The Best Summer Events in Las Vegas 2022

Las Vegas is the city to see a show—but if you’re a local, you’re not always in the mood to head down to the Strip. It’s true that on Las Vegas Boulevard you’ll find world-class and globally recognized talent of every kind, but those shows can get expensive, and you’ve got to be prepared for tourists, not to mention looking for parking.

This list is for locals looking for a different experience. Read on for a curated collection of community events happening this summer in Las Vegas.

Located at the Fremont Street Experience, the Downtown Rocks Free Concert Series features one concert every week—totally free. See local favorites and globally-recognized chart toppers like the Simple Plan, Rick Springfield, the Pretty Reckless, and the Stone Temple Pilots.

Dates and times vary, so check out the Fremont Street calendar and the complete series lineup for more information.

Dirty Rock & Roll Dance Party is a concert promoter focused on spotlighting 50s-70s music in a variety of genres—and their concerts are always a blast. Upcoming events include the Meatbodies at Artifice on July 21st, the Suffrajettes at The Usual Place on August 6th, and the Mystic Braves at Taverna Costera on August 7th.

Tickets vary in price and can be purchased in advance or at the door.

Vegas Rock Revolution focuses on bringing hard and heavy music to Las Vegas venues, including heavy metal, psychedelic rock, and more.

On July 29th, don’t miss four hard rock bands at Count’s Vamp’d starting at 8:00 PM. Headliners include Void Vator, Formula 400, Fostermother, and Sonolith. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance.

The Jazz Republic Performing Arts Foundation presents an incredible lineup of jazz artists from around the world—from emerging musicians to Grammy Award-Winning artists. Held in the beautiful Springs Preserve Amphitheater, the Jazz Republic Music Festival is a wonderful event for any music lover. Enjoy unique exhibits, food, wine, outdoor picnicking, and much more. This is a family-friendly event.

Tickets can be purchased on EventBrite. General admission starts at $75, with discounted student tickets ($50) and children’s tickets ($25). Save 10% on early bird tickets by using the promo code THEKEYOFCOOL at checkout.

Need a laugh lately? Try out one of these local comedy shows for a bit of the best medicine.

This comedy drag show hosted by Demetria Cherry features an amazing cast of drag performers doing comedy sketches all night. Come by Jimmy’s @ Madison’s for this hilarious show, a full bar, and a full restaurant menu every Tuesday at 9:00 PM. Entry is free and the venue is 21+. Come early for drag bingo around 7:30 PM.

The nationally recognized Winery Comedy Tour makes a stop at Henderson favorite, Vegas Valley Winery, on July 23rd. This event features a lineup whose credits include top comedy festivals, TV specials, and major club appearances. And don’t miss Vegas Valley Winery’s delicious whites, reds, and roses paired with tasty pizza.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance.

Produced by Amir the Amiracle, this comedy series showcases some of the funniest comedians in the Las Vegas Arts District. The next show on July 26th features Kris Tinkle. Come laugh your buns off as you enjoy tacos, shots, and all-you-can-drink specials at a locally loved venue, 18bin.

This show features a different comedian every Tuesday at 8:00 PM. It’s free to attend, but you can buy a $15 ticket for reserved seating and a free mystery shot.

Feeling artsy? Show your talent or get inspired at these local Las Vegas art events.

Visit this superb art convention at the Plaza Hotel & Casino for three days this July. Meet internationally recognized artists, view and purchase art, get it signed, and see the artists in action with live painting. Fans of Disney, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Lord of the Rings, D&D, anime, and the fantasy genre will find lots to love. This event is free and family-friendly.

Las Vegas photographers—both professional and amateur—are invited to submit photographs to the Summerlin Photography Competition now through August 31st. Categories include architecture, man-made landscapes, and natural landscapes in and directly adjacent to the Summerlin community.

Winners in each category will receive a $250 Downtown Summerlin gift card and a print of their winning photo to be displayed at this year’s Festival of Arts on October 8th and 9th. Runners up in each category will receive a $50 Downtown Summerlin gift card. For more details and official rules, check out the contest website.

Mark your calendars for August 19th to view the ARTifact bespoke fashion show at StarBase Las Vegas at 7:00 PM. The evening promises to be memorable as one-of-a-kind, wearable art makes its way down the runway, supported by live entertainers and craft cocktails. Don’t miss this unique networking opportunity in fashion and art. Get your ticket in advance.

On a mission to drive creativity and positivity in the Las Vegas community, the First Friday Foundation holds a monthly arts & culture festival in the Arts District for local artists, musicians, and craftspeople on the first Friday of every month. Make a trip downtown for food, drinks, music, art, and more. Entrance is free, and kids are welcome. Finding parking can be a little tricky, so plan ahead.

Co-founders Kelly Roth and Kyla Quintero return for the 24th Annual Las Vegas Dance in the Desert Festival.

Enjoy two master classes and three spellbinding performances with Kelly, Kyla, and local Las Vegas dance pros. This event is free and will take place in the Summerlin Library Performing Arts Center at 7:00 PM.

These events will keep your kids engaged and excited all summer long.

Kids ages 5-12 will love this paint and pizza night at Black Mountain Recreation Center & Aquatic Complex in Henderson, designed to inspire creativity and spark joy through art. The theme on the 29th is superheroes, and your young artist can stay on-subject or create something all their own with a blank canvas and paint, glitter, brushes, sponges, and more.

Tickets are $20 and include dinner and all necessary art supplies. Register on the City of Henderson website with activity number 153298.

Visit the Nevada Southern Railway for Story Time on the Train once a month. Kids enjoy a coloring page, a craft, and a story while riding from the depot to Railroad Pass and back. Story Time Trains run at all train times on story day: 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. Parents must ride along.

Upcoming summer dates include August 20th, September 17th, and continue into fall.

Let your little one connect with nature at the Summerlin Library with the help of the Natural History Museum and Get Outdoors Nevada. Activity stations will spark curiosity about the environment, plants, animals, space, and more. Most suitable for preschool-aged kids. This is a free event and no registration is required.

Have a horse lover in your life? Visit the Horses4Heroes Family Equestrian Center on August 27th for an open barn morning.

Admission is $10 for non-members and includes a horse ride, interactions with miniature horses and farm animals, and playtime in bounce houses and kids’ play area. Kids ages 2+ are invited.

Registration in advance is a must. There is no charge for parents and grandparents.

Do you love cars, trucks, and anything with four wheels and an engine? These are the events for you.

Gateway Classic Cars presents its inaugural Cause for Paws Car Show on August 27th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM in all 20 of its showrooms. Bring your four-legged friend and enjoy coffee, donuts, and a tasty food truck. Awards and prizes for the top cars in each category will be announced throughout the day! All makes and models are welcome. Donations benefit local animal shelters.

Get your tickets to Monster Jam for an electrifying competition of speed and skill between world-class drivers of 12,000-pound monster trucks. Witness intense rivalries, death-defying stunts, contests in multiple categories, and fierce battles for the championship.

Get your tickets for the Friday, Saturday, or Sunday event. To meet the drivers and see the monster trucks up close, get a Pit Pass to the pre-show Pit Party.

Come by the Shelby Heritage Center every Saturday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a must-see car show for all car enthusiasts. Admission is free. A full hot breakfast and hot coffee will be available for purchase, and all guests receive a 10% off coupon for the Carrol Shelby Store.

A local car show—by car lovers for car lovers! The street will be closed as this event kicks off in the Arts District near 18bin and Art Square. There will be vendors offering discounts on parts, services, and merch. This event is free to attend and starts at 7:00 PM.

These events are all about food, so bring an empty belly and be prepared for some delicious fare.

On Wednesday, July 20th, get ready to enjoy delicious food from food trucks, dessert, and a live DJ at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance’s Food Truck Extravaganza. There will be free entry, free parking, and a sidewalk chalk area for kids. The location will be the Aviation Institute of Maintenance on Eastern Avenue, and the event starts at 10:30 AM and runs until 2:30 PM.

The San Gennaro Feast is the biggest Italian food and music festival in the U.S., and this is its 41st year. Held bi-annually in honor of Saint Gennaro, the Patron Saint of Naples, this incredible food festival features 70 international food vendors.

In addition, you can enjoy 60 different amusement rides and games, and 40 live performers and bands. More information can be found on the San Gennaro Feast website.

That’s right—on the same weekend as the San Gennaro Feast, you’ll have to make room in your belly for the Great American Foodie Festival. In its 10th year, this unique food festival will feature specialty food vendors, eating contests, carnival games and rides, local food trucks, and a beer and cocktail garden. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the gates.

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