Vegas Happenings March 5th-March March 11th, 2017

Are you traveling to Las Vegas next week? If you are tired of the casinos and are looking for something a little different to do, here is your chance to experience Las Vegas like a local! 

Check out this list hidden treasures and unusual events every Wednesday. 

March 5th, 2017

Las Vegas Track Club Weekly Run

The Las Vegas Track Club's weekly training runs are open to all skill levels: brand new runners, walkers and experienced racers alike. The group is open to newcomers and meets at Cornerstone Park in Henderson every Sunday at 6:30 a.m., rain or shine. The group covers distances from 1 mile to 20 miles; you decide how far you want to go, and the group will support and encourage you. 

Contact timothyhkelly@aol.com if you have any questions. 

6:30am-9:30 am
Cornerstone Park, 1600 Wigwam Parkway, Henderson, NV 89074

Ride the Southern Nevada Railway

This one is about 30-40 minutes from the Strip, recommend you take a rental car for this.

The Southern Nevada Railway train runs each Saturday and Sunday from the Nevada State Railroad Museum, 600 Yucca Street, Boulder City, NV. Trains depart at 10 a.m., 11:30 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. For more information, call 486-5933 or go to www.NevadaSouthern.com

March 6, 2017

Open Blues Jam at Boomer's

Start your week off with a little bit of blues as Boomers hosts the Open Blues Jam with the band Four Until Late. 
3200 West Sirius Avenue, Las Vegas NV 
http://www.boomerslv.com/

.March 7th, 2017

Unique Massive at Double Down Saloon

Known the world over as the Happiest Place On Earth, the Double Down Saloon has been bringing a much needed sophistication to Las Vegas since 1992. Interplanetary abstract. Urban decay. The anti-Vegas. Double Down is indeed a clubhouse for the lunatic fringe.

LIVE MUSIC • POOL • PINBALL

Always expect the unexpected as vivid chaotic murals cover every inch of walls and ceiling while disturbing videos come at you from all directions.

HOME OF THE FABLED ASS JUICE

BIRTHPLACE OF THE ORIGINAL BACON MARTINI

Want to know more? Don’t bust our balls. All you need to know is that we are at 4640 Paradise Road, one block south of the Hard Rock Hotel.

Every Tuesday night at midnight, Unique Massive puts on a performance filled with creative freestyle music formations that come from both heart and soul. 

http://doubledownsaloon.com/

March 8th, 2017

Live music at Tivoli Village

Tivoli Village invites you to enjoy live music at View Wine Bar & Kitchen Sunday-Tuesday from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday from 6-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1-3 p.m. Live music can also be enjoyed at La Casa Cigars & Lounge Thursday-Saturday beginning at 7 p.m. 

440 S. Rampart Blvd. Las Vegas, NV

http://www.tivolivillagelv.com/

March 9th, 2017

Downtown Podcast

• Be on tv as a guest for the filming of this Las Vegas late night talk show, every Thursday - 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• 107 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV
• http://www.vegastalk.show/

March 10, 2017

NASCAR Weekend

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

7000 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Las Vegas, NV

Purchase your tickets to see all of your favorite drivers in fabulous Las Vegas for the March 10–12, 2017, NASCAR Weekend. Fans can also experience the one-of-a-kind Neon Garage featuring live music and entertainment all weekend long. It's your up-close view of the garages from behind the glass and a great view of Victory Lane. Driver Introduction and Lucky 7 Preferred Parking Passes also are available. The event weekend includes the Kobalt 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race, the Boyd Gaming 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race and Stratosphere Pole Day.

http://www.lvms.com/tickets/2017_nascar_weekend/

The Beatles Love Open Rehearsal

Cirque du Soleil welcomes Las Vegas visitors and locals to get an inside look at its production The Beatles LOVE as it reveals the astounding athleticism behind some of the world’s best acrobatic performers. Fans will have the rare opportunity to observe cast members from the show as they rehearse.

The complimentary open viewings will take place at the LOVE Theatre inside Mirage. Guests of all ages are welcome to attend.

• Every Sunday - 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Every Friday - 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival

Friday through Sunday: Three days of  carnival, festival and entertainment! 
Saturday: Parade from 10am-noon, Car show from noon-5pm

Henderson Events Plaza
200 S. Water Street, Henderson, NV


http://www.cityofhenderson.com/henderson-happenings/events/special-events/st-patricks-day-parade-and-festival

March 11, 2017

Run Away with Cirque du Soleil 

Spend the day taking photos with Cirque du Soleil performers, listening to live music and enjoying complimentary refreshments from Whole Foods and Starbucks at this annual 5K run and one-mile fun walk. This year, participants are encouraged to dress up in Cirque-inspired outfits. 

7am-Noon

333 S. Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV

https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/about/global-citizenship/promo/runaway.aspx

https://www.springspreserve.org/

Have you done any of these events? I'm going to try to make it to the Run Away With Cirque day at Springs Preserve. Share what you did this week in the comments below. :)

12 Cool Things To Do In Vegas Without Spending a Dime

Las Vegas is most known for gambling, dining and nightlife. But did you know about all of the free entertainment and cool things to see? Here is a list of must-see attractions that will keep you busy for days- without spending a dime!

1. Fremont Street Experience

Located in Downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street is where you can find many of the older, well known casinos in Las Vegas. Binion's, Four Queens and Golden Nugget are just a few. But even if you don't want to gamble, there is no shortage of things to see and do on Fremont Street. The Viva Vision light show is probably the first thing most people think of when it comes to Fremont Street. This 1,500 foot long, 90 foot  wide video screen canopy covers much of Fremont Street and contains 12.5 million LED lights. From dusk to midnight, the Viva Vision show runs every hour and features concert quality sound. Past shows have included music by The Who, The Doors, Bon Jovi and more. 

Photo by Vegasexperience.com

If that isn't enough, you can experience Fremont Street from above on the SlotZilla zipline (there is a charge for this ride), enjoy live music at one of the many free concerts right on Fremont, browse the kiosk shops along the promenade, and have dinner at the famous Heart Attack Grill. Double Bypass Burger, anyone?

Photo by Vegasexperience.com

2. Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

If you're looking for something fun, free and family friendly, be sure to visit the wildlife habitat at the Flamingo. This habitat covers 15 acres and is home to pelicans, turtles, koi fish, swans.. and of course, flamingos! It's hard to believe you're still on the Las Vegas Strip as you explore the beautiful grounds with lush foliage, streams and waterfalls. Be sure to bring a camera. The habitat is open daily from dawn until dusk. Get there by 8:30 am or 2:00 pm and watch them feed the pelicans!

Photo by ExploringLasVegas.com

3. Cirque du Soleil Open Rehearsals

This is news to me! I had no idea that Cirque allows people to watch their rehearsal, but that has to be one of the coolest free events I've heard of. Every Saturday from 3:00-3:30 PM, visitors will have exclusive access to the Mystere theatre at Treasure Island to watch the Cirque du Soleil athletes and dancers prepare for that evenings performance. The website also mentions an exclusive gift offer- I'm not sure what that is but in the past there has been a discount price on a pair of tickets to the show. I saw Mystere back when it first opened many years ago, and I highly recommend going to see it if you can. 

Photo by  Cirquedusoleil.com

4. Pawn Stars

If you've ever watched the History Channel's reality show, Pawn Stars, then you are already familiar with the Gold & Silver Pawn shop and the entertaining guys who run it. While you are in Vegas, you can visit the pawn shop yourself and see some of the items that have been featured on the show. Meeting the stars from the show can be hit or miss- there is no specific time when they may be there, but according to Vegas.com, they are at the shop fairly often. I've been there once and didn't see them, but it's still worth the trip. The pawn shop has thousands of rare and unique items to see, and you can even bring in items to be appraised. 

Photo by ABCnews.com

5. Aria Fine Art Collection

If you are a lover of the arts, be sure to visit the free walking tour at the Aria Fine Arts Collection, located at CityCenter. Here, you will be able to enjoy paintings and sculptures by artists such as Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Frank Stella and many others. 

Photo by Aria.com

6. Bellagio Conservatory

You need to see this. No, really. You need to see this. The Bellagio Conservatory is a 14,000 square foot art installation made almost entirely out of flowers. The exhibit changes each season, and each visit will reward you with a breathtaking showcase of of trees, flower and plants.

Photo by Reviewjournal.com

 7. Fountains of Bellagio

While you're there, don't forget to watch the fountain show out in front of the Bellagio. Visitors will enjoy a choreographed show of water woven with lights and classical, opera, Broadway and pop tunes, throughout the day and night. Times vary depending on the season and day of the week, so check the website or ask within the casino for current run times. 

Photo by Bellagio.com

8. Ethel M Chocolate Factory

Anyone with a sweet tooth and a craving for chocolate may be tempted to visit the Ethel M factory. There's a self guided viewing aisle where you can watch the chocolate and other candy being made, plus a chance to explore the beautiful three-acre botanical cactus gardens outside. I haven't been to Ethel M's since I was a little kid, but I do recall  there being cactus candy for purchase, as well! 

Photo by EthelM.com

9. Fall of Atlantis at Caesar's Forum Shops

While the forum shops at Caesar's Palace are impressive enough as it is, you must be sure to catch the Fall of Atlantis show while you're there. How does pyrotechnics of fire, water, and 9-foot tall talking statues sound? This show tells the story of King Atlantis deciding which one of his two feuding children will rule the throne. Oh, did I mention the 20 foot long winged dragon? If that isn't enough, the Forum Shops also features a 50,000 gallon saltwater aquarium with over 300 fish, including poisonous puffer fish, sharks and stingrays! 

Photo by Vegas.com

10. Mirage Volcano

The volcano show at the Mirage is probably one of the attractions along the strip that Las Vegas is most known for. It's been erupting since the Mirage opened in 1989, but the show was updated many years ago to also include new music, lighting and sound effects. After a $25 million redesign in 2008, it's even better than ever. The music is a collaboration by Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead and an Indian music composer by the name of Zakir Hussain. Show times generally start after 7pm, depending on the day and season. 

Photo by Roig61

11. Grand Canal Shoppes Streetmosphere at the Venetian

The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian is one of my favorite places in Las Vegas to visit. Walk along cobblestone walkways beneath illuminated, painted sky ceilings that make you feel like you're on the streets of Venice. Over 160 upscale shops and restaurants line the canal with real gondola rides, singing gondoliers, street performers and living statues. It's a beautiful place to window shop and people watch. 

Photo by DoVegasDeals.com

12. Palazzo Waterfall Atrium

I have never been to the Palazzo before, so I have not seen the waterfall atrium first hand. But after reading up on it and seeing the pictures, I'm adding this to my list of places to go as soon as possible. According to Vegas.com, you will find a stunning man made landscape surrounding a multi-story atrium with a soaring waterfall, domed skylight and exotic flowers. Since this is located at the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, you'll easily be able to check two things off your list of things to see on the same day. 

Photo by VegasBright.com

I hope this list provides you with plenty of fun ideas for your next trip to Las Vegas! Comment below and share which one was your favorite.