austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Las Vegas

There’s a place where the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau meet. It’s called 

 — and Southwest Utah’s largest city is an engaging combination of landscapes and activities. Get ready to hit the road. It’s less than a two-hour drive from Las Vegas.

 remains open today as a free museum. The city is named after Young’s cousin, George A. Smith, considered a “saint” after encouraging the consumption of potatoes to cure scurvy. St. George is also known as “Utah’s Dixie” due to its warm climate and cotton production. As you might expect, that nickname didn’t age well, prompting Dixie State University to change its name to 

Downtown St. George is a unique mix of art, history, and culture. The area’s best hotel, the 

shops and restaurants among historic structures. You’re also a short walk from the immaculate grounds of the 

 candy store (the oldest operating business), and a series of 

St. George markets itself as the gateway to

, although it’s another hour’s drive to reach the nearest gates. Totally worth it, but four state parks are much closer. 

 is a scenic drive between red sandstone hills and petrified sand dunes. 

 is a reservoir surrounded by red sand for a beautifully weird experience. 

 is a quiet, secluded beach with trees creeping out of the water. 

 is a more remote reservoir with waterfalls during the first half of the year.

, built where a farm once uncovered dino tracks, is a museum and research center dedicated to the giant reptiles who once called Utah home. 

 is a quirky art community on the outskirts of town and the 

 hosts stage plays with red rock landscapes in the background. 

 at Ancestor Square is a long-running favorite with a Southwest theme to match its art and cuisine. 

 in the Advenire lobby is more contemporary with house-baked biscuits, fresh seafood, and one of the better craft cocktail bars in Mormon country. The new Black Desert Resort is a golf club resort that’s open to the general public and features local Utah beef in its restaurants, which include 

 on your next beef-filled road trip 🐮 [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]

Southwest Utah's largest city is full of natural beauty, art, and quirky charm. It's also less than two hours from Las Vegas. 

How Far is St. George From Las Vegas?

The Beauty and Quirky Charm of St. George is Worth a Road Trip

Everything to know about Las Vegas neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Las Vegas Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Looking to get away from the chaos of Las Vegas? The 

 is roughly 100 miles away, offering the right mix of natural beauty, history, and adventure.

“Amargosa Valley” is a little tricky to define. It’s an unincorporated Nye County, Nevada town with a population of less than 1,500 people. Then again, it’s also a geographic region that straddles the California state line, stretching down to Tecopa between Pahrump and Death Valley.

The valley was a stop on the Old Spanish Trail between Santa Fe and San Diego in the 1800s, drawing travelers and Native tribes to its vast water supply. The Amargosa River is partially trapped underground, but also connects to a system of springs and vibrant wetlands. “Amargosa” is Spanish for “bitter,” and the name was inspired by the water’s exposure to rocks and sediment.

The Amargosa Valley is a biodiversity hotspot, believed to have the highest concentration of endemic species exclusive to one area in North America. The federally protected 

 is the largest remaining oasis in the Mojave Desert, featuring boardwalk viewing platforms that extend out to spring pools throughout the lush 24,000-acre habitat.

, one of the most endangered animals in the world. [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]

The region is popular for bare-bones camping, but visitors can also spend the night at the 

, a two-story resort which seems to pop up in the middle of nowhere with a scenic backyard lagoon, chapel, petting zoo, restaurant, and RV services. Farther south, book a room at the 

 (which has mastodon and wooly mammoth bones inside and old mining equipment outside).

, founded by a New York dancer in 1967 at Death Valley Junction, remains open for tours and special events, allowing people to see its famous mural of audience members that gives the illusion of a packed house. The area has its share of sand dunes, especially the 

 for hiking and ATV racing. No trip is complete without a stop at the 200-acre 

, a true oasis where you can roam the tree-lined grounds and sip on a delicious date shake. It’s next to the Amargosa River Trail, a 17-mile hiking route with a waterfall and slot canyon.

, a historic saloon and diner in Shoshone, or 

, a quaint, but cozy restaurant in Tecopa with hunks of beef that rival those served in Vegas fine-dining restaurants. 

 has a few experimental brews on tap and if you just want something quick and easy on U.S. Route 95, the 

 is a glorified convenience store and gift shop with a UFO theme.

 is this Saturday, March 29, celebrating the biodiversity of the region. The day includes a tour of the Shoshone Wetlands, activities at the Tecopa Community Center, and trivia at Death Valley Brewing.

 April 25-26 at the Amargosa Valley Park. The event dates back to 1969, featuring live music, a car show, games, food, and the world’s “shortest parade” 🥳

The Amargosa Valley is roughly 100 miles away from Las Vegas, offering the right mix of natural beauty, history, and adventure.

Get to Know the Amargosa Valley

 is back to give the Earth a spectacular show of shooting stars. Here’s the lowdown on how and where to view the astronomical experience in and around Las Vegas.

It’s pronounced “PER-see-id,” named after the 

 constellation, where the meteors appear to come from. And it’s totally cool to call the meteors Perseids.

🤔 What’s the Difference Between an Asteroid and a Meteor?

 at times — and usually travel in a belt between Mars and Jupiter that the Earth never crosses. Meteors are comet debris that have their own orbit — and the Earth crosses those orbits once a year.

Meteors are tiny particles of rocks and ice. They’re typically between the size of a pea or a marble, but create a bright light or “shooting star” when they hit the atmosphere and burn up.

☄️ What’s So Special About the Perseids?

“The Perseids are noteworthy because they’re bright, fast, and frequent,” says Mig Ponce of the 

. “About one a minute is the average. It can be more.” The Perseid meteors are from the 

. (Please resist the urge to call them “Swifties.”)

The Perseids return consistently between mid-July and late-August. This year, the peak is expected overnight August 12-13 when the Earth passes through the center of the debris trail. Viewing 

Face the northeast and look for the radiant (point of origin) at Perseus. It helps to use a 

 like Stellarium that identifies constellations. You don’t need telescopes or any other special equipment. It’s better to use the naked eye to watch the show unfold.

The best viewing is between 10:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. The meteors will pick up in frequency after midnight when the Earth turns on its axis, allowing us to face the debris field more directly. “When you're driving your car, you get more bugs splattered on your front windshield than your back windshield — same kind of idea,” Ponce says.

The farther you can drive away from the concentrated light pollution of Las Vegas, the better, whether it’s heading north toward Mt. Charleston and the 

 and Searchlight. “You don't need to go to a special location,” according to Ponce. “You can just pull off the road as long as it's safe to do so.” Even if you stay home, you’ll still be able to see shooting stars from your own backyard. They’ll just be less frequent.

 has more on the science and history surrounding the 

, additional tips to enhance the viewing experience, and the beauty of dark skies in our community. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

A guide to overcoming the light pollution to watch a "bright, fast, and frequent" collection of shooting stars from Las Vegas.

How and Where to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in Las Vegas

Get to know the natural side of Las Vegas: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Las Vegas Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

You may have noticed — the grey skies are back, signaling the return of monsoon season in Las Vegas. A chance of showers or even thunderstorms 

. Just remember, floods can emerge at any given moment. The more you understand the weather, the better prepared you’ll be.

🌧️ When is Monsoon Season in Las Vegas?

Monsoon season typically runs anywhere from 

 in Southern Nevada. As usual, you can blame the heat. As land warms up in summer, the rising hot air creates a vacuum. This attracts moisture-heavy air from the Pacific Ocean, forming unstable clouds that develop into thunderstorms.

This year’s monsoon season is expected to be 

 — although it would be tough to top 2023, when Tropical Storm Hilary boosted rainfall in western states. Since then, the Regional Flood Control District has made significant upgrades in basins, channels, and storm drains to guide floodwaters away from congested areas and toward Lake Mead. Road work on Charleston Ave. in the Arts District 

Drought-stricken land and the lack of lush vegetation

 make it difficult for the environment to absorb water. Vegas roads are notoriously slick when it rains. That’s because oils and dust 

 during periods between rainfall, becoming slippery when water finally arrives.

. Nine people were killed during a 1974 flood in El Dorado Canyon in 1974. Flooding in 1999 was the worst on record with the most inches and more than 200 swift-water rescues, although flooding in 2012 was nearly as bad.

Flooding in the The LINQ parking garage is caught on camera for 

. The first floor was intentionally designed as a diversion tunnel for the Flamingo Wash, since water couldn’t pass through the property’s already-built foundation (back when it was under construction as the Imperial Palace).

No matter who’s honking behind you, resist the temptation to drive into flood waters. As little as 

 to carry your car away. Keep homes well-stocked in case a thunderstorm causes the power to go out. Speaking from personal experience, having a few bags of ice handy makes a world of difference when the A/C stops working in the middle of a heat wave.

Heat and rain. It's a summertime tradition in Las Vegas. Learn more about monsoon season and how long it lasts in Southern Nevada. 

When Is Monsoon Season in Las Vegas?

How to Survive Monsoon Season in Las Vegas

Rob Kachelriess

Have you seen those airline flights lately? Gas isn’t cheap, but a road trip could be a great excuse to get away from Las Vegas over summer. So fill up the tank, check those tires, and hit the highway for a few not-so-obvious vacation destinations in the Southwest.

Don’t let the size of Arizona intimidate you. After passing through Phoenix and Tucson (which has one of the most underrated dining scenes in the country), you’ll hit 

 right before the Mexico border. The town was founded as a Spanish military site in 1752 and evolved into a walkable art community with more than a hundred galleries. Restaurants like 

 offer a mix of Sonoran and Mexican cuisine, while the 

 showcases the history of Spanish colonial life and Native American culture. Yes, summers are hot, but generally cooler than Phoenix and other parts of the state.

Las Vegans love a good road trip to the California coast (hello Santa Monica 👋), but head a few extra miles south to 

, an oceanside community between L.A. and San Diego that hasn’t been completely overrun by tourism. Parking is generally free and there’s only one hotel on the beach (

, renovated from an apartment complex). The village has its share of historic Victorian architecture and art murals with barely a chain in sight. Two restaurants, 

Beyond Zion and Bryce Canyon is Escalante, a quiet community that values the great outdoors along Utah Scenic Byway 12. Spend the night at 

 that has its own outdoor movie theater) and explore the rugged terrain of the 

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

. A drive on Hell’s Backbone is a tense, white-knuckle route that towers above winding canyons, but your reward is a meal in Boulder at 

, an arts-centric restaurant with menus based on local meats and produce.

There’s a lot to love about Williams, Arizona — even beyond the free 

museum dedicated to fossilized dinosaur poop

. One of the last active routes on Route 66, the small town celebrates the Old West and mid-century road trip culture in equal doses with small businesses, bars, and dining spots in locations where saloons and brothels used to operate. It’s also home to the 

, a train that takes a direct route to the gates of the 

Fill up the tank, check those tires, and hit the highway for a few not-so-obvious vacation destinations in the Southwest.

Summer Road Trips From Las Vegas 2026

Off-Beat Summer Road Trips From Las Vegas

Find the best of everything that Las Vegas has to offer.

Las Vegas’s Best

Las Vegas' Best

Las Vegas is known for great entertainment — and more than a few shows are taking place outdoors this year. Whether it’s by a pool or on a mountain, the following places know how to mix music and scenery together in one perfect package.

On any given night, you’ll see cover bands performing on multiple stages at the Fremont Street Experience. The biggest acts, however, are reserved for the 

 concert series, which is always free with performances among the bright lights of Fremont Street casinos. This year’s lineup includes names like Crossfade with Trapt (May 30), Fuel (June 13), Finger Eleven (June 27), George Birge (July 4), Sleeping With Sirens (July 11), Mayday Parade (Aug. 8), Story of the Year (Aug. 22), Protoje (Sept. 12), Lauren Alaina and Carly Pearce (Sept. 26), and The Used with Maggie Lindemann (Oct. 10). Fremont Street Experience also hosts 

 concerts with Madden Metcalf up next on May 28.

 ski and snowboard resort continues to host free outdoor festivals and concerts this summer on Mt. Charleston. Bring a blanket to enjoy Carlos Guerrero & Friends (May 23), Bike Fest (June 13), Mountain Fest (June 27), a Fourth of July Celebration (July 4), and Music on the Mountain (July 11).

 pool deck at Durango is hosting an outdoor concert series for the first time this summer. See acts like Thievery Corporation (May 31), Connor Price & Nic D (June 28), One Night of Queen (July 24), Pepper and The Movement (Aug. 20), Sevendust & Theory of a Deadman (Sept. 18), and Switchfoot with Anberlin (Oct. 17).

 is celebrating 36 years in Las Vegas with nighttime performances at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater by Jazz Funk Soul (May 23), Kayla Waters (May 30), and Al Di Meola (June 6) rounding out the season. The series has reintroduced a ticketless free format this year, but demand is high, so showing up early is a good idea.

, a new concert series by The Pool, transforming the property’s outdoor pool deck into an open-air live music venue. Confirmed shows currently include Yachtley Crew (May 23), Gin Blossoms (May 30), Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters (June 13), Sugar Ray (June 20), Smash Mouth (July 4), and the Totally Tubular Festival featuring Thomas Dolby and other ‘80s acts (July 25).

 open-air entertainment? Get familiar with all the 

Las Vegas is known for great entertainment — and shows are taking place by the pool, on a mountain, and other outdoor venues this year. 

Outdoor Concerts in Las Vegas 2025

Where to See Outdoor Concerts in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is entering those months when outdoor fun is better — and more tolerable — after dark. So it’s no surprise that the valley has a wide variety of outdoor movie experiences during spring and summer. Some are by the pool. A few are free. And no matter which flicks float your boat, it’s better than doomscrolling on the couch.

. Admission is $15 (or free for hotel guests). Doors open at 7 p.m. and movies start at 8 p.m. with the full lineup below:

“Finding Nemo” (May 24), “Luca” (May 31), “Jurassic World Rebirth” (June 7), “Frozen” (June 14), “Inside Out” (June 21), “How to Train Your Dragon” (2025) (June 28), “Captain America: The First Avenger” (July 3), “Finding Dory” (July 5), “The Secret Life of Pets” (July 12), “Lilo & Stitch” (2025) (July 19), “The Bad Guys 2” (July 26), “Zootopia 2” (Aug. 2), “Black Panther” (Aug. 9), “Frozen 2” (Sept. 6), and “Super Mario Galaxy” (Sept. 24).

 tradition on Monday nights at the rooftop Boulevard Pool with the Strip skyline in the background. Admission is $10 for locals, free for hotel guests, military, and first responders — and $15 for everyone else. Movies are shown on the hotel’s marquee at 8 p.m. with plenty of food and drink available. The schedule:

“A Minecraft Movie” (June 8), “The Mighty Ducks” (June 15), “Clueless” (June 22), “Rush Hour” (June 29), “Talladega Nights” (July 6), “Space Jam” (July 13), “How to Train Your Dragon” (live action) (July 20), “Superman” (2025) (July 27), “Super Mario Galaxy” (Aug. 3), “Ocean’s 11” (Aug. 10), and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (Aug. 17).

🌳 Movies on The Green at Green Valley Ranch

 on The Green (next to Whole Foods) concurrently with Makers Hive Market. Bring a chair or blanket. Seating opens at 6:30 p.m., and is first come, first served. The season kicked off last weekend with “The Wizard of Oz” (the old one, not 

) and continues with “Jurassic Park” (May 23). Expect additional dates to be announced.

, every other Friday at the M Pool. Admission is $10 and movies are shown on a 800-square-foot LED screen at 7:30 p.m. See the following films under the stars:

“Luca” (May 22), “Inside Out 2” (June 5), “Big Hero 6” (June 19), “Captain America: The First Avenger” (July 3), and “Wonka” (July 17).

 movie theater has first-run feature films throughout the summer season in North Las Vegas. General admission begins at $9 for adults. Check out the opening dates for the following Hollywood releases:

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” (May 22), “Passenger” (May 22), “I Love Boosters” (May 22), “Backrooms” (May 29), “Pressure” (May 29), “The Breadwinner” (May 29), “The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act” (June 4), “Scary Movie” (June 5), “Power Ballad” (June 5), “Masters of the Universe” (June 5), “Disclosure Day” (June 12), “Toy Story 5” (June 19), “Jackass: Best and Last” (June 26), and “Supergirl” (June 26).

Where to See Outdoor Movies in Las Vegas

. Hello May. It’s promising to be a busy and exciting month in Las Vegas.

When Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday fall on the same day, you already know May is gonna be 

. Learn more about the history of Cinco de Mayo, plus specials and festivals in Las Vegas in our 

EDC isn’t the only parade in town. The 

 parade is back, marching through Downtown on May 9 in honor of our city’s Old West history. You can further celebrate the past with the 

 exhibit, which wraps up at the Clark County Museum in Henderson on May 25. The Mob Museum has two special events this month: Jack Sheehan presents 

Deadly Sources: A Las Vegas Journalist’s Close Encounters with Killers

 ​ (presented by Jack Sheehan) on May 6 and 

The Lives of the Showgirls: True Stories from Mob-Era Las Vegas

 on May 21. Both are free to attend with admission.

“Star Wars” fans are so passionate, May the 4th (as in “May the force be with you…”) has almost become a de facto holiday. See the best movie in the series, “The Empire Strikes Back” the way it was intended — on the big screen — at the Beverly Theatre with two May 4 showings. It’s also a great excuse to cosplay with fellow geeks at 

, win a game of Empire Trivia at House of Blues, and get more familiar with 

, which has crafts, movies, and other ways to celebrate.

Have some words to share? Enter the Henderson Libraries 

. Submissions are accepted May 4-30 with “pathways” as the theme. The piece can be a short story, creative nonfiction piece, or poem.

Las Vegas Indian Food & Cultural Festival

Lee’s Discount Liquor Beer & Tequila Experience

International Food Fest: A World of Flavors

, which welcomes hotel guests for the first time on May 29. The casino floor and Giada restaurant continued to do business as usual during the transition and the rooftop pool has changed its name from Drai’s to Soleia. Expect the influence of restaurateur, designer, and reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump to expand beyond remodeled rooms and suites in the months ahead.

A big congratulations to French Laundry alumni Tyler Vorce who just locked down a lease in Chinatown for a brick and mortar version of Lilli, which 

 at Durango Social Club. Book a reservation for a multicourse meal or just walk in and sit at the bar to check out a menu of small bites. We’re equally excited for the May 1 arrival of 

 at the Sahara. The Caribbean steakhouse by Kwame Onwuachi is unlike anything else in Vegas. Even the chef’s cucumber salad at a 

 about Maroon, May the Fourth, and other fun this month in the latest 

 episode. I joined host Jesse Merrick and guest Melinda Sheckells to run down our favorite 

events, eats, and activities throughout Las Vegas in May

Your Guide to May 2026 in Las Vegas

May is a busy month with food festivals, restaurants, Cinco de Mayo parties, "Star Wars" celebrations, and more. 

Things to Do in Las Vegas April 2026

What To Do in Las Vegas in May 2026

Taking care of our planet begins right here at home in Las Vegas. Earth Day is tomorrow, April 22, and our community has events throughout the week for opportunities to learn, help, and give back to Mother Nature.

 returns to The Lawn at Downtown Summerlin, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 22. The largest student-run farmers market in the country is a fundraiser to support school garden programs, and much of the produce on sale is grown by students.

🏜️ Here’s a good excuse for a road trip. Go for a morning hike in 

 at the Mesquite Library. A variety of short films will be screened 12:30-3:30 p.m.

🌱 Kids are welcome at the Whitney Library to create 

 3:30-4:30 p.m. on April 22. Supplies will be provided to plant seeds and watch “hair” sprout on a creation to take home. Think of it as a better version of a Chia Pet.

🌷 Children 6-11 are invited to North Las Vegas City Hall to create their own recycled seed planter, 5:30-6:30 p.m. on April 22. The 

 bioblitz on Friday, April 24 at 8:30 a.m. Meet at the Arroyo Grande Sports Complex to explore the Pittman Wash Trail. It’s a great way to bond with others while 

 at Woofter Family Park in the Northwest Valley, Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. to noon. It’s in honor of Arbor Day, which is actually a day earlier on Friday.

🌼 The Blue Diamond Library is hosting an 

 on Saturday, April 25 to show how old items (like old pots or a worn-out shoe rack) can be repurposed for growing plants. A limited group is welcome at 10 a.m. to plant herbs, flowers, and vegetables — and take ‘em home. Call 702.507.4301 to confirm availability.

Earth Day is back and it's time to put the planet first. Las Vegas has a week of big events and activities to improve the environment.

outdoors

The Beauty and Quirky Charm of St. George is Worth a Road Trip

Get to Know the Amargosa Valley

How and Where to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in Las Vegas

Latest articles

The Beauty and Quirky Charm of St. George is Worth a Road Trip

Get to Know the Amargosa Valley

How and Where to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in Las Vegas

How to Survive Monsoon Season in Las Vegas

Off-Beat Summer Road Trips From Las Vegas

Where to See Outdoor Concerts in Las Vegas

Where to See Outdoor Movies in Las Vegas

Latest articles

How to Survive Monsoon Season in Las Vegas

Off-Beat Summer Road Trips From Las Vegas

Where to See Outdoor Concerts in Las Vegas

Where to See Outdoor Movies in Las Vegas

What To Do in Las Vegas in May 2026

How to Celebrate Earth Day in Las Vegas

Back in Time: A Celebration of Vegas History Returns