NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
LAS VEGAS RINGS IN 2026 WITH EXOSPHERE COUNTDOWN, FIREWORKS, AND FIRST-EVER DRONE SHOW IN A PATRIOTIC KICK OFF TO AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Las Vegas welcomed 2026 in spectacular fashion with the 25th edition of “America’s Party,” lighting up the Strip with a synchronized Drone Light Spectacular and an eight-minute rooftop fireworks display by Fireworks by Grucci. Pyrotechnics launched simultaneously from the rooftops of 10 iconic Las Vegas resorts. For the first time on New Year’s Eve, 600 LED drones lit up the Las Vegas sky in perfect harmony with the city’s world-famous fireworks, delivering an electrifying aerial spectacle themed “Rockin’ into 2026 – Vegas Style.” The drone show culminated in a stirring red, white and blue finale honoring the kickoff of America’s 250th birthday celebration. To round out the New Year’s celebration and mark the beginning of a yearlong America250 tribute, resorts throughout Las Vegas displayed coordinated messages across marquees and digital screens. For more information, contact Heidi Hayes, LVCVA, hhayes@lvcva.com.
AIR SERVICE
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES TO FLY NONSTOP BETWEEN HILO (HAWAII ISLAND) AND LAS VEGAS BEGINNING AUGUST 2026
Southwest Airlines has announced new direct service for Hawaii that brings the Ninth Island closer to Hilo Town, linking Las Vegas with Hilo nonstop beginning Aug. 6, 2026. For more information, visit the Southwest Newsroom at swamedia.com.
ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT
HILARY DUFF ANNOUNCES LIMITED ENGAGEMENT AT VOLTAIRE AT THE VENETIAN RESORT LAS VEGAS
Multiplatinum global superstar Hilary Duff is taking over Voltaire at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas for a limited-time engagement. Duff’s exclusive performances in the stunning venue will close out her first headlining concerts in over a decade with show dates Feb. 13-15 and May 22-24, 2026. For more information, contact Kirvin Doak Communications, voltairepr@kirvindoak.com.
THE WORLD-FAMOUS LAUGH FACTORY LANDS AT HORSESHOE LAS VEGAS
The renowned Laugh Factory has announced a partnership with Caesars Entertainment’s Horseshoe Las Vegas on the famed Las Vegas Strip. The comedy club will rebrand the 250-seat Imagine Showroom as the new Laugh Factory Las Vegas Theater. Opening is set for February 2026 with a Grand Opening celebration scheduled for President’s Day weekend. For more information, contact Aimee Stephens, A-Max Marketing + Media, aimee@amaxmarketinglv.com.
YELLOWCARD, NEW FOUND GLORY AND PLAIN WHITE T’S BRINGING THE UP UP DOWN DOWN TOUR TO FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS
Yellowcard have announced a massive North American outing this summer featuring a stop at BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas on May 30, 2026. The Up Up Down Down Tour will include New Found Glory and Plain White T’s. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and Fontainebleau Las Vegas, pr@fblasvegas.com.
PHISH ANNOUNCE RETURN TO SPHERE IN LAS VEGAS IN 2026
Phish have announce their return to Sphere in Las Vegas for nine shows, set for April 16-18, 23-25, 30 and May 1-2, 2026. For more information, contact Sphere, spherepr@thesphere.com.
PUDDLE OF MUDD WITH SPECIAL GUESTS EVE 6 TO ROCK THE M PAVILION AT M RESORT SPA CASINO
M Resort Spa Casino has announced that multi-platinum rock band Puddle of Mudd will take the stage inside the M Pavilion on March 21, delivering an electrifying night of chart-topping hits and hard-hitting rock anthems with special guests Eve 6. For more information, contact Chandra Stepanovich, Dandelion PR, chandra@dandelionpr.com.
R&B ROYALTY TAKES THE STAGE AS LOVE AFFAIR RETURNS TO THE ORLEANS ARENA
Pacific Concert Group and Jammin’ 105.7’s annual Love Affair returns to Orleans Arena on Feb. 7, 2026. The concert, a staple Valentine’s Day prelude, will be co-headlined by R&B legends Blackstreet and Ginuwine, and feature an incredible ensemble of R&B, hip-hop and soul favorites, including Baby Bash, Frankie J, MC Magic, Rose Royce, GQ and Peaches and Herb. For more information, contact Amanda Llewellyn, Boyd Gaming Corporation, press@boydgaming.com and The Firm Public Relations & Marketing, boydgaming@thefirmpr.com.
KHALID BRINGING IT’S ALWAYS SUMMER SOMEWHERE TOUR TO PH LIVE AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO
Multi-platinum global superstar Khalid has announced his highly anticipated return to the stage with the It’s Always Summer Somewhere Tour featuring special guest, Lauv. Khalid will bring his energy to Las Vegas at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on May 16, 2026. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and Robert Jarrett, Caesars Entertainment, rjarrett@caesars.com.
DIANA ROSS RETURNS TO ENCORE THEATER AT WYNN LAS VEGAS WITH “DIANA IN MOTION” FOR VALENTINE’S WEEK 2026
Global entertainment icon Diana Ross will return to the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas for a special three-show engagement of “Diana in Motion” during Valentine’s Week 2026. Ross will perform Feb. 12, 14-15, 2026, marking her first appearance at the acclaimed venue in more than two years. For more information, contact Erica Benken, Giant Noise, aeg@giantnoise.com.
THE B-52S BRING THE PARTY BACK TO THE VENETIAN RESORT LAS VEGAS WITH NEW 2026 RESIDENCY DATES
The B-52s will return to The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas for three shows on April 22, 24-25, 2026, extending their smash-hit residency due to fan demand. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, publicrelations@venetianlasvegas.com.
BRYAN ADAMS RETURNS TO ENCORE THEATER AT WYNN LAS VEGAS WITH “BARE BONES” SOLO ACOUSTIC SHOW
GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter Bryan Adams will return to Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas for a special three-show engagement of his “Bare Bones” solo acoustic show on June 3, 5-6, 2026. For more information, contact Erica Benken, Giant Noise, aeg@giantnoise.com.
DAVID BYRNE BRINGING SPRING 2026 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR TO THE COLOSSEUM AT CAESARS PALACE
David Byrne has announced another run of North American dates for his “Who Is The Sky” tour, which features a Las Vegas stop at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on April 20, 2026. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and Robert Jarrett, Caesars Entertainment, rjarrett@caesars.com.
COMEDIAN JIM GAFFIGAN RETURNS TO ENCORE THEATER AT WYNN LAS VEGAS WITH “EVERYTHING IS WONDERFUL!” IN SPRING 2026
Renowned comedian and resident headliner Jim Gaffigan will bring his highly acclaimed “Everything is Wonderful!” tour back to Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas for shows March 26-28, 2026. For more information, contact Erica Benken, Giant Noise, aeg@giantnoise.com.
GLOWFEST BRINGS NEW IMMERSIVE LIGHT FESTIVAL TO LAS VEGAS
GlowFest is one of the largest outdoor light festivals produced in Las Vegas, transforming more than 200,000 square feet near the Sahara Las Vegas Monorail Station into a vibrant night market and cultural experience through Feb. 22, 2026. For more information, contact OneSeven Agency, glowfest@onesevenagency.com.
ATSUKO OKATSUKA BRINGING THE BIG BOWL TOUR TO THE VENETIAN RESORT LAS VEGAS
Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka will bring her Big Bowl Tour to The Palazzo Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on March 1, 2026. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, publicrelations@venetianlasvegas.com.
DAVID BLAINE EXTENDS HIGH-DEMAND RESIDENCY AT ENCORE THEATER AT WYNN LAS VEGAS WITH SIX SHOWS IN 2026
David Blaine, the globally recognized magician and endurance artist, will extend his high-demand residency at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas with six additional performances of David Blaine: Live in Las Vegas on Jan. 21, 23-24; March 4, 6-7, 2026. For more information, contact Erica Benken, Giant Noise, aeg@giantnoise.com.
THE WIZARD OF OZ AT SPHERE REACHES MORE THAN 1.5 MILLION TOTAL TICKETS SOLD AND NEARLY $200 MILLION IN TICKET SALES
Sphere Entertainment Co. has announced that as of Dec. 1, 2025, The Wizard of Oz at Sphere, the Sphere Experience that opened in Las Vegas on Aug. 28, 2025, has sold more than 1.5 million tickets in total and has generated nearly $200 million in ticket sales. For more information, contact Sphere, spherepr@thesphere.com.
NAOMI WATANABE BRINGING 2026 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR TO THE VENETIAN RESORT LAS VEGAS
Comedian, actor, and creator Naomi Watanabe announces her 2026 North American tour featuring a Las Vegas stop at The Palazzo Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on April 25, 2026. For more information, contact Kelly Frey, KF Publicity, kelly@kfpublicity.com and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, publicrelations@venetianlasvegas.com.
MAX AMINI ANNOUNCES RETURN TO ENCORE THEATER AT WYNN LAS VEGAS WITH FOUR SHOWS IN 2026
Following a sold-out venue debut, international comedy sensation Max Amini has announced his return to the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas for four performances of “Max Amini: Live in Las Vegas” in 2026. Amini will bring his high-energy stand-up and signature observational humor back to the Las Vegas Strip for performances on Feb. 21, Aug. 1, and Dec. 26-27, 2026. For more information, contact Erica Benken, Giant Noise, aeg@giantnoise.com.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
NOW OPEN: THE TIKI BAR BRINGS TROPICAL ADVENTURE TO EXCALIBUR HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS
The Tiki Bar is now open at Excalibur Hotel & Casino, offering a tropical escape within Las Vegas’ most famous castle. Inspired by the legend of the dragon “Murphy” said to slumber beneath Excalibur’s drawbridge, The Tiki Bar blends exotic island charm with primal volcanic energy and pirate-like adventure to create a den of drinking, discovery and revelry. For more information, contact Kristina Streuber, MGM Resorts International, kstreuber@mgmresorts.com and Robert Flicker, Kirvin Doak Communications, rflicker@kirvindoak.com.
MORIMOTO LAS VEGAS REOPENS AT MGM GRAND WITH VIBRANT JAPANESE DINING EXPERIENCE
Masaharu Morimoto, famed chef and star of Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and “Iron Chef Japan” has reimagined Morimoto Las Vegas at MGM Grand with a new Japanese dining experience emanating the energy of Tokyo’s famous nocturnal scenes. The restaurant is now open and welcomes diners with a new look and feel, from sleek design and new menu items to an elevated cocktail program. For more information, contact Ashley Farkas, MGM Resorts International, afarkas@mgmresorts.com and Robert Flicker, Kirvin Doak Communications, rflicker@kirvindoak.com.
RIO HOTEL & CASINO WELCOMES FIRST OFF-STRIP EGGSLUT IN LAS VEGAS
Eggslut, the cult-favorite Los Angeles concept known for its chef-driven egg sandwiches, has debuted its first off-Strip location at Rio Hotel & Casino. The opening marks the latest addition to the resort’s refreshed restaurant collection, located just steps from the front desk. For more information, contact Kirvin Doak Communications, riolasvegaspr@kirvindoak.com.
SALT & STRAW RINGS IN THE NEW YEAR WITH NEW SCOOP SHOPS AT PARIS LAS VEGAS AND FLAMINGO LAS VEGAS
Salt & Straw, the beloved, artisan ice cream brand, has made its debut on the Las Vegas Strip at Paris Las Vegas, within the foot of the legendary Eiffel Tower and Flamingo Las Vegas. To celebrate these openings, both shops will launch with a special menu, The Icons Series, highlighting a standout variety of Salt & Straw’s most iconic flavors created by co-founder and head ice cream maker Tyler Malek. For more information, contact Brooke Kaplan, Caesars Entertainment, bkaplan@caesars.com.
&PIZZA ROLLS INTO LAS VEGAS WITH FIRST WEST COAST LOCATION AT RIO HOTEL & CASINO
&pizza, a rapidly rising star in the fast-casual pizza scene, will open its first West Coast location at Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas in Spring 2026, marking a major expansion milestone for the brand as it continues to grow beyond its East Coast roots and joins Rio’s revitalized dining lineup. For more information, contact Kirvin Doak Communications, riolasvegaspr@kirvindoak.com.
RED ROCK CASINO WELCOMES WITH LOVE, ALWAYS TO ITS REFRESHED FOOD COURT IN 2026
Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa has announced With Love, Always, one of Las Vegas’ most buzzed-about smash-burger concepts, will join its food court in Spring 2026. The locally born favorite, known for its premium double-patty burgers, fresh ingredients, and heartfelt, community-driven approach, will bring a taste of Las Vegas’ vibrant food culture to Red Rock’s refreshed dining scene. The new concept will open in the current Fatburger space, which will close on Jan. 12 to make way for the arrival of With Love, Always. For more information, contact Alex Acuna, Station Casinos, alex.acuna@stationcasinos.com and Allied Global Marketing, scmediarequest@alliedglobalmarketing.com.
NETFLIX BITES CONCLUDES ITS ONE-YEAR RESIDENCY AT MGM GRAND
Netflix BITES at MGM Grand will conclude its one-year residency on Jan. 4, 2026. Avenue Café, a popular breakfast and lunch restaurant, will return to that space on Jan. 12, 2026. For more information, contact Ashley Farkas, MGM Resorts International, afarkas@mgmresorts.com.
THE KITCHEN TABLE DEBUTS AT RIO HOTEL & CASINO, SERVING BREAKFAST AND LUNCH CLASSICS WITH A MODERN SPIN AND A SPIRITED BEVERAGE PROGRAM
The Kitchen Table, a modern American breakfast and lunch destination, is now open at Rio Hotel & Casino, offering guests a fresh take on classic comfort food in a warm, inviting setting. Designed for leisurely mornings, lively brunches, and everything in between, The Kitchen Table blends nostalgic charm with contemporary flair – creating a welcoming destination for daytime dining. For more information, contact Kirvin Doak Communications, riolasvegaspr@kirvindoak.com.
LATEST BEYOND VEGAS
U.S. 250 TOUR KICKS OFF NATIONWIDE CELEBRATION AT CASABLANCA RESORT & CASINO IN MESQUITE, NEVADA ON JANUARY 9-11, 2026
CasaBlanca Resort & Casino will host the official Opening Weekend Celebration of the U.S. 250 Tour in Mesquite, Nev., from Jan. 9-11, 2026, inviting the visitors to take part in a free, family-friendly patriotic festival marking the countdown to America’s 250th birthday. The three-day celebration launches a historic nationwide tour that will travel to all 50 states leading into the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026. For more information, contact Rachel Dane, BrandBomb PR, rachel@brandbombpr.com.
CINCH WORLD’S TOUGHEST RODEO RETURNS TO THE LAUGHLIN EVENT CENTER IN MARCH 2026
Aquarius Casino Resort and Edgewater Casino Resort will welcome the CINCH World's Toughest Rodeo to the Laughlin Event Center for two days of action-packed entertainment on March 27-28, 2026. The renowned CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo Tour, which has been entertaining audiences with top rodeo talent since 1979, will ride back into Laughlin after last year’s crowd-pleasing return. Fans will experience the best of the best in cowboy athletes as competitors vie for a coveted spot at the richest rodeo in the world, the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. For more information, contact Wicked Creative, laughlin@wickedcreative.com.
RESORT UPDATES
NOMAD LAS VEGAS REBRANDS TO THE RESERVE AT PARK MGM
MGM Resorts International rebranded NoMad Las Vegas to The Reserve at Park MGM on Dec. 17. Consisting of 293 rooms and suites, The Reserve at Park MGM will continue to deliver the elevated and sophisticated experience guests have come to know and love. As part of the transition, several NoMad venues will unveil refreshed identities: NoMad Pool will be renamed The Terrace Pool; NoMad Library will become The Library; and NoMad Bar will be called The Reserve Bar. For more information, contact Arlene Bordinhao, MGM Resorts International, arlene@mgmresorts.com.
JW MARRIOTT LAS VEGAS AND RAMPART CASINO ANNOUNCE PROPERTY-WIDE REBRAND, OFFICIALLY BECOMING THE RESORT AT SUMMERLIN
JW Marriott Las Vegas and Rampart Casino have announced a property-wide rebrand, officially uniting the celebrated resort and casino under a new identity, The Resort at Summerlin. Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the rebrand marks a significant milestone in the property’s ongoing $75 million, multi-year renovation and its evolution as a premier luxury destination in the heart of Summerlin. For more information, contact Jeff Klein, Atomic City PR, jeff@atomiccitypr.com.
M RESORT SPA CASINO CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF EXPANSION WITH GRAND OPENING OF NEW EAST TOWER
M Resort Spa Casino, the Official Team Headquarters Hotel of the Las Vegas Raiders, celebrated the grand opening of the resort’s expansion and officially welcomed the new East Tower to the Las Vegas skyline. Designed with sustainability in mind, the new East Tower is LEED Certified, underscoring M Resort’s commitment to environmental responsibility as it continues to grow. The evening blended elegance, community pride, and live entertainment – culminating in a milestone event for the Henderson resort. For more information, contact Chandra Stepanovich, Dandelion PR, chandra@dandelionpr.com.
SPORTS
THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO CONCLUDES AT THE THOMAS & MACK CENTER WITH HIGHEST TOTAL ATTENDANCE SINCE 2014
Las Vegas’ December tradition, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, culminated its 40th anniversary celebration at the Thomas & Mack Center with its highest total attendance since 2014. Total attendance over the ten performances reached 175,846, up from 170,045 in 2024 – the highest since 2014, which was prior to the renovation of the Thomas & Mack Center that reduced seating capacity. Since the Wrangler NFR’s arrival in Las Vegas in 1985, total attendance over 40 years at the Thomas & Mack Center has surpassed 6.8 million. In addition to the rodeo action, the NFR Experience events up and down the Las Vegas Strip and downtown included over 130 concerts and 32 locations that offered NFR Live presented by Teton Ridge, the official satellite feed of the rodeo. For more information, contact Michael Mack, Las Vegas Events, michael@lasvegasevents.com.
LAS VEGAS BOWL CHAMPS UTES CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE WIN OVER HUSKERS
No. 15 Utah celebrated a 44-22 victory over Nebraska in the 34th year of the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Wednesday afternoon. The New Year’s Eve game drew a crowd of 38,879 and was the biggest for the event since moving to its new home at Allegiant Stadium and ninth biggest in the bowl’s history. For more information, visit lvbowl.com.
MATCHROOM BOXING RETURNS TO FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS WITH MURATALLA-CRUZ FIGHT
Matchroom Boxing returns to BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas with the IBF World Lightweight crown on the line featuring Muratalla vs. Cruz in a blockbuster Las Vegas showdown on Jan. 24, 2026. For more information, contact Fontainebleau Las Vegas, pr@fblasvegas.com.
2026 INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS CHAMPIONSHIP IN LAS VEGAS
Pyrotechnics event company BLAST! EVENTS has announced the International Fireworks Championship Las Vegas, a first-year event expected to attract thousands of spectators to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Feb. 21, 2026. Four of the world’s best fireworks teams will compete. The event will also feature a world record attempt with Spanish fireworks icon Ricardo Caballer. For more information, contact James Stover, B&P PR, jstover@bpadlv.com.
WEDDING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
VEGAS WEDDING DRESS OF THE YEAR CONTEST ENTERS FINAL WEEKS
With only a few weeks left to enter, the Wedding Capital of the World™, Clark County Clerk Lynn Goya and the Vegas Wedding Chamber remind brides, families and friends to submit entries for the 2025 Vegas Wedding Dress of the Year contest before the deadline on Jan. 15, 2026. The winning dress will be seen by travelers from around the world at the Wedding Capital of the World’s display beginning February 2026 inside Harry Reid International Airport, where it will illustrate Las Vegas’ reigning status as the world’s most desirable destination wedding location. For more information and to participate in this prestigious contest, click here or contact Desiree Vontur, The Vox Agency, desiree@thevoxagency.com.
