LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas draws millions of visitors each year with its Las Vegas events, casinos, shows, attractions, and nonstop entertainment. But the city offers far more than the Strip. As 2025 nears its end, Las Vegas continues to expand its lineup of local events, off-Strip activities, community festivals, seasonal celebrations, and outdoor attractions that appeal to both tourists and residents. Heading into 2026, the region is preparing for another year of strong event demand across downtown, Summerlin, Henderson, and the broader valley.
This guide serves as a year-round resource for the best things to do in Las Vegas, including major events, local experiences, outdoor recreation, family activities, and insider recommendations.
For additional entertainment coverage, visit the Las Vegas Entertainment News hub: https://lasvegasnews.co/entertainment-news/
Major Annual Events That Define Las Vegas
While Las Vegas hosts hundreds of smaller gatherings each year, several large-scale annual events anchor the local calendar.
Las Vegas Grand Prix
Held every November, the Formula 1 race transforms the Strip into a closed-course event with viewing zones, concerts, and citywide tourism spikes.
CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
A global convention drawing more than 100,000 attendees each January. It affects hotel rates, transportation, and downtown events.
NFR — National Finals Rodeo
December’s premier rodeo competition, filling Thomas & Mack Center and bringing dozens of country-themed pop-ups, concerts, and vendor events.
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)
A massive three-day electronic music festival held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway each May.
Life is Beautiful Festival
A multi-genre event in Downtown Las Vegas held in late September.
Several other recurring shows, expos, and specialty events help shape the city’s entertainment pulse throughout the year.
Seasonal Events in Las Vegas (Late 2025 → Early 2026)
Las Vegas offers distinct seasonal event patterns driven by tourism, weather, and visitation levels.
Winter Events (December–February)
- Holiday light displays at Ethel M and Las Vegas Motor Speedway
- New Year’s Eve fireworks across the Strip and Fremont Street
- Winter at the LINQ Promenade
- Ice rinks at select resorts
- CES in early January
- Super Bowl LVIX weekend build-up in February 2026
Spring Events (March–May)
- St. Patrick’s Day parades and pub crawls
- NASCAR Weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
- Pool season and dayclub openings
- EDC week events and music pop-ups
- Outdoor food festivals in Henderson and Summerlin
Summer Events (June–August)
- Downtown block parties and First Friday themes
- Summer concerts at T-Mobile Arena and indoor venues
- Late-night events and extended nightlife hours
- Off-Strip farmers’ markets and community events
- Indoor attractions popular due to high heat
Fall Events (September–November)
- Life is Beautiful Festival
- Las Vegas Pride Festival
- Halloween events across the Strip and downtown
- Las Vegas Grand Prix week activities
- Fall sports season for UNLV, Raiders, and Golden Knights
Local Experiences Beyond the Strip
Many visitors miss some of the best activities in Las Vegas by staying on the Strip. The greater valley offers dozens of engaging, locally driven experiences.
Downtown Arts District (18b)
A growing cultural hub featuring galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and the monthly First Friday arts festival.
Downtown Container Park
A family-friendly center with shops, live music, and outdoor film nights.
Chinatown District
Known for its restaurants, bakeries, and Asian groceries. Popular among locals for late-night dining.
Fremont Street Experience
A pedestrian district offering live music, casinos, restaurants, and seasonal events.
Local Breweries and Distilleries
Dozens of craft breweries operate throughout Las Vegas, many hosting trivia nights, comedy events, or live music.
Outdoor Recreation and Nearby Attractions
Las Vegas is surrounded by natural landscapes that draw millions of visitors annually.
Red Rock Canyon
Offers hiking, scenic drives, and rock climbing just 20 minutes west of the Strip.
Hoover Dam
A short drive east of Las Vegas, popular for tours and photo opportunities.
Valley of Fire State Park
Arizona-style red rock formations located northeast of Las Vegas.
Mount Charleston
Often 30 degrees cooler than the city, ideal for hiking in summer or snow activities in winter.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Options include boating, kayaking, fishing, and scenic drives.
Free and Budget-Friendly Things to Do
With rising travel costs, free activities remain popular among visitors.
Free attractions:
- Bellagio Conservatory
- Fremont Street Viva Vision show
- The Volcano at the Mirage (when running seasonally)
- Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign
- Street performers and buskers downtown
Budget-friendly options:
- Discount show tickets at same-day booths
- Public art walks in the Arts District
- Local museums on free-admission days
- Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
- Springs Preserve seasonal exhibits
Family-Friendly Activities
Families visiting Las Vegas have more options than ever.
- Discovery Children’s Museum
- Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
- Adventuredome indoor theme park
- Las Vegas Natural History Museum
- Cowabunga waterparks (seasonal)
- Lion Habitat Ranch in Henderson
Food & Dining Events
Las Vegas hosts numerous recurring culinary events throughout the year.
- Restaurant Week (annual)
- Food truck festivals around downtown and Henderson
- Wine and craft beer festivals
- Chef pop-ups and tasting dinners at major resorts
Dining remains a major draw for both locals and visitors, with seasonal menus tied to holidays and sports events.
Best Times to Visit for Lower Prices
Travel and event pricing fluctuate throughout the year.
Lowest-price windows:
- Early January (after CES)
- Early February (before Super Bowl LVIX weekend)
- Late April
- Early September
- First two weeks of December
Highest-demand periods:
- New Year’s Eve
- CES week
- Super Bowl LVIX weekend
- March Madness
- Thanksgiving week
- Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
Visitor Tips for First-Timers
- Expect heavy traffic near major venues during events.
- Book hotels early for CES, F1, and major festivals.
- Check weather conditions before outdoor activities.
- Use rideshare pick-up zones to avoid delays.
- Review bag policies at events and properties.
Las Vegas Events – useful links
- Las Vegas Shows & Residencies
- Concerts & Music Festivals
- Nightlife Guide
- Las Vegas Events this weekend
- Free events or concerts in Las Vegas
