Category: Entertainment
5 Spots that Showcase the Downtown Las Vegas Revival
Mob Museum
Located in the heart of downtown, the Mob Museum shares the thrilling story of organized crime in Las Vegas. The mob scene played a huge role in the shaping of modern Las Vegas – helping it evolve and to become the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” At the Mob Museum, you’ll explore high-tech theater presentations, unique artifacts, and awesome interactive exhibits that tell both sides of the story; that of the mobs and that of the law’s. This intriguing presentation of Las Vegass’ colorful history will surprise and enthrall you. A must see.Smith Center for the Performing Arts
From Broadway shows, to jazz, ballet, and the Las Vegas Philharmonic, there is always something happening at the Smith Center. This thriving cultural complex has enabled southern Nevada to take its place on the international stage, and the sprawling campus has become a mecca for world-class culture, art, and musical events. In fact, the Smith Center is an exhibit in-and-of itself, with unique architecture, outdoor sculptures, and beautifully landscaped grounds. A picnic in Symphony Park is almost as exciting as the first-rate performances.Downtown Container Park
Downtown Container Park is a truly unique experience, unlike anything in Las Vegas. A Fremont Street destination built entirely of shipping containers, this urban gathering area features nightly music, boutique shopping, world-class cuisine, and a kids’ play area, complete with a 30-foot slide and water-play attraction. There’s always something going on at this hip, downtown destination.The Neon Museum
Founded in 1996, the spectacular Neon Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and displaying the iconic Las Vegas signs that used to tower over Sin City. Indoor and outdoor display areas, with more than 150 rescued signs, chronicle the changes and trends in sign design and technology from the 1930s to the present day. This uniquely Las Vegas museum is located downtown on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Discovery Children’s Museum
Located in Symphony Park, adjacent to the Smith Center, the Discovery Children’s Museum has helped redefine downtown Las Vegas as a cultural and artistic destination. This huge, interactive and educational play space provides a vibrant and engaging experience for kids of all ages. The 58,000-square foot building has nine exhibition halls spread across three stories. Science, art, technology, music, and theater: It’s all here, just waiting for your family to discover. Over the years, Las Vegas has become so much more than an opulent gambling destination. Thanks to a modern revival, Downtown Las Vegas is now an attraction in its own right, helping to define Vegas as a culturally diverse and internationally renowned urban center.How to Make the Most of Your Convention in Las Vegas
Navigating the Las Vegas Convention Center
For your conference or convention, chances are you’ll be situated in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). This 3.2-million square foot building is sprawling, crowded, and unique. When packing for your trip, the most important item to include is a pair of the most comfortable shoes you own. There is a lot of ground to cover, and your feet will feel like lead balls if you don’t coddle them from the start. The LVCC does a great job of keeping its visitors full and hydrated throughout the day. There is a food court, a Starbucks, and a plethora of vending machines. Note: There really isn’t much within walking distance of the convention center any more.Getting Around
The LVCC is conveniently located to Downtown Las Vegas and the Strip, making it easy to navigate the city after hours. While taxis are the most popular transportation choice, there are also RTC buses (subway like) that service both areas with single and multi-day passes available.Dining
After a long day of networking, a world-class meal will refresh you and will help prepare you for a little nightlife. Downtown Las Vegas boasts some of the best restaurants in the area. Here are some suggestions to satiate your appetite.- Tripe George Grill – This Downtown Las Vegas staple is a foodie favorite for their fresh-made, well-conceived cocktails and classically inspired, Bay-area style cuisine. The space is cozyand on the slightly smaller side, so it would be advised to get a reservation beforehand.
- The Peppermill Inn — Eat your fill whenever the urge strikes! This iconic restaurant on the strip is open 24 hours. The Peppermill Inn is famous for its giant portions and classic Vegas atmosphere.
- Oscar’s Las Vegas Steakhouse — Want a steak cooked to perfection served in a classic old-school Las Vegas atmosphere? Look no further than Oscar’s. This sophisticated restaurant features perfect martinis, excellent service and the best food around. It is located just three miles from the LVCC, in the iconic dome at the Plaza Hotel.
Paint the Town Red
Looking for a little nightlife before heading back to your hotel? Check out the Fremont Street Experience. Stroll the pedestrian promenade, watch the mesmerizing light show or fly on the Slotzilla Zipline. You can’t have these adventures anywhere but Vegas! Also, the Fremont East district offers a vibrant nightlife scene that goes until the wee hours of the morning. Catch a show, boogie down to some live music, or just sample the fantastic cocktail selections. No matter how much time you have in Vegas, you’ll never run out of new experiences. Make the most of your convention with a stroll Downtown, where anything can happen. Las Vegas is full of surprises.Get Ready for the Ultimate Fight and Sports Weekend in Vegas This Year!
Mayweather vs. Pacquiao
Kick the weekend off with the official weigh-in on May 1. Tickets will be $10, so be sure to reserve your seat in advance. The main event will take place the next day at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. You can also watch the fight live from any of the MGM Resorts Properties in Las Vegas. Look for ticket availability on MGMGrand.com. End your night with a little downtown revelry at the Fremont Country Club’s Pacquiao-Mayweather After-Party. The music will be provided by The Amazin Kreskin, The Old School Show, DJ Magreni, and DJ Tino.Kentucky Derby
Easily the most highly anticipated event of the year in horse racing, The Kentucky Derby has become a full-day celebration that extends past the roughly two minutes of race time that is the main event. On May 2nd, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky will be packed with race fans looking to get in the spirit for the annual “Running of the Roses;” however, Vegas will still command much of the attention as hotel sports books throw their own bashes. Finding a good spot to take in the race is as easy as getting an early seat at the sports book and ordering the race’s traditional drink – a mint julep.English Premier League
The first weekend in May kicks off the final month of the English Premier League 2015 schedule. Place your bets and watch a match or two in the newest William Hill Race and Sports Book at the Plaza Hotel and Casino. Enjoy the action on any of the 75 screens available in downtown’s largest sports book, while placing a bet in comfort and ease with the mobile sports wagering app and a self-service wagering kiosk. Whether you will be watching the big fight or not, it is sure to be this year’s ultimate sports weekend in Las Vegas. Book your room at the Plaza Hotel and Casino and get ready to rumble!Vegas Hopes to Score with an MLS Team
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Celebrate 10 Rockin’ Days of Country in Vegas with NFR and Bucky Covington
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas
If you’ve ever visited Las Vegas in the beginning of December, then you’ve surely witnessed the way that the National Finals Rodeo takes over the city. Fans from around the world don blue jeans, cowboy boots and hats to gather in anticipation for the largest rodeo competition of the year. Casinos, nightclubs and restaurants alike will all be dishing out their own brand of “southern hospitality” to welcome these loyal fans and give them the experience of a lifetime during their stay. Starting Dec. 4, NFR will take hold of Las Vegas for 10 days of pure competition as the top 15 ranked competitors from a wide range events, including bull riding and steer wrestling, display their talents for the chance to be recognized as the best in their respective field. In addition to a noticeable impact on the culture and energy of Las Vegas during this special time, you can also expect to encounter some of the biggest stars in country music and entertainment while NFR is in town.Bucky Covington to Perform at Plaza Hotel Casino
At Plaza Hotel Casino, we are throwing our own celebration by featuring country star and former American Idol contestant, Bucky Covington, in our very own showroom to cap off the event on Dec. 13. Best known for hits like “A Different World,” “It’s Good to be Us” and “I’ll Walk,” Covington’s debut, self-titled studio album reached #1 on the US Country Charts in 2007 following his appearance and eigth-place finish on Idol. His latest single, “Buzzin’,” was released earlier this year on iTunes and we are sure that he’ll provide a proper sendoff to the 10-day celebration in Vegas with his passion and energy as he graces our stage. For tickets and information, please visit our entertainment page.Holiday Shopping in Downtown Las Vegas
Downtown Container Park
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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Louie Anderson
Meet Lou Magelwitz, our resident host at Bonkerz Comedy Club, where some of the best downtown Vegas shows can be found. Not only is he the host at Bonkerz, he opens for some of our clubs comedians, including Louie Anderson. Lou is also happens to be good friends with Louie, so we asked him, what are five things that nobody knows about Louie Anderson? Here is what he told us:
Lou Magelwitz and Louie Anderson
- Louie is a funny guy, but he is serious about getting healthy. He works out in his dressing room before every show.
- Louie is a friendly guy, but we figured that! He likes to hang out in the employee dining room and say hi to all the Plaza employees.
- Louie is a huge football fan. His favorite team? The Minnesota Vikings, he is from Minnesota after all.
- Louie gave up carbs because of his new healthy diet and lifestyle. What carb-filled food does he miss most? Toast with butter.
- Louie learned to swim only four years ago! Yet, he competed on the ABC show “Splash” this past January. Amazing!