While the live music scene is most definitely alive and kicking in Sin City, the music festival scene has jumped to the front burner, attracting people from the world over to check out the impressive line-ups. As luck would have it (hey, it is Vegas), the majority of these sweet shows are when the weather is gorgeous in autumn and spring.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW …
The Big Blues Bender
Festival season officially kicks off this weekend with not one, but two festivals (see below, we’re not kidding!). The Big Blues Bender is a four-day bender (hence, the name) that spotlights some of the biggest names in the blues scene. The impressive line-up includes Buddy Guy, Walter Trout, Joe Louis Walker, Samantha Fish, Devon Allman, The Nick Moss Band, Leon Blue and heaps more.
Sept. 10 – 13, 2015, The Plaza Hotel & Casino. http://bigbluesbender.com/
Bite of Las Vegas
Put on by CBS Radio, this annual event is one of the most popular festivals in the Valley. It features performances by national and indie rock bands, plus local restaurants sharing samples of their favorite meals. The 2015 line-up includes Third Eye Blind, Lifehouse and Matt Nathanson.
September 12, 2015, Desert Breeze Park. cbslocal.com
iHeart Radio
September is the hottest month for music lovers heading to Vegas, with several major music festivals. iHeart Radio’s annual visit to Las Vegas features a wide scope of popular musicians from the major genres. This year’s festival at MGM Grand includes Coldplay, Kanye West, Sam Smith, The Who, Puff Daddy, Demi Lovato, David Guetta, Hozier, Janet Jackson, Blake Shelton and more, spread over a main stage and an outdoor village stage.
September 18 – 19, 2015, MGM Grand. iheart.com
Life is Beautiful
Photo Credit: Life is Beautiful
The new kid on the festival block, but the most beloved one in town, brings together some of the biggest musical acts, celeb chefs, artists, inspirational/motivational speakers and so much more. Held in Downtown Las Vegas, this year’s festival includes Stevie Wonder, Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar, Duran Duran, Hozier, Snoop Dogg, Weezer, Death Cab for Cutie, Brandon Flowers and so many more.
September 25 – 27, 2015, Downtown Las Vegas. lifeisbeautiful.com
Las Vegas Jazz Festival
If Life is Beautiful isn’t your scene, there is also the Las Vegas Jazz Festival taking place at the same time. In it’s new home at the Henderson Pavilion, this year the festival welcomes Erykah Badu, Toni Braxton, The Isley Brothers, Brian McKnight, Mint Condition and a dozen more.
September 25 – 27, Henderson Pavilion. lvjazzfestival.com
Route 91 Harvest
Let’s be real — Route 91 Harvest isn’t technically about celebrating the actual harvest, although it is timed right; it’s about celebrating country music. This three-day festival hits MGM Resorts Village in October and big names like Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Mark Chestnut, Tim McGraw and around 25 other acts will get your toes tappin’.
October 2 – 4, 2015. MGM Resorts Village. rt91harvest.com
Wine Amplified
Courtesy of Rock ‘n Roll Wine
What’s better than drinking wine and listening to some of the biggest alternative acts in music scene? Listening to these acts live. While sipping wine. Wine Amplified returns for another year, this time with headliners Panic! at the Disco, Passion Pit, Sublime, 50 Cent, The Cold War Kids, Fitz and the Tantrums and more. But, there’s more! This festival also offers wine tastings (with more than 150 to choose from) and craft beer all for $2 a tasting. It’s even got a speakeasy to sip on some groovy spirits while grooving to the music.
October 9 – 10. 2015, MGM Resorts Village. wineamplified.com
PLAN AHEAD FOR 2016…
Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend
Photo Courtesy of Viva Las Vegas
Normally held in early-to-mid April, the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend is a rock’n roll lovers dream. More than 20,000 fans descend to the Orleans Hotel every year donning their best pin-up and rockabilly garb to check out the pre-1960s classic car show, take in some burlesque, learn about tattoos, party it up at the pool, check out fashion shows, bowl and more. Did we mention the music? Festival-goers can groove to over 100 of the best rockabilly bands in the world at the on-site bars, showrooms, and even from your very own slice of poolside heaven.
April 14 – 17, 2016. Orleans Hotel & Casino. vivalasvegas.net
Exodus Las Vegas
Perhaps the most “Vegas” of all the music festivals, this one spans days and is held at resort pools on The Strip. Think of it as the mother of all pool parties … with some of the hottest DJs in the world. Past participants have included Calvin Harris, DJ Aoki, and Avicii. While the lineup for 2016 hasn’t been released yet, we’re pretty sure it will be nothing short of amazing.
May 19-23, 2016. Locations DAYLIGHT Beach Club, OMNIA Nightclub and more. exoduslasvegas.com
EDC Las Vegas
This is one mammoth party in the desert and attracts people from all over the country. It’s probably the only time the Las Vegas Motor Speedway — other than NASCAR weekend — gets this kind of play. The two-day electronic music festival is a trippy, multi-media experience that features some of the hottest acts in the electronic dance music scene, art, costumes, lasers, confetti and so much more. Revelers party from sunset to sunrise at this annual music festival. Tickets for EDC Las Vegas 2016 go on sale on September 21st at 12pm PT.
June 17-19, 2016. Las Vegas Motor Speedway. electricdaisycarnival.com
