Race for the Case: Slot Machine Contest Downtown at the Plaza Hotel & Casino

The slots are an integral part of Las Vegas culture. Slot machines are one of the distinct sounds and sights many recognize just as they depart the airplane. Players around the world compete in many tournaments and races while playing their favorite slot machines. 

At The Plaza Hotel & Casino, players will have the chance to compete over three days by racing to earn the highest points on their favorite slot machines. 

History of Slot Machines

Slot machines have a big history in Las Vegas. This is the place where the first fully electromechanical and video slot machines were made. Although the precursor machines were first invented in 1891 in New York, those slot machines happen to be based on the classic game of poker. Even one of the early slot machines dispensed different flavors of chewing gum, which is why some of the popular cherry and melon symbols remain part of some slots today.

Nowadays slot machines that you see on every Las Vegas casino floor have fun and unusual themes that range from TV shows to musical and pop icons.

Slot Machine Contest Downtown

The Race for the Case takes one Las Vegas’s staples and takes it to a whole new level. Players will compete head-to-head on their slot machines and try to get the highest points. There is no buy-in for the race and the first prize winner will receive a handsome reward of $15,000. Play your slot machine and race to become one of the top five players with the highest points.

The Rules

The top five will then get to choose from five briefcases. Each briefcase contains a different amount of money, which ranges from $1,000 to $15,000. The player with the highest slots points will be the first person to choose a briefcase. Winners will only have a minute to choose and are not allowed to switch once they have picked a briefcase, which means that the first place slot winner will not necessarily take home the most money.

people playing slots and winning

How to Join

All players have the chance to win the $50,000 Race For The Case. If you enjoy playing slots, this race is for you. The race will be held on November 1 – 3. Come have fun competing against others for the chance to take home $15,000.

RSVP for the Race for the Case

RSVP today and try your luck. Or, see all our upcoming events happening downtown.

Comedy Comes to Plaza Hotel and Casino with Comedy Works

Everyone loves to laugh, and comedy remains one of the primary conduits. Having continued to rise in popularity across the country and streaming services, comedy has also paved its own path in Las Vegas. While the Strip is known for larger productions, the downtown Las Vegas area is the place to go for smaller niche shows and stand-up comedy.

Comedy Clubs in Las Vegas

You can find some of the best local and national comedians in downtown Las Vegas as comedy clubs and comedy rooms are popping up all around the city. If you enjoy stand-up comedy, beginning September 12th, The Plaza Hotel & Casino has live shows every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, featuring comedians like Jim Florentine, Kevin Downey Jr., and Nick di Paolo. 

Doug Stanhope on New Year’s Eve at The Plaza

Back by popular demand…Following 3 sold-out shows over Memorial Day Weekend, Doug Stanhope will appear at the Plaza for a special New Year’s Eve 2020 performance. Doug is vulgar, opinionated, brutally honest and shockingly uninhibited and is certainly not for everybody. 

Variety and the Hollywood Reporter both selected Doug as one of the Top Ten Comics To Watch so get your ticket before this special show is sold out. 

Stand-up Comedy and Comedians

Stand-up comedy has become a favorite style among many for its witty monologues and hilarious stories. The comedic genre has gained popularity and prominence in the last few years from comedians like Kevin Hart, Gabriel Iglesias (Fluffy), and Amy Schumer. 

These comedians appeal to a millennial crowd and bring the art of stand-up comedy to younger generations. Some noteworthy comedians who brought prominence to the genre are Jay Leno, Robin Williams, and Eddie Murphy.

Stand-up comedy is one of the freest forms of comedy. Typically, it involves a set of jokes that the comedian will write that are synchronistic and create flow during their set. Stand-up comedy can have a reputation for being “hard-hitting” and sometimes dark, but there are many different types of stand-up comedy like observational comedy, dark comedy, and clean comedy. 

There is so much variety within stand-up comedy that everyone can find something they relate to and will laugh about.

Comedy Works at The Plaza

Stand-up comedy is often performed in bars, pubs, comedy clubs, and theatres, but the perfect place to watch a stand-up comedy set in Las Vegas is at The Comedy Works inside The Plaza showroom. There are tables set up in a perfect formation for viewing comedy shows and you can enjoy a drink while getting your laugh on.

Things to Do Downtown Labor Day Weekend 2019

People think of Labor Day weekend as the final nail in summer’s proverbial coffin. But just because daylight is dwindling doesn’t mean that Downtown is going into hibernation, and neither should you! During Labor Day weekend, don’t miss these events and activities happening downtown and around the Plaza Hotel & Casino. 

Things to Do Downtown Labor Day Weekend

From entertainment to shopping, see all things to do downtown Labor Day weekend.

Entertainment

Enjoy a free concert at Fremont Street Experience or get your thrills gliding between a sea of pedestrians and the Viva Vision light canopy at Slotzilla Zip Line. Or, if it’s still to warm for you, cool off with cabana blackjack or pickleball by the Pool at the Plaza

Take in the sophistication of The Smith Center with live music or a stroll around the performing arts center’s Symphony Park. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the park’s iconic, multicolored installation. 

Downtown Las Vegas is home to a host of museums, such as the Neon Museum and Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum and  The Mob Museum with a variety of programming for everyone. 

Dining and Drinking

Enjoy a perfectly-aged steak, lobster tail or signature martini under the iconic glass dome at Oscar’s Steakhouse. No time to sit down? Get a quick slice at Pop Up Pizza, with homemade pizza sauce and dough made fresh daily. 

The Underground speakeasy at The Mob Museum serves up killer cocktails, Distillery Tours and even live jazz on weekends. Just be sure to get the speakeasy password from their social media, or you might end up swimmin’ with the fishes. 

Cure your hangover at locals’ favorite Hash House A Go Go. The Sage Fried Chicken and Waffles are sure to satisfy any stomach, no matter how late it stayed out last night. 

Shopping

Take advantage of summer sales or find new fall fashions at Las Vegas North Premium Outlets, just a three-minute drive from the Plaza. Find the best clothes, accessories and products to fit the Plaza’s classic backdrop. 

Looking for a slower pace? Check out art galleries, beauty salons, antiques and much more at The Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas, which lends itself to brunching, bar hopping and incredible downtown murals

Peruse the eclectic boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and bars at Downtown Container Park. This open-air space offers a variety of shopping and dining in one family-friendly location, as well as live entertainment and the visually immersive attraction The Dome. 

Labor Day Weekend Getaway at The Plaza

Whether for family fun, special events or just to get away, Downtown Las Vegas is the place to be for Labor Day weekend. Plaza Hotel & Casino has everything you need to navigate a perfect stay. Reserve your Labor Day weekend downtown hotel room.

What to Expect at the Life Is Beautiful Festival 2019

Downtown Las Vegas is a vibrant area full of art and culture that speaks to both a great past and promising future. The Life is Beautiful Festival, which returns to Downtown Las Vegas on Friday, September 20th, and runs through Sunday, September 22nd, is a testament to this unique culture. 

The festival will bring some of today’s most celebrated musicians, chefs, artists, comedians and speakers to the downtown art district for a three-day inspirational social platform and celebration of life.

The Plaza Hotel and the Life Is Beautiful Festival

The Plaza Hotel and Casino has been an integral part of Downtown Las Vegas throughout its historic past. Today, as the area continues to undergo substantial change and growth, we continue to create the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication while providing an old-school Vegas feel paired with modernism.

The effort put forth by the Life is Beautiful team is something we admire, and as a fellow Downtown Las Vegas business, we certainly appreciate the buzz it creates for our community and downtown culture. 

Adjacent to the arts district, The Plaza has been a hub for those who have attended previous Life is Beautiful festivals and will continue to be one this year as well. Whether you need a Luxe room to rest between days of the festival, something to eat and drink, or just some help with directions, we are here to help make your Life is Beautiful experience as enjoyable and empowering as possible. 

There are three free re-entries per day for all general admission festival guests, so come to enjoy a meal and drink with us at one of our many restaurants and bars and sit back and rest your feet. The Plaza Hotel and Casino will also offer event parking for the festival at a competitive price.

The Music at Life is Beautiful

There will be a large variety of artists playing at Life is Beautiful over the three days. With headliners like Chance the Rapper, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Vampire Weekend, and many more, there’s no doubt the festival will be packed with good vibes and great sounds. There are multiple stages where you and your group can enjoy the music, including one stage that is a dome with an electronic feel where most DJs will play. 

The first shows on the lineup will start around 2 or 3 p.m. and headliners will close out the festival around 11 p.m. or midnight. The festival provides music lovers with a variety of genres, and you’ll find everything from rap and hip hop to EDM and alternative.

The Art of Life is Beautiful

Life is Beautiful is a celebration of art and culture. There will be modern art exhibits, walk through art exhibitions like the “Art Motel,” and traditional art exhibits with photography and paintings. The whole festival can be thought of as a work of art, providing an opportunity at every corner to enthrall the senses of festival attendees. 

Outside festival grounds in the Downtown Las Vegas community there is also plenty of art to be seen. There are plenty of beautiful art pieces to take in and enjoy, and they also act as the perfect setting for photos.

Murals at Plaza Hotel Casino

The Plaza Hotel & Casino is adorned with murals by street artists Shepard Fairey and D*Face that scale the whole building from top to bottom. These murals were some of the most challenging murals they’ve ever created. Each artist had to overcome personal and unexpected challenges like changing weather patterns. 

Using scaffolding and the natural curvature of the Plaza Hotel, each artist transformed a side of the hotel into a living piece of art. Both murals will add color and life to an already vibrant downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street Experience. Come to see the murals today for yourself and explore the rest of the art downtown.


Above: Shepard Fairey’s piece “Cultivate Harmony”. Fairey, known for his iconic 2008 “Hope” poster of President Obama has transformed American pop culture with his modern art and now he’s transformed the Plaza into a living piece of artwork

Above: One of the latest pieces of art to join the Downtown Las Vegas area is a large mural created by D*Face, an English multimedia street artist known for his sold-out galleries and collaboration with the world’s top music artists

The Food

Over 70 local and regional eateries with a variety of cuisine will be present at Life Is Beautiful 2019. Attendees can enjoy food from different cultures such as Mexico, Asia, and India among others. There will be many places for festival-goers to enjoy food and learn about the art of cooking. If you’re looking for a bite to eat after the festival, you can come over to The Plaza to grab a late-night bite at Pop Up Pizza or Brightside Breakfast & Burgers.

The Drinks

For those over the age of 21, there are plenty of excellent alcoholic drink options like craft beers and artisanal cocktails. Drinks will be available from specific alcohol vendors as well as at full-service bars at the festival. There are also plenty of bars to enjoy outside festival grounds in the downtown Las Vegas area. Come and join us for a drink at The Plaza where we will have drink specials for festival-goers.

The Location

The downtown Las Vegas area has a lot to offer to festival-goers inside and outside of festival grounds. Just outside the official festival grounds, you’ll find the Fremont Street Experience which is an overhead lights display lined with bars and casinos on each side. 

At the end of the Fremont Street Experience, you’ll find The Plaza where you can enjoy casino games, great food, and refreshing drinks when you need a break from the festival. There is so much to see in downtown Las Vegas that you’ll want to set aside some extra time for exploring outside the festival grounds.

Tickets & Packages

There are several different ticket options for Life is Beautiful. Entrance to Life is Beautiful starts at $145 for one day General Admission and $315 for 3-day General Admission. If you’re looking to upgrade your festival experience, there are VIP, VIP+, and All-In options that start at $665 for the three days and include things like shaded lounge areas, concierge services, exclusive food and drink vendors, and private bathrooms. 

The All-In pass gets you everything at all the other levels, in addition, to access to the artist hospitality lounge, an exclusive culinary tasting experience, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

After Parties

Each night after the Life Is Beautiful festival ends; revelers can keep the partying going Unde the Dome at the Plaza. This Life Is Beautiful after-party features a live DJ set and complimentary entry to everyone that is looking to dance under our famous lights. Festival-goers over 21 and over can enjoy a refreshing drink from the bars opening up for the after-party.

Vote Plaza Hotel & Casino for Best of Las Vegas 2019

The Plaza Hotel & Casino has a lot to offer in downtown Las Vegas. In 2018, The Plaza won Best of Las Vegas in Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories. As an iconic part of downtown Las Vegas culture, The Plaza Best of Las Vegas list has been going on for several years with wins in many different categories. 

In 2017, The Plaza won “Best Downtown Hotel” and in 2018, The Plaza won “The Best Steakhouse” and “The Best Downtown Hotel Pool” both in the highest category of Gold.

Best of Las Vegas 2019

The Best of Las Vegas is an award list put on by the Las Vegas Review-Journal every year that comprises the best businesses, places, and experiences in Las Vegas. Winners are selected by the votes of locals and tourists who vote online for their favorites in 295 different sub-categories. Voting takes place during the summer, and winners will be announced in October. Voting ends August 1st, 2019.

What categories can you vote for?

This year, you can vote for the Plaza Hotel & Casino as The Best of Las Vegas for several categories including Best Downtown Hotel, Best Downtown Hotel Pool, Best Downtown Slots, Best Steakhouse, Best Downtown Restaurant, and more!

Why choose The Plaza for the Best of Las Vegas?

What makes the Plaza Hotel & Casino the Best of Las Vegas? The excellent rooms, plentiful games, rooftop pool, delicious restaurants, and ongoing entertainment—to name a few. There is never a shortage of things to do downtown or at The Plaza, and it offers a wide variety of choices as the best hotel downtown.

Vote for us here!

How can you have the best day at The Plaza?

Having the best day at the Plaza Hotel & Casino starts with breakfast or brunch at either Hash House A Go Go or Brightside. Once you finish your tasty breakfast, head up to the rooftop pool to enjoy the sunshine and downtown Las Vegas view while sipping on a cocktail. 

After the pool, head back to your Luxe room to shower and rest for a bit, then hit the casino and test your luck at your favorite slots or table games. When you start to get hungry, make your way over to Oscar’s Steakhouse for the best steak and atmosphere in the valley. 
To cap off the day, step just outside The Plaza and explore the famous Fremont Street Experience and cultural district of downtown Las Vegas. When you’re ready to wrap up the night, head back to your room at the Plaza Hotel & Casino and lay down in your room for a great night’s sleep.

Bunco for Breast Cancer: A Dice Game for a Good Cause

If you’re looking for Bunco downtown, then you’ll want to stop by The Plaza Hotel & Casino on August 10th for Bunco Night. Before you sign up, learn more about this popular dice game.

What Is Bunco?

Bunco is a fun dice game played in teams. The game is typically played with twelve or more players and is often played as a fun ladies night event. When you’re in Downtown Las Vegas, Bunco can be a fun game to play because it requires no skill and is easy to understand. 

How to Play Bunco

The game of Bunco is easy and fun to play. For a game of Bunco, players will need 12 score cards, 3 tables, 3 dice, 1 bell, and 1 fuzzy die. The game starts by ringing a bell and then players roll 3 dice passed clockwise during the round. 

The goal of the game is to roll dice with the rounds number on it. A “Bunco” and 21 points is achieved when all three dice land on the round’s number. The round continues until a Bunco is achieved.

History of Bunco

The history of Bunco dates back to the late 1800s when women, children, and couples would play the game. Bunco was introduced to the United States during the Gold Rush in San Francisco as a way for gold mine workers to gamble. 

Since the nature of Bunco is very social, it started to gain popularity as a parlor game and a family game. The popularity of Bunco decreased in the 1900s, but began gaining popularity again in 1980 and continues to gain traction as a fun social game.

Bunco for Breast Cancer with the Plaza

If you’re looking for Bunco downtown, then you’ll want to stop by The Plaza Hotel & Casino for a Bunco night. On August 10th starting at 6 PM, you can support breast cancer research while playing bunco. 

To play in this special event, registration is $30 and, until July 31st, hotel rooms will be discounted with a special code to only $74 per night. In addition to playing Bunco downtown, the Bunco for Breast Cancer event will include raffles, silent auctions, and cash prizes.




Discover all the downtown events and entertainment happening at the Plaza.

Oscar Goodman’s 80th Birthday Celebration Downtown

On July 18th, Oscar Goodman’s 80th Birthday will be celebrated downtown at the Fremont Street Experience(FSE) from 5 PM to 7 PM and afterwards at Oscar’s Steakhouse. The FSE event will include an 80 martini salute poured with none other than Goodman’s favorite, Bombay Sapphire gin. There will be local entertainers and special guests, with a local celebrity appearance from Frankie Scinta.

Who is Oscar Goodman?

Oscar Goodman is a local celebrity in the Las Vegas area. He was mayor of the city from 1999 to 2011, and after that, his wife Carolyn became mayor in 2011. Before becoming the mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman worked as an attorney defending those allegedly associated with the mob. Goodman has appeared in several Las Vegas related films such as Casino and Bachelor Party Vegas.

Oscar’s 80th at Oscar’s Steakhouse

The birthday celebration will then continue at Plaza Hotel & Casino where Oscar’s namesake restaurant will be celebrating Oscar’s 80th Birthday with a special meal at Oscar’s Steakhouse. Guests will have the chance to celebrate with Oscar, eat what Oscar eats and be entertained by showgirls, live music, and special surprises. There will also be a wax figure of Oscar from Madame Tussauds Las Vegas to take selfies with.

The special menu called “What Oscar Eats” will include three courses with choices of the former Mayor’s favorite dishes. The first course is a choice between smoked salmon or salad. The second course gives guests a choice between Seabass or a Rib Eye steak. The third course is a choice between crème brulee and New York-style cheesecake. 

There will also be a drink called “What Oscar Drinks” which is, of course, the mayor’s favorite Bombay Sapphire garnished with jalapeño. Guests who order the drink will even receive a commemorative martini glass while supplies last. 

Part of the profits from Oscar’s 80th Birthday special meal and drinks will go to benefit Keep Memory Alive, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected with brain disorders and their families. Come celebrate Oscar’s 80th Birthday at The Plaza and enjoy a meal like the former mayor would.

Introducing Modern Luxury & Technology in One Room: The Plaza’s Luxe Rooms

Have you ever wondered what Old Vegas would look like mixed with new technology? The Plaza Hotel & Casino is showing you what that looks like with our newly upgraded luxury rooms downtown.

The Latest Luxe Rooms at the Plaza

The new Luxe Rooms will have the best views on high floors and all the finest features and modern amenities. These amenities include pillowtop mattresses, luxury sheets, and a 49-inch flat screen TV. The rooms will also be USB friendly and have a mini-fridge. 

At 325 square feet, you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy your view of the gorgeous Las Vegas mountains or all the dazzling lights on Fremont street.

Modern Luxury Rooms Downtown

In addition to modern amenities, the luxury rooms downtown are decorated with modern décor like minimalist-chic furniture and succulents. Downtown Las Vegas is generally more affordable than staying on the Las Vegas Strip, and these luxury rooms downtown at The Plaza will give you a bigger and better bang for your buck. 

The Place to Be (and Stay) Downtown

Staying at The Plaza Hotel & Casino means entertainment at your fingertips. There are hundreds of casino games for guests to enjoy and a rooftop pool with games and a bar. Other downtown Las Vegas favorites like the Fremont Street Experience and Mob Museum are just a few steps away.

When choosing a room to stay in Las Vegas, the luxury rooms downtown at The Plaza Hotel & Casino have plenty to offer with updated amenities, technological comforts, and gorgeous views.

Independence Day Pool Party at the Plaza Hotel & Casino

No other holiday brings out the patriotic spirit of our country more than 4th of July. On that day in 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England and Americans love to celebrate with a barbecue and cold beers. It’s a day that all Americans come together in the high heat of the summer and celebrate the independence of the United States of America.

Many people choose to celebrate with fireworks and some with meat on the grill, so we’re honoring that tradition at our annual Independence Day Pool Party!

Independence Day Pool Party at the Plaza

On July 4th, there will be fireworks above downtown Las Vegas and a hot dog eating contest where hotdog lovers can win a $200 cash prize, 2-night stay at The Plaza, $150 to Oscar’s Steakhouse, and a poolside cabana with $50 for food and beverages. There will also be a live DJ and drink specials so you can dance the night away.

Summer Fun All Summer Long

The fun doesn’t stop when the 4th of July is over. On July 5th, there will be a special pool day where you can get a flamingo drink holder and cool off from the Vegas sun by enjoying the pool.

On July 6th Beverage Olympics takes place when teams of five people will come together and participate in “Olympic Events” such as ice cube clear out, pitcher chug, flip cup, and beer pong. There will be cash prizes based upon how many teams and players are entered.

If you’re spending the 4th of July holiday weekend in Las Vegas, there’s plenty to do downtown like exploring the Fremont Street Experience and visiting top-rated bars and restaurants. Downtown Las Vegas is known for its retro feel and unique character, and there will be no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day.

Fun Things to Do on Father’s Day in Las Vegas

Father’s Day is the one time of year we get to show that special appreciation for our dads and truly show them how thankful we are to have them in our lives. It can be hard, however, to know what to do with dad on his special day.

Fun Things To Do On Father’s Day in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has so much to offer with great Father’s Day ideas to make him feel appreciated. We’ve put together a list of some of our best ideas to show dad a great time in Vegas.

Take Him Golfing

las vegas golf courses

There are plenty of excellent golf courses in Las Vegas. You can start the day off by taking him to play a round of golf and giving him the opportunity to relax and enjoy time out on the course.

Play Pickleball

Pickleball courts

A great alternative to golf is taking your father to play pickleball, which is a game similar to tennis. If Dad has never played pickleball before, this could be a fun and memorable experience for him. The Plaza Hotel & Casino offers unlimited pickleball play for Nevada locals for only $3/day.

Go to A Museum

Some dads aren’t the athletic type, and that’s all right! You can take dad to one of the many museums the city has to offer. Downtown Las Vegas has some exciting museums that dad will love. Some noteworthy mentions are the Mob Museum, the Neon Museum, and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum.

Check Out a Brewery

If Dad is a fan of beer, taking him to a brewery for lunch could be a great choice. Downtown Las Vegas has many unique breweries such as Banger Brewing, Chicago Brewing Co, and Hop Nuts Brewing. Take a break from your activity-packed day to grab a brew and a bite.

Enjoy a Pool Day

A lot of our fathers work tiring endless work weeks. Give dad the chance to relax out by the pool. If you don’t have a pool of your own, the Pool at the Plaza allows Nevada locals over 21 to enter the pool for free. If you’re looking to give your dad some extra relaxation, look into booking a cabana suite for him.

A Steak Dinner

When it comes to dinner, most dads love a good steak. We know that a great meal is the way to any man’s heart, so Oscar’s Steakhouse is serving up a special meal for Father’s Day. There will be an appetizer of Sweet and Sour Pork Belly and tomahawk ribeye steak served with potatoes and asparagus for the entrée. Oscar’s has one of the best views of Fremont Street and a classic atmosphere for any dad to enjoy.

A Room

Book by June 17th at 11am for travel through October 3rd and save 20% off room rates!