Culture

Las Vegas is not really the hub of the literati. But it does draw wide attention from entertainment aficionados from all over the world. It provides great mellifluous orchestra and ballet troupes. The city is home to a great number of live theaters, circus antics, and dances and magic. The UNLV Performing Arts Center, Cottage Grove Street and Maryland Parkway house numerous auditoriums, including the Artemus Ham Concert Hall and the Judy Bayley Theatre.

There are numerous hotels offering concierge services like door-to-door delivery of tickets for major concerts and shows. Tourists can buy tickets online or from the venue. Shows taking place at the West Las Vegas Arts Center are on the house.

Theater events are an important part of the city's cultural scene. Numerous theaters around the city host various shows ranging from Shakespearean plays and other classics to lively musicals. The scores of auditoriums host some of the world's best performers, from singers and musicians to standup comedians and magicians. Many of the theaters and auditoriums are situated within one of the large Las Vegas hotels. Hence, visitors are advised to constantly check the websites for regular updates.

A. Music

Since Las Vegas is famed as an entertainment destination, music inevitably becomes an integral part of all related activities, whether it is a visit to a local nightclub or a lounge bar. The music in the city has evolved over a period of time. The arrival of several music bars and clubs in the city have given an impetus to new talent to come to the forefront. Several local bands such as The Killers and Panic! have made it big in the national music scene.

Unlike the other parts of the United States, hip-hop music does not enjoy a large audience in Las Vegas. Here, the tastes are more in tune with rock, country and pop, the first two being most appreciated. Live music has become a popular form of entertainment in Las Vegas. The lesser known artists perform at the smaller clubs, while the larger clubs at famous resorts and hotels host celebrities such as Sir Elton John, Celine Dion, Chris Isaak and Rod Stewart.

While rock and country are preferred for live acts, the clubs in Vegas usually prefer to play lounge music.

The Las Vegas Philharmonic is the city's resident orchestra that performs at the Artemus Ham Concert Hall, in the UNLV Performing Arts Center.

B. Language

English is the sole language spoken in Las Vegas.

C. Major Events

Being a major cultural hub in the state of Nevada, the city of Las Vegas hosts several events around the year. Some of the popular annual events are:

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

The annual parade, held in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., is held on the Saturday prior to his birthday, January 12. The parade runs along Fourth Street and comprises of floats, marching bands, and an award ceremony to appreciate the efforts of those who have helped society.

Las Vegas Marathon

Thousands participate and several more witness this 26-mile charity run through downtown Las Vegas. Parties and banquets, before and after the race are the other attractions at this event. Over the years, the prize money has increased and now stands at about US $400,000. The event takes place either in December or toward the end of January.

Chinese New Year

Held around the first week of February, the Chinese New Year is sponsored by the Las Vegas Asian-Pacific Cultural Center and feature several different events and programs around the city.

NASCAR Weekend

The month of March witnesses the revving of the thunderous engines at the Las Vegas Speedway. Three days of NASCAR racing attracts race fans from all over the country.

Monster Jam World Finals

If you love monster trucks then this event is a must see. The monster struck mayhem takes place at the Sam Boyd Stadium in the third week of March.

Fremont Street Mardi Gras

A reenactment of the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade, the Fremont Street Mardi Gras features similar Cajun bands and floats and offers visitors loads of excitement around the third week of April.

City of Lights Jazz Festival

The last week of April features the annual jazz festival which brings together the best jazz musicians from around the country at the Hills Park in Summerlin.

Fourth of July Fireworks

Although the special day is celebrated all over the United States, the firework display in Las Vegas is worth a special mention. A number of venues including the Las Vegas Speedway, Desert Breeze Park, the Stratosphere Lounge and the Primm Valley Casino host some of the most spectacular firework displays you will ever see.

Newport Pacific Jazz Festival

The Newport Pacific Jazz Festival showcases a number of jazz greats from around the country. The proceeds of the festival go to the Sharon Osborne Colon Cancer Program and the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra. The event is held in the month of August.

San Gennaro Feast

Held in the month of September, the festival is held in the honor of San Gennaro and features live entertainment, food vendors and a carnival.

Art in the Park

Held in the first week of October at the Bicentennial Park in Boulder City, this event features artists, jewelers, painters and other craftsman who come together to celebrate the fine arts. The proceeds of the event go to the Boulder City Hospital Foundation.

Rodeo National Finals

The month of December features some of the best bone-crunching rodeo action. The best riders from around the world gather in Vegas at the Thomas and Mack Center for some bronco bucking, calf roping and steer wrestling.

New Year's Eve Celebrations

The entire city of Las Vegas, and the Strip in particular, come alive with partying crowds, floats, parades and other colorful celebrations.