While Nevada’s most populous city has long lost the title of the World’s Gambling Capital to Macau, Sin City has maintained its position as the hottest place on the planet regarding entertainment. There are no two ways about that. Its musical scene is super impressive, as during any time of the year, visitors and locals can hit any of the Strip’s famous casinos and enjoy high-profile stars performing inside their gig venues. Celine Dion, Adele, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Lionel Richie, and Shania Twain are just a few who now call Vegas home. They are leveraging the residency phenomenon to line their pockets while giving those in Vegas a good time.
However, the music fun in the brightest place on Earth is not only available at gaming resorts. No, no. Nevada’s main economic driver also features a slew of music festivals that have drawn millions to it over the years. These cover a range of genres and are held throughout the city, indoors and outdoors. We list the best ones below and mention locales where those who wish to go to them can supplement their Vegas experience with some poker action. Individuals familiar with card gambling know that poker has a special place in the city’s identity, as this was the birthplace of the WSOP and is still the home of the most prestigious card tournament worldwide – the WSOP Main Event.
Electric Daisy Carnival
Traditionally held in May at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Electric Daisy Carnival, better known under the acronym EDC, is North America’s largest electronic dance festival. It features techno, trance, dubstep, house, and EDM acts while allowing its patrons to immerse themselves further into the offered music via interactive art installations. The event is usually spectacular, including free-roaming carnival performers, different types of amusement park-like rides, LED-lit flora/fauna, and three-dimensional superstructures that create unique neon environments.
While EDC also happens in Phuket, Seoul, Suzhou, Mexico City, and Orlando, its Las Vegas event is the flagship one. It has eight stages and on-site camping, accommodating over half a million people over its three-day run.
Rise Lantern Festival
Those planning on going to Nevada at some point in the year and looking for unique experiences should consider adjusting their schedule to find themselves in The Silver State at the start of October when the Rise Festival takes place in Nevada’s Mojave Desert. Most call this an awe-inspiring live communal ceremony that blends light, art, and music into something breathtaking. This especially holds for the moment when all visitors unleash candle-lit lanterns into the night sky. 2025 will see the tenth edition of this festival that celebrates creativity and the human spirit.
Exodus Festival
Nicknamed the Ultimate Party, the Exodus Festival has been active since 2010, and it has featured some of the biggest names in the electronic dance scene. It is a five-day event, occurring somewhere from May to August, depending on the year, with parties taking place at exclusive clubs throughout the city, such as Omnia, Wet Republica, the XS Nightclub, Hakkasan, and others. At these, electronic music fans can see globally famous DJs, get into their shows by paying a cover charge, or get an all-access pass. The latter provides access to attractive pool parties and is a hassle-free and cost-effective way for anyone to take in what Exodus has to provide. An essential aspect of the parties that are part of this festival is they have a mandatory swimwear dress code. Please note that no athletic apparel is allowed.
Life is Beautiful Festival
Here is another three-day festival, which started in 2013 and now ranks as one of the highest-grossing events globally. It takes place in the Downtown area and is organized by the Penske Media Corporation. Essentially, this is an art, culinary, and music festival blended into one happening, usually including interactive sculpture exhibits.
The overall goal of the Life is Beautiful Festival is to inspire and spread positivity, so in addition to top artists, renowned comedians perform here, and successful entrepreneurs and motivational speakers talk to crowds, trying to energize attendees with messages of positivity.
Top Poker Rooms to Enjoy While in Vegas for a Festival
Instead of checking apps and sites for the latest poker tournament updates to find running and enticing Vegas competitions, we suggest anyone wanting to supplement their festival experience with some competitive card gambling keep the following few venues in mind for top-end service and poker fun.
Without question, those with hefty bank accounts should go for the Bellagio, as its Bobby’s Room hosts premium cash games in a luxurious setting. The Aira is perfect for those who do not have loads of disposable income but are competitive players looking to enjoy themselves in a friendly atmosphere. It has over twenty tables with super professional and courteous dealers.
The Wynn also offers an upscale environment and well-run games, and the Venetian has the most massive room on the Strip and is famed for its quality mid-stakes tables.
For those looking to move away from the Strip and wish to play for affordable stakes, the South Point Poker Room is an excellent choice. In this category, the Red Rock, Green Valley Ranch, The Orleans, and Boulder Station are other options that should be considered.
