The 7 best things to do in Las Vegas on the 4th of July

It wouldn’t be Vegas without fireworks. The skies over Sin City will erupt with color during Independence weekend. Where to begin? There are no bad options, but The Plaza Hotel’s annual extravaganza kicks off at 9 pm and is as decadent as it gets. The firework displays at Caesar’s Palace, Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino, and Red Rock Resort Casino & Spa all start simultaneously, with several other explosive extravaganzas taking place in the days before July 4. All those spots also have specially designated viewing events, ensuring nobody misses out on the show.

When in Vegas, you don’t need to complicate things. Get in the pool, and get ready to party. The Vegas sun is sweltering in July, so it is a foregone conclusion that a considerable amount of time will be spent in and by the pool. Most Vegas resorts host themed pool parties over the holidays, but a few take it to the next level. John Summit, Alesso, and Mustard are on tap at The Venetian, while DJ Shift and Steve Aoki will keep the masses moving at the Wet Republic Ultra Pool (MGM Grand). Marquee Dayclub, Ayu Dayclub, and Drai’s Beachclub are also worth checking out over the weekend. Go wild, but don’t forget the sun cream. Hangovers are bad enough without burning.

Las Vegas is the live entertainment capital of the world, and getting a primetime performance booked in the city for July 4 is a real feather in any artist’s cap. 2023 is no different, with a variety of megastars hitting the city over the holidays, including R&B icon Usher (Dolby Live at Park MGM), country star Carrie Underwood (Resorts World Theater), British comedian Jack Whitehall (Encore Theater), and many more. Vegas classics such as the Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil are also on the schedule.

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What is there to say about partying in Vegas that hasn’t already been said? Sin City is the world’s party capital all year round, but the holidays are another beast entirely, with many clubs hosting their biggest events on and around July 4. ARIA Resort & Casino’s JEWEL Nightclub hosts DJ Pauly D (Jersey Shore) on July 2 and 3, while Nelly (yes, that Nelly) takes the stage at Hakkasan Nightclub on June 30. Elsewhere, OMNIA, Marquee, and XS promise something special. Dress the part, and get ready for the party of a lifetime.

While the reputation of Vegas as an adult’s playground is very much warranted, Sin City is a surprisingly good destination for family fun as well. There are several family options on July 4, with the Summerlin Patriotic Parade at the top of the list. Just 20 minutes or so from the Strip, Summerlin’s annual parade is a veritable feast of patriotic fun, with balloons, floats, live bands, flags, and more. Not to be outdone, the Henderson Fourth of July Celebration touches on much of the same, only with added foam and water fun.

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Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a place of high-octane excitement all year round, but the temperature ramps up on Independence Day weekend with the famous Night of Fire. The ever-popular event is held at the Bullring and includes all types of spectacles, from waterless boat races to nostalgia street rod outlaws. Yes, there will be fireworks. Night of Fire takes place on July 3, with gates opening at 5 pm and racing starting at 7:05 pm.

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Vegas is fast becoming a Mecca for sports fans of all types, with the Golden Knights recent Stanley Cup victory and the latest trophy coming to town. The schedule calms a little over the holidays, but this is Vegas, ‘calm’ here isn’t exactly calm everywhere else. Soccer fans will pack the stands at Cashman Field to see the Las Vegas Lights take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies (July 1) and New Mexico United (July 4). No Independence Day weekend is complete without America’s pastime, so head to the Las Vegas Ballpark to see the Las Vegas Aviators and the Round Rock Express do battle (July 1 - 3). Moving indoors onto the basketball court, the reigning WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces comes up against the Connecticut Sun on July 1.