Strong headlining lineup set for downtown’s F1 weekend party

Famous figures and diversity are dotting downtown’s supplemental event to the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The Neon City Festival has announced its first set of headliners for November: Rapper-actor Fat Joe, renowned DJ Kaskade, EDM star and Vegas stage vet Marshmello, electronic music, robot-inspired act Subtronics (developed by Jesse Kardon) and alternative rockers The Fray.

In its third year as an affordable counter to the Formula One race, NCF is set for Nov. 20 to 22. Additional headliners, and details about the festival’s widespread experiences, are to be announced (go to neoncityfestival.com for intel).

The party is free and open to all ages. Performances cover the three stages at the Fremont Street Experience, with the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center activated for the fest. DLVEC is still used for select events as it transforms to a parking lot/live entertainment space.

Along with the performances, NCF stages Las Vegas food and beverage vendors, art installations and immersive entertainment.

A wide-ranging team has coalesced around NCF. Circa, Golden Gate and D Las Vegas co-owner Derek Stevens (characteristically) is the event’s visionary and creator. Circa Vice President of Operations Jeff Victor is the event’s CEO. The fest is a partnership between the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Fremont Street Experience and the media corporation Audacy.

“There’s nothing like the energy of Neon City Festival, and this year’s headliners are just the beginning,” Victor said in a statement. “From electronic dance music and alternative rock to hip-hop and timeless favorites, we’re excited to welcome an incredible group of artists to downtown Las Vegas.”

LVCVA President and CEO Steve Hill said the event “adds another dimension to one of Las Vegas’s biggest weekends.” He also noted the chance to experience “the energy and character of downtown.”

“The festival has grown significantly since its debut in 2024, and we are grateful to the partners and downtown leaders whose collaboration brings it to life each year,” Hill said.

Stevens added, “This festival was designed to celebrate the vibrancy of downtown Las Vegas, and every year we continue to raise the bar. This first look at our lineup is only the beginning, and we look forward to sharing even more exciting announcements in the weeks ahead.”

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him atjkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.