Experience Mexican Independence Day in Las Vegas

Get ready to celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Las Vegas, where El Grito energy runs high from the Strip to Downtown. Observed Sept. 16, the holiday commemorates Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule and takes its name from El Grito de Dolores, the historic call that launched the movement. 

Catch Latin music’s biggest stars, savor bold Mexican flavors, hit the dance floor after dark, and join colorful cultural celebrations that keep the Hispanic Heritage spirit going all weekend.

Bold Latin Flavors  

Food anchors every fiesta, and Las Vegas delivers with Mexican and Latin American restaurants from the Strip to neighborhood dining rooms across the valley.

Visit Milpa Mexican Café in southwest Las Vegas for chef-owner D.J. Flores’ contemporary Mexican cooking. The James Beard Award semifinalist builds tacos, burritos and more around housemade heirloom corn masa and sustainably sourced ingredients.

You can also start the celebration with brunch at Toca Madera at The Shops at Crystals. Modern Mexican dishes, cocktails and a high-energy setting turn weekend brunch into an event before a full day—or night—of festivities.

At Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Carín León brings a taste of Hermosillo to the Promenade Food Hall. Beginning Sept. 3, El Coyote del Norte takes over Roadside Taco with a Sonoran-inspired menu, while Cymbiotika Wellness Bar serves the Carín Power Smoothie through Sept. 14.

Also at Fontainebleau, Cantina Contramar brings chef Gabriela Cámara’s celebrated Mexico City seafood restaurant to the United States. Share tuna tostadas, ceviches and pescado a la talla Contramar, then linger over cocktails in the Frida Escobedo-designed dining room.

Head to Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant at Durango Casino & Resort for contemporary Mexican plates and handcrafted cocktails. On Sept. 16, Mijo pours Flecha Azul Tequila and Cointreau cocktails from 4-10 p.m. while a DJ and fire performers take over from 6-9 p.m.

At Casa Playa at Wynn Las Vegas, chef Sarah Thompson highlights coastal Mexican flavors through seasonal seafood, live-fire cooking and heirloom masa. Order the tableside fire-roasted salsa, Wagyu short rib suadero or shareable surf and turf, then explore the tequila and mezcal list.

Slow things down at Todo Bien at UnCommons. The tropical cocktail bar pours colorful rum drinks and frozen cocktails alongside shareable bites, making it an easy stop for an afternoon round or pre-dinner meet-up.

Where to Catch the Biggest Comedy and Music Headliners 

Latin music icons, acclaimed mariachi and crowd-favorite comedians fill Las Vegas stages throughout Mexican Independence Day weekend.

Make history with Carín León, the first Latino artist to perform at Sphere. His Spanish-language hits meet immersive LED visuals and next-generation sound for a truly singular concert experience.

Catch Alejandro Fernández at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 15, as he returns for his 23rd annual Fiestas Patrias celebration. The ranchera and pop icon brings his De Rey a Rey Tour to Las Vegas with a special appearance by his daughter, Camila Fernández.

Hear Juan Gabriel’s songs anew when Mariachi Herencia de México performs “Honoring Juan Gabriel” at The Smith Center on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 7:30 p.m. The two-time Latin Grammy-nominated ensemble honors El Divo de Juárez with bold arrangements and masterful mariachi. Tickets start at $41.

Sing along with Cristian Castro during his Nada Solo Éxitos Tour at Resorts World Theatre on Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12. The Latin pop favorite performs at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m.

Feel the arena energy when MANÁ plays T-Mobile Arena on Friday, Sept. 11. The Mexican pop-rock icons bring decades of hits and a stadium-ready singalong to the celebration.

Dance through the ’80s with Matute’s Disco Stereo Tour at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12. The Mexican band transforms Spanish- and English-language favorites into a full-scale dance party.

Laugh along with Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12. His animated storytelling and sharp impressions offer an easygoing alternative to the concert crowds.

Catch Felipe Esparza at MGM Grand Theater at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12. The Last Comic Standing winner brings candid stories and quick-witted observations to the Aces of Comedy lineup.

Latin Nights and Fiestas 

When the concerts end, the celebration keeps moving with club sets, regional Mexican music and traditional El Grito festivities.

Dance to Deorro’s Latin-infused electronic beats at Hakkasan Nightclub inside MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 10:30 p.m.

Step into Mathame’s cinematic world at Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 10:30 p.m. The Italian duo blends melodic house and techno for an immersive late-night set.

Celebrate Mexican music, dancing and community at Bailongo a la Mexicana at Boulder Station, a festive off-Strip gathering that spotlights regional sounds and local energy.

Spend Sept. 5-6 at Fiestas Fest Mexican Music Festival at The Orleans Hotel & Casino. The all-ages event starts at 2 p.m. and features Gerardo Ortiz, Panter Bélico, Los Inquietos del Norte, Edgardo Nuñez and La Fiera de Ojinaga; children 12 and under enter free.

You could also join El Grito at Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Mariachi music, folklórico dance and the ceremonial Grito de Dolores bring Mexican culture to the resort before you continue with dinner, shopping or a show.

For free, family-friendly fun, gather at the Las Vegas Civic Center on 525 S. Main St., for the City of Las Vegas El Grito celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 5-9 p.m. Celebrate Mexican heritage Downtown on the traditional night of El Grito.

Close out the weekend at DESEO: Latin Sundays at OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace. Beginning at 10:30 p.m., the 21-and-over Latin night welcomes guests with general admission and table reservations.

From chart-topping concerts and mariachi tributes to chef-driven dining, late-night parties and citywide fiestas, Las Vegas turns Mexican Independence Day into a full-scale celebration. Build your itinerary around the music, flavors and traditions that move you, then explore things to do in Las Vegas for even more ways to fill the weekend. Before you go, browse the latest Las Vegas deals for offers on hotels, dining, entertainment and more.