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City Cast Las Vegas

Rob Kachelriess

, but a full-fledged, stand-alone, accredited art museum has yet to show up. So, it was something of a surprise when the 

 suddenly opened near Main and Charleston last week.

The museum takes over what used to be the Burlesque Hall of Fame and JRNY Gallery (for digital art) with the two spaces separated by a courtyard that will have a Hawaiian Tiki theme. The museum was designed with private events in mind, from silent disco sessions to artist receptions. The Silent Muse is an in-house bar and lounge that won’t be open for at least another month or two.

🤔 Is This Really Just Another Gallery?

Galleries sell art, while museums are strictly for viewing. And the Southern Nevada Art Museum is exhibiting more than 500 pieces by nearly 90 artists over a combined 10,000 square feet, none of it for sale. The idea is to have as much variety as possible, from 15th century manuscripts to clay pottery by Picasso and the expansive “Stairway to Heaven” set of paintings by Salvador Dalí, which depicts Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy.” Local artists like 

Founder and executive director Chris Davin says the pieces, bought from galleries, as well as auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s, are all originals, “authenticated and appraised.” A full, official museum accreditation is in the works, but takes up to 14 months.

The price is $30 for nonresidents or $20 for Nevada residents with discounts for seniors and students. Admission is just $5 for anyone during First Friday. You can also buy an annual membership for $100, which covers unlimited visits for two people.

Davin says he isn’t concerned about getting mixed up with the long-awaited Las Vegas Museum of Art, which was 

 in Symphony Park, but got pushed back at least another year. “There are so many different ways museums can do art,” he says. “We've got a little of everything. We don't know what type of art museum they're going to be.”

Davin concedes that if the name wasn’t already taken, he would’ve called his own project the Las Vegas Museum of Art, but is happy with how things turned out, noting the opportunity to emphasize local art that extends to places like Mesquite or Laughlin.

Davin, who’s also the executive director of the 

, says a corner exhibit dedicated to The Stonewall Inn and LGBTQ culture will evolve on a monthly basis. The museum functions as a nonprofit, and money from admission fees, donations, and sponsorships will be reinvested into the community via scholarships, artist-in-residency programs, and other efforts.

The Southern Nevada Art Museum just opened in the Downtown Arts District. So, what's the difference between a gallery and a museum?

What’s Up With that New Art Museum in Downtown Vegas?

What Las Vegans have been wondering. We break down why things in Las Vegas are the way they are and how they work.

Las Vegas, Explained

 where to find wildflowers by listening to 

 of City Cast Las Vegas 👍 The superbloom will be around for another week or two, so retrace my route for an efficient and effective day trip.

Set your GPS for the “Ashford Mill Ruins” — a two-hour route from Vegas that bypasses the park’s main entrance for the “back way.” You’ll cut through a corner of Pahrump and drive through Shoshone, a former mining town with a semi-historic saloon and diner (

 👀) was super cool, supplying a free map, advice, and time expectations. Check out the exhibits, including mammoth and mastodon bones, and leave some moolah in the donation box.

The bloom becomes more apparent between Jubilee Pass and Ashford Junction on CA-178. Here’s my advice: If it looks cool, pull over. Snap photos and enjoy the scenery. If you move on and keep driving, don’t panic. You’ll see more flowers in due time as the vast, mountainous landscape opens up. The crumbling remains of 

 and its office building date back to 1910. It’s a popular spot to see wildflowers and rare evidence of civilization in the park.

, the lowest point in North America. (During my visit, quite a bit of real water was on the flats — somewhat rare without rainy weather.) The official parking lot fills up quickly during wildflower season. Save time by parking safely on the side of the road and explore at your own pace. From there, detour to the jagged salt formations of 

, (easy to view without leaving the car) and 

, a nine-mile scenic route where the terrain takes on pastel color tones. You’ll see more purple wildflowers here, contrasting nicely with the more common yellow ones.

 is a historic property that’s been around almost 100 years. The 

 takes a break between lunch and dinner, but you can order food and drinks in the lounge, beginning at 3 p.m. Just a mile away, the 

 sells surprisingly good burgers as of 3 p.m. and the 

 has a full menu ready by 5 p.m. The ranch is near the 

, which has a free museum and the famous digital thermometer out front.

👀 If You’re Down for One More View …

, a short but steep roadside hill before exiting the park via CA-190. You’ll pass by Death Valley Junction (and the 

) before driving through Pahrump, where you can always stop for dinner — maybe at the new 

Cell phone service is spotty in Death Valley and the park’s 

 operates on a trust system — paid at the visitor center or at kiosks near Badwater Basin or the main entrance. Enforcement seems rare, but you could be fined if visiting the park without paying. I was warned about large crowds slowing down traffic during wildflower season, especially on weekends, but didn’t have too much trouble getting stuck behind other cars.

See the wildflower bloom, visit some of Death Valley's most popular destinations, and be back in Vegas by dinner. 

How to See Death Valley Wildflowers: Your Day Trip Itinerary

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

Drive around Downtown Las Vegas for a little while and you may come across a dusty relic of adobe-crafted history, built more than 170 years ago. The 

Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park

 is a quiet place, but one that ties together a wide variety of threads that helped shape Southern Nevada.

The fort, on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Washington Ave., is in the heart of the Las Vegas Cultural Corridor, which also includes the 

Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum

The fort wasn’t for the military. It was built in 1855 for Mormon missionaries traveling a segment of the Old Spanish Trail between Salt Lake City and San Bernardino. The location was chosen for its spring-fed creek — and a replica of it trickles through the site today. Construction took seven months. When complete, the fort 

spanned 150 square feet with 14-foot-high adobe walls

, making it the largest building for at least 100 miles.

The fort was around just two years before resources were stretched and tensions escalated with native Paiute tribes, prompting the church to recall the settlers from their mission. California entrepreneur Octavius Decatur Gass 

 in 1865, supplying goods to workers and travelers. He also developed orchards and wine vineyards while employing Paiute workers. Pioche businessman Archibald Stewart took control of the ranch over a loan dispute — and was later killed at Kiel Ranch, which is a 

 — before widow Helen Stewart took over the ranch for 20 years and established her own identity as the 

Ownership of the fort passed through the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad company, Bureau of Land Management, and City of Las Vegas before preservationist groups campaigned for it to become an official state park in 1991.

The site includes part of the original adobe structure with some parts recreated in the style of the era. You can browse artifacts and equipment, walk past pioneer wagons, and hang out at the picnic tables. The admission fee is the best three bucks you’ll spend in Vegas. (Kids 12 and under are free.)

The oldest non-native settlement in Las Vegas set the stage for the community we know today. 

Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort Represents the History of Las Vegas

The Secret State Park in the Middle of Downtown Vegas

People, places, and scenes from Las Vegas's past.

Las Vegas History

, setting us up for a hot and sunny spring. Enjoy the weather while you can. There’s lots of stuff to do.

 has a free St. Patrick's Day party on March 13. The event includes drink and pizza specials on the open-air Terrace Overlook, 6-8 p.m. with a drone show finale.

Sons and Daughters of Erin St Patrick's Festival and Parade

 hits Water Street in Downtown Henderson for three straight days, March 13-15. There’s a parade Saturday at 10 a.m. and a car show Sunday at 8 a.m.

The Fremont Street Experience is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for four straight days with the 

, featuring live music on multiple stages March 15-17.

The biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration on the Strip is back at New York-New York. It used to be called Celtic Feis, but now it’s simply the 

. It begins March 14 (coinciding with a Village Street block party and 

 head-shaving) and continues through March 17 with green beer, entertainment, and food by Nine Fine Irishmen on the patio by the Brooklyn Bridge.

🍸 Last Call for Cool Casino Restaurants

If you wonder why casinos keep sticking with the same old restaurants, it’s because the more adventurous ones don’t always draw enough customers. (So yes, I’m blaming you 🫵) Marc Vetri’s 

 pasta bar is one of Durango’s highlights, but will become the resort’s first restaurant to close on March 27. If that’s not enough, one of my favorite Strip restaurants, 

, inspired by the clean, simple recipes of the French Riviera, shutters at the Cosmopolitan on March 31. You still have time to appreciate both of ‘em.

 follows up its regular monthly block party in the Arts District (March 6) with the 

 at Civic Center Plaza March 21 with workshops, speeches, and entertainment.

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour

, which celebrates outdoor sports and culture, comes to the Clark County Library on March 14.

 takes over the Lawn at Downtown Summerlin March 21 with unlimited sips from dozens of local and national breweries, food trucks, games, and big screens, so you won't miss out on March Madness 🏀

 comes to Craig Ranch Regional Park March 21, featuring food trucks, a scavenger hunt for the kids, and a kit to make your own floating water lantern with a release after sunset.

Wetlands Park in Henderson hosts a free, all-ages 

 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 21 with arts and crafts, food, music, and more.

 brings 200 vendors and food trucks to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway March 27-29.

 returns to its roots as a Fremont East street fest March 28. It’s the biggest beer bash of the year with hundreds of sips of beer and cider waiting for you, plus some food to soak up all that booze.

. Bring your own bag to the University of Nevada Reno Extension on Paradise, March 14-15, and fill it up for five bucks 👀 You can also browse used books at the Spring Valley Library’s 

 on March 22 and geek out over comics, art, and pop culture at 

 inside Henderson’s James I. Gibson Library on March 28.

Vegas pools begin to open this month — and you might as well take advantage of the weather early. So I joined the latest episode of 

 to share how and when locals can score a 

cool things to do in Vegas throughout March

March Fun in Vegas

Our Vegas roundup of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, beer festivals, book events, and more.

Las Vegas Events March 2026

What To Do in Las Vegas in March 2026

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

Las Vegas’s Best

Las Vegas' Best

 returns next week, breathing temporary life into the dusty lungs of Primm, a place valued more for gas stations and restrooms than casinos these days. So get ready to take a short road trip to the state line. The race is a unique piece of Vegas lore that dates back decades.

The Mint 400 is one of the most prestigious and legendary off-road races in the world. Competitors hit a 100-mile dirt track in the desert for a total of four laps, adding up to 400 miles total — hence the name. There are different races in various vehicles and skill levels on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7.

The race began in 1968, taking place in the desert outside Downtown. Sponsored by The Mint hotel and casino on Fremont Street, the event was originally an idea to promote the resort’s annual deer hunt, but developed into the largest off-road race in the world.

, including Indianapolis 500 winners, but also celebrity entrants like actors Steve McQueen and James Garner. Festivities connected to the race were hosted by the “Girls of the Mint 400,” selected from hundreds of entries each year. Lynda Carter and Vanna White were among the finalists early in their careers. The race was a focal point of Hunter S. Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” which elevated its status as an iconic event.

 and became part of the property now known as Binions, putting an end to the race. In 2008, new owners revived the Mint 400, which is now marketed more directly to racing enthusiasts.

 in Primm outside Buffalo Bill’s. Four additional 

 run along the track in Jean. Tickets begin at $37.36. Then again, you can always 

The Mint 400 has a festival atmosphere with food trucks, bars, exhibitors, entertainment, and a series of 

, including a vehicle parade down the Strip Wednesday, March 4 at 3 p.m. and a free festival in the Fremont East district Thursday, March 5, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Buffalo Bill’s hosts post-race celebrations, featuring ‘90s and beyond cover band 

The most notorious and grueling off-road race in the world has a long history in Las Vegas. 

Mint 400 Las Vegas Dates and Schedule

The Mint 400 and Its Wild Las Vegas History

As the second largest city in Nevada, Henderson covers a lot of ground. But it all began in what is now known as the historic 

. After a downturn, the neighborhood is once again thriving as a hub of repurposed buildings, walkable sidewalks, and timeless elements that look to the future while acknowledging the past.

Henderson developed in 1942, due to the presence of the

 plant, which helped supply the war effort. Water Street was the main drag for workers to eat, drink, and do business. Many of their homes — ordered from a Sears catalog in nine floor plans — are still around today.

Much of the recent growth is driven by Windom Kimsey, the founder of the 

 architecture firm, which has an office on the south end of Water Street. He opened 

 — the closest thing to fine dining on Water Street — and 

Create your own on-the-spot food crawl with visits to 

, which serves authentic Scandinavian pastries. The 

 is a touch more formal with an open dining room that faces the sidewalk. Save room for ice cream and other frozen treats at 

You don’t have to walk far to find a drink on Water Street. Enjoy local craft beer at the 

, which was built inside an old bank, with food (and whiskey) next door at 

 is a historic dive bar that dates back to 1965. Ask for a boozy pudding shot while checking out the live music.

 is a gathering spot for festivals, farmers markets, and seasonal events. You can’t miss the 

. The imposing practice arena for the Vegas Silver Knights welcomes the general public for ice skating and pizza at the 

 — have a locals-friendly mentality that’s becoming increasingly rare in other corners of the Las Vegas Valley.

 opened in late 2024 as part of The Pass, giving Water Street its first hotel — and one with a contemporary boutique image, matched by a wine bar in the lobby. After 

, the $50 million mixed-use apartment complex known as 

 team took a food and drink crawl of Water Street and has thoughts to share on

Henderson is Nevada's second-largest city, and it all began in what we now call the historic Water Street district.

Things to Do on Water Street in Henderson

Get to Know Henderson’s Historic Water Street District

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

Las Vegas Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

It feels weird to call Indian food “hot” in Las Vegas — and we’re not just talking about the spices. Restaurants throughout the valley have catered to our local Indian population for decades, but the cuisine is gaining new attention with recent high-profile openings. So, where to begin?

Indian food has largely been overlooked by Strip resorts. That changed with the recent opening of 

 at the Aria, based on the original in London, which earned two Michelin stars — kinda 

. The Vegas version lives up to the hype — big on spices and robust flavors inside a dining room that feels like a private club.

about Gymkhana in our latest rundown of the 

👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Best for Date Night

 is more relaxed, serving its own version of elevated Indian cuisine inside a stylish dining room at Town Square. I prefer the lounge, which has a gorgeous bar and comfortable couch seating to enjoy an Indian take on sushi, meats grilled over an open flame, and flavorful curries. The cocktail menu is deep — and exceptional.

Buffets are a staple of Indian cuisine, even if they’re harder to find in Vegas these days. 

 has one of the best in town, available in both Henderson and Summerlin. The recipes favor organic ingredients and the bread is baked fresh and brought to the table.

 is expanding all over the valley with locations in the Southwest, Henderson, Summerlin, the Northwest, and Hughes Center near the Strip. The local chain serves approachable, exceptional takes on Indian classics, from chicken tikka masala to paneer pakora (batter-fried cheese), with detailed descriptions of dishes on both the menu and lunchtime buffet line. The dining rooms are casual, but cozy and contemporary.

Hemant Kishore is always up to something, offering some of the best, most personal takes on Indian cuisine throughout Las Vegas with 

 tonight (Feb. 19) and next Thursday (Feb. 26), plus his signature fried chicken, available for walk-ins the next two Fridays (Feb. 20 & 27).

India has the largest vegetarian population of the world, so it’s no surprise to see plant-based options featured heavily at Indian restaurants. 

, which opened in Silverado Ranch last year and is already earning fans for a menu that leans heavily towards the vegetarian dishes associated with regional Gujarati cuisine. The recipes feature flatbreads, lentils, yogurts, and vegetables — mixing sweet and spicy flavor profiles — and frequently served in round thali trays.

 is a service counter with a menu that’s 100% vegetarian. The restaurant, located inside Rani’s World Foods grocery store west of the Strip, is known for its variety of paratha (flakey, layered pancakes) and a daily special that includes a choice of vegetables or curry, yellow lentils, rice, and rotis (flatbreads) on one plate.

 about your favorite Indian restaurant in Vegas 📬

Filipino food is growing in popularity in Las Vegas too 🇵🇭 

 discusses how the cuisine is helping to shape the 

culture and local economy of Filipino Town

, which is gearing up for its first anniversary east of the Strip. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

Indian Food is Having a Moment in Vegas Right Now

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Las Vegas. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Las Vegas Food & Drink

Food & Drink

The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is much more than a tourist attraction. Originally the home of Steve Wynn’s private art collection, the space has become an enduring advocate for history and culture in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.

Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt

, is now welcoming visitors through September 13. The exhibit showcases nearly a hundred ancient Egyptian artifacts, including more than 30 mummified animals unearthed from cemeteries in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Some are wrapped without fanfare in minimalist clay pottery. Others are preserved inside elaborate coffins that resemble the contents within, from cats and crocodiles to a majestic ibis, whose beak is nearly as long as the slender legs that fold underneath the bird’s body. Graphics underneath information panels correspond to X-rays and CT scans, which offer a peek inside the mummified remains.

On loan from the Brooklyn Museum, where many of the pieces were discovered in storage, the collection marks a fascinating intersection between history and mythology. Compared to other civilizations, Ancient Egypt had a stronger degree of reverence for animals, although you can see the evolution documented throughout the exhibit.

An imposing bull’s head, crafted of wood, glass, and ivory, represents how the animal was worshipped as a god in early Egyptian culture. A frieze (or horizontal carving, possibly from above a doorway) is from a later era when Christianity was dominant and animals were viewed as subservient to humans. The oldest piece, a lion’s head carved from pegmatite, dates back five thousand years — give or take.

Tickets begin at $29, but it’s worth spending a little extra for guided docent tours, which take place daily at 11 a.m.

A new exhibit at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art dates back thousands of years and reveals how ancient Egyptians viewed animals.  

Animal Mummies, Now on Display at the Bellagio

Lunar New Year begins today, February 17, kicking off the Spring Festival and ushering in the Year of the Horse 🏇 Celebrations are bigger than ever in Las Vegas, where tourism drives our economy and the local Asian population continues to grow.

 of the lunar calendar and traditionally coincides with a spring harvest. The Spring Festival runs for 15 days. In some cultures, a lantern festival takes place on the final night.

The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle of animals. The horse represents 

confidence, responsibility, and a free spirit

It’s popular to set off fireworks and hang up bright red decorations (or wear red clothing), which according to folklore, scare off an 

evil sea creature with sharp teeth and horns

 named Nian. Gifts are exchanged, especially 

The new year also represents a fresh start that follows a deep cleaning of the home. Some even resist taking out the trash, sweeping, or even washing hair for the first five days of the new year to avoid “throwing out” the good fortune that comes with the start of the lunar calendar.

It’s common for families to kick off the celebration early with a feast on Lunar New Year’s Eve, which often includes fish, dumplings, and pudding. Savory 

🤔 Is Lunar New Year the Same Thing as Chinese New Year?

The Year of the Horse gallops into Las Vegas with parades, festivals, food, and more. 

things to do

What’s Up With that New Art Museum in Downtown Vegas?

How to See Death Valley Wildflowers: Your Day Trip Itinerary

The Secret State Park in the Middle of Downtown Vegas

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Indian Food is Having a Moment in Vegas Right Now

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