Special Events in Las Vegas

With more than 40 hotels, casinos and resorts providing lavish shows, you don't have to look hard for diversion in Las Vegas. In addition to the offerings of various casinos, there's the nightly Fremont Street Experience light-and-sound show, held in a pedestrian mall (every hour on the hour, 6 pm-midnight).

January
Las Vegas Marathon
More than 7,500 runners compete in the full marathon (26.2 mi/42 km), half-marathon (13.1 mi/21 km) and 5K Friendship Run. A post-marathon party and health-and-fitness expo are also part of the festivities.

February
World Archery Festival
Archers compete in the first leg of the new 3 Star Tour for one of the largest purses offered in indoor archery competitions. Also a trade show with the newest equipment and accessories in the archery industry.

March
St. Patrick's Day Celebration. This two-day celebration of Irish heritage features the Sons of Erin Parade along Fourth Street, Celtic- and Irish-themed music on two stages, green beer, a block party and more. The Fremont Street Experience.

April
World Cup Show Jumping
Show jumping's prestigious World Cup championship comes to Las Vegas with more than 40 top international competitors.

May
Laughlin Mile Dragon Boat Challenge
This ancient Chinese sport comes to Laughlin as local and international teams of 20 rowers, a steersman and a drummer paddle 44-ft. -long Chinese war canoes down 1 mi/1.5 km of the Colorado River. The best viewing spot is the River Walk, where a cultural festival with drumming contests takes place. 90 miles south of Las Vegas. .

June
National Open Chess Tournament. Dozens of national and international chess masters of all ages compete in nine sections, including a qualifier for the U.S. championship.

August
International Police and Fire Games
Las Vegas hosts these biennial games with police, fire and military personnel and their spouses from around the world competing in more than 40 sports events, ranging from baseball, basketball, swimming and cycling to skeet, horseshoes, darts, bench-pressing and arm wrestling.

September
Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival
This annual one-day festival showcases the sounds of the classic Mexican guitar, accompanied by traditional Latin vocals and performed by some of the world's finest mariachis.

October
Nevada Day
Public holiday.

November
Aviation Nation
The largest free public event in Nevada features the USAF Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron and the second-largest air-racing event in the U.S. Flying demonstrations by U.S. military and civilian performers. Ground displays showcase more than 100 vintage and new-model aircraft.

December
Holiday Festival
This festival kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony and includes appearances by Santa Claus and live entertainment. Live theatrical shows on two stages continue throughout the monthlong festival. The Freemont Street Experience.