Allegiant nonstoplife - Fall 2025 West Coast Edition
Photo courtesy of Penn & Teller
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Heather Turk, Connor McIlveen, Teresa Bitler, Kate Wallace
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RISE Festival, Hakkasan, Joe Janet, Resorts World Las Vegas, STK Steakhouse, Sahara Las Vegas, jmpforce.com, Penn& Teller, Francis George, Tonya Harvey, Solaiman Fazel, Al Powers, Shervin Lainez, Denise Truscello, Live Nation Las Vegas, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Jamie Bruce, AREA 15, For n’ Film, Lionsgate, Chistopher DeVargas for Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, Universal Horror Unleashed, Tim W. Westover/Illuminarium Las Vegas, Superplastic, PopStroke, Stoney’s Rockin’ Country, Holly Chris Photography, Cirque du Soleil, Las Vegas Grand Prix, Mike Kirschbaum, F1 Arcade, House Trailer Hideout, Millennium FANDOM BAR, Stray Pirate, chriswelling.com, Michael Spain-Smith, Jose Salinas, Nevada Parks Department, A. Blanchard, The Mob Museum, The Neon Museum, The Hondo Rodeo Fest, Teresa Bitler, Arizona Biltmore, Visit Phoenix, Phoenix Greek Festival, Envato Elements, Half Moon Bay Beautification Committee, Disneyland Resort, Chistian Thompson courtesy of Disneyland Resort, Sean Teegarden courtesy of Disneyland Resort, Alba Restaurant Group, Arlene Ibarra, Visit Mesa, Town of Queen Creek, Michelle Streeter, Discover Gilbert
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THE LARGEST AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE OF ITS KIND!
Brilliant! Jackpot, created by artist Craig Winslow, redefines the way we explore the STORY of Las Vegas. This immersive experience reanimates 40 monumental examples of The Neon Museum’s iconic vintage signs and transports visitors into the history of Las Vegas through sight and sound.
Hear the Las Vegas Philharmonic perform the original scores to 16 classic Looney Tunes cartoons plus a just-completed animated short saluting Bugs Bunny’s 85th anniversary when “Bugs Bunny at the Symphony” stops by The Smith Center Sept. 27. thesmithcenter.com
RÜFÜS DU SOL, Calvin Harris and John Mayer headline the world’s largest sky lantern festival when RISE Festival returns to the Mojave Desert Oct. 3 through 5. risefestival.com
The always hilarious John Mulaney brings his new stand-up comedy tour, Mister Whatever, to Dolby Live at Park MGM Oct. 11. johnmulaney.com
Celebrating Las Vegas’ Wild West heritage, the Helldorado Days Rodeo returns to Plaza Hotel & Casino’s CORE Arena Nov. 7 and 8. This year’s event will be bigger than ever with the addition of a family-friendly festival, complete with a petting zoo and carnival rides. plazahotelcasino.com
las vegas
RISE Festival
COME ON, GET HAPPY!
While it’s only natural to splurge a little on vacation, these days it’s important to take advantage of any deal you can. Luckily, some of the Las Vegas Strip’s best restaurants have money-saving happy hours that are sure to please palates as much as pocketbooks.
BALLA ITALIAN SOUL
Served Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 6 p.m., and again from 9 to 10 p.m. inside Sahara Las Vegas, Balla Italian Soul’s happy hour menu features an assortment of coastal Italian dishes from James Beard award-winning chef Shawn McClain priced from $5 to $15. Guests can dine at the restaurant’s bar, savoring such impeccable items as the Stuffed Mushrooms, the Margherita Pizza and the veal, pork and beef Meatballs. Several $10 drink specials are available, too, and Las Vegas locals and industry professionals can take advantage of halfpriced bottles of wine every Wednesday. saharalasvegas.com/ restaurants-bars/ balla
Las Vegas Strip happy hours worth every penny
By Heather Turk
CROSSROADS KITCHEN
You don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy Crossroads Kitchen’s happy hour — but you may consider becoming one after leaving the delectable plant-based Mediterranean restaurant inside Resorts World Las Vegas. Served Monday through Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the bar and lounge, the vegan restaurant’s happy hour menu features a selection of small plates like the succulent
Crossroads Kitchen’s vegan happy hour is so good, diners will forget they’re eating plant-based food
Insider’s Tip:
While the happy hour menu at Crossroads Kitchen gives diners a choice between kale or romaine lettuce for the Caesar salad, guests can request the dish to be made with both.
Calamari Fritti and the taquito-like Impossible Cigars served with a spicy almond milk yogurt for only $10 each. A variety of drink specials ranging from $10 to $12 are also available, and select pastas like the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka are priced at just $14. crossroadslasvegas.com
HAKKASAN
One of the Strip’s best happy hours, Hakkasan’s Social Hour menu features a selection of Cantonese bites, dim sum baskets, specialty cocktails, wine and sake — all priced at just $10 each. Available throughout the luxurious restaurant inside MGM Grand every Sunday through Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m., the Social Hour menu features such delightful options as the Salt & Pepper Calamari, the Chicken Pot Stickers and the Glazed Duroc Pork Belly Buns. A couple of vegan options are available, too, guaranteeing there’s something for everyone on the mouthwatering menu. taogroup.com/ venues/hakkasan-las-vegas
STK STEAKHOUSE
Whether you love steak or seafood, STK’s 777 Happy Hour inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is sure to have something to wow taste buds. Served in the bar and bistro daily from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., the happy hour menu features seven delicious dishes for just $7 each, including Grilled Chimi Filet skewers, Beef Tartare, Scallop & Avocado Ceviche and the popular wagyu Lil’ Brg & Truffle Fries. Drink specials are available as well, including all specialty cocktails priced at $12 each. Be sure to try the steakhouse’s Award Winning Spiced Watermelon cocktail, made with Patrón Silver tequila, St~Germain, watermelon purée, fresh lime and jalapeño. stksteakhouse.com
Hakkasan’s $10 Social Hour is available throughout the sleek Cantonese restaurant
STK’s Lil’ Brg comes topped with cheese, tomato and the steakhouse’s special sauce
The bar at Balla Italian Soul serves happy hour twice a day each day the restaurant is open
Balla Italian Soul’s Meatballs are made with golden raisins
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NEW & NOTEWORTHY
Dining additions that will leave palates hungry for more
By Heather Turk
The dining scene on the Las Vegas Strip continues to wow foodies of all tastes thanks to several diverse new dining experiences — including a limited-time culinary residency.
BOURBON
STEAK
Open nightly for dinner, chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak inside Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas is truly a cut above other Strip steakhouses. In addition to featuring a variety of butter-poached cuts of beef that are mesquite grilled to perfection, like the tender 8-ounce Center Cut Filet Mignon, the elegant restaurant serves several other delectable dishes, including arguably the juiciest free-range chicken in town. The English Pea Agnolotti topped with shaved black truffles is also not to be missed and pairs perfectly with the Black Truffle Brioche. bourbonsteak.com
GJELINA
Known for its locally sourced New American cuisine, California favorite Gjelina is now serving dinner, weekday lunch and Saturday/ Sunday brunch inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Guests can savor an extensive selection of sustainable dishes throughout the day, from pizza topped with housemade chorizo to dinner exclusives like the 5-spice Pork Chop with Szechuan honey butter. When it’s time for dessert, the Butterscotch Pot de Crème is truly divine. gjelina.com
NETFLIX BITES
Currently in the midst of a yearlong engagement at MGM Grand, Netflix Bites serves fun, flavorful fare for breakfast,
lunch and dinner inspired by some of the streaming service’s most popular programs. Several items actually encourage guests to play with their food, like the “Squid Game”inspired Red Bite, Green Bite, where diners spin a wheel to find out which dipping sauce they should dip their fried chicken into, and the “Nailed It!” dessert, where guests get to craft their own mini cake. A few celebrity chef creations are also available, like “Chef’s Table” chef Ann Kim’s Perfect Pickle Pie Pizza topped with sour pickles, smoked onion and potato chips. netflixbites.com
Bourbon Steak features beautiful florals throughout its dining room hand-spray painted by Las Vegas artist Cerissa Lopez
The flavorful 5-spice Pork Chop at Gjelina is a dinner favorite
Netflix Bites’ Red Bite, Green Bite dinner appetizer
50 YEARS OF MAGIC
Penn & Teller celebrate half a century as professional partners
By Heather Turk
Penn & Teller have a lot to be thankful for these days. Not only will the legendary magic duo be celebrating their 25th anniversary at Rio Las Vegas in January 2026 — further cementing their record as the longest-running headliners in Las Vegas history performing at the same venue — but they are also currently celebrating 50 years of performing magic together.
“We really run the business like two guys who own a dry cleaner,” Penn Jillette replied when asked what he credits his and Teller’s longevity to. “In the very beginning, we fought a lot, but then we started to understand that the show was the most important thing. Sure, we still disagree on stuff, but we work together to make the show better.”
One of the best shows in the Entertainment Capital of the World, Penn & Teller’s mindboggling production always gives audience members something new to enjoy. Jillette noted that the duo has more than 8 hours of material to work with on any given night and are constantly workshopping new tricks in their 1,475-seat namesake theater to share with fans both onstage and on their hit TV series, “Penn & Teller: Fool Us.”
“The fact that we get to use the space to create new material — more material than we created in the first half of our careers — is largely due to the design as well as the access we have to all of our props and technical needs in a state-of-the-art theater,” Jillette said. “Fifty years ago, we never thought that we would be playing a big Las
Photo of Water Trick and 1982 courtesy of Penn & Teller; Hardest working act by Francis George
Penn & Teller performing their “Water Tank” trick
Vegas theater with our names on it. It wasn’t something we thought about or aspired to. We were playing small theaters and clubs around the country, and we were very happy doing that. A lot of our stuff has gotten bigger and more technical, but I still juggle in some of our shows, and Teller still sometimes does ‘Needles’ and ‘Shadows.’ That’s stuff we were doing 50 years ago.”
Many of the tricks Penn & Teller perform involve audience participation. Whether ticket holders are asked to come onstage to assist Penn & Teller with an elaborate card trick or to share their craziest dream by writing it down on a piece of paper, a good portion of the audience each night is either involved with a trick directly or is with someone who assisted with a bit. This guarantees no two shows are ever alike, which keeps things fresh for both Penn & Teller as well as repeat ticket holders.
In celebration of Penn & Teller’s 50th anniversary this year, audiences at the Rio show are currently being treated to a video compilation of some of Penn & Teller’s most memorable TV appearances as they exit the theater. Jillette credits Penn & Teller’s “Water Tank” trick during their debut on “Saturday Night Live” and their “Cockroaches” bit on “Late Night with David Letterman” with being two of the first TV appearances that got the now Emmy and Writers Guild award-winning duo really noticed on national television. Clark County also recently approved one of the streets leading into the Rio to be renamed Penn & Teller Court.
With everything the duo has accomplished over the past five decades — including having their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Continued on next page
Penn & Teller in 1982
One of the hardest working acts in Las Vegas, Penn & Teller never rest on their laurels
and their own celebrity-branded casino table game at the Rio, Penn & Teller Casino Monte — it’s only natural to wonder if Penn & Teller have any goals left to achieve. Not surprisingly given their impressive work ethic, Jillette said that their only goal is to continue to do the best show possible.
“A lot of acts come to Vegas, open a show and never create new material,” Jillette concluded. “That’s not us. We are always creating new material. The goal is to always keep challenging ourselves. We get the most excited now over the possibility of things we can’t do, many of which we actually can’t. We only want to do hard stuff.”
Penn & Teller perform select nights at 8 p.m.; the show is dark Sept. 2 through Oct. 1. Doors open approximately an hour before show time so that guests can enjoy live jazz music from the production’s music director, jazz pianist Mike Jones, and Penn Jillette on bass. Audiences are encouraged to arrive early to listen to the free preshow entertainment for as long as possible before Jillette has to head backstage to get ready for that evening’s performance. Tickets start at just $78, plus taxes and fees. riolasvegas. com/shows/penn-teller
Photo of Penn & Teller Theater by Tonya Harvey; Penn & Teller contract by Francis George; Bad Boys of Magic courtesy of Penn & Teller
Penn & Teller are currently contracted to perform at Rio Las Vegas through the end of 2026
Not only does the Penn & Teller Theater house Penn & Teller’s Las Vegas production, but it is also where “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” is recorded
Penn & Teller have often been called the “Bad Boys of Magic”
features dazzling wardrobe moments created by renowned fashion designer Thom Browne
THE BEAT GOES ON
Music residencies heating up the Entertainment Capital of the World this fall
By Heather Turk
The temperature outside may slowly be cooling off, but Las Vegas’ music residency scene is as hot as ever this fall thanks to several recent additions and a few returning favorites.
One of the Strip’s best new residencies returns to Dolby Live inside Park MGM this fall when New Kids on the Block perform “THE RIGHT STUFF” select dates Nov. 1 through 15. Blockheads will be in awe of the ageless pop stars, who somehow sing and dance better now than they did 40 years ago when the group was formed. There’s truly not a bad seat in the house for the show, which features the quintet onstage, in the audience and even in the air as they sing their hit songs from the 1980s to today — everything from “Please Don’t Go Girl” to “Kids.”
Before New Kids on the Block return to Dolby Live, though, the venue will welcome
back pop-rock showman Bruno Mars on Sept. 3, 5 and 6 to perform his greatest hits, like “Finesse” and “24K Magic.” Then on Sept. 12, legendary rock band Mötley Crüe (“Girls, Girls, Girls”) will kick-off their third residency in town, “The Las Vegas Residency.” Performing Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through Oct. 3, the tell-all show will immerse fans in the group’s history, leading all the way through Mötley Crüe’s record-breaking
Photo of Janet Jackson by Solaiman Fazel; New Kids on the Block by Al Powers; Alanis Morissette by Shervin Lainez; Rod Stewart and Carlos Santana by
Denise Truscello; Kelly Clarkson
courtesy of Live Nation Las Vegas; Barry Manilow courtesy of Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino; Ashlee Simpson by
Jamie Bruce
“JANET JACKSON: LAS VEGAS”
Las Vegas is the only place fans can see New Kids on the Block perform in 2025
Tip: Those attending New Kids on the Block’s “THE RIGHT STUFF” residency will want to check out Blockhead HQ at Park MGM. The free attraction features exclusive merchandise, fun photo ops, exhibits filled with iconic memorabilia and more.
Stadium Tour, which concluded in 2022 at Allegiant Stadium. parkmgm.mgmresorts.com/en/ entertainment/dolby-live.html
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace boasts a star-studded music lineup this fall, too, with Rod Stewart returning Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 24 through Oct. 4, to resume his second Las Vegas residency: “The Encore Shows.” Featuring stunning new production elements and a few surprises, the show follows the “Forever Young” rocker’s previous 13-year residency at the venue, “Rod Stewart: The Hits.”
After Stewart’s latest run at The Colosseum, Alanis Morissette will take the stage with her new residency, “Alanis Morissette: Las Vegas 2025.” Performing eight dates Oct. 15 through Nov. 2, the show will feature Rolling Stone’s “Queen of Alt Rock Angst” singing her signature hits, like “You Oughta Know” and “Ironic.” “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson (“Because of You”) will then return to The Colosseum stage to continue her all-new residency, “Studio Sessions.” Running Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7 through 15, the show marks the pop star’s second residency in Las Vegas. caesars.com/shows
Music icon Janet Jackson is also set to resume her latest Las Vegas residency. “JANET JACKSON: LAS VEGAS” returns to the Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas for six final performances Sept. 10 through 20. The pop/R&B singer’s second residency on the Strip, the must-see production features Jackson performing such chart-topping hits as “Miss You Much” and “All for You” along with deep cuts from her decades-long career. rwlasvegas.com/entertainment/janet-jackson
The International Theater at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino will welcome back one of the music industry’s most legendary artists as well in September when Barry Manilow continues his lifetime residency at the venue. Performing select weeks Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 11 through Nov. 15, “Barry Manilow — The Hits Come Home!” remains one Continued on next page
Rod Stewart celebrated his 200th performance at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in March
Kelly Clarkson brings the studio to the stage with her new Las Vegas residency, “Studio Sessions”
Alanis Morissette will kick-off her first-ever Las Vegas residency in October
of the Entertainment Capital of the World’s most enjoyable productions. Whether the soft rock showman is singing such timeless songs as “Could It Be Magic,” his hit commercial jingles or an a capella version of the “William Tell Overture,” the long-running residency is a joy from start to finish. Even if you don’t walk into the show a Fanilow, you will proudly consider yourself one once you leave. westgateresorts.com/hotels/ nevada/las-vegas/westgate-las-vegasresort-casino
Beloved Las Vegas headliner Carlos Santana can also be seen performing his long-running residency, “An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live,” this fall at the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay. Returning for its 14th year select dates Sept. 17 through 28 and Nov. 5 through 16, the show features the guitar virtuoso and his talented band performing such fan-favorite songs as “Oye Como Va” and “Maria Maria.” houseofblues.com/santana
For those who missed rock-pop vocalist Ashlee Simpson (“Pieces of Me”) perform her sold-out residency, “I Am Me,” inside Voltaire at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas in August, there will be another chance to see the show in September. Performing Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 through 27, the intimate new residency is Simpson’s first fulllength show since 2008. voltairelv.com
Additionally, fall marks the final 2025 performances of the Eagles’ residency at Sphere. Classic rock fans can catch the “Hotel California” band performing Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5 through 13, Oct. 3 through 11 and Oct. 31 through Nov. 8. eagles.com
Audiences
Ashlee Simpson’s new residency, “I Am Me,” premiered to sold-out crowds over Labor Day Weekend
are always on their feet for “Copacabana” during “Barry Manilow — The Hits Come Home!”
Carlos Santana has had a residency at the House of Blues Las Vegas since May 2012
FIVE YEARS OF CONSTANT EVOLUTION
Don’t listen to the voice that occasionally plays over AREA15’s speaker system telling visitors “AREA15 does not exist.” Not only does the world’s first purpose-built immersive entertainment district exist just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, but it’s also thriving thanks to several new additions, enhancements and even a 20-acre expansion that’s beginning to welcome guests.
In March, AREA15 unveiled one of its best attractions since opening in September 2020: the John Wick Experience. The 12,000-square-foot attraction brings the action-packed “John Wick” franchise to life as guests check into the luxurious John Wick Las Vegas Continental and discover that there’s a bounty on their heads. As players try to escape with their life, they’ll encounter live interactors portraying iconic archetypes inspired by the “John Wick” universe and pass by actual costumes used in connection with the production of the films. Two unique bars are part of the attraction as well, each
Discover what’s new at AREA15
Fork n’ Film started doing events at AREA15 in January
By Heather Turk
with their own drinks inspired by the movies. While it helps to be a fan of the franchise, even those who haven’t seen the films will be wowed by the immersive hourlong experience.
More movie-inspired fun can be found at the all-new Fork n’ Film which invites cinephiles to experience some of their favorite films like never before. Held on select dates, the delicious experience treats guests to a multicourse meal inspired by classic movies like “Ratatouille” and “Scream” as guests
AREA15 is celebrating its fifth anniversary in September
Photo of AREA15 courtesy of AREA15; Fork n’ Film courtesy of Fork n’ Film
Did You Know… Visitors are welcome to enjoy a cocktail at the John Wick Las Vegas Continental lobby bar without purchasing a ticket for the John Wick Experience.
Las Vegas watch the film, with each dish served when the scene it’s inspired by appears on-screen. So, when acerbic food critic Anton Ego is served ratatouille in “Ratatouille,” so are Fork n’ Film’s guests. Popcorn and alcoholic beverages (for adults) complete the unforgettable — and Instagrammable — filmgoing experience. forknfilm.com/locations/las-vegas
by Tim W. Westover/Illuminarium
Universal Horror Unleashed recently opened at AREA15 as well — just in time for the Halloween season. Featuring four immersive haunted houses, including one inspired by “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” live entertainment areas and themed food and beverages, the year-round horror attraction from Universal Destinations & Experiences (Halloween Horror Nights) is part of the Zone 2: The Terminals in the AREA15 District expansion currently under construction.
For those who prefer music to movies, the 360-degree cinematic attraction Illuminarium Las Vegas added “Rolling Stone Presents: Amplified, The Immersive Rock Experience” to its list of sensory-driven shows in March. Narrated by actor/musician Kevin Bacon, the near hourlong show features never-beforeseen archival footage from the 1960s to today as it immerses viewers in the sights, sounds and stories of some of music’s most iconic moments. Whether you’re a fan of David Bowie or Chappell Roan, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“THEM,” one of several new art installations guests will find at Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart
“Rolling Stone Presents: Amplified, The Immersive Rock Experience” is sure to hit all the right notes with music fans
The Universal Monsters franchise has its own live entertainment area and haunted house at Universal Horror Unleashed
The Manager’s Office, one of several detailed rooms that make up the John Wick Experience
AREA15’s anchor experience, Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, has unveiled a few new art-filled installations recently, too. The surreal grocery store invites shoppers to explore themed areas and unique environments featuring innovative works of art from international and local artists, like local trans artist Whitney Lehn Meltz’s all-new “THEM,” where shoppers can reach out towards many hand-cast hand figures as they explore the concept of self, perception and the fluid nature of identity. There’s also a new office space to explore, “The Room Formerly Known As,” filled with an abundance of surreal sculptures and textural detail, and the new low-sensory “Delulu Lounge” where guests can glance out bubble windows into the hubbub below.
The animated comedy/collectibles company Superplastic now has an attraction at AREA15 as well, featuring such popular characters as Janky and Guggimon. At the Dopeameme Institute for Pleasure Research, visitorsturned-test subjects will go on a 30-minute journey through a series of rooms designed to trigger dopamine rushes. At the end of the fun experience, guests will receive a personalized digital profile with photos of them participating in the various interactive activities — like dancing inside what they believed was a private restroom stall.
Superplastic fans will also want to head over to AREA15’s eclectic Asian eatery, Kaia, for the chance to win a Superplastic Bad Sushi figurine as part of its new Sushi Roulette Challenge. Participants will choose five pieces of nigiri from Kaia’s menu, like the snow crab or octopus, to be served on a rotating dish. The lucky diner who spins the dish and gets the piece to eat packed with extra wasabi wins the prize! While at Kaia, be sure to try some of its other delectable dishes as well, like
Pedal a stationary bike with your hands to determine the fate of select characters shown on-screen inside the Dopeameme Institute for Pleasure Research’s “Heavy Pedal” room
A glimpse inside “The Room Formerly Known As” at Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart
The sushi bar at Kaia
Kaia’s This Salmon Does Not Exist is as tasty as it is colorful
Photo of
“Heavy Pedal” courtesy of Superplastic; Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart by Christopher DeVargas for Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart; Kaia courtesy of AREA15
OFF-STRIP ENTERTAINMENT
Town
Square Las Vegas has something to entertain guests of all ages
By Heather Turk
Although it is best known for its retail and restaurant offerings, Town Square Las Vegas has several entertainment options that make it well worth the short trip south of Mandalay Bay.
DINOSAUR OUTPOST
Perfect for those with young children, Dinosaur Outpost invites guests to travel back in time for an unforgettable prehistoric adventure. Not only will visitors get up close to a variety of life-size animatronic dinosaurs and learn more about them from informational signs, but they can also participate in several fun activities. Kids can ride Annie the Pachyrhinosaurus, brush Terry the T-Rex’s teeth and even feed Rupert the Brontosaurus by launching Brussels sprouts into his mouth. It all adds up to a roaring good time the whole family will love. dinosauroutpost.com
POPSTROKE LAS VEGAS
Co-owned by Tiger Woods, PopStroke Las Vegas offers visitors of all ages a more sophisticated mini golf experience. Guests can purchase a day pass and putt on two meticulous 18-hole courses, including the more challenging Blue Course that features additional hills and sand bunkers to test one’s skills. Players can keep track of their scores on the PopStroke app, which will post the scores on giant screens located around the course. Guests can also order drinks on the app and have them delivered to each hole. or savor some food and beverages at the onsite restaurant. popstroke.com
STONEY’S ROCKIN’ COUNTRY
Adults can enjoy some Southern fun at Stoney’s Rockin’ Country, which features a 2,000-square-foot dance floor to line dance on and a 570-square-foot stage that features live music every Friday night. Notable acts who have performed at the honky-tonk before include Luke Combs, Gretchen Wilson and Scotty McCreery. The nightclub also has pool tables, beer pong and a mechanical bull. Don’t miss Bikini Bull Riding on the first Thursday of each month. stoneysrockincountry.com
Photo of mini golf courtesy of PopStroke; dancing courtesy of Stoney’s Rockin’ Country; dinosaur by Holly Chris Photography
Eat, putt and drink at PopStroke Las Vegas
Kids can say they rode a moving Pachyrhinosaurus at Dinosaur Outpost
Stoney’s Rockin’ Country offers line dancing lessons
AN EXPERIENCE FIT FOR ROYALTY
Go beyond the spectacle with the KÀ Royal VIP Experience
By Heather Turk
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, “KÀ” by Cirque du Soleil continues to be one of the Entertainment Capital of the World’s most groundbreaking productions.
The first Cirque du Soleil production to feature a cohesive storyline, “KÀ” is the action-packed coming-of-age story of imperial twins (a brother and a sister) on a perilous journey told through their encounters with love, conflict and the duality of KÀ — the fire that can unite or separate, destroy or illuminate. An innovative blend of acrobatic feats, puppetry, projections and martial arts, the show unfolds on a colossal, 360-degree rotating stage that is truly a star unto itself.
Guests can learn more about the jawdropping production by booking the KÀ
robe — as well as learn more about the $165 million production and its complex stage design. Participants will then be escorted to a private VIP lounge that overlooks “KÀ’s” custom-built theater for an artist meet and greet and receive a professional keepsake photograph with the performers. Fun facts are shared throughout the detailed tour as well, like the ages of the talented brothers who perform “KÀs” heart-pounding Wheel of Death act.
“KÀ” performs two shows every Saturday through Wednesday at MGM Grand, including a 4:30 p.m. matinee on Saturday and Sunday. The show is dark Sept. 16 through 26, and Nov. 22. cirquedusoleil.com/ ka
“KÀ’s” rotating stage is reactive to touch and debuted two years before touchscreen cell phones became popular following the release of the iPhone
Each performance of “KÀ” uses 2,000 pounds of granulated cork to mimic sand in the beach scene
The KÀ Royal VIP Experience
Photos courtesy of Cirque du Soleil
El Cortez opened in 1941 as one of the first hotel casinos in Las Vegas. Today we are the only hotel casino on the National Register of Historic Places. We honor that rich history by providing the same great value Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky offered when they owned El Cortez in the 1940s.
The “good old days” of Las Vegas are alive and well at El Cortez. Come say hello and take advantage of this special offer from my family to yours.
Epstein, Owner
ShowBar Hot Noods
Roulette
Kenny
START YOUR ENGINES
Formula 1 races back into Las Vegas
By Heather Turk
Auto racing fans can enjoy plenty of highoctane excitement in Las Vegas this fall when the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX returns to the heart of the Strip Nov. 20 through 22.
Now in its third year, the 50-lap race sees drivers racing past some of Las Vegas’ most iconic landmarks, reaching speeds of more than 220 miles per hour. This year, the race will start two hours earlier at 8 p.m. to improve TV viewing times for the sport’s East Coast fans.
Those in town for the event can book a variety of tickets to watch the race and its practice and qualifying sessions, including an all-new Turn 3 Grandstand experience that provides up-close views as the drivers push their limits through Turns 3 and 4 before accelerating down the DRS Zone along the Koval Straightaway. Also reimagined for 2025, the Grand Prix Trio offers fans three distinct Las Vegas Grand Prix experiences from different vantage points along the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Ticket holders can enjoy Heineken General Admission bleacher seating, an assigned seat in the Turn 3 Grandstands or an elevated hospitality experience in the Rat
Photo of Carlos Sainz, Skybox and Las Vegas Strip Circuit courtesy of Las Vegas Grand Prix; AREA15 by Mike Kirschbaum; F1 Arcade courtesy of F1 Arcade
Skybox’s podium view
Carlos Sainz racing toward Sphere during the 2024 FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX
A look at part of the striking Las Vegas Strip Circuit
Fan Tip: Fans who purchase select FORMULA
HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX tickets that include the opportunity to watch the F1 ACADEMY action on track will also get a chance to get up close to the F1 ACADEMY paddock and garages.
Pack-inspired Skybox. Select ticket options even include the chance to watch the all-female series F1 ACADEMY conclude its season on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit when it becomes the first single-seater support series to race on the streets of the biggest stage in motorsports. f1lasvegasgp.com
Last year, more than 306,000 fans came to Las Vegas for the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX, immersing themselves in a combination of Formula 1 excitement and world-class hospitality, food and entertainment. While a variety of musical performances and interactive activations will be announced closer to the event, there are a couple of permanent attractions in Las Vegas Formula 1 fans won’t want to miss.
At AREA15, riders of all ages can step into the driver’s seat at one of its thrilling Grand Prix Racing SIMs. The hyper-immersive, professional-grade simulators incorporate all of the notable landmarks along the Las Vegas track, so fans can experience what Formula 1 drivers see and feel during the race. area15.com/ experiences/grand-prix-racing
More full-motion racing simulators can be found at F1 Arcade Las Vegas, scheduled to open inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace this October. Sure to be a popular hangout with racing fans, the 21,000-square-foot attraction will be the largest U.S. location for F1 Arcade to date, featuring huge viewing screens, an expansive outdoor terrace overlooking the Strip and fun race-inspired reaction games. Guests can enjoy tasty food and beverages as well, with signature cocktails and “Designated Drivers” mocktails concocted by the winner of the first season of Netflix’s “Drink Masters,” Lauren Paylor “LP” O’Brien. f1arcade. com/us/vegas
In addition to purchasing individual tickets for the attraction, visitors who purchase Level 2, 3 or 4 of AREA15’s Experience Pass can enjoy the
Grand Prix Racing SIMs
An interior rendering of F1 Arcade’s new flagship location, F1 Arcade Las Vegas
Far out downtown
Funky Bars in Downtown Las Vegas
By Connor McIlveen
Downtown Las Vegas has developed a reputation for being edgier than the polished palazzos at the other end of the strip. While glamor and gaiety can still be found in the many casinos near Fremont Street, the surrounding area has a bit more grit and plenty of character.
HORSE TRAILER HIDEOUT
Drinks are slung from a hitched-up horse trailer inside Horse Trailer Hideout, where the provincial trailer combines with kitschy wall decor to create a country-chic aesthetic that carries over into the cocktails. The Farmhouse Fashioned, crafted with house bourbon and barrel-aged maple syrup, is infused with the smoke of burnt cherry wood chips, lending the classy drink a cozy campfire flair. The space also hosts live music and events, though a typical night at the Hideout can feel eventful all on its own. horsetrailerhideout.com
STRAY PIRATE
To call Stray Pirate simply another Tiki bar would be selling it short. This bar is decked out in sunken ship, swashbuckling, seven seafaring pirate-themed decor from head to toe… or rather, head to peg leg. The strong drinks, like the rum-heavy Stray Dog Grog, will help any landlubber get their sea legs. You can even piggyback a shot of house rum onto any beer purchase for an extra $7. But try the Banana Snaquiri instead: a delectable shot of Denizen 3-year rum cut with banana and lime. It’s a hidden gem amidst the treasure trove of drinks on their cocktail menu. straypirate.com
MILLENNIUM FANDOM BAR
A space port for the pop-culture minded, Millennium FANDOM BAR (MFB) is the place to party for characters of all kinds. Trekkies and Whovians mix and mingle
with cocktails in hand at weekly brunch socials, cosplay fans flock to themed weekend parties and karaoke nights, and knowledgeable nerds go head-to-head at their weekly trivia games. Newcomers are always welcome, as the accepting community is always ready to discuss the latest Marvel trailers or how exactly one would complete the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. fandombar.com
Tropical drinks from pirate themed bar, Stray Pirate
Horse Trailer Hideout
The drinks at Horse Trailer Hideout have a country vibe
Millennium FANDOM BAR hosts weekend cosplay parties
DOWNTOWN DINING
What’s
new
to
salivate over in downtown Las Vegas
By Heather Turk
From Strip-worthy restaurant openings to refreshed menu offerings, the dining scene in downtown Las Vegas is sure to have something new to impress even the most jaded diner.
HOT NOODS
Operated by the same family behind former Summerlin favorite Chinglish, Hot Noods opened inside El Cortez Hotel & Casino this past February as part of the property’s $20 million expansion. Serving authentic Asian
comfort fare, the casual eatery is open for lunch and dinner. It doesn’t matter if guests order the Tonkotsu Ramen made from pork bones marinated for up to 9 1/2 hours or the hand-folded Poh Poh’s Dumplings filled with chicken, pork or vegetables, every item on the menu explodes with flavor. Even the creamy Thai Iced Tea, made from tea leaves imported from Thailand, is a treat for taste buds. hotnoodslv.com
BAR BOHEME
Celebrated chef James Trees (Esther’s Kitchen) expanded his culinary portfolio in the Las Vegas Arts District this spring with the opening of Bar Boheme. Open nightly for dinner, the chic restaurant serves a menu of modern French brasserie cuisine that’s sure to leave foodies saying, “Ooh la la!” From the light and refreshing Ratatouille canapes to the restaurant’s tasty take on duck à l’orange,
One of its new entrées, Holsteins’ peppercorn Steak Frites come with rosemary fries and pickled onions
Savor contemporary French cuisine, like the signature Mary’s Duck (center), at Bar Boheme
Hot Noods’ Tonkotsu Ramen is made with pork bone broth, pork chashu, egg, green onions, dried seaweed, bean sprouts, kikurage mushrooms and wavy noodles
Mary’s Duck, featuring duck cooked two ways, nothing on the dinner menu disappoints. The Gnocchi à la Parisienne made with seasonal ingredients is especially delightful. barbohemelv.com
HOLSTEINS SHAKES AND BUNS
A favorite at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for nearly 15 years, Holsteins Shakes and Buns relocated to the Arts District in May. Known for its flavorful burgers, like the BBQ Green Chile Burger made with green chile hash, pepperjack cheese, tempura jalapeños and hickory BBQ sauce, the cow-themed burger joint serves a selection of salads and entrées as well for lunch and dinner. Guests can start their meal with the meaty Buffalo Chicken Dip, then pair their entrée with a burger-inspired cocktail from the bar, like the Pickle Picasso made with bourbon and pickle juice. Just remember to save room for one of Holsteins’ decadent milkshakes for dessert! holsteinsburgers.com
THE PEPPER CLUB
Once an Asian fusion restaurant, The Pepper Club is now serving some of Las Vegas’ best seasonal Mediterranean-inspired cuisine under new food and beverage director Bruce Kalman (SoulBelly BBQ) and executive chef Manny Rivera (Kassi Beach House). Located at The English Hotel, part of the Arts District’s new Midtown development, the restaurant serves such standout selections for dinner as the Okinawan sweet potato gnocchi in a pistachio-mint pesto and the succulent, wood-fired Double Cut Pork Chop topped with marsala sauce. The Roasted Beet Hummus is not to be missed either and can also be enjoyed during the restaurant’s daily brunch. thepepperclub.com
The Pepper Club’s Eggplant Parm appetizer is an edible work of art
Holsteins’ new downtown Las Vegas location features the eatery’s best-selling burgers from its previous Strip location
The dining room at Bar Boheme can seat up to 120 guests
Hot Nood’s Poh Poh’s Dumplings are hand folded daily
The Pepper Club’s Double Cut Pork Chop is served with maitake mushrooms on top
The Glittered Past
A trail of history in Downtown Las Vegas
By Connor McIlveen
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was Caesars Palace. Chronicled in museums throughout downtown Las Vegas is the story of how this tiny oasis evolved into a thriving tourist destination.
CLARK COUNTY WETLANDS PARK
With reedy ponds teaming with birds, turtles and fish, the Wetlands Park might not be the first thing that comes to mind when picturing Las Vegas. However, it’s meadows like these, within the 2,900-acre park, with 210 acres of nature reserve, that Spanish missionaries were referring to back in the 1800s, when they called the valley “Las Vegas.”
The park provides a glimpse into what was once an oasis in the valley, home to Paiutes, Anasazi and Mohave Native tribes. Right at the end of the Las Vegas Wash, the Wetlands Park sits on a site where traces of early humans were found, dating back as far as 600 A.D.
The learning center onsite regularly hosts educational talks and provides a starting point for guided walks along the paved and unpaved trails. Visitors can bird watch or take in the stunning scenery at various meadows that dot the grounds. clarkcountynv.gov/ government/departments/parks___recreation/ wetlands_park/
OLD LAS VEGAS MORMON FORT
Mormon missionaries were among the first to attempt to settle permanently in the Las Vegas Valley, although they did not stay long.
Remnants of this first settlement still exist on the strip at the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort, still standing at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd.
and Washington Ave. The fort was actually the first building constructed in Las Vegas and has survived all these years, changing hands from settlers to soldiers to ranchers and industry magnates.
Both a park and a museum, the fort displays real artifacts from the Mormon settlers as well as subsequent tenants, including Octavious Decatur Gass, namesake of a few streets throughout the valley. In addition to
Remnants of the first Las Vegas settlement still stand at The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort
History is alive at The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort
Clark County Wetlands Park
artifacts, the visitor center features photos and exhibits that detail the rich history of the building and the surrounding area. parks.nv.gov/parks/old-las-vegas-mormon-fort
THE MOB MUSEUM
After the days of Octavius Gass, the creation of the Boulder Dam brought working men en masse to the Valley, and the relaxed laws meant that they could gamble their earnings with impunity. The lucrative stakes were enough to lure the organized crime families of Chicago, who quickly transformed Vegas from a pit stop into a destination.
At The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas, the full scope of the Mafia’s involvement in building up Las Vegas is detailed in several exhibits spread across four floors. The whole museum is housed inside one of the courthouses where Sen. Estes Kefauver exposed the extent of the Mafia’s influence on America.
The interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, engaging artifacts and pop culture lore displayed throughout the courthouse cover organized crime around the world and throughout the decades. The pièce de
résistance is a working speakeasy and distillery located in the basement, which transports patrons to the Prohibition era — a golden age of gangsters and lawlessness. themobmuseum.org
THE NEON MUSEUM
A monument to the glamour of days gone by, The Neon Museum is, in some ways, a graveyard of casinos and businesses that no longer stand, with their illustrious illuminated signs serving as epitaphs to the fallen giants of Las Vegas. The museum houses over 250 signs spread across the North Gallery and the Neon Boneyard.
In the Gallery, neon signs are given a second life in the audio/visual show “Brilliant! Jackpot!” Forty decommissioned signs are illuminated by eight projectors and underscored with 24 3D sound speakers to create a 360-degree audiovisual experience.
Working signs are displayed inside The Neon Boneyard, alongside hundreds of other rescued marquees. The exhibit is curated with chronology in mind so that during guided tours, guests are guided through the story of Las Vegas and the distinct role these businesses played in Las Vegas history. neonmuseum.org
The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, aka The Mob Museum
Photo of The Mob Museum courtesy of The Mob Museum
The Neon Museum courtesy of The Neon Museum
Celebrate all things Bavarian at Four Peaks Brewing Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake. Held Oct. 10 through 12, the event draws thousands for German food, beer, live music (including polka), carnival rides, a local celebrity bratwurst eating contest and an amateur stein holding competition. There’s even fun runs and Weiner dog races. fourpeaksoktoberfest.com
The Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick for three evenings, Oct. 24 through 26, for Halloween fun. Besides trick-ortreating at over 20 glowing hot air balloons, guests will enjoy costume contests, live music, tethered balloon rides and a kids zone. azspooktacular.com
A million dollars in prize money is on the line as professional rodeo’s best compete in team roping, barrel racing, bull riding and more Nov. 7 through 9 at The Hondo Rodeo Fest. Nightly concerts featuring headliners Nickelback, Cody Johnson and Jason Aldean follow the rodeo events. thehondorodeofest.com
Get a head start on holiday shopping at Local First Arizona Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix. More than 250 local vendors will be on hand along with 70-plus restaurants, breweries and distilleries, making this the city’s largest free annual festival. localfirstaz.com
The Hondo Rodeo Fest
le petit chef
Watch a tiny chef prepare your meal right in front of you at the Arizona Baltimore
By Teresa Bitler
Fine dining in Phoenix has reached a whole new level — six centimeters, to be precise. That’s the height of the Arizona Biltmore’s newest chef, Le Petit Chef, an animated character who gardens, fishes, grills and bakes each course on the table surrounding your plate. It’s a show with a gourmet meal and a special occasion experience worth booking well in advance.
Each seating begins with time to order wine or cocktails as guests fill in around the communal table in a private space just off the resort’s lobby. After staff introductions, the lights dim and overhead projectors play an animation of the chef growing baby vegetables for the salad course. Soon, a mole interrupts, though, and the chef must rid the garden of the vegetable thief.
When the scene finishes, servers bring out the animation’s real-life counterpart, a salad featuring burrata, beets and heirloom tomatoes. Once they clear the plates from that course, the next animation plays, this time showing the chef battling an octopus as he creates a seafood dish.
For the remaining two courses, the chef grills an animated steak (or mushrooms) directly on your plate and prepares a Meyer lemon crème brûlée for dessert. Between each course, servers promptly refill water, take drink orders and box leftovers for home. The evening ends with a final animation.
Dinner with Le Petit Chef at the Arizona Biltmore lasts between one and a half and two hours and costs $195 per person plus tax and service charge. (Wine and cocktails are not included.) In addition to the main program,
there’s also a vegetarian option ($185) and a junior option for kids 6 to 12 ($79).
Reservations are required for Le Petit Chef, offered every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and again at 8 p.m., but diners need to book early. Seats at the Biltmore’s experience fill up to two months in advance. arizonabiltmore.com
Can’t get a reservation at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix? Le Petit Chef is available at other Allegiant destinations, including Nashville, Houston, San Diego, San Francisco and Kansas City. lepetitchef.com
American wagyu takes center stage during the third course
Le Petit Chef at the Arizona Biltmore features an animated chef that prepares each course
For the second course, Le Petit Chef prepares a cioppino-like dish
FALL FOOD FESTS
Taste the best of the Southwest
at three food festivals
By Teresa Bitler Pizza Fest
As temperatures dip, Phoenix’s culinary scene heats up with food festivals nearly every weekend. Some celebrate a specific food while others, like Oktoberfest, embrace the foods of an entire culture.
PHOENIX GREEK FESTIVAL
Come hungry to the Greek Festival hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Phoenix. Now in its 64th year, the festival serves authentic Greek foods such as bulging gyro sandwiches, souvlaki meat skewers, cheesy saganaki, lasagna-like moussaka,
spinach-stuffed spanakopita and baklava drenched in honey. Adults can also sample Greek wines, beer and ouzo.
In addition to food, Greek Festival features live music, traditional dancers and self-guided tours of the cathedral. There’s even a market with vendors selling items from Greece, including art, jewelry, olive oil and spices.
Phoenix Greek Festival runs October 10 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., October 11 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and October 12 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission costs $5, a portion of which goes to support local charities such as Phoenix Children’s Hospital. phoenixgreekfestival.org
GARLIC FESTIVAL
This September, the Queen Creek Olive Mill celebrates all things garlic at its popular Garlic Fest. Guests can dine on a garlicinspired menu from del Piero Kitchen, the in-store restaurant, and take a garlicthemed tour to learn how the mill produces olive oil onsite. There will also be cooking demonstrations and vendors selling foodie must-haves, art and more.
Hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Phoenix, Greek Festival treats guests to live music, Greek food and more
PHOENIX/MESA FALL
FOOD FESTIVALS AT A GLANCE:
GREEK FESTIVAL
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Oct. 10-12
GARLIC FESTIVAL
Queen Creek Olive Mill
Sep. 13-14 & 20-21
PIZZA FEST
Margaret T. Hance Park
Nov. 15-16
Inside, the store will offer samples of the mill’s garlic-infused olive oil and other products available for purchase. Outside, guests can dine at shaded picnic tables while listening to live music.
The Garlic Fest kicks off the weekend of September 13 to 14 and continues the following weekend, September 20 to 21. Admission and parking are both free. queencreekolivemill.com
PHOENIX PIZZA FEST
Local chef Christopher Bianco put Phoenix on pizza lovers’ radar when he started the nationwide artisanal pizza craze there in 1988, but it’s slices like those sold at Pizza Fest that keep the city at the top of “best pizza” lists year after year. Vendors sell a variety of whole pizzas and slices, including some vegan and gluten-free offerings, as well as pasta, meatballs and desserts.
This year’s event will be held in Margaret T. Hance Park on November 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and November 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can listen to local bands and shop for one-of-a-kind items at the vendor market. The festival also has a kids’ zone and bars for the 21-and-over crowd.
Even though the $16 general admission doesn’t include food or drink (most vendors price their slices at $4 to $6), the event sells out every year, so purchase tickets early. phoenix.pizza
Greek Festival serves cultural favorites like gyros and souvlaki
Pizza Fest is for everyone, offering gluten-free and some vegan options as well as traditional favorites, pasta and meatballs
Queen Creek Olive Mill’s Garlic Fest features garlic-inspired products and menu items at their instore restaurant
Guests can dine on a garlic-inspired menu from del Piero Kitchen at Garlic Fest held at Queen Creek Olive Mill
PATHS WELL TRAVELED
Lowland trails in Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek
By Kate Wallace
As temperatures dip in the desert, it’s time to head for the hills. Hiking is one of the most enjoyable pastimes for locals and a sought-after activity for visitors to the Southwest. Not every journey into Arizona’s stunning wilderness involves elevation, and many trails take you into the desert, not up. In the East Valley, there are several trailheads that provide breathtaking views without taking away your breath.
In Gilbert, visitors can enjoy the trails that wind through the area’s 110-acre wetland preserve. Upon arrival at the Riparian Preserve, guests are greeted with a saguaro forest before heading onto a path that winds for miles around seven ponds and a man-made lake — part of the town’s water recharge basins. Morning visits to the preserve are best for bird watching with
more than 300 species spotted. The Hope Walk is the preserve’s newest feature aimed at promoting mental health and well-being. Selecting this path invites steppers to pause and take in positivity-driven signs throughout the trail, with messages and wellness tips leading to a large hand-painted Hope mural. discovergilbert.com
An hour’s drive to the east leads to Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona’s oldest and largest desert botanical garden. Founded in 1924 and covering just shy of 400 acres, the grounds are a showcase to all the vegetation of the desert uplands and lowlands. The Main Trail is an easy, 1.5-mile barrier-free flat hike that guides newbies to some of Arizona’s most diverse plant life — with mountain landscapes in the distance. Time your visit to enjoy their regular butterfly or
Photo of Merkle Trail courtesy of Visit Mesa; Sonoqui Wash Trail courtesy of Town of Queen Creek
One of the most popular barrier-free desert trails is Merkle Trail in Mesa
Two desert wash trails lead visitors throughout Queen Creek
birding walks, or opt to have their docents guide you on their popular desert edible and medicinal plants tour. Enjoy special touches like loaner binoculars and tours via golf cart. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the website. btarboretum.org
In Queen Creek, the Sonoqui Wash multi-use path is a great way to immerse oneself into native desert terrain while staying on a flat surface. Offering both paved and dirt gravel paths, the entire system runs almost 4 miles with parking options near Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre. Not to be confused, the Queen Creek Wash Trail is slightly longer at 6 miles and winds through the town’s historic neighborhoods, farmlands and parks. Both trails are part of larger regional trails that cross the county. Hikers can get in their steps when they tackle the 12-mile loop that combines the two desert wash trails, which merge with thoroughfares on the east and west as connectors to make up the path. visitqueencreekaz.com
Perhaps the most popular desert lowland trail is Merkle Trail, set at the base of Merkle Hills inside Mesa’s Usery Mountain Regional Park. This accessible, gravel-lined trail provides an immersive and up-close look at tall saguaros, desert brush and giant ocotillo. The trail features education on the geography of Pass Mountain and benches to take in the expansive views — Superstition wilderness to the east, the Goldfield Mountain range to the north and Usery Mountains immediately northwest. visitmesa.com
Early risers can enjoy the views across a series of lakes and ponds at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve
Surround yourself with peace and quiet on the Hope Walk, inside Gilbert’s 110-acre wetland preserve
Explore stunning desert landscapes inside the 3,648-acre Usery Mountain Regional Park
Travis Gienger, winner of 2022 World Championship
Pumpkin Weigh-Off
See planes soar over the San Francisco Bay during San Francisco Fleet Week, Oct. 5 through 13. The celebration honors the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and connects them with civilians who want to learn more. The event features air shows, ship tours, ship parades and more! fleetweeksf.org
Celebrate the splendor of fall at the 53rd annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival, Oct. 18 and 19. Pick pumpkins from the patch, catch the costume contest and get your picture taken with the Grand Champion Gourd from this year’s World Championship Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Weigh-Off. There’s also a roster of entertainment, including master pumpkin carvers, musicians and performers. hmbpumpkinfest.com
OAK LAX
From Sept. 4 through Nov. 2, Universal Studios Hollywood hosts Halloween Horror Nights, featuring haunted houses, scream-filled scare zones and menacing make-overs for some of its most popular rides. This year’s new haunted houses include one set in the terrifying world of Jason Voorhees, the iconic villain from the “Friday the 13th” franchise. universalstudioshollywood.com/hhn
It’s time to lace up your lederhosen and dust off your stein, because Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is back! From Sept. 6 through Nov. 8, the mountain town of Big Bear Lake hosts one of the best festivals in Southern California, with bratwurst, beers and Bavarian music setting the hills alive with the sound of polka. bigbear.com/events/ oktoberfest/
CALIFORNIa
Photo
Half Moon Bay
During Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends will debut new Halloween looks
CELEBRATE HAPPY
The Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration is sure to leave revelers entertained
By Heather Turk
Disneyland Park’s 70th anniversary may have been on July 17, but the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration remains in full swing through summer 2026.
A celebration unlike any other, the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration not only features exciting new entertainment options at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, but also brings back some classic favorites with a little extra
Mickey Mouse and his pals are donning festive new outfits as well, with bright pops of color and sparkling embellishments. Guests can see the anniversary attire during the all-new “Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” at Disneyland Park, which is led by Mickey Mouse’s teddy bear, Duffy, and Duffy’s teddy bear friend, ShellieMay.
One of the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration’s most memorable experiences
During the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, guests can see festive anniversary décor throughout the resort
Did You Know… “Celebrate Happy,” the official theme song of the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, is performed by the Jonas Brothers?
mosaic of Disneyland attractions, moments and memories inspired by the work of legendary Disney artist Mary Blair.
Another fun projection show can be found inside Disney California Adventure Park. Running just two minutes, “Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night” is sure to put a smile on everyone’s faces as Tinker Bell lights up the façade of Carthay Circle Restaurant.
Disney California Adventure Park has an all-new “World of Color” show for the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, too, hosted by Joy and the other emotions from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2.” The seventh full-length “World of Color” fountains show created since the nighttime spectacular debuted in 2010, “World of Color Happiness!” begins with a hilarious safety message from The Muppets, who steal the show as they advise guests not to jump into Paradise Bay.
Revelers can enjoy several new and updated attractions at the parks as well, like “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” at Disneyland Park’s Main Street Opera House. The all-new cinematic presentation boasts the first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney. “Disney Junior: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” also recently debuted at Disney California Adventure Park, featuring five catchy new songs that are sure to have kids bopping along to the music.
In addition to the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, guests visiting Disneyland Resort this fall can enjoy several seasonal events, including Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort through Oct. 31 and Holidays at the Disneyland Resort starting on Nov. 14. Select anniversary experiences will temporarily pause for the seasonal entertainment offerings, so be sure to check the Disneyland app for the most upto-date information. disneyland.com
Disneyland Park’s fan-favorite “Paint the Night” parade features more than 1 million brilliant LED lights
“Tapestry of Happiness” projection show
“Walt Disney — A Magical Life” takes audiences on a cinematic journey from Walt Disney’s early endeavors to the bright lights of Los Angeles and beyond
“World of Color Happiness!” explores the concept of happiness through moments from beloved Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios films
Secret San Diego
Sip at several local speakeasies
By Connor McIlveen
Through an unmarked door, behind a bookshelf or on the other side of a rotating fireplace, a night of fun awaits inside one of San Diego’s secret speakeasies. There’s a host of covert cantinas serving surreptitious selections throughout the seaside city, where the act of entrance in itself is an escapade sure to leave an indelible impression.
SEVENTH HOUSE
If you’re looking for a sign to spend the night out, you’ll find it at the Seventh House. An astrology-inspired speakeasy tucked behind a bookshelf inside Cacio E Pepe Trattoria Romana, the elegant bar boasts an almost magical ambiance, with wild and decadent decor reminiscent of the Mad Hatter’s tea party. It’s the perfect vibe for the tarot readings the bar hosts Wednesday to Saturday from 7:00 p.m. until midnight. seventhhousesandiego.com
RAISED BY WOLVES
Make a reservation if you want to visit one of the best bars in San Diego. Folks who can secure a spot will be transported from a vintage liquor store inside a mall, through a rotating fireplace á la “The Last Crusade,” and into Raised by Wolves, a lavish Parisian-inspired cocktail bar. With beveled wooden walls; tufted, plush stools and a gold marble circular bar situated underneath an opulent backlit glass dome, the breathtaking design would overshadow the whole experience were the drinks not so delicious. raisedxwolves.com
PROHIBITION
Tucked away in the Gaslamp District, behind the seemingly defunct law office of Eddie O’Hare, Esq., is San Diego’s original speakeasy. Named for the act that birthed secret bars across 1920s America, Prohibition is a swanky, understated cocktail lounge and music venue, where those in the know show up early to hear the sounds of jazz, R&B, swing and more while sampling craft cocktails made by consummate professionals. The ambience inside is as carefully crafted as its beverages, as phone use at the bar is forbidden and nice attire is highly encouraged. It all adds to an experience that invokes the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. prohibitionsd.com
The decadent bar inside Raised by Wolves
Speakeasies like Raised by Wolves feature hidden entrances and experienced mixologists
The Seventh House is well stocked and dimly lit, the makings of a great speakeasy
Photo of Seventh House courtesy of Alba Restaurant Group; photos of Raised by Wolves by Arlene Ibarra
Photo by Brock Thoroughman
TRAVELER INFORMATION
SAFETY FIRST
Customer safety is Allegiant®’s first concern. Please be advised that interference with the duties of crew members, including flight attendants, is a violation of federal laws. Our crews are thoroughly trained in all safety procedures. To ensure your own safety, we hope you take a moment to review the safety information card located in the seat pocket in front of you. Be aware of the following:
• Location of the nearest emergency exit
• Location of your emergency oxygen mask, if needed
• Correct procedure for exiting the cabin in an emergency
SEAT BELTS
Seat belts must be fastened ANY TIME the seat belt sign is on, during taxi, takeoff and landing. Once the seat belt sign is turned off, you may walk around the cabin. Due to unexpected turbulence, it is strongly recommended that you keep your seat belt fastened any time while in your seat. Allegiant’s exit seating policy does not allow the use of seat belt extensions in the exit seats due to tripping hazards.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Allegiant is forbidden to serve alcoholic beverages to anyone who appears to be intoxicated or who has not yet reached the age of 21. It is a violation of federal regulations to drink alcoholic beverages during a flight unless they have been served by Allegiant personnel.
CHILD RESTRAINT SEATS
Federal Aviation Administration requires that all child restraint seats used on planes meet federal safety standards. Acceptable seats bear proper labeling “THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT" from the manufacturer. Unlabeled seats or seats manufactured before Jan. 1, 1981, are not acceptable. Child restraint seats are to be placed into a window seat and secured with an aircraft seat belt.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS ONBOARD
The use of small cameras or mobile devices for photography and video is permitted onboard provided you keep the purpose of your photography and video to capturing personal events. Photographing or recording other customers or airline personnel without their express consent is prohibited. Airline personnel reserve the right to prohibit photos and videos onboard the aircraft if it becomes a disturbance to them or other passengers.
SMOKING
Smoking, the use of other tobacco products, e-cigarettes and other similar smoking devices are not permitted on any Allegiant flight. Federal law imposes fines of $1,000 for smoking and up to $2,000 for any attempt to disable an aircraft smoke detector.
Weight: 194,700 pounds
PERMITTED*
Maximum Passengers: 190
Total Length: 129 feet
Wingspan: 118 feet
Pilots: 2
Flight Attendants: 4
AIRBUS A320
Number of Aircraft: 79
Cruising Speed: 561 mph
Range: 3,797 miles
Maximum Take-Off
Weight: 172,000 pounds
Maximum Passengers: 186
Total Length: 123 feet
Wingspan: 112 feet
Pilots: 2
Flight Attendants: 4
AIRBUS A319
Number of Aircraft: 27
Cruising Speed: 514 mph
Range: 4,315 miles
Maximum Take-Off
Weight: 166,000 pounds
Maximum Passengers: 156
Total Length: 111 feet
Wingspan: 112 feet
Pilots: 2
Flight Attendants: 4
*Restrictions may apply when operating outside of U.S. Airspace. NOTE: Portable electronic device use on the ground, during takeoff and during landing should be limited to small, lightweight devices less than 2 lbs. These devices should be able to be easily secured in a seat back and not impede emergency access to the aisle.
network services (voice or data) to make or receive calls during the flight is not permitted by U.S. and International regulatory authorities. If you have other questions about the use of other
Building Stronger Connections through Interest Groups
You might know Allegiant for low fares and nonstop flights, but behind the scenes, there’s something else that sets our airline apart – a workplace culture that’s shaped by our team members.
At Allegiant, we believe that team members should be empowered to create and contribute to a company culture they want to be a part of. Interest Groups are designed to be team member-led clubs where shared passions bring people together. These groups aren’t created for our team members... they’re created and led by them!
For example, Allegiant is home to the Mad Potters, a group for plant parents to share tips and advice with one another. We also have the G4 Herbivores, bringing our plantbased eaters together to swap recipes and restaurant recommendations. And then there’s the Cryptozoology Club, a group for those fascinated by the world of mythical creatures like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster.
Allegiant team members have organized 14 Interest Groups so far! If someone has an idea for a new group, we encourage them to explore it. Creating groups around personal passions fuels inspiration and creativity, which naturally carries over into each team member’s daily work.
Megan Little, Publications – Pet Pals
Megan is always quick to welcome new members and post her latest pet pics or the perfect animal meme. Allegiant is filled with pet lovers, and the Pet Pals group gives them a space to celebrate pet birthdays, share cute outfit photos, and even help find homes for lost pets.
“It’s nice to be part of something that brings people together and makes our work culture feel more like a community.”
Brian Peng, Accounting – G4 Athletes
Brian played a central role in helping Allegiant secure Second Place during Corporate Challenge – a three-month competition where Vegasbased companies compete head-to-head in just about every sport imaginable. He stepped up, stood out, and led our team to victory!
“I love meeting team members from different departments as we work together to accomplish a common goal: WIN!”
Kristina Melton, Flight Attendant – Cloud Nine Readers
Kristina is a co-founder of Cloud Nine Readers. Whether she’s asking what people are reading or what book they’d take to a deserted island, she is all about sparking connections. The group even set up a free library at our headquarters so team members can pick up new books and share their favorite reads.
“Being part of the Interest Groups helps you find people who speak the same language as you and get excited about things that excite you!”
Jennifer Kimball, Regulatory Compliance – Crafty Crew
Jennifer loves showing off her crochet adventures, and the Crafty Crew is open to all kinds of makers — from painters and knitters to sculptors and doodlers. If it’s a project you’re proud of, we want to see it!
“Interest Groups help me feel connected. Just like crochet — where each stitch links to the next — we’re stronger and brighter when we come together.”
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Allegiant Named Best Low-Cost Airline in North America
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of scoring a great deal on your trip—especially when that deal comes with friendly service, nonstop flights, and a smooth travel experience. That’s exactly what Allegiant passengers have come to expect, and now the world has taken notice.
At the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards— often called the “Oscars of the aviation industry”—Allegiant was named Best LowCost Airline in North America. The honor, based entirely on customer feedback, marks the second year in a row Allegiant has taken home the top spot.
Allegiant also earned the title of Best LowCost Airline in the United States. Not bad for a company that started with a simple mission: make travel more accessible and convenient for everyone.
“It’s such an honor to receive this award once again,” said Allegiant’s Chief Executive Officer & President, Gregory C. Anderson. “We strive to provide our customers with a seamless, comfortable and convenient travel experience, and this recognition validates our efforts.”
Allegiant has built its reputation by connecting small- and medium-sized cities— like Provo, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Knoxville—to top vacation destinations. With low fares, Allegiant’s all-nonstop network
and leisure-focused model have made it a favorite among travelers looking for both value and ease.
“Our team members are the foundation of what we do—they continue to ensure safety, reliability and impeccable service onboard,” Anderson added. “This accolade reaffirms the important value we bring to the communities we serve and acknowledges our long history of providing great service at an attractive price.”
The Skytrax awards are based on millions of passenger surveys collected from travelers around the world. For the 2025 awards, more than 22 million eligible entries were counted, with Allegiant standing out for its commitment to comfort, convenience, and customer care.
“Allegiant’s back-to-back recognition as North America’s best low-cost airline is a testament to its customer-focused approach,” said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax.
“Passengers have highlighted the airline’s commitment to providing reliable, valuedriven service tailored for leisure travelers.”
So the next time you settle into your seat on an Allegiant flight, know that you’re flying with the best. And that’s not just our opinion—it’s what millions of travelers have said, too.
Allegiant Chief Executive Officer & President Gregory C. Anderson accepts Allegiant’s 2024 World Airline Award for Best Low-Cost Airline in North America.
Routes as of July 29th, 2025. Some routes may be seasonal; subject to change.
FOR THOSE WHO BLAZE THEIR OWN TRACE
Snack Packs
Horizon Box
$12
Boulder Canyon Potato Chips
Old Wisconsin Salami
Summer Harvest Garlic & Herb Crostini
Gilman Swiss Cheese
Gilman White Cheddar Cheese
Wonderful Pistachios
M&M’s Fun Size
Mini Chips Ahoy
Ascent Box
$10
Poshi Artichokes Basil & Thyme
Fit Joy Pretzels
That’s It Apples + Fig Bar
KIND Dark Chocolate Chunk Bar
Mario Pitted Olives w/ Hint of Savory Pepper
Dip In Classic Hummus
Getaway Box $10
Octonuts Sea Salted Almonds
Field Trip Cracked Pepper Turkey Jerky
Dot’s Original Homestyle Pretzels
GoGo Squeez AppleApple Fruit on the Go
Jelly Belly Jelly Beans
Classic Cookie
Winglet Snack Pack $5
RITZ Cheese Cracker Sandwiches 6 pk
OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies 2 pk
Albanese Sour Worms
Crayons (2 units/4 colors)
Allegiant Wings
$1 from every Winglet Snack Pack purchase will benefit Make-A-Wish®. For more info, visit wish.org or call 1.800.722.9474.