Where should you spend the (unofficial) kickoff to summer? If Las Vegas isn’t the first destination that comes to mind, this list of spectacular ways to celebrate the annual event is definitely going to change your mind. From out-of-this-world pool parties to exhilarating nightlife experiences and headliner concerts from today’s top artists, there’s no better place to say hello to warm weather, longer days and awesome summertime vibes.
Soak Up the Sun
You’ll find a weekend of chart-toppers at Ayu Dayclub this Memorial Day weekend (MDW). Inspired by the islands of Southeast Asia, this slice of paradise at Resorts World Las Vegas offers sets by Cash Cash (Friday, May 24), Kaskade (Saturday, May 25) and T-Pain (Sunday, May 26).
An elevated oasis awaits at Encore Beach Club at Wynn Las Vegas, which features exclusive cabanas (some with balconies overlooking the Strip) and poolside daybeds for luxurious lounging. But even without the high-end amenities, this party spot offers a fantastic time with beats supplied by Dillon Francis and VAVO (Friday, May 24), The Chainsmokers (Saturday, May 25) and David Guetta (Sunday, May 26).
How about a rooftop party in the center of the Strip? Enjoy the views, maybe a couple of brews (or cocktails—we don’t discriminate) at Drai’s Beachclub at The Cromwell. Plus, Wiz Khalifa (Saturday, May 25) is performing, so it’s going to be lit.
WHAT? OK! Lil Jon kicks off the weekend at Wet Republic Ultra Pool (Friday, May 24), followed by sets from Martin Garrix and Justin Mylo (Saturday, May 25). Plus, rap icon Nelly (Sunday, May 26) keeps the energy up with a weekend-closing performance at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino splash sanctuary.
Want to celebrate under the sun at the longest running LGBTQ+ pool party in Las Vegas? Temptation Sundays at Luxor Hotel & Casino offers a high-energy party vibe with go-go dancers, drag queens and DJs who know exactly the tracks to play for a Strip-side bash.
Forget Wednesdays—on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, we wear pink at GO Pool at Flamingo Las Vegas. But even if the party pool’s favorite color isn’t yours, you can sit with … well, everyone at this high-energy spot that offers you a day to remember.
If you’re looking for a splash pad to watch the day’s very best games, head to Stadium Swim at Circa Resort & Casino. Relax in one of six pools at the pool amphitheater that features a massive, 40-foot-tall LED screen. Plus, the views of Fremont Street are next-level.
For something a bit more laid-back—but still the fabulous grandeur you’d expect from a Vegas pool—Bel-Aire Backyard at the newly opened Durango Casino & Resort is the place to be all Memorial Day weekend. Lounge luxuriously in a poolside daybed or go for a cabana, all while indulging in delicious bites and beverages from the Bel-Aire Backyard Grill.
Hit the Clubs
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of a season of warm weather, good vibes and fantastic times. That’s exactly why LIV Las Vegas at Fontainebleau Las Vegas is the place to be, where Calvin Harris (Sunday, May 26) is likely going to drop “Summer” during his MDW set. Don’t sleep on Metro Boomin (Friday, May 24) and John Summit (Saturday, May 25), either.
EDM meets hip-hop at TAO Nightclub this Memorial Day weekend, with the club presenting headliners like Murda Beatz (Thursday, May 23), DJ Sourmilk (Friday, May 24) and Jermaine Dupri (Saturday, May 25). The long-standing nightclub at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is known for celebrity sightings, too—keep your eyes peeled!
Zouk Nightclub kicks things off with EDM superstar Illenium (Friday, May 24). The Resorts World Las Vegas venue keeps the party going all weekend long with DJ Snake (Saturday, May 25) and rapper-turned-actor (turned rapper again?) Ludacris (Sunday, May 26).
Keep an eye out for pool floats and maybe even a nonceremonial birthday cake at Hakkasan Nightclub, because Steve Aoki (Friday, May 24) is known for those crowd-appealing props. Or you can enjoy a performance from rapper Tyga (Saturday, May 25) at the MGM Grand Hotel & Resort nightspot.
OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace offers a weekend of fist-pumping fun, with sets by Martin Garrix and Justin Mylo (Friday, May 24), Zedd (Saturday, May 25) and Steve Aoki (Sunday, May 26). Don’t forget to take a pic in the main room—that electric chandelier is epic (and lets your friends on social media know exactly where you are).
For something just a bit more … underground, head to We All Scream in Downtown Las Vegas. The nightspot-meets-ice-cream-parlor (really, don’t forget a cone before you leave) offers an incredible experience with its psychedelic décor, unique ambiance and DJ sets—provided by house music mastermind Jeremy Olander (Saturday, May 25).
You also could head off-Strip to Palms Casino Resort, where the iconic Ghostbar is keeping things fresh with DJs playing the hottest tracks in an intimate spot with a dance floor on fire. Its rooftop patio has some of the best views of Las Vegas, so soak it all in—while enjoying something scrumptious to sip on, of course.
Explore Only Vegas Experiences
The long list of Vegas headliners is almost hard to keep up with—but don’t worry, we got you! Memorial Day weekend offers a lineup even music festivals would be envious of. Pop rockers Maroon 5 will play at Dolby Live at Park MGM (Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26); soulful songstress Adele is back for a weekend at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace (Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25); R&B artist Babyface croons over at Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort; and country icon Shania Twain takes the stage at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino (Thursday, May 23; Saturday, May 25; and Sunday, May 26).
If you’d rather laugh than sing along, Vegas has that, too. The very best comedians routinely take the stage here, and Memorial Day weekend offers some of the most popular acts. Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias brings his jokes to The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, while Sebastian Maniscalco takes the mic at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas.
Whether you’re into the sport or not - Atomic Golf at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower is going to blow your mind! The tech-forward, innovative driving range offers a fun game in the hitting bays as well as a craft beverage program (including Nevada-brewed beers for the hop heads), tasty bites, fabulous artwork and panoramic views of the north end of the Strip.
For a nostalgic kick, head to Play Playground at Luxor Hotel & Casino. The name says it all—this is a playground for adults filled with the oversized games of your youth. There’s also a couple of bars to provide some liquid courage (or maybe competition?). The hands-on board game experiences are a perfect fit for you and your friend, fam or crew.
Located in historic Downtown Las Vegas, the iconic Fremont Street Experience has something for everyone. The SlotZilla Zip Line offers thrills, while the Viva Vision canopy—the largest LED canopy in the world—puts on spectacular shows and the attraction routinely features free concerts from some of the best touring acts.
Museums are boring, you say? This is Vegas! Our museums will not draw a single yawn, and one of the latest to join the pack is The Punk Rock Museum. Explore the rock subgenre while visiting some of the institution’s fun additions, including a bar, a wedding chapel and tattoo shop. Who doesn’t want some start-of-the-summer ink in Vegas?
You have all the details to make #MDW2024Vegas something you’ll never forget. What to do now? Check out all the delicious dining to experience while you’re here and take a look at some attractions that can fill out that exciting plan you’ve got going!