Las Vegas has always been a magnet for entertainment, but the city's growing calendar of large-scale music festivals is drawing a new wave of visitors who come for more than casinos and shows. Every year, crowds gather in the desert for weekends packed with world-renowned DJs, chart-topping headliners, and genre-specific lineups that keep the experience fresh and diverse. The city’s infrastructure makes it easy to host these events, and the constant energy of Las Vegas creates a setting few other cities can match.
Whether you're looking for electronic beats, nostalgic rock sets, or chart-topping pop performances, these annual festivals bring some of the best music to venues across the city. Below are some of the top events keeping Las Vegas musical festivals relevant and in demand year after year.
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC Las Vegas)
Held each May at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, EDC Las Vegas is one of the most recognized electronic dance music festivals in the world. Known for its massive crowds, immersive art installations, and more than 200 DJs spread across multiple stages, this festival has become a flagship event for EDM fans.
EDC is more than a concert series. The production value is unmatched, with elaborate light shows, carnival rides, and a nightly fireworks display. Festivalgoers often spend the entire weekend on-site or nearby, as the event runs late into the night and into early morning hours. Artists like Martin Garrix, Zedd, and Tiësto have graced its main stage, alongside newer acts gaining momentum in the electronic scene.
If you're planning to attend, tickets typically sell out months in advance. Many attendees also stay on the Strip and take shuttles to the venue, which makes planning ahead essential.
EDC is more than a concert series. The production value is unmatched, with elaborate light shows, carnival rides, and a nightly fireworks display. Festivalgoers often spend the entire weekend on-site or nearby, as the event runs late into the night and into early morning hours. Artists like Martin Garrix, Zedd, and Tiësto have graced its main stage, alongside newer acts gaining momentum in the electronic scene.
If you're planning to attend, tickets typically sell out months in advance. Many attendees also stay on the Strip and take shuttles to the venue, which makes planning ahead essential.
When We Were Young Festival
For fans of early 2000s pop-punk, alternative rock, and emo, the When We Were Young Festival has quickly become a standout event. Held at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, this fall music festival packs a stacked lineup with bands that defined an era. Acts like My Chemical Romance, Paramore, and Blink-182 have headlined past lineups, with newer artists in the genre rounding out the schedule.
The format includes full-day programming with staggered performances across multiple stages, giving attendees a chance to see back-to-back favorites. Nostalgia plays a big role in the festival’s appeal, but the execution has drawn praise even from those new to the genre.
Tickets often include GA and VIP options, and the event has grown in popularity since its launch in 2022. It’s also one of the rare festivals that focuses heavily on a specific genre, making it an ideal destination for dedicated fans.
The format includes full-day programming with staggered performances across multiple stages, giving attendees a chance to see back-to-back favorites. Nostalgia plays a big role in the festival’s appeal, but the execution has drawn praise even from those new to the genre.
Tickets often include GA and VIP options, and the event has grown in popularity since its launch in 2022. It’s also one of the rare festivals that focuses heavily on a specific genre, making it an ideal destination for dedicated fans.
Reggae Rise Up Vegas
Held at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, Reggae Rise Up Vegas adds variety to the city’s festival calendar with its focus on reggae, roots, and island-influenced music. It’s a more relaxed event compared to the high-energy pace of larger festivals but offers a tight-knit community atmosphere that makes it stand out.
Performers such as Rebelution, Slightly Stoopid, and SOJA have all headlined the festival. Guests enjoy shaded seating areas, food trucks, and easy access to nearby hotels. The location in the heart of downtown makes it walkable and manageable, even for those attending for just one day. Reggae Rise Up is an ideal option for those seeking a more laid-back festival vibe in a city otherwise known for nonstop action.
Performers such as Rebelution, Slightly Stoopid, and SOJA have all headlined the festival. Guests enjoy shaded seating areas, food trucks, and easy access to nearby hotels. The location in the heart of downtown makes it walkable and manageable, even for those attending for just one day. Reggae Rise Up is an ideal option for those seeking a more laid-back festival vibe in a city otherwise known for nonstop action.
Attending a Festival in Las Vegas? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
One reason Las Vegas musical festivals continue to thrive is the city’s ability to support them. From transportation to lodging, Vegas is designed to handle crowds and provide convenience. Many events are located near hotels, and rideshare services are abundant.
Still, it’s a good idea to secure accommodations early, especially for festivals that draw tens of thousands of attendees. Weather also plays a role. Spring and fall tend to be the most active seasons for music events, while the summer heat limits the number of large outdoor gatherings.
Several festivals offer shuttle services, VIP upgrades, and early entry options. Reading up on each event’s logistics ahead of time can help avoid surprises and ensure a smoother experience once you arrive.
Still, it’s a good idea to secure accommodations early, especially for festivals that draw tens of thousands of attendees. Weather also plays a role. Spring and fall tend to be the most active seasons for music events, while the summer heat limits the number of large outdoor gatherings.
Several festivals offer shuttle services, VIP upgrades, and early entry options. Reading up on each event’s logistics ahead of time can help avoid surprises and ensure a smoother experience once you arrive.
Work with a Local Expert Who Knows More Than Just the Market
Las Vegas is constantly evolving, and understanding its rhythm takes more than a quick visit. Whether you're new to the area or considering a move that keeps you close to the heart of the action, working with a real estate professional who understands how to navigate this dynamic city can make all the difference.
Greg Clemens brings deep local knowledge and a hands-on approach to helping clients find the right home in the Las Vegas area. From properties near the festival grounds to homes in quieter communities that still offer access to world-class entertainment, Greg helps guide buyers, sellers, and investors toward smart decisions. Ready to explore the Las Vegas market with someone who knows it inside and out? Reach out to Greg Clemens and The Clemens Team today.
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
Greg Clemens brings deep local knowledge and a hands-on approach to helping clients find the right home in the Las Vegas area. From properties near the festival grounds to homes in quieter communities that still offer access to world-class entertainment, Greg helps guide buyers, sellers, and investors toward smart decisions. Ready to explore the Las Vegas market with someone who knows it inside and out? Reach out to Greg Clemens and The Clemens Team today.
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
