Las Vegas Festivals & Events 2026

Las Vegas Festivals & Events Calendar 2026: A Month-by-Month Family Guide

Welcome to Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World! Beyond the dazzling lights and casinos, Las Vegas boasts a vibrant year-round calendar packed with festivals and events for families. This comprehensive guide for 2026 will help you plan your trip, highlighting the best family-friendly events each month, from cultural celebrations to thrilling sporting competitions. Get ready to experience the magic of Vegas beyond the Strip!

January

January in Las Vegas offers a quieter start to the year, making it a great time to snag deals on hotels and enjoy events without the overwhelming crowds.

New Year's Celebrations Afterglow (Early January)

While the main New Year's Eve bash is over, many hotels and venues extend the celebrations into the first week of January with special brunches, shows, and discounted packages. Expect slightly elevated hotel rates compared to mid-January, but still lower than December.

What: Extended New Year's Eve celebrations, brunches, and show discounts.
Where: Various hotels and venues on and off the Strip. Check individual hotel websites.
Ticket Costs: Varies greatly; brunch from $40 per person, show tickets from $75.
How to Participate: Book in advance, especially for popular shows and brunches.
Insider Tip: Look for deals on restaurant.com or Groupon for discounts on dining.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate. Expect to pay $150-$300 per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend (Mid-January)

Las Vegas commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. Day with special events, including community service opportunities, educational programs, and cultural performances. Several casinos will usually host special Poker and Blackjack tournaments, attracting players from around the country. Expect higher hotel occupancy rates for the weekend.

What: Community events, educational programs, cultural performances, and poker tournaments.
Where: Various locations throughout the city, including community centers and the UNLV campus.
Ticket Costs: Mostly free events; tournament entry fees vary.
How to Participate: Check local listings for events and volunteer opportunities.
Insider Tip: Check for free events at the Clark County Library District branches.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate. Expect to pay $175-$350 per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

February

February brings a mix of romance and excitement to Las Vegas, with Valentine's Day celebrations and the lead-up to spring events.

Valentine's Day (February 14th)

Las Vegas is a popular destination for couples, and Valentine's Day is a big deal. Expect special menus at restaurants, romantic show packages, and themed events. Book well in advance, as availability fills up quickly and prices surge.

What: Special menus, show packages, and romantic events.
Where: Restaurants, hotels, and venues across the Strip and downtown.
Ticket Costs: Dinner from $75 per person, show packages from $200 per couple.
How to Participate: Book reservations and purchase tickets early.
Insider Tip: Consider a romantic gondola ride at the Venetian or a helicopter tour over the Strip.
Hotel Price Impact: High. Expect to pay $250-$500+ per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

Chinese New Year (Late January/Early February - Date Varies)

Las Vegas celebrates Chinese New Year with vibrant parades, lion dances, and special menus at Asian restaurants. The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden often features a stunning Chinese New Year display.

What: Parades, lion dances, special menus, and displays.
Where: Chinatown, the Bellagio Conservatory, and various Asian restaurants.
Ticket Costs: Most events are free; restaurant prices vary.
How to Participate: Attend the parades and visit the Bellagio Conservatory.
Insider Tip: Chinatown offers authentic and affordable Chinese New Year feasts.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate. Expect to pay $200-$400 per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

March

March sees warmer weather and the beginning of the festival season in Las Vegas, making it a popular time for families to visit.

Las Vegas Festival of Arts (Mid-March)

This festival showcases the work of local and national artists, with exhibitions, demonstrations, and live music. It's a great opportunity to discover unique art and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere.

What: Art exhibitions, demonstrations, and live music.
Where: Downtown Summerlin, 1980 Festival Plaza Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89135
Ticket Costs: Free admission.
How to Participate: Attend the festival and browse the artwork.
Insider Tip: Check the festival website for a schedule of events and artist demonstrations.
Hotel Price Impact: Low to Moderate. Expect to pay $150-$350 per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

NASCAR Weekend (Early March)

For racing fans, NASCAR Weekend at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a must-see. The event features multiple races, including the Pennzoil 400, and attracts thousands of fans.

What: NASCAR races and related events.
Where: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7000 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89115
Ticket Costs: Race tickets from $75, weekend packages available.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets in advance.
Insider Tip: Consider bringing ear protection, especially for children.
Hotel Price Impact: High. Expect to pay $250-$500+ per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

April

April in Las Vegas offers pleasant weather and a variety of outdoor events, making it ideal for family vacations.

Great American Foodie Fest (Late April)

This food festival features a wide variety of food trucks and vendors, offering everything from gourmet burgers to international cuisine. It's a great way to sample different flavors and enjoy a fun, casual atmosphere.

What: Food trucks and vendors offering diverse cuisines.
Where: Usually held at Sunset Station, 1301 W Sunset Rd, Henderson, NV 89014 (check official website for 2026 location).
Ticket Costs: Admission fee (around $15), food prices vary.
How to Participate: Purchase admission tickets and enjoy the food.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular food trucks.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate. Expect to pay $175-$375 per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz and R&B Festival (Late April)

A multi-day music festival featuring national and international jazz and R&B acts. Perfect for music lovers of all ages. Check the specific lineup for family-appropriate acts.

What: Jazz and R&B music festival.
Where: The LINQ Promenade, 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Ticket Costs: $75- $300 per day.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets online.
Insider Tip: Bring sunscreen and water, as the festival is outdoors.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate. Expect to pay $200-$400 per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

May

May brings warmer temperatures and the start of pool season, making it a popular time for visitors. Expect higher hotel rates, especially during weekends and holidays.

Cinco de Mayo Celebrations (May 5th)

Las Vegas celebrates Cinco de Mayo with festive parties, special menus at Mexican restaurants, and live music. Many hotels and bars offer drink specials and themed events.

What: Parties, special menus, and live music.
Where: Mexican restaurants, hotels, and bars across the city.
Ticket Costs: Varies depending on the event.
How to Participate: Attend parties, dine at Mexican restaurants, and enjoy the festivities.
Insider Tip: Check local listings for the best Cinco de Mayo deals and events.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate. Expect to pay $200-$450 per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

Memorial Day Weekend (Late May)

Memorial Day Weekend is a major holiday in Las Vegas, with pool parties, concerts, and special events. Expect large crowds and higher prices for hotels and flights.

What: Pool parties, concerts, and special events.
Where: Hotels, casinos, and venues across the Strip and downtown.
Ticket Costs: Varies greatly depending on the event.
How to Participate: Book reservations and purchase tickets well in advance.
Insider Tip: Consider visiting less crowded attractions, such as the Neon Museum or the Springs Preserve.
Hotel Price Impact: Very High. Expect to pay $300-$600+ per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

June

June is hot in Las Vegas, but the city offers plenty of indoor activities and pool parties to stay cool. Expect high hotel rates, especially on weekends.

Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) (Mid-June)

While EDC itself might not be the most family-friendly event due to its late-night hours and electronic music, the energy in Las Vegas is palpable during this time. Some hotels offer family-friendly activities during the day as a counterpoint.

What: Electronic music festival.
Where: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7000 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89115
Ticket Costs: Several hundred dollars.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets well in advance.
Insider Tip: Even if you don't attend EDC, be aware of increased traffic and crowds.
Hotel Price Impact: Very High. Expect to pay $350-$700+ per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

Las Vegas Pride (Late June)

Celebrate diversity and inclusion at Las Vegas Pride, featuring a parade, festival, and various community events. It's a colorful and vibrant celebration that welcomes families.

What: Parade, festival, and community events.
Where: Downtown Las Vegas and various locations throughout the city.
Ticket Costs: Free admission to the parade; festival tickets vary.
How to Participate: Attend the parade, festival, and community events.
Insider Tip: The parade is a great opportunity to see elaborate floats and costumes.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate. Expect to pay $200-$450 per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

July

July is the hottest month in Las Vegas, but the city offers plenty of indoor attractions and pool parties to beat the heat. Expect high hotel rates, especially during the Fourth of July weekend.

Independence Day Celebrations (July 4th)

Las Vegas celebrates Independence Day with spectacular fireworks displays, pool parties, and special events. Many hotels and casinos offer themed events and entertainment.

What: Fireworks displays, pool parties, and special events.
Where: Hotels, casinos, and venues across the Strip and downtown.
Ticket Costs: Varies depending on the event.
How to Participate: Attend fireworks displays, pool parties, and themed events.
Insider Tip: The High Roller observation wheel offers a great view of the fireworks.
Hotel Price Impact: Very High. Expect to pay $350-$700+ per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

August

August remains very hot in Las Vegas. Look for indoor activities and take advantage of hotel pools to stay cool.

Summer Concert Series (Throughout August)

Many resorts and venues host summer concert series, featuring a variety of musical genres. Check the schedules for family-friendly performances.

What: Concert series.
Where: Various resorts and venues on and off the Strip.
Ticket Costs: Varies greatly depending on the artist.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets online.
Insider Tip: Check for free concerts at Fremont Street Experience.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate to High, depending on the specific concert dates.

September

September brings slightly cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a great time to visit Las Vegas.

Labor Day Weekend (Early September)

Labor Day Weekend is another popular holiday in Las Vegas, with pool parties, concerts, and special events. Expect moderate crowds and higher prices for hotels and flights.

What: Pool parties, concerts, and special events.
Where: Hotels, casinos, and venues across the Strip and downtown.
Ticket Costs: Varies greatly depending on the event.
How to Participate: Book reservations and purchase tickets in advance.
Insider Tip: Consider visiting less crowded attractions, such as Red Rock Canyon.
Hotel Price Impact: High. Expect to pay $250-$500+ per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

iHeartRadio Music Festival (Mid-September)

This massive music festival features some of the biggest names in pop, rock, and hip-hop. While the main festival might not be ideal for young children due to the late-night hours and large crowds, there are often daytime events that are more family-friendly.

What: Music festival.
Where: T-Mobile Arena, 3780 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89158
Ticket Costs: Hundreds of dollars.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets well in advance.
Insider Tip: Check for daytime events and pre-parties that may be more family-friendly.
Hotel Price Impact: Very High. Expect to pay $300-$600+ per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

October

October offers pleasant weather and a variety of Halloween-themed events, making it a popular time for families to visit Las Vegas.

Rise Lantern Festival (Early October)

Witness thousands of lanterns released into the night sky at this breathtaking event. It's a magical experience for families.

What: Lantern release festival.
Where: Jean Dry Lake Bed (about 25 miles south of Las Vegas).
Ticket Costs: $100+ per person.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets in advance.
Insider Tip: Bring blankets or chairs for comfortable seating.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate. Expect to pay $175-$375 per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

Halloween Events (Throughout October)

Las Vegas goes all out for Halloween, with haunted houses, costume parties, and trick-or-treating events. Many hotels and casinos offer family-friendly Halloween activities.

What: Haunted houses, costume parties, and trick-or-treating events.
Where: Various locations throughout the city.
Ticket Costs: Varies depending on the event.
How to Participate: Check local listings for Halloween events and activities.
Insider Tip: Opportunity Village's Magical Forest is a popular family-friendly Halloween destination.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate. Expect to pay $200-$400 per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

November

November brings cooler temperatures and the start of the holiday season in Las Vegas. Expect moderate crowds and higher prices for hotels and flights during Thanksgiving week.

Las Vegas Film Festival (Early November)

The Las Vegas Film Festival showcases independent films from around the world. Check the schedule for family-friendly screenings.

What: Film festival.
Where: Various locations throughout the city.
Ticket Costs: Varies depending on the film and event.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets online.
Insider Tip: Check for Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Hotel Price Impact: Low to Moderate. Expect to pay $150-$350 per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

Thanksgiving Weekend (Late November)

Las Vegas celebrates Thanksgiving with special menus at restaurants, holiday-themed shows, and Black Friday shopping deals. Expect large crowds and higher prices for hotels and flights.

What: Special menus, holiday shows, and shopping deals.
Where: Restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls across the city.
Ticket Costs: Varies depending on the event.
How to Participate: Book reservations and plan your shopping strategy in advance.
Insider Tip: Many hotels offer Thanksgiving buffets.
Hotel Price Impact: High. Expect to pay $250-$500+ per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

December

December is a magical time to visit Las Vegas, with festive holiday decorations, special shows, and Christmas markets. Expect large crowds and higher prices for hotels and flights throughout the month.

Holiday Markets (Throughout December)

Several holiday markets pop up throughout Las Vegas in December, offering unique gifts, festive treats, and holiday cheer. Check local listings for locations and dates.

What: Holiday markets.
Where: Various locations throughout the city.
Ticket Costs: Free admission, prices vary for goods.
How to Participate: Browse the markets and purchase holiday gifts.
Insider Tip: The LINQ Promenade often hosts a holiday market.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate. Expect to pay $200-$400 per night on the Strip depending on the hotel, except for the week between Christmas and New Years Eve.

Christmas and New Year's Eve (Late December)

Las Vegas is a popular destination for Christmas and New Year's Eve, with spectacular fireworks displays, festive parties, and special events. Expect very large crowds and extremely high prices for hotels and flights. Book well in advance.

What: Fireworks displays, festive parties, and special events.
Where: Hotels, casinos, and venues across the Strip and downtown.
Ticket Costs: Varies greatly depending on the event.
How to Participate: Book reservations and purchase tickets well in advance.
Insider Tip: The Fountains of Bellagio offer a special holiday-themed show.
Hotel Price Impact: Extremely High. Expect to pay $400-$1000+ per night on the Strip depending on the hotel.

Las Vegas offers a diverse range of festivals and events throughout the year, making it a fantastic destination for families. Plan ahead, book your accommodations and tickets in advance, and get ready to experience the excitement of Las Vegas!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best time of year to visit Las Vegas for family-friendly events?

Spring (March-April) and Fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather and a good balance of events and crowds. Avoid the extreme heat of summer (June-August) if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors.

Are there any free events in Las Vegas?

Yes! Many events are free, including parades, holiday markets, and some concerts at the Fremont Street Experience. Check local listings for free events during your visit.

How far in advance should I book hotel accommodations for events in Las Vegas?

It is recommended to book as early as possible, especially for popular events and holidays. Aim to book at least 3-6 months in advance to secure the best rates and availability.

What are some tips for saving money on events in Las Vegas?

Look for discounts on websites like Groupon or restaurant.com. Consider visiting during the shoulder season (spring or fall) for lower hotel rates. Take advantage of free activities and events.

Are there any family-friendly shows in Las Vegas?

Yes, many shows in Las Vegas are suitable for families, including Cirque du Soleil shows, magic shows, and family-friendly concerts. Check age restrictions before purchasing tickets.

What is the best way to get around Las Vegas?

The Las Vegas Strip is walkable, but consider using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or the Las Vegas Monorail to travel longer distances. Rental cars are useful for exploring attractions outside the Strip, such as Red Rock Canyon.