It’s September and the unofficial end of summer is here with Labor Day Weekend. Even though the temperatures are still around 100 degrees the pool parties and dayclubs are starting to wind down for the season.
While the outdoor parties are ending, the big professional sports teams that call Las Vegas home are starting their seasons. The Las Vegas Raiders and UNLV Rebels are kicking off their respective regular seasons this month.
The Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights are dropping the puck on their exhibition season before the month ends.
September in Las Vegas is for new beginnings and the much-anticipated U2 residency begins later this month as The Sphere finally opens its doors.
The temperatures dropping mean that spending the day outside won’t be unbearable. One of the most popular music and entertainment takes over downtown Las Vegas this month.
Labor Day Weekend in Las Vegas
Since there are so many people visiting Las Vegas for the unofficial end of summer, Labor Day Weekend is packed with entertainment options from day to night. The fun starts while the sun is still out on Friday with popular performers in the day clubs:
Fri. Sept. 1
- Dillon Francis and Cody Ko at Encore Beach Club (Wynn Las Vegas)
- Eric D-Lux at Marquee Dayclub (The Cosmopolitan)
- Nervo at Ayu Dayclub (Resorts World)
- Timmy Trumpet at Tao Beachclub (The Venetian)
Sat. Sept. 2
- Alesso at Tao Beachclub (The Venetian)
- DJ Pauly D at Marquee Dayclub (The Cosmopolitan)
- Marshmello at Encore Beach Club (Wynn Las Vegas)
- Rick Ross at Drai’s Beach Club (The Cromwell)
- Steve Aoki at Wet Republic Ultra Pool (MGM Grand)
- Tiësto at Ayu Dayclub (Resorts World)
Some of the same performers and more will be performing at the nightclubs inside of the same casinos.
Additionally, Encore Beach Club doubles up the pool party at night with performances from Dom Dolla and Tyga on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively.
Las Vegas residencies in September
The clubs aren’t the only venues focusing on entertainment during Labor Day Weekend. Some of the biggest Las Vegas residencies will take place on the busy weekend.
- Adele at Caesars Palace: Sept. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
- Erika Jayne at Mandalay Bay: Sept. 1, 3,22, 23
- Lady Gaga (Jazz & Piano show) at Park MGM: Sept. 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 28, 30
- The B-52s at The Venetian: Sept. 2, 3
- Luke Bryan at Resorts World: Sept. 2, 3, 6, 8, 9
- Donny Osmond at Harrah’s: Sept. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
- Van Morrison at Planet Hollywood: Sept. 6, 8, 9
- Carrie Underwood at Resorts World: Sept. 20, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30
- Tesla at Mandalay Bay: Sept. 29, 30
- U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at The Sphere: Sept. 29, 30
Las Vegas show news and rumors
Several resident artists and shows recently announced extensions into 2024. There are also a few rumors that include performers at a new casino and a concert venue.
Bruno Mars added five shows to his Park MGM residency just in time for the holidays later this year. The shows will take place on Dec. 22, 23, 28, 30, and 31.
Shania Twain is returning to Planet Hollywood next year with 24 shows beginning in May.
The B-52’s return to The Venetian for five shows next April. Hopefully, their special treats return to Pinkbox Donuts next year too.
Rumor has it that Post Malone will take the stage at the soon-to-open Fontainebleau Las Vegas. It’s also rumored that Justin Timberlake will perform a private show for VIPs when the casino opens later this year.
The Sphere will open with the US residency this month and the operator plans to announce resident performers soon. The latest rumor is that The Eagles could be one of the resident artists announced. Previously Phish and Harry Styles have been linked to the newest Las Vegas arena.
Big shows in Las Vegas this September
Summer touring season is winding down and the are a handful of arena shows taking place in Las Vegas in September.
- Drake and 21 Savage at T-Mobile Arena: Sept. 1 and 2
- LL Cool J, The Roots, Salt n Peppa, Ice-T, and more at MGM Grand: Sept. 2
- Jonas Brothers at MGM Grand: Sept. 8
- Ed Sheeran at Allegiant Stadium: Sept. 9
The Life Is Beautiful festival takes over downtown Las Vegas from Sept. 22 – 24. There will be 75 performers on seven stages throughout downtown Las Vegas. Kendrick Lamar and The Killers are among the music headliners over the weekend.
The calling card for Life is Beautiful may be the music but the festival has culinary, art, and other experiences all weekend long. Some Vegas Strip shows like Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, and Jabbawockeez will also stop by the festival.
A different kind of festival will take place at T-Mobile Arena on Sept. 22 and 23. The iHeart Radio Music Festival will feature Foo Fighters, Kane Brown, Lil Wayne, Fallout Boy, and more during the two-day festival.
NFL and NHL season gets into full swing
September is also the beginning of the regular season of pro and college football. Hockey season just starts to get rolling as the month comes to an end.
Here are some game days and nights to keep in mind when visiting Las Vegas in September:
- Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium: Sept. 24
- UNLV Rebels at Allegiant Stadium: Sept. 2, 16, 30
- Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena: Sept. 27, 29
Tickets for UNLV football games are less expensive than tours of Allegiant Stadium for anyone who wants to check out one of the newest stadiums in the country.
While we’re discussing sports, let’s look at how popular golf attractions are becoming in Las Vegas.
Topgolf at MGM Grand is so popular that The Strat will be opening a very similar concept called Atomic Range later this year.
Next year Mandalay Bay will be adding an adult mini-golf venue named Swingers. The 40,000 square foot “Crazy Golf” venue will have five putt-putt courses, adult beverages, and DJs.
Popstroke will be opening a couple of miles south of Mandalay Bay at Town Square during the first quarter of next year. This family-friendly venue will have two mini golf courses, a restaurant, and a beer garden.
Las Vegas news and rumors
PlayUSA covered a lot of the important news in Las Vegas as it happened in August but there’s always a little more happening. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s new in Las Vegas or coming soon.
The biggest news won’t begin until next year when The Cosmopolitan finally becomes an MGM Rewards property. Beginning Sept. 20, the property will start charging hotel guests for parking unless they have a rewards program tier that waives the fees. This fee was previously waived for hotel guests.
MGM Resorts is close to finishing enclosing the walkway that goes from Vdara to Cosmopolitan and Bellagio. Below is a preview.
Walk from Vdara to Cosmo to Bellagio pic.twitter.com/i3YFlPcdR1
— Marc (@MeltzVegas) August 14, 2023
Beginning Sept. 5, The Venetian (and The Palazzo) will start charging visitors and hotel guests for self-parking. The property already charges for valet. The self-parking fees have been rumored for a while since the property is so close to The Sphere, which has a capacity of 20,000 with little to no parking.
Also, The Venetian’s renovated sportsbook just reopened. Say goodbye to the hideous red desks and office chairs and hello to couches and lounge chairs!
Station Casinos announced that its newest off-strip property, Durango Resort, will open on Monday, Nov., 20.
Casino Royale may be coming to its last days. The owner has permission to build one of the tallest buildings on the Vegas Strip where the low roller casino currently operates. Stay tuned for details.
It’s not surprising to see additional fees when dining in some Las Vegas restaurants. Giada at The Cromwell charges a fee for a seat with a view of the Vegas Strip. The Bedford by Martha Stewart inside Paris is charging $25 for a special table inside the restaurant.
