Locals Only: From Stardust to cupcakes
For those of you who moved to Las Vegas after 2006, when the Stardust closed to make way for an eyesore of ugly steel, you’re in luck.
The iconic hotel is being celebrated with a special program at the Neon Museum, 770 Las Vegas Blvd. North.
“Stardust Showgirls” will commemorate the 55th anniversary of the hotel’s opening at 7 p.m. Thursday with a panel discussion including former showgirl Akee Levin, oral historian Joyce Marshall Moore and historian and author Lisa Gioia Acres.
A reception for Neon Museum members to meet the panelists will begin at 6:15 p.m. Light refreshments will be available.
The panel is part of the museum’s ongoing “Times of the Signs” series that explores the history of some of the more than 150 signs preserved in the museum’s Neon Boneyard.
Reservations are required and may be made by emailing RSVP@neonmuseum.org or by calling 702-650-8404.
A $5 donation is suggested for each attendee.
For more information, see www.neonmuseum.org.
Film festival
The Anthem Film Festival, a gathering of libertarian filmmakers and filmgoers, continues through Saturday on the mezzanine level at Planet Hollywood Resort. It’s part of FreedomFest, billed as “the world’s largest gathering of free minds.” For more information and a complete schedule, see anthemfilmfestival.com. Or don’t. We’re certainly not telling you what to do.
Love songs
Love is all you need — and all you’ll get at the “L.O.V.E.” Cabaret, which features local performers singing Broadway favorites about (what else?) love, loss, relationships and friendships, at 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Onyx Theatre, 853 E. Sahara Ave. For tickets ($20), call 702-732-7225 or go online to www.onyxtheatre.com.
Cupcake contest
It’ll be the battle of the buttercreams at the Suncoast on Sunday, as 100 bakers compete for the title of Best Cupcake Baker in Las Vegas. Those attending will get to vote for their favorite cupcake, based on appearance and presentation, with the top 10 moving to the final round to be judged by a panel including Justin Willman of “Cupcake Wars.” Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and younger, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Three Square food bank. For tickets, go to BakeLV.com.
Nico Vega
L.A. coed rockers Nico Vega have a local connection: singer Aja Volkman is married to Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds. Catch the band at 8 p.m. Friday at Hard Rock Live, 3771 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 day of show; call 702-650-8590.