If you haven’t already planned out your Independence Day festivities, now might be the time to start. You may want to explore something outside of the your city’s traditional celebration. Take it to the extreme this July 4th and either get on the road or the plane to Las Vegas. This might be the only time you can justify going to Sin City without the threat of gambling all of your money away.
Las Vegas, Nevada – January 1: The MGM Grand Casino on January 1, 2013, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The MGM Grand Casino at night as seen from McCarran International Airport. Courtesy image
So, here are a few options that don’t necessarily revolve around the big stakes world of Vegas—although it wouldn’t hurt to try your luck at a slot machine or a game of poker. Since July 4th falls on a Friday, you can extend your stay for the whole weekend, which will give you plenty of time to let your curiosities run wild and stay entertained. Perhaps this short list of July 4th, 2014 activities will be helpful.
Las Vegas Salsa Congress: You may or may not have heard of the new dance series on Nuvo TV, Love & Salsa, but it premiered in early May and is evidence of the worldwide obsession with salsa dancing. Not everyone can do it, but it sure is fun to watch. So, from July 3rd to July 6th, Las Vegas will host the 11th Annual Las Vegas Salsa Congress at Tropicana Hotel. Even if you don’t want to register, you can buy a ticket to one of the weekend’s many concerts where you’ll witness some of Latin music’s finest dancers and musicians.
World Poker Tour at ARIA Resort & Casino: The organizers of this newly formatted poker tournament have made the buy-in price fairly affordable. However, PartyPoker on Twitter notes that you can bypass it by winning in one of the qualifiers. This would give you four nights accommodation, as well as travel and spending money. But be careful, because once you make it to the felt with all of the big shots, that $200,000 first prize might look a little further out of reach than you imagined.
Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque Du Soleil: Now, here’s something for the risky July 4th participant. Many people have seen the traveling Cirque du Soleil show, but not as many have seen it in Las Vegas. Even fewer people have yet to witness the show’s sensual off-shoot, Zumanity, which is described as “a sexy thrill ride full of sensational acrobatics and naughty fun.” Add some spice to your weekend, but attend at your own risk. If anything, you’ll at least have a story to tell. Isn’t that what Vegas is about?
Live Shows: The booming fireworks medley shouldn’t be the only music to your ears during this weekend. There are a bunch of opportunities to catch some high-tier music acts during your weekend voyage. Boyz II Men brings their classy R&B act to The Mirage until the beginning of October, but seeing them for July 4th would make the experience all the more special—especially if you are with a loved one. But if you’d rather laugh than love, you can spend the night of July 5th at The Venetian with standup comedian David Spade whose brash sense of humor creates fireworks of their own.
