When you visit Las Vegas for the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix from November 21-23, the roar of engines won’t be the only thing turning up. The city’s legendary entertainment scene will be in full swing, setting the perfect backdrop for an epic weekend of high-speed thrills and live music.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a separate festival experience with the Neon City Festival and T-Mobile Zone.
The Neon City Festival will take over the streets of downtown Las Vegas with incredible acts like Alison Wonderland, Neon Trees, The All-American Rejects, Russell Dickerson, and Seven Lions, lighting up iconic spots like the Fremont Street Experience and the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center. But that’s not where it ends. At the East Harmon Zone by Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, fans who attend will witness live performances from Snakeships, Big Boi and Vandelux.
Over at the T-Mobile Zone, the three days will be headlined by big name acts like OneRepublic, Alesso and Ludacris – which should bring all the energy and great vibes for the weekend. On the Strip, The Colosseum at Caesars Palace hosts some of the most iconic acts in the world, including Adele’s residency, Weekends with Adele, which will conclude with its final shows Friday, Nov. 22, and Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 There’s no better place to enjoy epic live music than in the fast-paced, electric environment of Las Vegas. From the Strip to Downtown and the Arts District, the city is home to numerous venues and bars, allowing visitors to take in a high energy show or performance every night of the week.
If you want to keep the energy up and discover new things, you can also look beyond the Strip to find some of the city’s local favorites and secret spots. To help with that, Complex linked with Vegas native and photographer Greg Anderson to shoot photos of favorite music venues, while lifting the lid on what makes them special. From rocking bands and funky dives, to sophisticated lounges and jazz bars, there is something for every visitor. Read on, cut the wheel off the beaten path, and get ready for some of that Las Vegas local flavor.
The Double Down
Location: 4640 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169
For those keen on adrenaline, The Double Down is the perfect place to grab a drink and let live punk bands electrify your evening. The Double Down is “the ragged edge of the late-night Las Vegas scene,” Anderson says. “With speed metal and punk rock bands always on stage, it’s consistently voted one of the best dive bars in the country.” The Double Down’s ambience is also authentic, with no shortage of awesome paraphernalia and funny stickers plastered on the walls. If you're the adventurous type, be sure to order the house special, a bacon martini!
Swan Dive
Location: 1301 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Swan Dive is new, but it’s already making waves in the Vegas music scene. “Everyone is talking about this second-floor stage, with a wrap-around balcony and a great view,” Anderson says. “It’s one of the newest venues in the Arts District to open with a buzz.” Part of that comes from Swan Dive’s emphasis on bringing a wide array of musical acts to its venue. In addition to the balcony views, Swan Dive also features a fully stocked bar and a weekend happy hour.
Sinwave
Location: 1412 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Sinwave stands out by offering a huge variety of entertainment options beyond live music. Of course patrons can catch shows from the likes of recent performers and certified English heavy metal legends, Girlschool, but the venue also hosts movie nights, theater, karaoke, and even belly dancing workshops. “Sinwave is another newer Arts District venue with a great vibe, awesome stage, and a bar,” Anderson says. It also serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in a unique “festival” style to ensure the price for customers is kept down. This streamlined approach saves money and time so attendees can spend their evenings enjoying the show rather than waiting in line.
Soul Belly BBQ
Location: 1327 South Main Street, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Looking for a family-friendly food and music spot? Look no further than Soul Belly BBQ. Anderson notes it boasts “great food and live music on the weekends in the Arts District on Main Street.” Chef Bruce Kalman combines his pro knowledge with regional ingredients, bringing local food straight to your plate. Enjoy the only all-ages blues jam in Las Vegas, while digging into top-quality meats and veggies.
The Sand Dollar
Location: 1327 S Main St, Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
The Sand Dollar is known as “the home of the blues” in Vegas. With legends like Mick Jagger gracing it with his presence and artists performing seven nights a week, you know that isn’t hyperbole. Located in Downtown Las Vegas in the bottom of the Plaza Hotel, the Sand Dollar also boasts a selection of craft cocktails. The perfect spot to catch a jam and have a drink.
Vic's
Location: 355 Promenade Pl, Las Vegas, NV 89106
When you’re in Vegas, you gotta catch some jazz. And Vic’s is the spot for that. “Vic’s is an old-school type Vegas spot next to Symphony Park and The Smith Center for the Performing Arts,” Anderson says. “It’s a newer throwback to the Vegas of 50 years ago.” Voted “Best Jazz Club” by Vegas Magazine, Vic’s features world class jazz performers, a menu of Italian and American favorites, and top shelf cocktails. Swing by for dinner and a drink while enjoying world class music.