Entertainment Columns

“Viva Veracruz” opens at Planet Hollywood Resort for a four-month run on Aug. 11, showcasing the music, dance and folklore of Mexico’s state of Veracruz.

Colorful Bryce Canyon packs huge scenic appeal

Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah features deep, vividly colored amphitheaters at the eroded eastern edge of a high, forested plateau, each filled with weirdly carved formations, arches and canyons.

Prince, U2 tribute shows close, but are not exact

The Prince salute “Purple Reign” is back in business at the D Las Vegas downtown. Jason Tenner’s take on His Funky Majesty has been rock solid for more than 15 years. But if you spent more of the ’80s listening to “The Joshua Tree,” there’s Arms of America, a U2 tribute playing through Aug. 18 at the Sin City Theatre in Planet Hollywood Resort.

Guy Fieri’s exactly what it should be, where it should be

When Guy Fieri’s American Kitchen & Bar opened in Times Square a couple of years ago, The New York Times ran a review that became famous for its snark. Yeah, we’re not going to do that.

Route 91 coming to Vegas, but what is it?

Ticket sales begin Friday for “Route 91 Harvest,” an Oct. 3-5 festival in the lot actually called The Lot, across Las Vegas Boulevard from the Luxor and Mandalay Bay.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ takes huge risks, is justifiably rewarded

The trailer for “Guardians of the Galaxy” debuted in February, and its peculiar tone, coupled with its liberal use of Blue Swede’s “Hooked on a Feeling,” made it the one summer blockbuster I was verifiably tingly to see.

field	question	answer
i_1	I'm staying on the Strip. What's a must-see attraction?	The Las Vegas Strip is full of iconic sights. We narrowed down the list to a handful that you can check out for free or at a (relatively) low cost. The attractions range from a free, 14,000-square-foot garden at Bellagio to riding a gondola through the Venetian, as well as The High Roller, Shark Reef, Sphere Experience, rides at the Strat and The Fountains of Bellagio. Check out the attractions.
i_2	Where should I grab a drink in downtown Las Vegas?	As the downtown Arts District has grown in recent years, so has its bar scene. We highlight five of the best spots to grab a cold one or a high-end cocktail. This list has something for everyone, including a punk rock dive bar, a hidden experimental cocktail bar, locals' favorites and many more. Stop by Liquid Diet, Velveteen Rabbit, Berlin Bar, Rebar, Garagiste and others. Check it out.
i_3	What are the most unique experiences in Las Vegas?	Plenty of gems throughout the Silver State await those who are willing to wander outside of the Las Vegas Valley. For those with desert wanderlust — or who would enjoy a skydiving free fall with views of Hoover Dam at 120 mph — the list is fodder for bucket lists and exploration. It also includes a hot spring in ghost town Gold Point, mining Nevada's state gemstone, climbing Mount Whitney near Reno, zip-lining the Fremont Street Experience and clear-boat canoeing on Lake Tahoe. Read the guide.
i_4	What are some family-friendly things to do in Las Vegas?	The first day of school is fast approaching for K-12 students, but there’s still time for summer fun. Whether the family wants to get up close and personal with wildlife, explore nature, experience immersive art or cool off in a nice pool, Las Vegas offers something for everyone before school bells toll again Aug. 12. This includes seeing big cats at Lion Habitat Ranch, the Flamingo wildlife habitat, the "origins of Las Vegas" at Springs Preserve and more. See our guide.
i_5	Which resort pools admit Las Vegas locals?	As the sun beats hotter and hotter on the Las Vegas Valley throughout the summer, locals without an easy way to cool down may find themselves jealous of the tourists relaxing on their poolside lounge chairs. But there’s no need for bad vibes. Several resorts around the Las Vegas Valley allow area residents into their resort pool areas — some even for free, like Palms and Park MGM. Get your swim on.
i_6	I want to hit the club but don't know where to start. Where should I go?	Twenty-thousand-pound chandeliers, lighting rigs designed to look like spacecraft and $40,000 bottle service. No, there’s nothing quite like the nightlife scene in Las Vegas. But with so many high-end clubs vying for your dollar (dollars by the thousand, to be more accurate), where to begin? Right here with this guide to some of the biggest and best spots on the Strip: Drai's, Hakkasan, Marquee, Omnia and others.