Las Vegas Events

With more than 40 hotels, casinos and resorts providing lavish shows, you don't have to look hard for diversion in Las Vegas. In addition to the offerings of various casinos, there's the nightly Fremont Street Experience light-and-sound show, held in a pedestrian mall (every hour on the hour, 6 pm-midnight). The events listed below are in addition to Resort/Casino-related offerings.

January

Late January: Las Vegas Marathon. More than 7,500 runners compete in the full marathon (26.2 mi/42 km), half-marathon (13.1 mi/21 km) and 5K Friendship Run. A post-marathon party and health-and-fitness expo are also part of the festivities. For information, call 702-240-2722.

February

Late February--World Archery Festival. Archers compete in the first leg of the new 3 Star Tour for one of the largest purses offered in indoor archery competitions. Also a trade show with the newest equipment and accessories in the archery industry. Riviera Hotel and Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. S. For information, call 909-794-8512, or toll-free 888-739-4527 or 800-811-2331.

March

Mid March: St. Patrick's Day Celebration. This two-day celebration of Irish heritage features the Sons of Erin Parade along Fourth Street, Celtic- and Irish-themed music on two stages, green beer, a block party and more. The Fremont Street Experience. For information, call 702-678-5777, or toll-free 800-249-3559.
Late Marc: Laughlin River Stampede Rodeo. The country's best cowboys compete in various contests in this PRCA-sanctioned event. Laughlin Events Grounds, Laughlin (90 miles south of Las Vegas). For information, call 719-589-9444, or the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce toll-free at 800-227-5245. Continues through early April

April

Early-Late April through early September: Minor-League Baseball. The Las Vegas 51s, a Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, play regular-season home games at Cashman Field, 850 Las Vegas Blvd. N. For information and tickets, call 702-386-7200. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 702-798-7825 or 702-474-4000.
13-17 April: World Cup Show Jumping. Show jumping's prestigious World Cup championship comes to Las Vegas with more than 40 top international competitors. Thomas and Mack Center, 4505 Maryland Parkway, UNLV campus. For information, call 702-260-8605. For tickets, call toll-free 866-388-3267.

May

Early-Late May: Laughlin Mile Dragon Boat Challenge. This ancient Chinese sport comes to Laughlin as local and international teams of 20 rowers, a steersman and a drummer paddle 44-ft. -long Chinese war canoes down 1 mi/1.5 km of the Colorado River. The best viewing spot is the River Walk, where a cultural festival with drumming contests takes place. 90 miles south of Las Vegas. For information, call the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce toll-free at 800-227-5245.

June

Mid June: National Open Chess Tournament. Dozens of national and international chess masters of all ages compete in nine sections, including a qualifier for the U.S. championship. Riviera Hotel and Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. S. For information and tickets, call 702-734-5110, or toll-free 800-634-6753.


August

5-15 August: International Police and Fire Games. Las Vegas hosts these biennial games with police, fire and military personnel and their spouses from around the world competing in more than 40 sports events, ranging from baseball, basketball, swimming and cycling to skeet, horseshoes, darts, bench-pressing and arm wrestling. Various venues. For information, call 702-259-6350, 702-259-6351, or toll-free 800-863-9676.

September


Early-Late September--through May: Performance. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas Performing Arts Center draws national and international ensembles and artists in opera, ballet, classical music, jazz and other performing arts. Corner of Maryland Parkway and Cottage Grove Street, UNLV campus. For information and tickets, call 702-895-2787 or 702-799-3267.

October

31 Oct--Nevada Day. Public holiday.
Late September; early October: Professional Bull Riders World Finals. The top 45 national bull riders compete in the Pro Bull Riders championship. For information, call 719-471-3008. Mandalay Bay Events Center, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S., and Thomas and Mack Center, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, UNLV campus. For tickets, call the Mandalay Bay box office toll-free at 877-632-7400,.

November

Mid November: Aviation Nation. The largest free public event in Nevada features the USAF Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron and the second-largest air-racing event in the U.S. Flying demonstrations by U.S. military and civilian performers. Ground displays showcase more than 100 vintage and new-model aircraft. Nevis Air Force Base. For information, call 402-652-7556, 702-652-5697 or 702-497-9885.

December

Early-Late December--Holiday Festival. This festival kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony and includes appearances by Santa Claus and live entertainment. Live theatrical shows on two stages continue throughout the monthlong festival. The Freemont Street Experience. For information, call toll-free 800-249-3559.