Happy Friday Vegas!
Welcome to the Explore 702 Weekly Events Guide! 🎉
If you’ve stepped outside today, you already feel it—the valley is absolutely humming. While we’re all used to the Strip being busy, this weekend is a different kind of beast. We have a massive collision of subcultures hitting town all at once. From the 80,000 rockers taking over the North Strip for Sick New World to the 45,000 anime and gaming fans descending on the Convention Center for LVL UP Expo, the city is going to feel beautifully chaotic. And for the Phish-heads returning for weekend two at the Sphere, the party is clearly just getting started.
In this edition, we’re cutting through the noise to make sure you actually enjoy the madness. We’re tracking the major traffic bottlenecks (avoid Sahara and Las Vegas Blvd if you can!), celebrating Cyndi Lauper’s legendary farewell opening, and even looking at why 100,000 ladybugs just moved into Resorts World. It’s a week for the music lovers, the foodies, and everyone who loves calling this wild desert home.
And don’t forget to join our brand new Explore702 Facebook Group to share your own local tips, experiences, and photos.
Here’s what's going on this weekend...
It’s Cyn City! The legend kicks off her final residency. Expect high energy, 80s icons, and a crowd that spans every generation.
- Dancing with the Stars: Live! | Friday, April 24 | 8:00 PM | BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau
- The glitz of the ballroom hits the North Strip tonight. Your favorite pros and routines live on stage for a perfect, high-energy Friday night out.
- Legendary producers (Janet Jackson, Usher) are live! Joined by Ruben Studdard and Shanice, this is an intimate night of R&B history you can’t miss.
- The Jets: 80s & 90s Experience | Saturday, April 25 | 4:00 PM | Saxe Theater at Planet Hollywood
- Crush On You live! A high-energy trip through the hits of the 80s and 90s. Perfect for a fun afternoon vibe before hitting the Strip.
- Smokey Robinson & Gladys Knight | April 24 – 25 | 7:30 PM | The Smith Center
- Motown Royalty. Two icons, one stage, at the city’s most beautiful venue. This is the definition of a Classy Vegas night out for the soul.
- Excision: High Roller (Downtown EDM) | April 24 – 25 | 6:00 PM | Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
- Massive bass, lasers, and a two-day takeover. This is for the younger crowd and EDM fans who want to rave in the heart of Downtown.
- Punk Rock Brunch: 90s & Y2K Anthems | April 24 – 26 | 10:00 AM | The Composers Room
- Loud music, great food, and pure nostalgia. The perfect local way to start your weekend in the Historic Commercial Center.
- Sick New World Festival | Saturday, April 25 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Las Vegas Festival Grounds
- 80,000 fans are hitting the North Strip for System of a Down and Slipknot.
- Home Girl Tip:📍Avoid the Sahara/Las Vegas Blvd intersection all day!
- 80,000 fans are hitting the North Strip for System of a Down and Slipknot.
- City of Lights Jazz & R&B Festival | April 25 – 26 | 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Clark County Government Center
- A beloved local tradition. Bring your picnic baskets and enjoy world-class soul and jazz under the stars. Sophisticated, diverse, and always a vibe.
- Heavyweight Boxing: Jarrell Miller vs. Lenier Pero | Saturday, April 25 | 3:30 PM | BleauLive Theater
- Big-time boxing is back! A high-stakes heavyweight showdown that will bring that Big Fight energy to the beautiful new Fontainebleau theater.
- Henderson Reads Book Festival | Saturday, April 25 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Water Street District
- Wholesome family fun! Meet authors, enjoy live readings, and explore historic Water Street. The perfect Saturday morning for the kids and book lovers.
- Vegas UnStripped: Local Chef Festival | Sunday, April 26 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Palms Casino Resort Pool Deck
- The ultimate foodie pick. 30+ of our best local chefs creating exclusive dishes you won’t find on the Strip. Truly for those who love the Real Vegas.
- AFAN AIDS Walk Las Vegas | Sunday, April 26 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Craig Ranch Regional Park
- Note the new location! The 36th annual walk moves to North Las Vegas. Join thousands of neighbors for a morning of charity, community, and support.
- Michael Jackson “Michael” Movie | April 24 – 26 | Various Times
- Celebrating the King of Pop! Check out special screenings and live podcast recordings celebrating the new MJ biopic in the heart of the valley.
- Cazzu | Sunday, April 26 | 7:00 PM | House of Blues (Mandalay Bay)
- The Queen of Argentine Trap with millions of followers and a fierce, high-energy stage presence, this is a must-attend show for anyone who loves Latin urban music .
- Cory Wong: The Spy vs. Spy Tour | Monday, April 27 | 7:00 PM | Brooklyn Bowl
- Kick off your week with high-energy funk and jazz guitar! Cory Wong brings his world-class musicianship and a high-energy vibe that’s perfect for a Monday night out.
- Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures | Thursday, April 30 | 7:00 PM | Thomas & Mack Center
- Mickey, Minnie, and all your favorite characters hit the ice for an adventure-filled show. This is a guaranteed win for parents looking for a memorable weeknight with the kids.
- Architects: North American Tour | Thursday, April 30 | 7:00 PM | House of Blues
- If you didn’t get enough high-octane rock over the weekend, the Architects are here to fix that. This is a massive night of modern metal and energy right in the heart of Mandalay Bay.
Home Girl Tip:📍 Events are subject to change, and I always recommend double-checking the venue’s website before you head out! Some of these might require RSVPs or tickets, so click those links and plan ahead. See you out there, 702!
LAS VEGAS NEWS
The End of an Era: MGM Grand Buffet is Closing: It’s official, and the news is spreading like wildfire. After 33 years of serving up a loss-leader feast, the MGM Grand Buffet will serve its final plate on May 31, 2026. While the Strip is moving toward high-end food halls, locals are feeling the nostalgia of losing another classic all-you-can-eat icon. If you want one last crab leg feast, you have until the end of next month to get in there 🍽️💔🏜️
Broadway hits the Strip: Mrs. Doubtfire & Book of Mormon at The Venetian: Big news for the theater crowd! The Venetian Theatre just announced that tickets go on sale today (April 24) for two massive Broadway hits. Mrs. Doubtfire will arrive this summer (July 22 – Aug 2), and the 9-time Tony winner The Book of Mormon lands in November. This is a huge shift back toward Broadway-caliber shows on the Strip, and locals are already jumping on the ticket queues. 🎭🎟️✨
Randy’s Donuts is Heading to Red Rock Casino: Westside residents, get ready! The legendary L.A. staple, Randy’s Donuts, has officially confirmed it is joining the Red Rock Resort food court. Known for their giant Texas-sized donuts and iconic rooftop sign in Inglewood, this will be their newest Quick Eat addition to the Summerlin area. It’s part of a bigger refresh at Red Rock that includes new With Love smash-burgers, making it the new go-to spot for late-night local cravings. 🍩🎰😋
WHAT WE'RE LOVING THIS WEEK
Did you see the Ladybugs? 🐞Resorts World celebrated Earth Day this past Wednesday by releasing over 100,000 ladybugs into their landscape as a natural alternative to pesticides. It pushed them over the 500,000 mark since they opened! We love seeing the Strip go green in such a cute way.
The “Ladybug Army” at Resorts World
If you saw a few extra spots on the Strip this week, you weren’t dreaming! To celebrate Earth Day (Wednesday, April 22nd), Resorts World Las Vegas continued its favorite eco-friendly tradition by releasing a massive army of 105,000 ladybugs into their outdoor gardens. This wasn’t just a photo op; it’s a critical part of their sustainability mission. Since the resort opened in 2021, they have now officially surpassed the 500,000 ladybug milestone.
Why the Bugs? (The Science Bit) Instead of relying on harsh chemical pesticides that can be tough on the desert environment, Resorts World uses ladybugs as nature’s pest control. These tiny warriors are natural predators of aphids—microscopic pests that can destroy beautiful desert foliage, transmit plant viruses, and stunt growth.
- Insider Fact: Each small carton handed out to guests contained roughly 750 ladybugs.
- The Vibe: It took less than 10 minutes for the 100,000+ ladybugs to be claimed by eager locals and tourists who gathered on Goh Tong Way to help with the release.
More Than Just Luck While ladybugs have long been a symbol of luck and prosperity in Vegas, they are now a symbol of a Greener Strip. By partnering with LandCare, Resorts World is proving that luxury and sustainability can live in the same space. It’s a great reminder for us locals that even in the middle of the neon lights, we can find ways to let nature do the heavy lifting
LAS VEGAS WEATHER UPDATE
If you’ve been waiting for the real Vegas spring to show up, this is your week! We are kicking things off with a beautiful, sunny Friday with a high of 82°F. It’s officially time to trade the light sweaters for sunglasses—today is going to be a stunner for the start of the events.
As we head into the weekend, we’ll see a slight refreshing dip into the mid-70s for Saturday and Sunday, with highs of 77°F and 70°F, respectively. It’s that sweet spot where it’s warm enough for the festivals but cool enough to walk the Strip without breaking a sweat.
Looking ahead to the work week, the desert is giving us a little bit of everything. We’ll see a brief cool-down on Monday with a high of 75°F before we climb right back into the low 80s by Wednesday. It’s a dry, sunny stretch for the most part, so keep the sunscreen handy and enjoy every second of this outdoor weather before the real triple digits find us!
- Home Girl Tip: 📍 The wind will be picking up on Saturday with gusts around 21 mph, so expect the humidity to stay low. If you’re heading to the outdoor festivals like Sick New World or the City of Lights Jazz Festival, start hydrating now. That desert wind will dry you out faster than you realize! ☀️🌵🥤
VEGAS MEANS BUSINESS (AND TRAFFIC)
LVL UP Technology & Gaming Expo | April 24 – 26 | Las Vegas Convention Center
- The Scale: 45,000+ Attendees
- The Impact: This is a massive gathering for gaming, anime, and nerd culture. Expect high foot traffic and ride-share surges around Paradise Rd and the Convention Center District all weekend.
Bitcoin 2026 | April 27 – 29 | The Venetian Resort
- The Scale: 30,000+ Attendees
- The Impact: One of the world’s largest global gatherings for the Bitcoin community. With big-name speakers like Michael Saylor and JD Vance in town, expect high security and heavy traffic around the Sands Expo and the heart of the Strip mid-week.
LeadsCon 2026 | April 24 – 26 | MGM Grand
- The Scale: 2,500 Attendees
- The Impact: While smaller than the others, this brings a concentrated professional crowd to the South Strip. Expect the MGM Grand parking garage and surrounding intersections to be busier than usual.
AACE Annual Meeting (American Association of Clinical Endocrinology) | April 22 – 24 | Caesars Forum
- The Scale: 3,000+ Attendees
- The Impact: This wraps up today (Friday), so watch for checkout traffic and increased pedestrians activity around the High Roller and Caesars Forum area this afternoon.
LAS VEGAS REAL ESTATE
Thinking about a move before the summer heat really hits? I’ve made it easy for you to browse the latest market moves across the valley with one click. Whether you’re looking for a deal or just curious about what’s hitting the market this week, all the data you need is right here and I’m giving you direct access to the same live MLS data I use. Tap any link to see the newest opportunities in the 702 right now!
If you’d like to see any of the properties on the lists below (or if you’d like to know more about buying, selling, or investing in real estate) just text or call 725-208-1750 to talk to a Realtor®.
- Just Listed: New homes on the market this week!
- New Construction: Explore every new home community and builder currently breaking ground across the valley!
- Price Reductions: Opportunity’s knocking, check out these deals!
- Rentals Under $3K: Click to check out Available Now Rentals less than $3K a month.
- Open Houses: Click for dates, times, and photos!
- Live Market Insights: Click here for the most accurate, up-to-the-minute real estate data directly from the MLS
NEW ON THE BLOG...
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- The National vs. 702 Neighborhood Comparison: Precision Over Panic in the Las Vegas Market
- Las Vegas Residential Market Update | April 14, 2026
- Las Vegas Events | April 3-9th
- The 702 Elite Seven: UNlocking Las Vegas Coffee Culture
- The Great Reawakening: Why 6% is the Healthiest Market Seen in Years
That’s a wrap for this week, 702! 🥂
I hope this guide gives you exactly what you need to trade the endless scrolling for an unforgettable weekend in the valley. Whether you’re heading down to the Arts District to snag some new Sphere merch, cheering on our Silver Knights as they fight for the Calder Cup in Henderson, or finding your rhythm at the City of Lights Jazz Fest, remember that this city is at its best when we’re out exploring it together.
Pack your patience for that North Strip traffic, keep an eye on those Saturday wind gusts, and most importantly—enjoy every bit of this incredible Vegas spring weather. I’ll see you out there this weekend, and I’ll be back in your inbox next week with even more of the local gems you love.
Stay local, stay legendary!
Never Miss a Thing.
— Julia, Your Las Vegas Home Girl
Have a great weekend!
P.S. Did we miss anything? If you’d like us to promote a community event (or local business), click here to submit a feature request!
About Explore702
At Explore702, our mission is to connect you with everything that makes Las Vegas the best place to live and play. From the trendiest new spots to timeless local favorites and hidden gems, we’re dedicated to guiding and sharing the best of our city with you. Join us as we have endless fun exploring the one-of-a-kind culture, vibrant nightlife, real estate and world-class entertainment that this little big city has to offer.
