Well, it’s officially fall weather here on the Ninth Island of Las Vegas, as the seasonal pools are closed and our temps are cooling down. The average daily highs are typically in the upper 60’s, but cool down significantly in the evenings with a 20 degree drop into the 40’s. You certainly want to pack those layers and be sure to bring a jacket along.
Another indicator that November is here is all of the Formula 1 construction that began in September and is now being finalized in anticipation of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which takes place November 20th through November 22nd. This is the third year for the race, and while set up seems to get smoother after each year, there is still the impact from all of the construction and extra additions to the race route that causes both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The vehicle overpasses and lane closures impede our typical traffic routes and the track lighting and grandstands impact pedestrians on the sidewalks, creating more crowds. And of course, the iconic views of the Strip are blocked by these extra additions for the race.
Now during the weekend of the race, the glass on the pedestrian bridges is covered and “no stopping” is enforced. Last year during the race, several videos circulated on social media of race fans trying to catch a peek at the race action going up and down the escalators throughout the Strip. Do keep in mind that traffic is an absolute mess on and around the Strip during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, and even options like the Monorail are overly crowded, as folks try to avoid the streets. You also may not be able to just pop into your favorite restaurant with a view either, as many restaurants charge additional fees for the F1 views. While the race is just one weekend, the track lighting and grandstands stay around through the end of the year.
In addition to the big race, there are several events happening throughout the month of November, so let’s get into it.
Music:
· Junior H, T-Mobile Arena 11/1
· Gino Vannelli, Westgate Las Vegas 11/1
· Kehlani, Fontainebleau 11/1
· Eagles, Sphere 11/1,11/7-8
· Alanis Morissette, The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace 11/1-2
· Jackson Browne, The Venetian 11/1, 11/5, 11/7-8
· New Kids On The Block, Dolby Live at Park MGM 11/1, 11/2, 11/5, 11/7-8, 11/12, 11/14-15
· Kenny G, The Pearl Theater at Palms 11/5
· Santana, House of Blues at Mandalay Bay 11/5-6, 11/8-9, 11/12, 11/15-16
· Barry Manilow, Westgate Las Vegas 11/6-8, 11/13-15
· Brandy & Monica, T-Mobile Arena 11/7
· SEMA Fest, featuring Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Crows and Neon Trees, Las Vegas Convention Center 11/7
· Lea Salonga, Wynn 11/7-8
· Kelly Clarkson, The Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace 11/7-8, 11/14-15
· Geoff Tate, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas 11/7
· Jessica Simpson, Planet Hollywood 11/8
· Heart, Fontainebleau 11/12, 11/14-15
· Babyface, Pearl Theater at Palms 11/14-15
· Manheim Steamroller “Christmas Tour,” The Cosmopolitan 11/15
· BORNS, Wynn 11/16
· Molly Hatchet, Westgate Las Vegas 11/20
· Neon City Festival, Downtown Las Vegas 11/21-23
· Pitbull, Fontainebleau 11/21-22
· Holo Holo Music Festival, Orleans Arena 11/22
· Mariah Carey, “Christmas in Las Vegas,” Dolby Live Park MGM 11/28-29
· Marisela, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas 11/29
Comedy:
· Adam Sandler, Fontainebleau 11/1
· Phil Rosenthal, The Palazzo Theater 11/1
· Sheng Wang, Wynn 11/1
· Jay Leno, MGM Grand 11/1
· Chelsea Handler, The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan 11/1 & 11/29
· Daniel Tosh, The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan 11/8
· Trey Kennedy, The Venetian 11/8
· Kathy Griffen, Planet Hollywood 11/8
· Martin Lawrence, Resorts World Las Vegas 11/15
· Tom Segura, Dolby Live Park MGM 11/21
Sports:
· UFC Fight Night, UFC APEX 11/1 & 11/8
· NHRA Nationals, Las Vegas Motor Speedway 11/1-2
· Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium vs Jaguars 11/2, vs Cowboys 11/17
· Hall of Fame Series (College Basketball) Florida vs Arizona and Villanova vs BYU 11/3
· Vegas Golden Knights, T-Mobile Arena vs Red Wings 11/4, vs Lightning 11/6, vs Ducks 11/8, vs Panthers 11/10, vs Islanders 11/13 vs Rangers 11/18, vs Senators 11/26, vs Sharks 11/29
· Helldorado Days Rodeo Festival, CORE Arena at the Plaza 11/7-8
· Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 11/20-22
· NCAA The Players Era Festival 11/24-27
Of course, in addition to all of these big events all of the regular Las Vegas shows are still going on. And its Vegas, so things get added and cancelled here almost daily. Be sure to stay up to date on the latest Vegas updates by tuning into our weekly Ninth Island Connection podcast, which we post every Monday at 10am PST.
November is also the month that kicks off all of the holiday festivities. The majority of the Christmas themed attractions open mid-November to the end of the month and run through the end of December. Thanksgiving is also a busy long weekend in Vegas, and several restaurants offer special menus on Thanksgiving Day.
We all know that Vegas is an experience in itself, but did you know that there are so many unique, immersive experiences on and near the Strip? We recently checked out three completely different attractions that are a must! First, is The Friends Experience: The One in Vegas, which is located inside of MGM Grand. This is the third location, with one in London and one in New York, but has some uniquely Vegas sets from the episode where the Friends went to Las Vegas. Guests can move from set to set and see the beloved show come to life before their eyes. For more information visit www.friendstheexperience.com
Secondly, we visited the John Wick Experience located at Area 15. This attraction produced by Egan Productions with Lionsgate, is the only John Wick experience in the world! From the moment that you enter the building, you become a guest at the Continental and are transported to iconic moments in the popular movies. Actors guide guests through the experience, which ends in a speakeasy. For more information visit www.johnwickexperience.com
And last, but certainly not least is Bob Marley Hope Road located inside of Mandalay Bay. This immersive experience allows guests to be a part of the show as you dance and move from different rooms during the 75-minute show. With a cast full of Jamaican actors and entertainers, including the granddaughters of the legendary Bob Marley, this authentic show tells his story through interactive moments with the cast, immersive installations, dance and of course his music. For more information visit www.hoperoad.com
