You’re in Vegas this weekend and you’re ready to PAR-TAAAY. Of course, the Strip immediately comes to mind, but Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV) is where you’ll find an exciting mix of new and vintage Vegas experiences, with options for every budget. And with the Downtown Loop, a free shuttle serving the Fremont Street Experience, the Arts District and more, you can explore everything that the area has to offer!
1. Enjoy Deals & the Weekly Fireworks Show
In the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, the Plaza Hotel & Casino offers a budget savvy all-inclusive package now through Sept. 1. With perks such as free breakfast and dinner, bottomless drinks at two on-site bars, waived resort fees and self-parking, you’re getting more bang for your buck! The hotel also offers a variety of discounts for advanced bookings, veterans, first responders, birthdays, teachers and more.
This summer, the Plaza is lighting up the sky above Downtown Las Vegas with a live fireworks show every Friday night this summer starting at 9:15 from now until Aug. 30. Inspired by Disneyland’s fireworks, the Plaza’s Welcome to the Weekend Summer Friday Fireworks will add a festive touch to the property’s rooftop pool deck and Carousel Bar, where guests can sip on handcrafted cocktails under the glittering lights of the resorts porte-cochère as they ride the carousel itself. Experience this new weekly fireworks extravaganza and enjoy the show from Downtown Las Vegas to Fremont Street.
2. Take a Date to Hugo’s Cellar
This classic downtown restaurant in the Four Queens is a date-night slam dunk. Hugo’s Cellar serves old-school steak house cuisine and boasts an impressive wine list. And the best part? Every lady is greeted with a rose. To end the night on a sweet note, guests receive a complimentary chocolate-dipped treat topped with whipped cream.
3. Check Out the Best Drag Brunch in Vegas at The Garden
The Garden is an intimate and chic lounge bar located in the Arts District, featuring craft cocktails, light bites and an indulgent ambiance. Experience the ultimate Drag Brunch every weekend in the Downtown Arts District of Las Vegas, featuring bottomless mimosas and top drag queens!
4. Shop, Drink, Eat at Downtown Container Park
Downtown Container Park is an open-air shopping center built with shipping containers. Check out the variety of dining experiences; local boutiques; and attractions, such as the 40-foot-tall, fire-breathing Mantis. Stop by Bin 702 from 3-6 p.m. for its daily happy hour specials including discounted pints, well drinks and mini sandwiches.
5. Life Is Beautiful: A Big, Beautiful Block Party
Life Is Beautiful returns with A Big, Beautiful Block Party, a brand-new concept of the annual music festival. This year, the intimate two-day neighborhood party will have you dancing to the beats of electronic artists such as Justice and LCD Soundsystem. And with lower ticket prices and no overlapping sets, you’ll be able to see every artist as they take the stage.
6. Go Big at Circa Resort & Casino
For an over-the-top experience, check out Circa Resort & Casino in the heart of the Fremont Street Experience. This luxe Downtown Las Vegas resort features the world’s largest sportsbook; a rooftop amphitheater with six pools called Stadium Swim; four restaurants; and Garage Mahal, the most high-tech transportation hub in Las Vegas.
7. Zipline the SlotZilla
The SlotZilla zipline takes DTLV to new heights. Fly 11 stories over Fremont Street Experience to get a bird’s-eye view of all the action. Flyers travel “superhero-style” down the ziplines at up to 40 mph, so adventure seekers are bound to love this attraction. Take advantage of unlimited flights all for one price before 5 p.m., and for the night owls, rides from midnight to 3 a.m. are $10 off. Every ride includes a free digital photo as a souvenir of your experience.
8. Italian Soul Food in the Arts District
Decorated chef James Tree’s Esther’s Kitchen offers seasonal Italian comfort dishes along with some of the best bread you’ll ever eat. Open daily for dinner, lunch Monday through Friday and weekend brunch, enjoy your meal and craft cocktails on the outdoor patio.
9. Party It Up at We all scream
It’s time for a treat: We All Scream. This entertainment and nightlife attraction includes a dance floor, live DJ booth, art installations, a rooftop bar and, yes, lots of ice cream, including an exclusive DTLV flavor! You don’t want to miss this sweet spot when visiting Downtown Las Vegas.
10. Visit The Neon Museum
If you’re interested in learning a little about Vegas history, you have to check out The Neon Museum. The museum collects and restores vintage neon signs and displays them in its “Neon Boneyard.” The gallery includes classic signs such as the Lucky Cuss Motel, The Silver Slipper, Society Cleaners, Binion’s Horseshoe and more.
11. Catch a Free Show at Fremont Street Experience
Watch a free light show on the world’s biggest LED canopy screen, Viva Vision, accompanied by music from popular artists such as Katy Perry and Imagine Dragons, occurring nightly from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. While you’re there, catch a free nightly show on one of three stages within the area with performances from the likes of house bands such as Alter Ego and Atomic Radio.
12. Check Out First Friday
Immerse yourself in the local art culture at Downtown Las Vegas’ monthly First Friday event in the Arts District, where you’ll find live music, local artists, antique and vintage shops, and food trucks. Plus, there’s a free shuttle to and from the event running from 3 p.m. to midnight, picking up attendees at the Las Vegas parking garage.
Be sure to make the most of your next Las Vegas adventure by checking out all of the vintage art, attractions, and breweries and bars that you’ll only find in Downtown Las Vegas!