FestPop’s 2018 Las Vegas Music Festival Travel Guide + CES 2018 Recap
Our mission at FestPop is to simplify music festival discovery and travel. Each music festival offers its own unique atmosphere, lineup, and community. FestPop recognizes fans’ preferences are different, so our main focus is to help music festival fans from all generations discover new music festivals across the globe as well as easily purchase tickets, essentials, and travel packages. Las Vegas has been adding more and more to its lineup over the years. We now have a great mix of music festivals across many genres from Rock, EDM, Indie, Country, and Top 40 Pop. So, grab your festi besti and let’s check out all of these Las Vegas Music Festivals together and what Vegas has to offer in terms of fun attractions, dinning options, Vegas nightclubs and accommodations.
EDC Las Vegas
MAY 18-MAY 21, 2018
FestPop Hotel Packages 40% Discount
You don’t have to partake in any recreational, mind-altering activities to enjoy this festival. EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival) is the biggest trip you’ll ever experience. The grounds of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, get transformed into one big adult playground full of wild attractions, contraptions and the best EDM artists in the industry. Now, go find the weirdest thing you have in your closet (tutu preferred) and head out to EDC, which just so happens to take place each May.
Check out our 2014 EDC Review
iHeart Radio Music Festival
September 22-23 2018
All those nights you spent dancing in your mirror are about to pay off. It’s time to stick out your tongue like Miley Cyrus and head to the iHeart Radio Music Festival. You’ll find all of your favorite pop and hip-hop artists all under the same roof. Don’t faint, we know that you’re overly excited and this is a lot to take in. So if you need more practice, don’t worry because this happens each September.
Life is Beautiful
SEPTEMBER 21-SEPTEMBER 23, 2018
FestPop Hotel Packages 40% Discount
Las Vegas’ premiere music and arts festival, Life is Beautiful is really in a category all its own. Don’t believe us? Well, smarty pants, how about you name another festival that can take over 18 blocks in downtown Las Vegas for three days each September? Yeah, we thought so. Our pompousness aside, everyone who’s anyone has played here, including Kanye West, Foo Fighters, Lorde, Duran Duran, Major Lazer, Tegan and Sara and more. And the art? Just take a stroll through downtown and bask in its glory.
FestPop’s Lib Travel Guide
Route 91 Harvest Festival
Dates TBD
Country fans only come down to Vegas during the winter for the rodeo, right? Wrong. More than 50 headliners like Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Big & Rich, Jake Owen, Florida Georgia Line and others have helped pack an empty lot across from the Luxor with big green tractors and red solo cups for three days each fall. Whoever said that country guys and gals don’t like to have a great time has clearly never been to Route 91 Harvest Festival.
RiSE Lantern Festival
OCTOBER 5-6, 2018
FestPop Hotel Packages 40% Discount
Las Vegas isn’t all glutinous dining and black-out inducing parties (mostly, but not always). Sometimes you just need to recharge your soul. And what better way to do so than by heading out to the desert and checking out the Rise Lantern Festival. No blaring music, no annoying phone service and maybe even better, no gross music festival porta potties. It’s just you, several thousand of your closest friends, a sky lantern, and your dreams. Consider your chi aligned.
LAS RAGEOUS MUSIC FESTIVAL
APRIL 20-APRIL 21, 2018
FestPop Hotel Packages 40% Discount
After a successful debut in 2017, which drew rock and metal fans from around the world with sellout crowds of 10,000 each day, Las Rageous returns for its second year on Friday, April 20th and Saturday, April 21st. The two-day music festival created by Live Nation will take over two square blocks, in the heart of iconic downtown Las Vegas at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
FestPop’s Dining Recommendations
Hash House A Go Go
The LINQ Hotel 3535 Las Vegas Blvd
(More Las Vegas Locations)
♦FestPop’s Pick for Best Breakfast + Best Chicken & Waffles on Planet Earth♦
SkinnyFats
6475 N. Decatur Blvd., 89131 Las Vegas, NV
(More Las Vegas Locations)
♦FestPop’s Pick for Best Lunch for Foodies♦
Launched in June 2013, the counter order concept splits its menu into healthy, or “live happy” choices. Options like bowls, tacos, burgers and sandwiches and monthly specials are given the SkinnyFats twist, often with inventive names, like the “Chickawaffadopolis,” made with “fried chicken tenders piled high over a buttermilk waffle, drizzled in syrup and sprinkled with powdered sugar.” Thank you, Kathryn Alvarez, Manager for a perfect lunch.
Nacho Daddy
Miracle Mile Shops 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd #595 Las Vegas, NV 89109
♦FestPop’s Pick for Best Day Drinking Spot + Best Service + Best Nachos on Planet Earth♦
Nacho Daddy has three locations in the valley, including Summerlin, downtown Las Vegas, and the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. Besides the great food, Nacho Daddy has the best service and managed seamlessly by General Manager Patrick McGraith. Thank you again, Patrick and Aly, for your hospitality.
Sushi Roku
Ceasars 3500 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
♦FestPop’s Pick for Best Sushi in Las Vegas♦
Sushi Roku combines the finest, freshest fish from pristine waters around the globe with the kind of artistry that can only be provided by a mature sushi chef ensuring superlative traditional sushi, together with a splash of California innovation.
Thank you, Emmy Hong, Manager for an amazing dinner and exceptional service.
Hexx Kitchen and Bar
♦FestPop’s Pick for Best Dinner with Views of the Bellagio Fountains + Only Resturant with an in-house Chocolate Factory♦
Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip at Paris Hotel Casino & Resort, HEXX kitchen + bar offers classically approachable cuisine, focusing on fresh, quality-sourced ingredients and Strip-side patio dining with unparalleled views of the Bellagio Fountains. HEXX serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, 24 hours a day, and our food menus are complemented by our unique wine, beer and specialty cocktails. A visit to Las Vegas is not complete without experiencing HEXX. For special events from birthday and bachelorette parties, to anniversary celebrations, to corporate outings, HEXX offers an array of dining options, including a raised dining area and private dining room for larger groups.
Oscar’s Steakhouse
Plaza Hotel & Casino 1 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
♦FestPop’s Pick for Best Pork Chop♦
Experience Old Las Vegas and best Pork Chop we ever tasted. A must-visit restaurant when it comes to fine dining in Downtown Las Vegas, Oscar’s Beef * Booze * Broads offers a classic an unforgettable steakhouse experience.
MB Steak Hard Rock Hotel
HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO – 4455 Paradise Road • Las Vegas, NV 89169
Contact 702.483.4888
♦FestPop’s Pick for Best SteakHouse in Las Vegas♦
Brothers David Morton and Michael Morton have come together to create MB Steak, a luxury steakhouse at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. MB Steak represents the next generation in a long legacy of restaurateurs, which includes their father, legendary restaurateur Arnie Morton, their grandfather Morton C.Thank you Chef Patrick for an amazing dinner.
Blue Ribbon
♦FestPop’s Pick for Best Dinner Experience with a Group of Friends + Best Fried Chicken on Planet Earth♦
Chefs and restaurateurs Bruce and Eric Bromberg bring their vision of true American cuisine to the new Blue Ribbon restaurant at The Cosmopolitan, with a menu that is a melting pot of worldly influence and the chefs’ culinary education and escapades. Chef Jason thank you again for an amazing dinner.
Tom’s Urban
New York New York Casino, 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
♦FestPop’s Pick for Best Hangover Brunch♦
Tom’s Urban literally has something for everybody with its unique and eclectic blend of the world’s favorite street foods. From signature dishes such as the Slopper and Asian Crispy Duck Wings, to America’s favorite streets food like burgers, buffalo wings, sandwiches, and more, there’s something for everyone. Thank you Jonathan Venegas, Assistant General Manager for the perfect brunch.
FestPop’s Nightclub Recommendations
XS The Nightclub at Encore
♦FestPop’s Pick for Best Las Vegas NightClub♦
If you’re in Vegas on a Sunday, XS inside the ENCORE is your “go-to” club. The club is inspired by the sexy curves of the human body. More than 10,000 individual light sources illuminate the club, and focal features include gold leaf body forms, outdoor VIP cabanas, an illuminated outdoor pool and a large circular dance floor surrounded by VIP tables. And for you, Music Festival ballers check out “Ono” is highlighted by Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie 1981 and Louis XIII de Remy Martin Black Pearl cognac, with a price of $10,000.
Thank you so much, Stanley Atlasman, General Mgr, and Ronn Nicolli, Sr, Director of Marketing for the hospitality. You gentlemen are a class act.
Table reservations (702-770-0097) are highly recommended. XS is the place to be for Vegas locals on Sunday and Monday nights—free admission with Nevada identification—and the cover for visitors starts at $20 for ladies and $30 for the gentleman. Open Friday through Monday from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., XS is located on The Esplanade at Encore.
Jewel Nightclub ARIA Resort & Casino
JEWEL Nightclub a distinct venue cut and polished to perfection, inside ARIA Resort & casino. Spanning more than 24,000 square feet of precisely designed space, JEWEL is as inviting as it is evocative; a rare ambient delight that must be experienced to be appreciated.
OMNIA Caesars Palace
Omnia Nightclub Las Vegas in Caesars Palace features an unprecedented line-
Chateau Rooftop Nightclub Paris Las Vegas
Chateau’s Rooftop provides an unparalleled outdoor nightlife experience. Located beneath the iconic replica of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, space spans 22,000 square feet and offers a dancefloor, high-energy lighting, VIP bottle service and panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline.
Hakkasan Nightclub MGM Grand
Home to world-famous DJs Calvin Harris, Tiësto, Steve Aoki and Hardwell, Hakkasan is one of the most exciting and successful nightlife/restaurant designs ever conceived
FestPop’s Fun Activity Recommendation
minus5° Ice Experience inside the Mandalay Bay Hotel
Sunday – Thursday: 11am-2am
Friday – Saturday: 11am-3am
3930 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
(View Map & Get Directions)
702-740-5800
minus5° Ice Experience, where everything is made of ice! Come chill with over 90 tons of ice while exploring a winter wonderland filled with amazing, interactive ice sculptures. This unique, one-of-a-
After your Minus5 experience defrost in the sports bar and play beer pong, pool, or watch some sports. Thank Marc Siebmann, General Manager for a super fun experience me and my staff will never forget.
Best Hotel For Music Festival Fans
THE LINQ
Caesars Entertainment redefines Vegas’ iconic skyline with The LINQ, an open-
• Rooms are small but clean and comfortable with modern décor
• Mattresses are comfortable; good supply of pillows
• Hotel has nice relaxation options (pool and spa)
• Easy access to a nice variety of nearby dining options at various price points
• Selection of gaming options in the casino is fine for me (not a serious gambler)
• Self-check-in is quick, easy and really convenient (but, you have no say in your room assignment*)
• Full-sized hair dryer; iron/ironing board; mini-fridge; small bottles of water.
• Catalyst Bar is a nice place to watch sports, the bartenders are fun and friendly, and the mixed drinks are great, too!
• “Ivy,” the Linq’s new text/automated customer service concierge is a useful tool, and they are quick to respond
4 of the Best Wearables of CES 2018:
The Greatest Tech for Music Festival Fans
You May soon be Wearing at Coachella
(Last Year I Recorded 120 miles Walking from Stage to Stage at Coachella on My FITBIT)
Garmin Forerunner 645 Music
One of the most fitness-centric devices this year at CES was from mainstay Garmin, but it’s the first time the brand has brought music integration to a watch, and the news was very welcome. The Forerunner 645 Music is a fully fledged running watch – something the company specializes in and usually succeeds in making – but this time you’re able to upload tracks and listen to them via a Bluetooth headset, or even stream using Deezer (or iHeart Radio in the US).
Garmin Vivofit 4
Unlike the Forerunner 645 Music above, this is a very affordable wearable but comes with fewer features to keep the price down. That said, the Vivofit 4 is still an impressive fitness tracker considering the low price. It comes with what Garmin says should be a full year of battery life, as well as a color display that shows off your daily stats including the weather, your step count and calories burned.
Suunto 3 Fitness
This isn’t the top Suunto watch you’ll be able to buy in 2018 as it doesn’t come with a GPS tracker, but it does come with an adaptive fitness feature that you may find useful. It’s called Adaptive Training Guidance and sets you up for a series of sessions it prompts you to complete a workout. If you miss a session it’ll automatically be rearranged for a later date, so you won’t miss out or have to rearrange your diary yourself.
Misfit Path
This one is a less adventurous watch, but the Misfit Path looks to be another fashionable hybrid from a brand that specializes in fitness trackers that also aren’t embarrassing to wear on a night out. Path is the smallest hybrid watch the company has ever made, so it should be suitable if you have a slimmer wrist and don’t want it dominated by a gargantuan watch.
In a somewhat different direction, Insta360’s Nano S turns your iPhone into a spherical camera. You can shoot in 4K 360° on the go and capture everything you see, then frame what you like best. Real-time stabilization gives you smooth footage and with the MultiView feature, you can arrange your best views in one frame.
Editor-in-Chief + Founder