viral sensation Yuzo Komai.
And set to open next summer is Netflix House, its largest location, that will immerse fans into the worlds of the streaming service’s most popular series, as well as a restaurant featuring a menu of food and beverages based on popular Netflix shows. –Kiko Miyasato
3747 Las Vegas Blvd. S. blvdlasvegas.com
How Many Scares Can You Take?
Year-round haunted house experience is frightening fun
The stuff of nightmares lives inside a giant warehouse just across the freeway from the neon-lit, colorful Las Vegas Strip. Dark, dank and dreary vibes fill Universal Horror Unleashed, and we love it! The creepy destination is all things frights and fun, as guests wind their way through four distinct haunted houses based on the horror genre’s most recognizable characters.
If you dare—because trust us, you will experience many jump scares—enter the worlds of Universal Monsters, Scarecrow: The Reaping, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer. The bone-chilling, hair-raising houses completely immerse the visitor into movie-quality sets that make for realistic frights. Will you walk or run through each one?
Universal Horror Unleashed offers an impressive food and beverage program in the form of several bars and eateries: Enjoy themed cocktails and roaming clowns (yes, the creepy kind!) at Jack’s Alley; ribs, snacks and sandwiches are offered at Roughcuts, a butcher-themed spot; The Boiler is an industrial-themed bar that serves up craft cocktails along with beer and wine; and the sit-down restaurant, Premiere House, immerses diners in the horror films of Blumhouse.
Fun can be had even if one doesn’t purchase tickets to any of the haunted houses, as roaming performers and frights await around every corner of Universal Horror Unleashed. So, do you dare enter the warehouse? –Kiko Miyasato
3051 S. Rancho Dr. universalhorrorunleashed.com
Still One of the Best
Vegas outpost of beloved Brooklyn brand carries over its traditions
One of Brooklyn’s most-established and loved brands (which celebrates its 140th anniversary next year!), Peter Luger Steak House has survived and thrived by sticking to core principles: Keep it simple, delicious and, above all, fun. The Las Vegas Strip outpost continues that tradition and then some.
For newcomers, try the Ultimate Steakhouse Tour menu, available Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. For one very reasonable price, you’ll get three courses:
an appetizer (your choice of sliced tomatoes and onions with Luger’s own sauce, Luger’s extra-thick bacon or a Caesar salad); a main course, where you choose between the Luger burger, grilled Atlantic salmon, broiled airline chicken breast or homemade bratwurst (for additional coin, you can opt for a Maine lobster tail or a prime dry-aged steak), as well as a side of your choice—either creamed spinach, french fried potatoes or Luger’s German fried potatoes; and the “Holy Cow!” hot fudge sundae for
dessert, topped with the restaurant’s signature “schlag,” whipped cream created in-house.
If you decided to come for dinner, you’ll likely be amazed at how unchanged Peter Luger keeps its menu. The steak menu is the perfect example of this: Steaks for one to four people, and they are cooked medium-rare. (If you ask for it otherwise, be prepared for juuuuust a bit of pushback.) –Ken Miller
Caesars Palace. caesars.com
JUL 9-11
Manilow show tickets are available at JUL 16-18 AUG 20-22
AUG 27-29 SEP 17-19 SEP 24-26
Making a Splash
Downtown pool complex is unlike any other you’ve ever seen
Everything you need, rolled into one. We’re talking Stadium Swim, downtown’s premiere destination that offers six pools, cabanas and daybeds, DJs, outdoor gaming, swim-up bars, elevated food and impressive mixology and sports-viewing on a massive 40-foot-tall, high-definition screen with 14 million pixels … and all this is offered 365 days a year!
“I love how unique Stadium Swim is, especially compared to other places in Las Vegas,” said O’ceana Clemens, Circa Resort & Casino VIP Services Manager. “I’ve never seen any other place like this.
You get a mixture of people wanting to enjoy the pool, but then people that want to enjoy sports.”
Three levels hold all the goodies—28 cabanas, 32 daybeds, 32 booths, 200 lounge chairs, two owner’s suites and poolside living-room-type setups. There are shaded blackjack tables, frozen drink machines churning out flavors like watermelon fresco and mango, and a DJ booth with live sets every day. Plus, the pool complex is 21+ (as is the whole property).
Stadium Swim also stacks its food and beverage menu with scrumptious
eats like the viral Walking Taco, served in a Fritos chip bag, and more eats like burritos, lobster corn dogs, nacho platters, seasonal fruit platters, gourmet meats and cheese grazing boards. Specialty cocktails are aplenty, with highlights like the Game Day margarita and the white strawberry lemonade. Don’t miss out on the refreshing and tasty mojito options, too, in flavors like banana, coconut, classic and tropical. –Kiko Miyasato
Circa Resort & Casino. circalasvegas.com
Photo by Ryan Gobuty
Clash of the Titans
Enjoy a killer lineup as part of International Fight Week
For fans of head-to-head combat, it really doesn’t get much better than International Fight Week in Las Vegas, with a bevy of action-packed events planned throughout the city.
Things get under way with the 2026 UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony on July 9 at T-Mobile Arena (7 p.m., ticket prices and honorees to be announced ), followed by Power Slap 21, starting at 9 p.m. July 10 at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, (ticketmaster.
com) featuring three championship title matches: Ellie Dempster vs. Zoe Dubois, Isaih Quinones vs. Stunt Marshall, and Cole “Full Send” Young vs. Brandon “The Ripper” Rhodes. Things really heat up, however, with UFC 329 on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena (6 p.m., ticketmaster.com), highlighted by a much-hyped welterweight matchup between Conor McGregor (22-6-0) and Max Holloway (27-9-0), as well as a packed
undercard featuring lightweights Benoit Saint-Denis (17-3-0) and Paddy Pimblett (23-4-0), bantamweights Cory Sandhagen (18-6-0) and Mario Bautista (17-3-0) and flyweights Brandon Royal (17-9-0) and Lone’er Kavanagh (10-1-0).
To wrap up the week, Zuffa Boxing hosts a fight card on July 12 at the UFC APEX at 6650 El Camino Road (times and fighters to be determined, zuffaboxing.com). –Ken Miller
Photo courtesy of Chris Unger
Fun and Flavorful
Caramella has established itself as one of the premier Las Vegas Strip Italian dining experiences in a very short amount of time. From the dishes themselves to the atmosphere, service and amazing views from the patio, Caramella has not only fit right in with the Vegas vibe, it’s creating one all of its own.
While enjoying the playful yet elegant decor, highlighted by sconces that look like monkeys reading newspapers, start with one of the sterling signature libations here, from the Dirty Caramel-
la, made with Tito’s vodka, Dolin dry vermouth, pickle brine, cipollini onions and basil, to the Hustle, made with The Botanist gin, melon, lime, chamomile honey and Fever-Tree elderflower tonic.
Can’t-be-beat appetizers include veal Parmigiano meatballs in marinara sauce, beef tartare with cornichons, Dijon and egg yolk, and marinated tomato caprese, perfect for vegetarians.
Then move onto great mains like chicken alla diavola, served with cherry peppers, olives and Calabrian chili, cen-
ter-cut lamb chops, served with roasted garlic and tomato, or 14-ounce New York strip, perfect with jumbo lump crab and Calabrian hollandaise. Sides include Caramella fries, mascarpone creamed spinach, and cannellini beans and escarole. Yum!
For dessert, highlights include the citrus-custard budino with pirouette cookies, tiramisu with ladyfinger sponge, mascarpone and espresso, and New York-style cheesecake. –Ken Miller
Photo courtesy of Caesars Entertainment/Michael Rudin
PRESENTED BY
SCAN TO BUY TICKETS
Cultural Classics
Casual Mexican restaurant has a high-end feel
You’ve had an exhausting morning, and you want a lunch spot that’s casual, yet with a touch of high-end to feel pampered. Look no further than ¡VIVA! by Ray Garcia , where the atmosphere feels playful and lively, but the dishes and cocktails feel very high-end, especially for the price.
The dynamic space instantly transports you to your comfort zone with plants and floral arrangements, a striking mural and an indoor promenade patio that flows into a bar and
lounge. Snag a seat on the outdoor patio and enjoy a signature libation like the Paloma de la Casa, a lovely mix of blanco tequila, Aperol, grapefruit, lime and hibiscus salt.
Time to dive into some tacos, burritos and enchiladas! Vegans are sure to absolutely adore the roasted cauliflower tacos with cashew crema and grilled pineapple, while carnivores can tear into the steak tacos, made with prime filet mignon, chili poblano, onion and king trumpet
mushrooms. The enchiladas de pollo are divine, thanks to feta, red onion, refried lentils, rice and requesón, while the breakfast burrito is a beast with bacon, scrambled eggs, potato fries, quesillo cheese and macha aioli. Don’t miss dessert, especially the churros with cinnamon sugar and chocolate sauce and tres leches cake with meringue, macadamia nuts and tres leches sauce. –Ken Miller
Resorts World. 702.676.6020
Rich Traditions
Award-winning brand arrives with big fanfare on the Strip
Gymkhana has truly set a new bar for next-level dining on the Las Vegas Strip. For starters, it’s an extension of the globally recognized, two-Michelin-starred destination from London’s Mayfair. Second, it’s Indian cuisine, something heretofore practically unheard of in Strip resorts. And third, it’s introduced exclusive dishes for its Vegas launch!
For the first time, Gymkhana introduces beef to its menu, featuring wagyu keema naan, beef short rib pepper fry and an exclusive goan lobster curry created specifically for Las Vegas. A world-class
Indian-inspired cocktail program rounds things out with drinks like the Delhi Dalgona (inspired by the coffee carts of Delhi) and Pina Col-Lassi, a clear version of the classic mimicking the tropical flavors of South India’s coconut lassis. Dessert should take center stage in planning your meal. Gymkhana offers favorites like cardamom and basmati rice kheer. Served with figs, it’s a silky, gently spiced pudding in which the floral cardamom and tender basmati get a sweet, earthy lift from the fruit, chikoo ice cream, rice tuile, pistachios and almonds.
The saffron pistachio ice cream falooda is a textbook Indian classic: rosewater-infused vermicelli noodles served with basil seeds, seasonal fruit, saffron jelly, saffron pistachio kulfi and basundi milk. And then there’s gulab jamun with gold leaf, the sweet, syrup-soaked fried milk dumplings topped with rose syrup, almonds, pistachios, basundi milk and, of course, edible gold. It’s the kind of photogenic dessert that deserves to be pinned on your social media account. –Ken Miller
Aria. 702.590.7111
Embark on a cinematic journey through the glittering streets of Las Vegas with the Movies Tour at The Neon Museum. Our guided experience invites film enthusiasts and city explorers alike to delve into the iconic backdrops and neon-lit landscapes that have graced the silver screen.
SUMMER PACKAGE CONRAD COMPLETE
AN
SUMMER PACKAGE CONRAD COMPLETE THE
AN
INCLUSIVE
INCLUSIVE
At Resorts World, the art of the stay is rooted in access— premium dining, stylish surroundings, and a summer that feels seamless from day to night.
At Resorts World, the art of the stay is rooted in access— premium dining, stylish surroundings, and a summer that feels seamless from day to night.
The Conrad Complete is a new luxury-inclusive offering available exclusively within the Conrad tower. It’s designed to bring together the resort’s most coveted experiences into one curated escape.
Athena Infinity Pool and framed by cabanas, daybeds and sun-drenched loungers.
Athena Infinity Pool and framed by cabanas, daybeds and sun-drenched loungers.
As evening arrives, the energy shifts. Dinner may lead to the refined flavors of Kusa Nori, the vibrant atmosphere of FUHU, or a lively table at ¡VIVA! by Ray Garcia, before the night continues at Zouk Nightclub.
The Conrad Complete is a new luxury-inclusive offering available exclusively within the Conrad tower. It’s designed to bring together the resort’s most coveted experiences into one curated escape.
Mornings begin at Club 66, a private lounge above the Strip where breakfast is served alongside sweeping city views. Afternoons unfold across the resort’s newly refreshed 5.5-acre pool complex, anchored by the striking
Mornings begin at Club 66, a private lounge above the Strip where breakfast is served alongside sweeping city views. Afternoons unfold across the resort’s newly refreshed 5.5-acre pool complex, anchored by the striking
As evening arrives, the energy shifts. Dinner may lead to the refined flavors of Kusa Nori, the vibrant atmosphere of FUHU, or a lively table at ¡VIVA! by Ray Garcia, before the night continues at Zouk Nightclub.
Now available for stays beginning May 26, The Conrad Complete brings together signature dining, private lounge access, priority pool privileges and exhilarating nightlife into a fully integrated offering — designed for those who prefer a retreat that’s been carefully composed in advance.
Now available for stays beginning May 26, The Conrad Complete brings together signature dining, private lounge access, priority pool privileges and exhilarating nightlife into a fully integrated offering — designed for those who prefer a retreat that’s been carefully composed in advance.
“While inclusive models have traditionally centered on scale, we saw an opportunity to approach the concept through a more refined lens,” said Carlos Castro, President and CFO of Resorts World Las Vegas. “By anchoring this exclusively within Conrad, we’re able to deliver an experience that feels intentional, elevated and aligned with the expectations of today’s luxury traveler.”
“While inclusive models have traditionally centered on scale, we saw an opportunity to approach the concept through a more refined lens,” said Carlos Castro, President and CFO of Resorts World Las Vegas. “By anchoring this exclusively within Conrad, we’re able to deliver an experience that feels intentional, elevated and aligned with the expectations of today’s luxury traveler.”
Thoughtfully curated and effortlessly indulgent, The Conrad Complete offers a new way to enjoy Las Vegas — where the best of the resort is already part of the stay.
Thoughtfully curated and effortlessly indulgent, The Conrad Complete offers a new way to enjoy Las Vegas — where the best of the resort is already part of the stay.
Ain’t No Party Like a Gatz Party
This upscale lounge offers amazing cocktails, DJs, secret menus, light bites and plenty of other perks
This month marks the fifth anniversary of Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge —it opened its doors during the grand opening of Resorts World Las Vegas. First impressions of the upscale lounge were bougie but tons of fun, and it has kept this reputation pulsing ever since.
The space, just steps off the casino floor, is filled with ethereal-looking touches mixed with furniture and decor that celebrates its Roaring ’20s aesthetic. Plenty of seating—sofas, club chairs, high-tops and bar are all open for guests (no table minimums required), but you can reserve a table ahead of time if you want to guarantee seating for the evening.
“Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge is an upscale, swanky cocktail lounge that’s still approachable,” says marketing director Lexi Cook. And those attributes flow over to the cocktail menu. “We’re known for our vibrant, social media-worthy cocktails, but we also want to give guests a reason to come back and try new cocktails,” she says. And it’s perfect timing, as Gatsby’s has released three new summer cocktails that incorporate lighter spirits and
ingredients to give guests refreshing sips to help beat the heat.
Nothing says summer more than strawberries, and you’ll find the yummy fruit muddled inside the Smoke Blossom, mixed with Mala Santa mezcal, lime, agave and yuzu bitters. The Singapore Sling fits in perfectly with the lounge’s early 1900s vibes as the classic cocktail came onto the scene during that period, and it’s a fruity and herbaceous sip, perfect for the season. It’s a mix of Tanqueray No. Ten gin, Heering cherry liqueur, triple sec, Bénédictine, pineapple, lime and gren-
adine. And who doesn’t love sipping on a spritz in summer? It doesn’t get more refreshing than the Hugo Spritz, a simple, effervescent combination of St-Germain elderflower liqueur, Fever-Tree soda water and prosecco.
The impressive mixology happening at Gatsby’s continues with its specialty cocktails. Highlights and longtime fan favorites include the Daisy’s Sour with Haku vodka, Lazzaroni Amaretto, lemon and lime juices, rosemary syrup, lavender bitters and egg whites; the Some Like it Hot with Volcan De Mi Tierra XA tequila, Fresno chili peppers,
Photos
Smoke Blossom
cilantro, lime juice and agave; and the Smoke & Mirrors with Basil Hayden & Russell’s Reserve 10 year bourbons, black tea and lavender syrup, Montanaro Vermouth di Torino Rosso and finished off with a spray of Laphroaig 10-year Scotch whiskey.
Insider’s Tips
Don’t miss the daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m. with $12 select cocktails.
One of the best deals on the entire Strip happens every Monday. Martini Mondays offers five different martinis for $5 each for five hours from 4-9 p.m. Choose from espresso, lemon drop, dirty, classic or Cosmo.
Don’t miss the iconic Return of The Gatz Party on July 3. DJ sax duo Roger & Rocco entertain, Moët & Chandon sponsors the party with champagne and photo ops, and guests are encouraged to dress to impress in 1920s glam.
Planning a night at nearby Zouk Nightclub? If you stop into Gatsby’s beforehand and order a cocktail, save your receipt and present it at the nightclub to gain access to the complimentary guest list line.
Hungry? From 4-9 p.m., guests can order food from nearby restaurants, like sushi rolls from Kusa Nori, cheese and charcuterie boards from Wally’s Wine & Spirits, and chicken tenders from Junior’s.
Now, if you can find it (search for a small QR code on the menu), don’t miss out on ordering one of the secret menu cocktails—stunning presentations of delicious recipes perfect for capturing those coveted social media posts. Two faves include the party punch bowlstyle Get Out & Dance and the cutesy Champagne Bubble Bath. The Get Out & Dance shareable cocktail is served
in a giant disco ball and is mixed with Grey Goose Essences white peach and rosemary vodka, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, lime and lemon juices, strawberry purée, simple syrup and watermelon Red Bull. The Roaring ’20s-inspired Champagne Bubble Bath is served in a tublike vessel and is filled with Tanqueray gin, Aperol, lime juice, pineapple, Monin strawberry and rose syrup and rose cava and topped with champagne and mojito-foam bubbles and edible rose petals—even a rubber duckie gets added to the bath!
Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge also fills up the fun with musical entertainment Thursdays through Saturdays when DJs take over with open-format beats. The party gets started around 10 p.m. The lights get lower, the sounds emanate through the casino, and the lounge just beckons passersby to peek in through the sheer curtains. It’s a whole vibe of what Gatsby’s continues to be known for—getting your roaring party on! –Kiko Miyasato
Resorts World Las Vegas. 702.676.6013
Hugo Spritz
Singapore Sling
Friends With Benefits
Luciano Pontiroli
Flair bartender is flipping fun at downtown bar
“Downtown is great; a lot of people underestimate it,” says flair bartender Luciano Pontiroli. And, for reals, he’s part of what makes downtown worth checking out.
Pontiroli has been flipping bottles and entertaining at The D Bar at The D for more than a decade. The bar is right on the famed Fremont Street Experience, and he pulls in crowds with his skills that have landed him top prizes in competitions around the country.
Pontiroli moved from his home country of Argentina at age 19 and landed in Miami, where some of his friends were already flair bartenders. “And I thought, ‘That’s what I want to do!’” After years of practice and working his trade, he made his way to Las Vegas in 2007 for his first flair bartending competition. “After that, I was desperate to move here,” he says. “I was like, ‘(Vegas) is the place I want to be a bartender.’” So he made the move in early 2012.
“My first job was at Bill’s Gambling Hall at a slushy bar,” Pontiroli says. “I was just sellin’ slushies and flippin’ bottles!” He eventually got hired at downtown’s Golden Gate at the end of 2012 and moved to its sister property, The D, where he’s been bartending at The D Bar ever since.
“I’m really hyperactive, so flair bartending goes well with my personality,” Pontiroli says. “I like to entertain, be a
Photos
• Libation • Vegas Tea
Ask Pontiroli to show you one of his most famous moves where he flips up to five bottles! Then ask him to flair you up his own cocktail creation, the Vegas Tea. The (strong!) layered cocktail is made with vodka, tequila, gin, Cruzan Hurricane Proof rum, peach schnapps, sweet and sour mix and cranberry juice. –KM
character—I’m not a serious bartender. … What I love the most about (my job) is to make people smile and they say, ‘Thank you for everything you do.’ That’s bigger than the money—when people appreciate you.” And people love and appreciate Pontiroli so much that when they’re back in town, they make it a point to visit him at The D Bar. “I have customers, friends really, come back from all over—Canada, Michigan, Colorado, England, Scotland. The guys from Scotland always bring me a bottle of Scotch!”
When Pontiroli reflects on his bartending career, he is nothing but “very happy that I chose flair as a career—it’s such a big part of my life.” And he’s especially thankful that his tenure has been working at The D. “Derek Stevens (owner of The D) is really supportive of the flair bartenders, and thanks us all the time,” Pontiroli says. “He’s the engine to why we’re successful and he pushes us to be successful. Corporations can be tough to work with, but here it’s a family.”
Away from bartending, Pontiroli loves mixing it up in the kitchen. “I actually wanted to be a chef, but after six months working in a kitchen I found it really wasn’t for me,” he says. However, cooking at home has become his biggest hobby. “I love to cook at home. I love to do fusion cuisine, mixing together Asian, Mediterranean, Spanish cuisines. I’m really good at it!”
A man that can cook and can make drinks? Sign us up! “If you want to watch flair, have a good laugh, hear a good joke—it’s all at my bar,” he says. “Ask for Luciano!” – Kiko Miyasato
Flair bartenders aren’t the only ones entertaining at The D. Don’t miss the Dancing Dealers as they captivate with their moves in between dealing in the table games pit.
By Ken Miller
Top to bottom, Barry’s Downtown Prime is the definition of a classic Vegas restaurant
The classic Vegas steakhouse conjures iconic images from the city’s illustrious past: The Rat Pack, Frank, Dean and Sammy, slinking their way into a leather booth in the wee small hours to enjoy a postshow drink and prime cut. It’s an image that’s easy to see in your mind’s eye as you dine at Barry’s Downtown Prime, a classic example of what Vegas used to do— and do best.
The room is draped in elegance, from the banquettes and perfectly appoint ed tables to the soft lighting that begs you to stay for more than just a little while. That feeling is only enhanced by the restaurant’s namesake, Barry S. Dakake. This man is hands-on in a way you rarely see anymore—on any given night, expect to see him at your table, asking how everything is and getting to know you a bit in the process. It’s a touch you wish you saw more of at other restaurants, and it truly makes
for event dining; this is one you’ll be telling your friends about back home. And we haven’t even gotten to the menu! To begin, if you are at all a fan of Manhattans or Old-Fashioneds (the latter is the only drink I ever order), you gotta opt for the Cocktail Cart, wheeled to your table by a mixologist
and prepared right in front of you using your spirit of choice, everything from bourbons like Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey Rare Breed to tequilas like Mayenda reposado and Patron extra añejo. Word of advice: Get your phone set to record before they get there, because they don’t waste any time!
Steak tartare
Now that you’ve got your favorite drink beside you, time to eat! Start with delights like steak tartare, featuring beef tenderloin in Dijon and horseradish, topped with a quail egg and served with toasted brioche, crispy rock shrimp with lemon aioli, spicy sriracha and scallions, or lobster potato pierogies with sweet melted onions, sour cream and sautéed scallions. Or go straight to soups like lobster bisque and onion to salads like roasted beet carpaccio. There are no wrong paths here, only delicious ones.
This being a steakhouse, you might want to order that as your main; selections like the 12-ounce wet-aged rib cap (called “Barry’s Steak” here, as it’s his favorite) or a monster 46-ounce Mishima Reserve tomahawk ribeye (serves more than one, obviously). But there are so many other choices here: organic chicken Milanese, smothered with Cordon Blue mustard sauce, Virginia ham and provolone; Barry’s Burger, featuring 10 ounces of Mishima Reserve wagyu, caramelized onions, mushrooms and cheese; and pan-seared Dover sole Veronique served with potato purée, red and green grapes and white wine cream sauce. All go
great with sides like tater tots, potato gnocchi and roasted street corn.
Dessert here is serious business, from the world-class banana cream pie with a chocolate pecan crunch to
the Tahitian baked Alaska with chocolate, pistachio and strawberry ice cream, Italian meringue and brandy flambé. Somewhere, Frank, Dean and Sammy are smiling.
Barry’s Steak
With Circa Resort & Casino, football season can really pay off
Can you hear that? That’s football fans’ excitement around this year’s NFL season. Fans will be flocking to Las Vegas by the millions to enjoy all that the NFL season has to offer even before the season starts. A
huge part of that excitement centers around Circa Sports, which is holding three football contests totaling $30 million in guaranteed prizes! Contests last from Sept. 9-Jan. 10. To participate, you must sign up by 2 p.m. PST on Sept. 12 at Circa Resort & Casino, The D Las Vegas, Tuscany Suites & Casino, Silverton Casino Lodge or Legends Bay Casino in northern Nevada,
then submit your picks each week at any participating sportsbook or via the Circa|Sports Nevada mobile app. For all three contests, there is no rake—all extra entry fees go into the prize pot. Good luck!
Features $6 million in total prizes and costs
$1,000 to enter (10 entries
per person max). Each week, you make five NFL picks against the spread, and you get one point for each correct selection (and a half-point for each push). Prizes are awarded as follows: $1 million for first place (and a coveted blue jacket!), $3.65 million for places two through 100. $300,000 per quarter awarded every four to five weeks. $100,000 last-place booby prize, as well as a $50,000 second-to-lastplace booby prize.
to enter with 10 entries max, you can rebuy up to 10 additional entries until the registration deadline if you lose on the opening Wednesday or Thursday game. If all remaining entries lose in the same week, the pool is split equally among all the entries that successfully submitted a selection during the leg.
Compete for a prize of $20 million (or more), by choosing a different winning team each week: Since you can only select a team once during the contest, make sure to note that you need teams that play on the “Thanksgiving Leg” and “Christmas Leg” to survive the holiday weeks. While it is $1,000
With $4 million in prizes (or more), the rules are similar to Circa Survivor, but it’s $100,000 to enter with two entries per person max. Other details are as follows: If more than one entry remains after all 20 legs, the pool is split equally among the entries that successfully submitted a selection during the leg. If all entries lose in the same week, the pool is split equally among all entries that submitted selections.
By Genevie Durano
When it’s July in Las Vegas, the best plans tend to involve air conditioning and something worth your full attention. Imagine Exhibitions, the company behind a growing collection of immersive indoor attractions across the Strip, has three experiences this summer that reward the genuinely curious in equal measure. Whether you’re navigating the city with kids in tow, planning a date night or just looking for a few hours that feel like more than a few hours, there’s something in this lineup for you.
replica as you’re going to get.
There is something perfectly fitting about finding ancient Egypt inside a Las Vegas pyramid. Discovering King Tut’s Tomb—The Experience at Luxor re-creates one of history’s most remarkable archaeological discoveries: the 1922 unearthing of Tutankhamun’s tomb by archaeologist Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings. King Tut ascended the throne at only 9 years old and died at 19, and the exhibition traces both his extraordinary world and his deeply human story. Every artifact on display is a reproduction using the same techniques applied to the originals, which means what you’re looking at is as authentic a
The death mask alone, a 22-pound re-creation depicting Tut in the traditional striped Nemes headdress, adorned with colored glass and semiprecious stones, is worth the visit. But don’t overlook the smaller details: a dagger made from meteoric iron (yes, metal from an actual meteorite) and the simple walking sticks that once belonged to the boy king himself, reminders that behind the legend was a teenager whose main mode of transportation didn’t require a driver’s license. The self-guided experience runs 35 to 45 minutes, and an audio guide decodes the symbolism hidden in nearly every object and corner of the tomb’s four rooms. Take your time in the final gallery; this is ancient history pulled together beautifully.
Luxor. kingtutvegas.com
Courtesy photos
naturally), or just wander and let the oddities pull you in.
Horseshoe Las Vegas. thecabinetlv.com
Same building as REAL BODIES at Horseshoe Las Vegas, completely different universe. The Cabinet of Curiosities is a 21-and-over experience for the cocktail crowd, and it’s a curiosity indeed. This bar and lounge is decorated with Victorian and bohemian furnishings, ringed by glass cabinets full of peculiar objects, each one numbered, each one with a story you can decode by scanning a QR code. Look up the Dancing Squid (once owned by the breeders of competitive show-jumping squids,
The cocktail program is the real draw here, and it is genuinely excellent. The Peachtree Sweet Tea (gin, rum, vodka, peach liqueur, yuzu and sweet tea) is a breezy first order. The Festival of Lights, a spirit-forward blend of bourbon, vermouth, orangecello, lime and honey syrup, is the one worth committing to. And if you can get yourself into The Lock, do it. Look for the vault door, pick up the phone and see if someone answers. Once you’re through the antechamber riddles, you’ll find a Prohibition-era speakeasy with its own menu, a build-your-own cocktail option and a happy hour that
makes the whole adventure feel like a reward. Mixology masterclasses inside The Lock are available for those who want to take the skills home.
The Cabinet of Curiosities Bar photo by Mona Shield Payne Photography LLC
realbodiesvegas.com
If King Tut sends you into the distant past, REAL BODIES at Horseshoe Las Vegas pulls you closer to home, right inside your own skin. The exhibition features more than 20 real, perfectly preserved human specimens and over 200 anatomical artifacts arranged across 11 themed galleries. You’ll move from the Anatomist’s Study, which traces thousands of years of human curiosity about the body through sections dedicated to the respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems.
There is a moment in the exhibit, when you’re standing in front of an entire human nervous system, preserved in extraordinary detail, where it sinks in just how much engineering is happening inside us at any given second. The respiratory gallery includes a striking side-by-side display of healthy and smoke-damaged lungs that tends to spark real conversation, and the fetal development section is quietly moving in a way that’s hard to anticipate. The Love Room, which explores the biology behind attraction and connection, manages to make chemistry feel like the miracle it genuinely is.
What adds particular meaning to the experience is knowing that every specimen was donated by a person who chose to contribute to science and education. That reality, once it lands, transforms the whole visit. It’s less a museum and more an act of gratitude you didn’t know you were participating in. The attraction is open daily beginning at 11 a.m., and a VR experience is also available to deepen the journey.
The Cabinet of Curiosities interior and REAL BODIES at Horseshoe Las Vegas photos by Christopher DeVargas
+Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart at AREA15 is the sideways, mysterious grocery store that houses secrets at every turn. Within the supermarket experience is a lineup of unexpected and hilarious products, and if you happen to wander near the pharmacy, you might stumble upon Datamosh, the hidden in-house bar. Many Omega Mart shoppers walk right by while hunting for other portals and dimensions, but if you’re lucky enough to find it, you’ll discover an entire world of unique cocktails.
A quintessential summer cocktail, palomas are always on the menu in Las Vegas. This one is especially flavorful, featuring tequila, grapefruit juice and a unique Champagne and pink peppercorn simple syrup that offers a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
WHAT’S A BUZZ BUTTON?
Also known as a Szechuan button or an electric daisy, this garnish is an edible flower that creates a tingling or numbing sensation in the mouth.
Described as Datamosh’s pièce de résistance, The Source offers one of the most stunning cocktail presentations in Las Vegas. It’s made with blue butterfly infused gin, bergamot liqueur, rhubarb, strawberry puree and lemon, and it’s topped with a smoke-filled bergamot bubble. The name of the cocktail references an Omega Mart Easter egg, so once you’ve gone through the rest of the experience, The Source is the ideal cocktail with which to celebrate.
What’s a happle? It’s an exotic and extremely rare fruit that exists only in the Omega Mart universe. This cocktail is presented like the delicate produce product it is and includes the signature Happle Juice blend— apple sake, aloe liqueur, citrus, apple bitters and buzz button.
Yes, it’s an Old Fashioned, but it’s blue. And slanted. And the alcohol is sprayed out of the Old Fashioned Spray bottle. Though it may look similar to window cleaner, it’s actually Rye Whiskey. This kooky cocktail is not for the faint of heart; it packs a punch in flavor and proof. In addition to the whiskey, this cocktail features Italian orange liqueur, simple syrup and orange bitters.
There are Easter eggs scattered throughout the Datamosh menu, from cocktail names to key ingredients, everything is chosen for a reason. Even the smallest details, such as the use of rosemary, pay homage to Rose The Herbalist, one of Omega Mart’s many characters.
ADVERTORIAL
WOLF
Omega Mart is an immersive experience that’s so cohesive and convincing, it’s easy to lose yourself and hours within the space.
One of Omega Mart’s most consistent characteristics is its sense of humor, which is whimsical and surreal. This also applies to the menu at Datamosh with cocktails that are full of personality.
The Meowjito is a best seller at Datamosh, and it’s easy to understand why—it’s balanced, refreshing and just sweet enough. Featuring white and golden rums, lemongrass syrup, guava puree, ginger, lime, sugar and mint, it’s an elevated take on the classic that’s purrfect for anyone.
Another fresh take on a classic cocktail, the Omegarita is a dark, smoky, orangey and chocolatey masterpiece. It’s made with tequila, mezcal, ginger agave syrup, citrus, cocoa bitters and an orange omega salt rim.
Photo courtesy of MGM Resorts International
Mary J. Blige adds more dates to her ultra-successful Vegas
By Genevie Durano
Mary J. Blige came to Las Vegas for 10 shows. She’s staying for 20. That’s what it looks like when fans can’t get enough of what you have to say.
My Life, My Story opened May 1 at Dolby Live at Park MGM to a sold-out crowd that had come from all over the world. The demand was immediate and unmistakable. Ten original dates turned into 20 before the run had barely begun, with shows added Aug. 28-29, Sept. 2, 5-6, Oct. 23-24, 28 and 30-31.
There has been some noise online along the way (the internet rarely lets a big moment pass quietly), but the fans who made the trip knew what they came for, and they got it. But in a case of you can’t make everyone happy, clips circulated online after opening night— Blige seated onstage, moving less than some expected—and the internet made its opinions heard. Some critics said she was low energy, but what the naysayers scrolling through their feeds missed—or didn’t bother to look up—is that Blige had just come off of a 36-date For My Fans arena tour that wrapped in the spring of 2025 before she landed in Vegas. She’d already addressed the energy criticism directly, without apology, the way she addresses most things.
If the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul chooses to sit on her throne on a given night (and it is, for the record, a very good throne), she has more than earned the right. The wardrobe alone at Dolby Live makes the case alongside
residency
the music: Fans are treated to queen-level looks for a queen-level set. People cry. People sing every word. Both are perfectly appropriate reactions.
My Life, My Story draws from 34 years of music that has a specific way of landing in the lived experiences of her fans. Her early records, including What’s the 411? and My Life, were unguarded and raw, the kind of music that one could describe as utterly emotionally relatable.
The later catalog—The Breakthrough, Growing Pains, Strength of a Woman and Gratitude, her 15th studio album—shows an artist who moved from surviving to arriving.
“People see my life,” Blige said before the residency opened. “They’ve seen me fall, they see me get up. They see me grow. They’ve grown with me.”
Blige’s résumé is an undeniable testament to fans’ devotion: Nine Grammys across 38 nominations; Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, class of 2024 (Dr. Dre and Method Man onstage for the induction, with Blige at the mic saying, “The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul is a rock star”); two Oscar nominations for Mudbound (Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song, the first person in Academy history to receive both nods at once); and more than 100 million records sold worldwide.
8 p.m. July 10-11, 15, 17-18, starting at $127 plus tax and fee. ticketmaster.com
Right now, all of it is at Dolby Live. My Life, My Story has dates through October. The throne is still there, and so is Blige. Go be in the room where royalty holds court.
By Ken Miller
Barry Manilow’s commitment to his fans has never been in doubt
Courtesy photo
Anyone who questions Barry Manilow’s toughness has really not been paying attention. He’s seven months removed from a cancer battle, yet the man continues to schedule dates for his record-breaking Las Vegas residency. And yes, the man is definitely still on the mend; there’s a very real chance there could be a last-minute cancellation of some of his shows this month at Westgate Las Vegas, but make no mistake: Manilow will do whatever it takes to get on that stage.
In the meantime, he continues to be extremely productive. This month sees the release of his first studio album of new material in nearly 15 years, What a Time, produced in collaboration with Michael Lloyd. It’s Manilow’s 33rd studio album and features Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Dave Cobb and longtime co-writers Bruce Sussman and Adrienne Anderson. If you want a taste of the feel-good nature of this album, check out “Sun Shine,” an album track Manilow released alongside the album’s announcement release. It’s incredibly catchy and relaxing, and would fit perfectly into a medley of his greatest hits.
The album’s opener, “Once Before I Go,” will have particularly special significance for fans who have seen his Westgate Las Vegas shows. Not only did the song reach the Top 10 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart, its accompanying video was filmed at the International Theater, the venue where Manilow single-handedly obliterated Elvis Presley’s record for performances. (In 2024, he performed his 637th show, one
more than The King, making each subsequent show history in the making.) Oh, and lest we forget to mention, Manilow has also set the lifetime performance record at Radio City Music Hall in New York City with 53!
All of this just goes to illustrate that Manilow still has so much to offer the world. This from a man who’s already sold 85 million albums worldwide, has 52 Top 40 singles (13 of those going to No. 1) and has been recognized by Billboard as the No. 1 adult contemporary artist of all time.
If you do see Manilow this month, you’ll be stunned at how humble he is. What seems to matter most to Manilow is his connection to the audience. Yes, you get those amazing songs that never seem to age, from “I Write the Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It,” “Mandy” and “Copacabana,” but Manilow’s relationship with his fanbase is what really puts his shows over the top. I still remember grinning from ear to ear when Manilow, really feeling the love from a recent audience, shouted out, “Let’s close the doors and order some pizza!”
Even if Manilow has to cancel more shows going forward, don’t despair: So strong is his relationship with Westgate Las Vegas that the property gave him a lifetime contract. And it’s not just the property that loves Manilow: Upon news of his cancer diagnosis last December, fan support came pouring in from all over the globe. Manilow may continue to keep his fans waiting, but one thing is for sure: They aren’t going anywhere!
From a surreal grocery store to otherworldly performances, Omega Mart has everything
By Ken Miller
Have you perhaps already been to Omega Mart, the game-changing interactive attraction at AREA15?
Have you perhaps already solved the mystery of the Dram Corporation? Perused all the aisles of the surreal grocery store selling products like “Crying Onion Chips,” “Tattooed Chicken” and “Dr. Supervisor”? No matter. You’ve gotta get yourself back there this month to witness the next level Omega Mart has to offer: Phenomenomaly, an ever-changing performance within the hallowed walls that redefine everything you think you already know.
From 2 to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday through Sunday every 90 minutes, you’ll find yourself in the middle of the show: The Lil’ Bigg Miss Fits, a group of interplane-
tary tourists who go by the names of Domino, Plotzini, Wavelynn, George and Lintley Foldsworth, appear at first to be guests, moving their way through each exhibition just as you are. But they soon reveal their mission: to help trigger the migration of the Flickerwerms. Along with the Keepers, an order wearing masks, the Lil’ Bigg Miss Fits “recruit” you and other guests to locate objects and complete small actions. At no point do you not feel completely like part of the action.
Everything comes together at the end in a central gathering featuring live performances and culminating in the Flickerwerm puppets emerging and leading a procession throughout the complex. Then the show repeats again, but no two shows are ever the same, meaning you might want to consider buying another ticket if you still have time while you’re in town.
Courtesy photos
Phenomenomaly was recently added to all five Meow Wolf locations across the country: Vegas, House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe, N.M., Omega Convergence Station in Denver, The Real Unreal in Grapevine, Texas, and Radio Tave in Houston. Collaborators on this experience include costume designers Basqo Bim, Iggy & Andy, Kate Major and Monsters of the Underworld,
with Sam Johnson of Colossal Collective returning as puppet project manager, designer and fabricator.
As a cool nod to Vegas entertainment, Phenomenomaly will feature the following performers going forward: Holland and Sienna, an aerial duo who wowed judges (and the country) this season on America’s Got Talent by proving the show business
adage “the show must go on” after accidentally hitting scenery during their act and suffering a wardrobe malfunction, but still finishing to a standing ovation (July 1-5); Cirque du Soleil artist Sarah Moser (July 8-12); Ed & Ed Present Duo Balloon (July 15-19); performers from Vegas City Opera (July 22-26); cellist Mariko Muranaka (July 29-Aug. 2); and Cosmic Hoverboard (Aug. 5-9).
If, for some reason, you’re not able to attend during the days Phenom-
enomaly is offered, Omega Mart still offers a one-ofa-kind experience, one that can last 30 minutes or several hours, depending on your level of commitment. And whether you solve the puzzle or not, make sure to cool down after your journey at Data Mosh, Omega Mart’s speakeasy, where you can enjoy signature libations like the Old Fashioned Spray and Happle Juice.
From memories to souvenirs to selfies, Omega Mart is the otherworldly gift that keeps on giving.
Kelly Clarkson is ready to reconnect with fans as part of her Vegas residency
By Ken Miller
For Kelly Clarkson fans, it’s felt like an eternity since the superstar last performed in Las Vegas as part of her Studio Sessions residency. But she’s finally back to continue a run that cements her status as one of the premier Vegas performers of the current era.
Clarkson last performed on the Strip in November, delivering an intimate production despite the enormity of the performance venue, The Colosseum. Studio Sessions re-creates the feel of a recording studio, an environment from which Clarkson has delivered a massive number of fan-favorite singles, including “Walk Away,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” “Because of You,” “Stronger,” “My Life Would Suck Without You,” “A Moment Like This” and so many more. Supporting Clarkson are more than 20 musicians who both ably back up her powerhouse vocals and mill about on the stage (much as they would during breaks in a recording session).
The personal connection is only enhanced by Clarkson’s personal asides to the audience. This is no mere setlist; Clarkson injects plenty of her life into this production, and fans who think
they know all there is to know about the icon are bound to leave this show feeling genuinely surprised.
And while Clarkson announced recently that her Kelly Clarkson Show will be airing its final season, some of
8 p.m. July 17-18, 24-25, 31, Aug. 1, prices vary. ticketmaster.com
the highlights of that show will be present and accounted for during Studio Sessions, particularly Kellyoke, where Clarkson shows her ability to perform other performers’ iconic songs. When the show premiered last year, audience members were treated to “I Will Always Love You” (spoiler alert: It killed!), while another performance featured “Come Together.” That’s a huge part of this production’s appeal: It feels very loose and free-flowing, with Clarkson able to pull off whatever strikes her fancy that night. To call her versatile is understating the case considerably.
Group this with Clarkson’s earlier Vegas residency, Chemistry … An Intimate Night with Kelly Clarkson at Planet Hollywood back in 2023-’24 and it’s hard to dispute that Clarkson is one of the new queens of the Strip. She was already a towering figure in the music business, selling more than 25 million albums and 40 million singles worldwide since winning American Idol at just 20 years old in 2002.
Where she goes after finishing up Studio Sessions is still to be determined. She has cited wanting to spend more time with her children as a reason for ending her talk show, and that may well extend into her live performance schedule as well, so these next shows will no doubt have an added element of emotion and resonance. But Clarkson has long been an essential part of the music scene, and while she may be taking a break, her impact and legacy—not to mention her candor with her audience about all the heartbreak, growth and joy behind her songs—will ensure that fans will be there when she makes her next move.
Photos by Denise Truscello
By Kiko Miyasato
Some of our favorite things about Tournament of Kings
Debuting along with the opening of the Excalibur, dinner show Tournament of Kings continues to reign when it comes to entertainment in Las Vegas. The show fits in perfectly with the medieval, fairy-tale castle that serves as the property’s theme. Decades and decades later, TOK (as it is affectionately known) gives us all the feels of a good time and many reasons to love the show—in fact, here are eight of them!
The plot of the show is an invitation to honor King Arthur’s son, Christopher, as the townsfolk gather for a feast, medieval games, dancing maidens, equestrian entertainment, some magic from iconic magician Merlin and Middle Ages music that bathes the arena in a festive atmosphere.
I mean who doesn’t love getting a little medieval? The show serves up your meal sans utensils, and it couldn’t
be more fun. Use those digits to tear into roasted seasoned chicken, lemon pepper roasted red bliss potatoes, corn on the cob, dinner roll and apple square dessert. For those gluten-free or vegetarians out there, Tournament of Kings serves up special meals upon request (with advance notice).
You’ll learn to shout “huzzah!” so you can use the good-time cry to cheer on your home country (you’ll be seated in Austria, France, Hungary, Romania, Spain or Sweden) and your knight as he battles it out in a series of games. Shout huzzah, stomp your feet and bang your fists on the table—the thunderous sounds that fill the arena make for a thrilling experience.
Uh-oh, who’s the evil fire wizard that just interrupted the festivities inside Tournament of Kings!? It’s Mordred, and he’s come to kill Prince
Photo courtesy of
702.597.7600
Christopher and destroy King Arthur’s kingdom. But he also brings some awesome battle moves and wickedly fun dark magic with him (and maybe a dragon!), turning the arena into a smoke-filled, fire-fueled, creepy chaos of a good time.
While Las Vegas is filled to the brim with adults-only adventures, Tournament of Kings is one show that invites the whole family. Young to old come together to celebrate. It’s a chance for adults to have fun like a kid again, and a chance for kids to scream at the top of their lungs without getting scolded (LOL).
Ten horses are used in the show (17 horses actually live on property in a specially built stable under the arena). Watch as they frolic, run, dance and serve as the steadfast steeds that help each knight in his quest to be the champion of the games.
Watch as the knights battle it out on and off their horses in medieval-style competitions including jousting matches, horse races, sword fights and hand-to-hand combat. Which knight will be knocked of their horse, knocked off their feet or knocked out!?
Tournament of Kings features some next-level pyrotechnics and special effects throughout the show. Explosions and fireballs punch the booms up to 11! Flamethrowers, smoke and fog effects, lasers and cutting-edge lighting add to the exciting scenes, and an incredible fireworks display helps close the show in grand fashion.
Photo by Christopher DeVargas
VEGAS IN
POCKET...
Dance is truly the universal language. And no show illustrates this better than FREQNCY, the latest production from Jabbawockeez, a troupe that has been redefining what is possible in choreography since its Las Vegas debut more than 15 years ago. Blending hiphop, R&B, EDM and more, this show needs absolutely no words—or notes. MGM Grand. jbwckz.com
“O” This Cirque du Soleil production is an accomplishment of many feats. The centerpiece of the show is a 25-foot-deep pool that holds 1.5 million gallons of water. It serves as a stage to showcase high-divers and synchronized swimmers. Hydraulic-powered platforms rise to create a solid surface on which acrobats, fire dancers and contortionists perform. Bellagio. 702.693.7068
Wayne Newton photo by Denise Truscello Absinthe photo by Erik Kabic/Spiegelworld
GET YOUR TICKETS!
Jeezy This rapper brings his Legend of The Snowman residency to Las Vegas, complete with the 101-piece Color of Noize Orchestra for an unforgettable evening of music and memories. Get ready to hear classics like “Lose My Mind,” “Seen It All,” “Way Too Gone” and “Trap Or Die” like you’ve never heard them before.
Planet Hollywood, 8 p.m. July 10-12, 17-18, 24-25, 31, starting at $193.50 plus tax and fee. ticketmaster.com
Ed Sheeran This English singer-songwriter loves performing in Vegas, and this one-time-only show should continue that tradition. His impressive discography will likely be explored in its entirety, from “Thinking Out Loud” and “Shape of You” to “Castle on the Hill” and “Beautiful People.”
Allegiant Stadium, 5:30 p.m. July 18, starting at $78 plus tax and fee. ticketmaster.com
Backstreet Boys The only thing more mind-blowing than seeing this world-famous boy band reunite to perform their classic songs is the venue itself, capable of some of the most mind-blowing visuals you’ve ever seen. Are you ready?
Sphere, 8 p.m. July 23-25, starting at $175 plus tax and fee. thesphere.com
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
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Dita Von Teese Glamorously provocative like no other of its kind worldwide, this showgirl—and showboy— spectacular brims with Bob Mackie costumes and haute couture by fashion’s superstars, all envisioned by the undisputed queen of burlesque. Don’t miss this one.
The Venetian Resort, 18+. voltairelv.com
Success Is No Illusion
For families looking for some quality group entertainment, it doesn’t get better than The Magic of Jen Kramer , a delightful show that recently celebrated its 1,000th performance in Las Vegas. The star’s engaging presence pairs perfectly with the stunning sleight-of-hand on display. Westgate Las Vegas, 5+. westgateresorts.com
2
Blue Man Group This show is an international sensation that combines comedy, theater, rock concert and dance party for a multisensory experience you’ll never forget. The title characters never utter a sound as they discover the world around them—from the sounds of cereal to the artistic potential of marshmallows. Luxor. 702.262.4400
3
BattleBots: DestructA-Thon Odds are you’ve caught this extremely popular “sport” on TV over the years, and trust us: It’s so much more fun live! Watch some of the best-designed mechanical warriors ever created duke it out.
Caesars Entertainment Studios at Horseshoe Las Vegas. ticketmaster.com
Carrot Top and The Magic of Jen Kramer
photos by Christopher DeVargas
1
Junior’s For breakfast, find two-egg platters with home fries, grits or tomato, toast and bacon, ham or sausage; omelets; classic eggs Benedict plus smoked salmon Benedict; steak and eggs with a 6-ounce New York strip steak; French toast, griddlecakes and cocktails like the Junior’s Bloody Mary. Resorts World Las Vegas. 702 676.6963
2
Mon Ami Gabi A great place for lunch, this Stripside restaurant features a patio across from the Fountains of Bellagio, and dishes like the croque monsieur with ham, Gruyère cheese and Mornay sauce; a mushroom tarte tatin with Madeira cream sauce; and deviled eggs with smoked white fish caviar and a black pepper aioli. Paris Las Vegas. 702.944.4224
3
Nobu Celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa opened his first Nobu in Vegas in 1995, and in 2013 introduced what was the largest Nobu in the world, along with the first Nobu hotel. Enjoy sushi and sashimi choices like yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, wagyu tacos and big eye tuna crispy rice. There is even a great vegan menu. Caesars Palace. 702.785.6628
Le Cirque This celebrated French restaurant ends its historic run in Las Vegas on Aug 23, and until then offers three- and four-course experiences ($185 and $255 per person plus tax and gratuity) plus a signature six-course degustation menu ($310 per person plus tax and gratuity) with choices like the Le Cirque lobster salad and grilled wagyu filet. Bellagio. 702.693.8100
Barbecue Shrimp
At Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House, the order of the day is deeply satisfying, Southern-influenced dishes. A true highlight at this restaurant, celebrating 31 years, has been the barbecue shrimp, an appetizer that feels like a meal thanks to rich sauce and a rosemary biscuit. You might want to order two—you’re not likely to want to share. MGM Grand. 702.891.7374
Wally’s Wine & Spirits At this California import, order a selection off the caviar and cheese menu like Wally’s Reserve osetra (from $230-$1,800) with a premium spirit, like the recommended Remy Martin Cognac Louis XIII (from $163-$650), or go big (literally) with a whole roasted chicken ($109) or 48-ounce dry-aged bone-in tomahawk ($300). Resorts World Las Vegas. 702.676.6966
GLOBAL
Genting Palace
Old-world glamour, Cantonese cuisine, seafood and dim sum.
Resorts World Las Vegas. 702.676.8888
Brasserie B
Parisian Steakhouse
Bobby Flay’s French-inspired dishes. Caesars Palace. 866.227.5938
Morimoto Las Vegas
The famous Japanese cuisine. MGM Grand. 702.891.3001
Off the Strip
Amari Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop This Italian restaurant at the UnCommons complex in southwest Vegas recently announced that chef Nicole Brisson has revamped the modern Italian eatery’s menu, with dishes like 120day aged bone-in ribeye, marsala beef cheek ravioli, ricotta agnolotti and more. 6825 Tom Rodriguez St., Ste. 100. 725.285.0450
GastroPUB Nisei Bar & Grill This chill, recently opened restaurant near Chinatown features both Japanese and American food, with plenty of crossover. Try such items as kalbi tacos, wagyu sliders, ocean trout tiradito, yellowtail crudo and pan roast with lobster, shrimp and scallop. There are two happy hours to try Japanese beer and sake, too.
3400 S. Jones Blvd., Ste. 8. 702.613.7010
1228 Main Order delights such as the croissant French toast, a ham and Gruyère croissant sandwich, or a rustic grilled cheese on sourdough (two types of cheddar) and tomato soup. Especially amazing is the crème brulée croissant, with caramelized vanilla custard. Snag a loaf of bread, muffins or pastries while you’re there.
1228 S. Main St. 702.602.0531
BITES & BEATS
Mayfair Supper Club This vibrant restaurant overlooking Bellagio Lake recently got a new nightclub vibe, produced by Outside the Box Amusements. Expect several chapters of live music, choreography, acrobatics and more, plus new menu items like the caviar frites—fried potato petals with caviar, crème fraîche and lemon; and Dover sole Veronique with brown butter, grapes and capers. Bellagio. 702.693.8876
A Cut Above
An outpost of the Houston original, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse stands as a shining example of how to do expansion the right way. From cocktails like Old-Fashioneds to appetizers like steak tartare to mains like the 40-ounce grass-fed tomahawk, all your favorites are present and accounted for, and the service is unparalleled. Golden Nugget. 702.386.8399
HOT PICK
World Soccer HQ!
Through July 19, 2026, Circa Resort & Casino brings every thrilling moment of the World Soccer Championship to Downtown Las Vegas, airing all matches live with full audio at Stadium Swim and Circa | Sports. Fans can enjoy massive screens, lively watch parties and exclusive activations. Circa Resort & Casino, 702.247.2258. circalasvegas.com
CALENDAR
Saturday, July 11
Meek Mill
Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas
Saturday, July 18
French Montana
Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand
Good county eats might be one draw, but the star here is live country music every day on two stages at the fourstory Ole Red Las Vegas. Up-andcoming bands, local favorite singers and A-list stars (you never know who might show up) play the main stage inside and the Ghost Stage up on the vibing rooftop lounge, which boasts some of the best views on the Strip. Grand Bazaar Shops at Horseshoe Las Vegas. olered.com
Saturday, July 25
DJ Pauly D
Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace
Insider Tips
Go on a fun adventure to access one of the top mixology spots on the Strip. Find one of four skeleton keys hidden around the curio cabinets that make up the decor of the Cabinet of Curiosities. If you find a key, you’ll gain entry into The Lock Speakeasy. Horseshoe Las Vegas. thecabinetlv.com
Off the Strip
Moody, dark and witchy are the groovy vibes at Dark Sister. This craft cocktail bar offers apothecary- and zodiac-inspired drinks along with alternative music and offerings like tarot card readings and workshops for candle making, magic spells and vision boards. 1410 S. Main St. darksisterlv.com
Some say it’s like stepping into Adventureland at Disneyland! The Golden Tiki is an over-the-top tiki bar that transports guests to the islands. While the kitschy decor and live music are a huge draw, the real stars here are the specialty cocktails. Traditional tiki recipes (read: strong!) are on the menu, along with showstopping cocktails! Don’t miss happy hour 4-7 p.m. daily, with select cocktails for just $9. 3939 Spring Mountain Road. 702.222.3196
Stadium Swim photo by Ryan Gobuty
WHERE TO PLAY
Bonus Round Totally Awesome Bar + Arcade is a newly opened 21+ destination that is fueled by nostalgia and features games, delicious bites, craft cocktails, and more. Play classic arcade games like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man along with newer consoles for free with the purchase of Round Bar’s elevated bites and cocktails. MGM Grand. 702.891.7925
Games and cocktails pair up at Arcade at Horseshoe. Craft cocktails and beers on tap are available in the 21+-only bar area. After drinking a cocktail or two, have some fun playing more than 90 different games including VR adventures, pinball, Skee-Ball and modern consoles. Every Wednesday all games are 50%!
Horseshoe Las Vegas. 702.967.4222
Guava Gal
The islands are calling! Golden Monkey Tiki Lounge is the tropics come alive right on the Las Vegas Strip. This upscale tiki lounge has all the good sips that the paradise culture is known for. Many of the specialty cocktails are served in fun vessels, too, just like the Guava Gal, a mix of No. 3 London dry gin, Lillet Rouge apéritif, guava syrup and lime. Resorts World Las Vegas. 702.676.7000
Enjoy two fun-filled mini golf courses at PopStroke. The mini-golf adventure features synthetic fairways, tricky bunkers and rough patches, so it makes for a fun competition among friends. When done playing, enjoy mocktails like the blueberry lemon drop mock-tini with muddled blueberries, lemon juice and lemonade. Town Square. 702.680.0105
Now You Know Where
Secrets Spots Are
1
Just head to Proper Eats Food Hall and to the Easy Donuts stall. If it’s after 5 p.m., look for the small podium and guests seemingly walking through a wall that opens—this is where you’ll find the speakeasy Easy’s Cocktail Lounge. This intimate space has live music and showstopping cocktails, all set in a bougie atmosphere. Aria. easysvegas.com
2
Hidden behind one of the vending machines inside Luchini’s Slice Shop is the speakeasy Chez Bippy. It opens at 6 p.m. (Ask a server at the pizza shop how to get in.) Once inside, you’ll enjoy a dimly lit space dripping in opulence with velvet. Cocktails here are made with high-end spirits and fresh-made mixers, syrups and garnishes. MGM Grand. 702.891.7600
3
You’ll easily spot the lounge of Caspian’s Rock & Roe, but did you know that behind that huge captain painting, it opens into a secret speakeasy? It’s a late-night hang with live music and cocktails with bumps of caviar. Enjoy themed nights like ’80s rock ’n’ roll. Caesars Palace. caspianslv.com
Meek Mill and French Montana courtesy photos
DJ Pauly D and Guava Gal photos by Christopher DeVargas
Showbiz Shopping
What’s New
Vancouver-based women’s clothing and lifestyle brand, Aritzia recently opened an outlet shop in Las Vegas. High-quality materials combine with ultimate comfort and luxury for women’s clothing with styles for comfort, work and play. Aritzia style advisors and signature styling suites will be available at the outlet shop, helping clients find the perfect outfit.
Las Vegas North Premium Outlets.
702.474.7500
The iconic brand Giorgio Armani recently opened its second location in Las Vegas, and the high-end boutique offers men’s and women’s readyto-wear clothing, shoes, formalwear for him and her, fine jewelry, watches, eyewear and fragrances. The space is divided into three consecutive rooms and a dedicated area focused on personalized experiences.
The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. 702.893.4800
Take a trip to the burgeoning Arts District to check out the new Barter Beer Mall, a community-based antique and artist mall featuring more than 40 local artists and vendors selling an eclectic assortment of vintage and antique pieces. The fun continues because guests can purchase and drink a variety of beers, wines and seltzers while walking around and shopping.
150 W. Wyoming Ave. barterlv.com
the Nines
Showbiz Gaming
Watch all the World Cup madness you can handle at Circa | Sports, the world’s largest sports-betting experience, three stories tall and featuring 78-million-pixel screens. With viewing capacity for 1,000 (350 stadium seats and private boxes for groups), you’ll have no problem finding the perfect spot to catch all the action.
Circa Resort & Casino. circalasvegas.com
WATCH & WAGER
Stadium Swim
Like to watch sports poolside? This rooftop pool complex features a 40-foot-tall high-def screen, plus tons of seating; the capacity is 4,000. There’s plenty of food and drink, too. Circa Resort & Casino. 702.247.2258
Yahoo Sportsbook powered by William Hill
This venue features a 1,700-foot screen, a bar and lounge with tabletop gaming and plenty of tables, private fan caves and areas with plush seating. The Venetian Resort. 855.754.1200
Arizona Charlie’s Decatur This property’s huge bingo room on the second level features odd-hour sessions starting at 9 a.m. with the last session of the day starting at 11 p.m. There’s tons of seating, and players receive up to two free drinks per session. Prices start at $4, with paper, portable and stationary electronic machines (device fee extra). Side games are also available. 740 S. Decatur Blvd. 702.258.5200
Resorts World Sportsbook
Adjacent to Dawg House Saloon & Sports Book’s restaurant and bar, with massive screens and couches, plus betting windows on one side. Resorts World Las Vegas. 702.676.6964
BetMGM Sportsbook
This cozy venue features overstuffed armchairs, couches and 220-inch TVs, plus multiple betting kiosks. Aria. 702.590.7111
Games to Try
Baccarat: In this card game, try to determine and bet on which players’ hands, or the dealer’s hand, come closest to a total of nine (not over).
Roulette: Bet on which slot a ball will drop into; or split bets on numbers, colors or even/odd numbers.
Craps: If you’ve never played this dice game, a class can ensure a fun night at the tables.
Horseshoe Las Vegas Sit down for a variety of daily no-limit hold ’em or pot limit Omaha hi cash games with buy-ins starting at $100, or try your hand at a tournament at this 23-table room near the resort’s sportsbook. The resort also periodically hosts special tournaments as well. In addition, a snack bar and self-parking are close. caesars.com
MGM Grand The 25-table, smoke-free room offers no-limit hold ’em games daily, as well as daily no-limit tournaments and cash games, plus a variety of other special games and promotions, including progressive high hands of the hour and monthly contests. Inside, you’ll find a variety of amenities, from TVs to tableside food and massages! mgmgrand.
mgmresorts.com
Circa | Sports courtesy photo, Stadium Swim photo by Christopher DeVargas
Canyon Ranch Spa + Fitness
Get your fitness on with the 40-foot Rock Climbing Wall. The Venetian Resort. 702.414.3610 or venetianlasvegas.com
Bellagio Fitness Center
Enjoy free weights, elliptical machines and fitness classes (temporarily located on the Promenade across from Tutto). Bellagio.
702.693.7472
Golden Nugget Fitness Center
Go for your personal best on a treadmill while enjoying great downtown views. Golden Nugget. 702.385.7111
Showbiz
TREAT YOURSELF WORK
Fitness Studio
Take advantage of plenty of cardio machines with personal plasma TV and music options. SAHARA Las Vegas. 702.737.2111
Manscaping
For a truly old-school experience, head to the Speakeasy Barbershop. You’ll find a full lineup of the classic treatments— shave ($65), haircut ($55), beard trim ($30, clippers only), line-up ($11, clippers and straight razor), facial ($25) and scalp therapy ($25). El Cortez. 702.385.5200
New Spa, New You
Qua Baths & Spa recently received a renovation with results that combine modern luxury with innovative spa experiences. Inspired by the ancient bathhouses of Rome, heal the body and mind through exclusive amenities and modern treatments like the Aescape, the first-of-its-kind robotic massage. Caesars Palace. 866.782.0655
Voie Spa & Salon The manicure and pedicure packages here run the gamut, sure to have your hands and feet feeling their best. Try a CBD and lavender-infused manicure (from $95), with a CBD-infused coffee exfoliation and an eco-hydration treatment. Or opt for the Paradise Glow pedicure (from $110), with a fruit-infused scrub and mango or pineapple mask.
Paris Las Vegas.
702.946.4366
Four Seasons Spa Choose from services that can last up to 75 minutes. The Aroma Oasis manicure lets you choose the scent you soak your nails in, as well as the scrub and lotion used during your service. The Rescue Me pedicure includes a rich mud scrub combining notes of coffee and sarsaparilla.
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas.
702.632.7777
Oleksandra Spa & Salon Is your face in need of some ultimate pampering? Try Modern Face, a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation that eschews the use of neurotoxins in favor of hands-only face massage, intra-oral buccal massage, Gua Sha and EMS to reshape facial contours, promote lymphatic drainage and support a healthy complexion. Treasure Island. 702.894.7474
HOT PICK
BUCKET
The FRIENDS™ Experience This interactive exhibit is a bit of a cross between a museum and a television studio set, re-creating iconic scenes from the beloved show. Along the way, you’ll see costumes, a timeline of dating scenarios, graphics and a wealth of details and trivia, like how many cups of coffee each character drank at Central Perk (also re-created here) during the show’s run. MGM Grand. friendstheexperience.com
High Roller How many people can say they’ve taken a spin on the tallest observation wheel in North America? Inside these panoramic pods, you’ll find a plethora of experiences from Happy Half Hour, which comes with an open bar for your whole ride, or the self-guided S.T.E.M. Family Field Trip Guide, a learning experience that teaches about architecture, technology, geography, science, math and more. The Linq Promenade. 855.234.7469
Time for Reflection
The immersive attraction nears perfection with Infinity Museum , which creates a multitude of worlds where visitors can lose themselves for hours, everything from a worm hole and mirror maze to the vastness of the universe and the northern lights. Don’t be surprised if you forget to use your camera—it’s that mesmerizing. 3568 S. Maryland Parkway, Ste. 177. infinitymuseum.com
Plan Your Perfect Day
1
Play Playground Enjoy largerthan-life-size versions of nostalgic games and interactive challenges. See if you can stick the landing on Bullseye before displaying your surgical precision on Doctor! Doctor! And best of all? There are bars for the adults. Luxor. 13+ until 7 p.m., 21+ after 7 p.m. playplayground.com
2
Arcade at Horseshoe This 7,000-square-foot space is a gamer’s paradise, complete with more than 80 supersized games, from classics like Skee-Ball and air hockey and virtual reality games like Mission: Impossible and King Kong to shooting hoops at a Rock the Rim and a Big One Extreme claw machine. Horseshoe Las Vegas. 702.967.4222
3
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition We’re guessing you’ve seen the film (more than once). Now take an even deeper dive into one of history’s most famous disasters. More than 250 artifacts are on display, plus re-creations of the ship’s cabins and Grand Staircase. The Big Piece, a huge chunk of the side of the ship, is worth the price of admission alone Luxor. 702.262.4400
Off the Strip
Gray Line If you want to see the sights, and you want someone else to do the driving (or the flying), then a guided tour is what you want. Gray Line offer a range of tours throughout the Southwest that depart right from Vegas. Visit Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon and Lake Mead on sightseeing tours led by trained guides. Air, land and water adventures are all available. Free hotel pickup and return.
680 E. Pilot Road. 702.739.7777
Ethel M Chocolates
Factory & Cactus Garden Go on a selfguided factory tour and see how the proverbial magic is made and then check out the retail store with cases filled with individual, specially made chocolates—it’s like a buffet of goodness. The cactus garden is a must. 2 Cactus Garden Drive. 702.435.2608
Nevada State Museum
Explore the fascinating natural and anthropological past of Nevada and its neighbors at this everchanging history hub. The 70,000-square-foot facility contains everything from a Flamingo share purchased by Bugsy Siegel to Howard Hughes’ enema bag!
309 S. Valley View Blvd. lasvegasnvmuseum.org
FEEL THE RUSH
The Big Apple Coaster
This ride twists and dives around and through the center of the hotel. New York-New York. 702.740.6969
FLY LINQ Zipline
Soar over the Linq Promenade at speeds up to 35 mph. The Linq Promenade. 702.777.2782
Adventuredome
This indoor theme park features top attractions plus some circus acts Circus Circus. 702.794.3939
F1 Arcade
Feel the rush of the race. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. f1arcade.com/us/vegas
FlyOver Las Vegas
Take flight and explore the world in a whole new way. 3771 Las Vegas Blvd. S. 866.498.2023
Skydive Las Vegas
Mojave Desert views will leave you breathless, especially while free-falling. 1401 Airport Road, 18+. 702.759.3483
Stunning Display
Be transported back in time to Howard Carter’s discovery at Discovering King Tut’s Tomb—The Experience, which takes you on a tour throughout Egyptian history. Explore the role of the Nile River, the mysteries of mummification, and the treasures that filled the Boy King’s tomb, from his nested coffins to the iconic golden Mask. Along the way, uncover the beliefs, traditions and artistry that shaped one of history’s greatest civilizations. Luxor. kingtutvegas.com
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens This incredible space changes with the seasons, and features flowers, special structures and more. Currently, view its summer installation, which will be on display through Sept. 12. For more fun, dine at the Garden Table, featuring brunch and dinner menus, or stop in at The Watering Hole, offering cocktails and small plates. (Reservations required.). Bellagio. 702.693.7111
TRANSPORTATION DISPENSARIES
Limousine/Coach Rentals
AWG 702.740.3434
Bell Trans 702.739.7990
Kaptyn 702.688.7351
Presidential Limo 702.731.5577
Rental Cars
Alamo 844.354.6962
Budget 800.331.1212
Dollar Rent a Car 866.434.2226
Enterprise 800.736.8222
Fox Rent a Car 702.964.1320
Hertz 800.654.3131
National 800.227.7368
Payless Car Rental 800.729.5377
Sixt 888.749.8227
Thrifty 800.367.2277
Trams
Bellagio-CityCenter-Park MGM Stops at Crystals and Aria. 8 a.m.-4 a.m. daily, every seven minutes
Excalibur-Luxor-Mandalay Bay 10 a.m.midnight, daily, every three to seven minutes
Curaleaf One of the top health and wellness cannabis operators in the United States offers a variety of inventive products. 1736 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 21+. curaleaf.com
Medizin Shop top-quality products from an everchanging catalog. 4850 W. Sunset Road, No. 130. 702.248.0346
MedMen First-class facilities offering the latest in marijuana products. 823 S. 3rd St., recreational 21+, medical 18+. 702.527.7685; 4503 Paradise Road, recreational 21+, medical 18+. 702.405.8597
Oasis Cannabis Dispensary This 24-hour marijuana dispensary serves the community with quality cannabis products. 1800 Industrial Road, Suite 180, 21+. 702.420.2405
Planet 13 Medical and recreational cannabis, plus cannabis extracts and infused products. 9 a.m.-3 a.m. daily, 2548 W. Desert Inn Road, recreational 21+, medical 18+. 702.815.1313
or balihaigolfclub.com
Photos by Wade Vandervort
ELITE (Exclusive League of Industry and Tourism Experts) is a group of professionals dedicated to providing services for Las Vegas visitors.