Lock Down Your Weekend Plans in Las Vegas This August

Las Vegas is a place that never sits still. Just look at all the ways Sin City is changing throughout 2023. That's in addition to great new restaurants, hot new bars (hidden or otherwise), and other fun stuff happening all over town, from shows and slot machines to weird museums and even a few free attractions.

The growth of Las Vegas is hard to ignore, especially as it continues to build a reputation as a thriving sports destination. Summer is relatively quiet while between seasons for the Raiders and the Stanley Cup-winning Golden Knights. However, it's prime time to catch a game by the Las Vegas Aces, the current defending champs of the WNBA, or see a big cage battle by the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the promotion's hometown.   

But let's be honest, summer gets damn hot in Vegas, and if you're here to party, it's tempting to beat the heat with a raging riot by the pool or the magic combination of bottle service and air conditioning at your favorite nightclub. Then again, Vegas is just a short drive to waterside getaways like Boulder City, Laughlin, or Lake Havasu City. 

No matter where you go–near, far, wherever you are, on the Strip or the outskirts of town, there's always something happening. August is shaping up to be a great month–with most of the fun kept indoors–with a full itinerary of special dinners, festivals, shows, and other big events coming your way. 

August 2
Downtown, $85
The Mob Museum is a great place to learn about the history of organized crime. It also has a basement speakeasy that specializes in cocktails and spirits. Come by at 8 pm as the latest edition of the Whiskey Club hosts a guided tasting of single malts from Northern Scotland's Benriach Distillery, paired with Scottish bites. Call 702-229-2734 or send an email to secure a reservation.

August 4
Downtown, $150
Party like it's Prohibition all over again. The Legacy Club is throwing a 1920s-style Gatsby-themed party on the 60th floor of the Circa resort from 8 to 11 pm. In addition to sweeping Vegas views, you'll get to try cocktails from an open bar (featuring Diplomático Rum, Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve), sip on Champagne and enjoy a Negroni fountain while listening to live jazz and munching on passed bites. Everyone who walks through the door receives a mini-costume kit: a flapper headpiece, necklace, bracelet, and silk gloves for the ladies and a newsboy hat, round glasses, bowtie, and a suspender piece for the fellas.

August 7
The Venetian, Prices vary 
The Juliet Cocktail Room opens to the public, taking over the space formerly known as the Dorsey following an extensive renovation. The new lounge will serve cocktails in eye-catching presentations and feature a timeless Victorian-era design. A dueling piano team supplies the entertainment each night with a revolving lineup of guest singers. The Juliet Cocktail Room opens at 3 pm daily.

August 9
West Valley, $35 and up
Get your education on. Dolce & Chianti is hosting a Wine 101 presentation at 6:30 pm by sommelier Carmelo Messina. It's a perfect opportunity for beginners to learn about Prosecco, Chianti, Chianti Classico, Super Tuscan, and Moscato wines, sip by sip, with light bites provided. Book a reservation online.

August 10
Tivoli Village, $150 
Ada's Food + Wine presents a special five-course dinner with Bordeaux pairings. The meal gets underway at 6:30 pm, featuring melon and crab salad, poached dover sole, coriander-crusted lamb, eye of Ribeye, and Peach Tarte Tatin with foie gras ice cream. Book a reservation in advance.

August 12
Henderson, Free
A donut isn't just a donut anymore. After making a splash in Florida, Yonutz continues to expand its presence in the Las Vegas Valley with a grand opening celebration at the new Henderson location with live entertainment and giveaways. The first 50 visitors at 10 am will receive four free mini donuts, the first 50 visitors at 1 pm will receive a free big donut, and the first 50 visitors at 7 pm will get their choice of a free Yonutz Smashed Donut. Yonutz (a combo of donuts and ice cream) is backed by Shark Tank favorite Kevin Harrington and is a three-time winner of the Dessert Wars festival. So come by and see what the fuss is all about.

August 14
Mandalay Bay, $315 and up
Lip Smacking Foodie Tours is helping you beat the heat with a one-night-only "Icy-Cool" food and drink crawl at Mandalay Bay (and adjacent properties the Delano and Shoppes at Mandalay Place). The night begins at Retro (a restaurant full of throwback '80s charm) and continues with more food and incredible views from the 64th floor at Rivea. From there, you'll head to 1923 Prohibition Bar for Champagne and caviar, followed by another round of drinks at Minus5° Icebar, where the furniture is made of ice, and the temperature is so low you'll be given parkas and gloves during the visit.

August 16
Off the Strip, $38
The Hofbrauhaus German beer hall, already home to some of the best brats and sausages in Las Vegas, is celebrating National Bratwurst Day in a big, big way. Starting at 11 am until supplies run out, guests can order a special Gigantische Bratwurst, featuring a 16 oz., two-foot-long, cheese-filled sausage in a baguette with green cabbage bacon salad on the side. If that's not enough, the order also comes with a whopping two pounds of French fries.

August 17
Palms, $60
The Pool House Social Club is becoming a regular thing at the Laguna Pool House on the 8th floor of Palms Place, featuring guest chefs putting together Polynesian-style pupu platters on the third Thursday of the month. This time around, Catherine Carlucci of Istorya has a selection that includes Inasal Chicken skewers, mini Lap Cheong Corn Dogs with honey mustard, salmon skewers, kimchi shrimp and bacon Rangoon, and samosa egg rolls with tamarind chili glaze. Guest bartender Erik Barajas will have a selection of tiki cocktails for the event, which runs from 7 to 10 pm.

August 17
Resorts World, Free 
Eight Lounge is bringing together craft cocktails, fine cigars, and fancy footwear in one place with the latest Sticks & Kicks party from 8 to 11 pm, featuring an Air Max theme. A hosted bar runs from 8 to 9 pm with Campari, Patron tequila, SKYY vodka, Frey Ranch whiskey, and Drew Estate cigars. Meanwhile, you'll enjoy live music and a tour of the lounge's extensive humidor with more than 150 cigars. Pick one out, and light it up.

August 25
Henderson, $80
The Vegas Valley Winery joins together with Chef Atavia Jackson of Shucking Awesome for a wine and oyster pairing event from 7 to 9 pm. Enjoy 10 carefully selected oysters along with five wines and a grazing station of clams, mussels, shrimp, and even more oysters with a collection of house-made sauces.

August 29
East Valley, $25 
Island Sushi & Grille has a challenge. Do you dare to accept? Wolf down a five-pound Loco Moco Burrito in 20 minutes for the chance to win a trophy and a free year of monthly Loco Moco. Chef Lee Villalun's recipe is loaded with white rice, mac salad, hamburger, brown gravy, and eggs. Send an email to sign up. There's a $25 entry fee. The contest begins at 3 pm, and all participants get a T-shirt.

August 4
Downtown Arts District, Free

The monthly block party and art walk known as First Friday returns to the Downtown Arts District from 5 to 11 pm. About 60 artists and craftspeople will have works on display throughout Boulder Avenue and 1st Street. The event also includes more than 20 food trucks, drinks, live entertainment, and an "Expression" theme to wind down summer. Look out for the new Plant Based Plaza in the lot across from the English Hotel. This month's featured artist is mural creator Ellie Rush.

August 26
Northwest, Prices vary
Big Dog's Brewing Co. (one of our favorite breweries in Las Vegas) celebrates the season with an annual on-site Summerfest from  6 to 12 pm. Sample more than 45 refreshing summer brews while feasting on fresh-grilled, island-inspired barbecue and listening to live reggae music. The beer is available in half-glass and full-glass pours. Make sure to try Big Dog's new seasonal Dog Beach tangerine IPA.

August 11, 18, 26–27
Off the Strip, Prices vary 
You can catch live music any day of the week in Las Vegas, but August is an especially big month with three concerts at Allegiant Stadium. First up is Latin dance artist Karol G, who was playing Ayu Dayclub just a few years ago before blowing up and up-sizing her show on August 11. Korean girl group Blackpink continues to conquer the world, bringing a high-energy take on K-Pop to Allegiant Stadium on August 18. The biggest spectacle is saved for last, however, as Beyoncé hits the stage for two shows from August 26 to 27, performing her greatest hits and new material from last year's Renaissance album.

August 3
Northwest, $20
The Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum is more than a cool place to impress a date. It's a gorgeous gallery that not only exhibits the varied works of its namesake but makes for a great event space. See what it's all about during a guest appearance by Trace Garner, who gives a one-hour presentation on "The Pursuit of Happiness" at 7:30 pm. Book in advance.

August 4–5, 18–19, 25
Shoppes at Mandalay Place, $39 and up
There's one way to make a visit to a speakeasy even better—add a few spooky stories and mind-reading demonstrations. Mentalist Kent Axell hosts "Ghost Stories" at 8 pm and 10:30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights at 1923 Prohibition Bar. The event begins with a reception before continuing inside an intimate hidden chamber with couches, dim lighting, and a level of interactivity among audience members that's always fun and never intimidating. You'll have a few laughs and leave wondering, "How did he do that?"

August 18
The Strip, $22 and up
The Museum of Illusions welcomes its first guests, becoming the second major attraction to open at the new 63 plaza following the debut of Ocean Prime in June. The hall is a series of interactive exhibitions, ranging from artwork that plays tricks on the mind to rooms that turn reality upside down–sometimes literally. No matter where you go, nothing is what it seems. Hours are 10 am-midnight. Special early bird pricing is in effect throughout August. 

August 18–20
Downtown, Free
Nerds of all fandoms, unite! The Amazing Art Expo comes to the Plaza Convention Center for three straight days. Browse and shop for art inspired by Star Wars, Disney, Harry Potter, Marvel, and more. Tickets are free and include a free print of your choice at the door–not a bad deal–with proof you shared word of the event on social media.

August 19
Downtown, Free
The Fremont Street Experience hosts live music throughout the week but takes things up a notch with a free concert by Taking Back Sunday on August 19. The alternative rock band stormed through the early 2000s with radio hits like "MakeDamnSure" (which has 35 million views on YouTube alone) and now takes the 3rd Street Stage at 9 pm. Country music fans will be more interested in up-and-coming singer-songwriter Chase Matthew, who plays the 1st Street Stage at 7 pm on August 30 as part of "Country's Next Big Thing," a free concert series sponsored by 95.5 The Bull.

August 8–11
Downtown, $749 and up
Bet Bash is a celebration of sports gambling at Circa and The D over four straight days. Take part in panels, mixers, open bars, viewing parties, a $20,000 scavenger hunt, and the launch of the Sports Gambling Hall of Fame, featuring historical Vegas figures like casino magnate Jackie Gaughan and mob figure Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal among the first inductees.

August 13
Off the Strip, $98 and up
The Las Vegas Raiders return to Allegiant Stadium with their first game of preseason action against the San Francisco 49ers at 1 pm. Fans will get a chance to see how new quarterback Jimmy Garofalo fits in with the team and gauge their chances of reaching the Super Bowl, which happens to take place in Vegas in 2024.

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