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With Waterslides and Gay Cowboys, Vegas in May Is Impossible to Resist
Spring is in full swing, and the music and party scene in Vegas is in bloom. With events including the biggest gay pool party of the summer and one of the music industry’s biggest nights, the city has ensured no party animals will ever be bored. Don't get overwhelmed by all the activities — we broke down the unmissable events below.
MUSIC
When it comes to amazing mega-events this May, no city has better offerings than Vegas. The legendary Rock in Rio music festival, which takes place in Brazil, Portugal, and Spain, holds its first-ever American event at the City of Rock during two consecutive May weekends: May 8-9 and May 15-16. Taylor Swift, No Doubt, Metallica, and John Legend are just some of the artists who will grace the stage. Since some of the biggest names in music will already be in town, the Billboard Music Awards will appropriately be held in Vegas May 17. With nominees including Swift, Legend, Meghan Trainor, Ariana Grande, and more, expect an incredible night of performances and some amazing parties to follow.
A month before the Electronic Daisy Carnival arrives in town, EDM music fans will want to check out the Ultraviolet World Unity Tour, a combination of some of the world's best DJs and incredible light shows to be held May 9 at Sam Boyd Stadium.
One of the biggest boy bands of all time, New Kids on the Block, are bringing their Main Event tour to the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino May 1. Later in the month, the Divine Miss M herself, Bette Midler, lands at the MGM Grand Garden Arena May 22 for a stop on her It’s the Girls tour. And Romeo Santos, one of the biggest names on the Latin music scene, performs at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino May 24.
PARTIES
There’s a reason May rhymes with gay. This month, there's something for every gay party animal in Las Vegas. First off, Orgullo Latino Las Vegas, May 1-3, is an event sponsored by Las Vegas Pride and is a series of parties for the Vegas' LGBT Latino community. With pool parties, club events, and more it’s going to be a sexy, fun-filled weekend.
Then the Nevada Gay Rodeo Association presents Big Horn Rodeo May 9 and 10 at Horseman's Park. Two weeks later, during Memorial Day Weekend, it’s Cowboy Spring Break at the MGM Resorts Village, and while it’s not specifically a gay weekend, expect to see some LGBT cowboys bucking broncos.
Running from May 22 to 25 is the legendary Matinee event. Matinee is to Las Vegas what White Party is to Palm Springs — but with waterslides. Parties take place all around town, from the SHARE and Rain nightclubs to the Rumor pool to the Cowabunga Bay water park.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
We saved some of the best news for last. Still looking for Memorial Day Weekend plans? Look no further than Vegas. The best DJs in the world will be spinning that weekend. No matter where you go, no matter what club you’re at, you’re guaranteed to have a night filled with incredible music. Here's what to expect:
Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace
Friday, May 22 - Armin Van Buuren
Saturday, May 23 – Martin Garrix
Sunday, May 24 - Afrojack with Apster
Monday, May 25 - Calvin Harris with Burns
Friday, May 22 - Zedd
Saturday, May 23 – Kaskade
Sunday, May 24 – Avicii
Monday, May 25 – David Guetta
Light Nightclub at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
Friday, May 22 – Clockwork
Saturday, May 23 – Alesso
Sunday, May 24 – Carl Cox
Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Friday, May 22 – Andrew Rayel
Saturday, May 23 – Benny Benassi
Sunday, May 24 – Cedric Gervais
Monday, May 25 – Cash Cash
