Special Events in Las Vegas
January
Late January: Las Vegas Marathon. More than 7,500 runners compete in the full marathon (26.2 mi/42 km), half-marathon (13.1 mi/21 km) and 5K Friendship Run. A post-marathon party and health-and-fitness expo are also part of the festivities. For information, call 702-240-2722.
February
Late February--World Archery Festival. Archers compete in the first leg of the new 3 Star Tour for one of the largest purses offered in indoor archery competitions. Also a trade show with the newest equipment and accessories in the archery industry. Riviera Hotel and Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. S. For information, call 909-794-8512, or toll-free 888-739-4527 or 800-811-2331.
March
Mid March: St. Patrick's Day Celebration. This two-day celebration of Irish heritage features the Sons of Erin Parade along Fourth Street, Celtic- and Irish-themed music on two stages, green beer, a block party and more. The Fremont Street Experience. For information, call 702-678-5777, or toll-free 800-249-3559.
Late March: Laughlin River Stampede Rodeo. The country's best cowboys compete in various contests in this PRCA-sanctioned event. Laughlin Events Grounds, Laughlin (90 miles south of Las Vegas). For information, call 719-589-9444, or the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce toll-free at 800-227-5245. Continues through early April
Early March: Race Jam Weekend. Five city blocks are filled with a classic car show, a demonstration racetrack, appearances by NASCAR drivers, entertainment on two stages and more. For information, call 702-678-5777, or toll-free 800-249-3559.
April
Early-Late April through early September: Minor-League Baseball. The Las Vegas 51s, a Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, play regular-season home games at Cashman Field, 850 Las Vegas Blvd. N. For information and tickets, call 702-386-7200. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 702-798-7825 or 702-474-4000.
Mid April: Golf. Top female golfers from around the world compete for US$1.1 million. Las Vegas Country Club, 3000 Joe W. Brown Drive. For information and tickets, call 702-898-4653.
Mid April (date varies each year depending on the liturgical calendar): Mardi Gras Festival. This free annual festival celebrates Mardis Gras Vegas-style with elaborate parades, sound-and-light shows, live entertainment on three stages and more. The Fremont Street Experience. For information, call 702-260-8605, 702-678-5600, or toll-free 800-249-3559.
May
Early-Late May: Laughlin Mile Dragon Boat Challenge. This ancient Chinese sport comes to Laughlin as local and international teams of 20 rowers, a steersman and a drummer paddle 44-ft. -long Chinese war canoes down 1 mi/1.5 km of the Colorado River. The best viewing spot is the River Walk, where a cultural festival with drumming contests takes place. 90 miles south of Las Vegas. For information, call the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce toll-free at 800-227-5245.
Early May: Cinco de Mayo. This commemoration of the 1862 Battle of Puebla showcases the Banda Festival with well-known bands performing. Organized by the Mexican Patriotic Committee. Freedom Park, Washington and Mojave. For information, call 702-649-1198.
June
Mid June: National Open Chess Tournament. Dozens of national and international chess masters of all ages compete in nine sections, including a qualifier for the U.S. championship. Riviera Hotel and Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. S. For information and tickets, call 702-734-5110, or toll-free 800-634-6753.
August
5-15 August: International Police and Fire Games. Las Vegas hosts these biennial games with police, fire and military personnel and their spouses from around the world competing in more than 40 sports events, ranging from baseball, basketball, swimming and cycling to skeet, horseshoes, darts, bench-pressing and arm wrestling. Various venues. For information, call 702-259-6350, 702-259-6351, or toll-free 800-863-9676.
Throughout August and September: Minor-League Baseball. The Las Vegas 51s, a Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, play regular-season home games at Cashman Field, 850 Las Vegas Blvd. N. For information and tickets, call 702-386-7200. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 702-798-7825 or 702-474-4000.
September
Early-Late September--through May: Performance. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas Performing Arts Center draws national and international ensembles and artists in opera, ballet, classical music, jazz and other performing arts. Corner of Maryland Parkway and Cottage Grove Street, UNLV campus. For information and tickets, call 702-895-2787 or 702-799-3267.
25 September: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The Las Vegas Speedway hosts the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Las Vegas 350. For information and tickets, call 702-644-4444 or 702-644-4443.
Late September--May: Dance. Nevada Ballet Theatre presents classic and contemporary balles at the Judy Bayley Theatre, UNLV campus, and other venues. For schedule and venue information, call 702-243-2623. For tickets to most performances, call the UNLV Box Office at 702-895-2787
October
31 Oct--Nevada Day. Public holiday.
Late September; early October: Professional Bull Riders World Finals. The top 45 national bull riders compete in the Pro Bull Riders championship. For information, call 719-471-3008. Mandalay Bay Events Center, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S., and Thomas and Mack Center, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, UNLV campus. For tickets, call the Mandalay Bay box office toll-free at 877-632-7400,
November
Mid November: Aviation Nation. The largest free public event in Nevada features the USAF Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron and the second-largest air-racing event in the U.S. Flying demonstrations by U.S. military and civilian performers. Ground displays showcase more than 100 vintage and new-model aircraft. Nevis Air Force Base. For information, call 402-652-7556, 702-652-5697 or 702-497-9885.
28-30 November - early December: Miss Rodeo America. Preceeding the National Finals Rodeo, Miss Rodeo America Inc. crowns its scholarship winner in this annual rodeo competition. Orleans Hotel and Arena, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. For information and tickets, call 719-948-9206.
December
Early-Late December--Holiday Festival. This festival kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony and includes appearances by Santa Claus and live entertainment. Live theatrical shows on two stages continue throughout the monthlong festival. The Freemont Street Experience. For information, call toll-free 800-249-3559.
2 December: Downtown Hoedown. The 17th Annual Downtown Hoedown kicks off the National Finals Rodeo with music from top country singers on stages along five blocks. The Freemont Street Experience. For information, call 702-678-5777, or toll-free 800-249-3559.
2-11 December: Cowboy Christmas Gift Show. At the National Finals Rodeo's crafts show, approximately 400 exhibitors display a variety of western-themed gifts, including western clothing from spurs to belts, jewelry, southwest Native American arts and crafts and pottery, and official PRCA souvenirs. Also rodeo contestant and celebrity autograph sessions, fashion shows and other entertainment. North Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road. For information, call 702-260-8605.
31 December: America's Party New Year's Eve. This large New Year's Eve celebration features a spectacular fireworks show over a 5-mi/8-km stretch of the Strip and live concerts by international superstars. For information, call 702-206-8605.