JOURNEY INTO THE UNKNOWN

By Heather Turk

AREA15 is an otherworldly experience

Minutes from the Las Vegas Strip on the other side of the I-15 lies an immersive entertainment district unlike any other: AREA15.

Known for its dynamic destinations, interactive art installations and live events, AREA15 has become one of Las Vegas’ most popular attractions since opening in September 2020. A worthy addition to the Entertainment Capital of the World, the unique attraction showcases what’s next in experiential entertainment through a variety of extraordinary experiences.

Probably the most well-known experience within AREA15 is Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart. Featuring innovative works of art from international and local artists, the interactive art installation takes guests on a journey far beyond the surreal supermarket they first enter. Not only can shoppers explore four themed areas and 60 unique environments looking for clues to uncover what happened to Omega Mart’s missing CEO, but they can also unlock more of the exhibit’s mysterious narrative by purchasing a Boop card that interacts with various electronic stations found throughout the venue.

Omega Mart recently welcomed its first notable expansion, too, with the Mega Art Zone. Located adjacent to the Omega Mart box office, the Mega Art Zone showcases the works of more than 40 Las Vegas artists. Now, instead of just being able to purchase one-of-a-kind items from Omega Mart, like air fresheners that smell like “Unspoken Promises” or Vegan Goat Pus (lemonade), visitors can purchase locally made miniature art pieces — including jewelry, postcards and magnets — from one of two vending machines.

Although Omega Mart is open to guests of all ages, another one of AREA15’s most popular experiences is a riveting mix of science, innovation and art that’s strictly for adults. Lost Spirits Distillery invites guests to go on a guided tour of its working rum distillery, where they will learn more about the groundbreaking equipment used to rapidly mature its spirits while sampling some selections along the way. Guests are then turned loose to explore an immersive, Victorian-like village located within the distillery that’s home to hidden tasting rooms, pop-up performances from talented artists — including a two-time world champion gold medal gymnast — and even a submarine “ride.” Visitors can book a 16-course dinner inside the distillery as well as the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea dining experience, which includes cocktail pairings featuring the distillery’s spirits.

While guests will want to give themselves plenty of time to explore Omega Mart and Lost Spirits Distillery at their leisure, many of AREA15’s coolest attractions can be enjoyed in less than an hour. At Wink World: Portals into the Infinite, visitors can ponder the concept of infinity as they walk through six infinity-mirror rooms designed by Blue Man Group co-founder, Chris Wink. Each room features a brief production number choreographed to original music that utilizes items like streamers, lights and slinkies with little toy aliens attached to them to create a fun yet thought-provoking psychedelic experience.

Museum Fiasco, meanwhile, features a combination of loud sounds, strobing lights and fog effects to create three short interactive audiovisual installations — “Cluster,” “Railwave” and “Stellar” — that engage the senses. The dazzling displays become even more impressive when

In addition to featuring nearly two dozen signature experiences, as well as restaurants, shops and bars, AREA15 hosts elaborate, fullvenue parties throughout the year. This spring will be no different, with several exciting parties on the horizon, such as We’re All Mad Here on March 25, Secret Garden on April 29 and Neon Dream on May 27. Each themed, ticketed event includes entry into AREA15, live performances across multiple stages and venues, spirited performers and characters and interactive art and photo installations. All partygoers must be age 21 or older to attend.

AREA15 is open daily. Admission is free, although most experiences require individual admission tickets. Three Experience Passes are available, though, that grant passholders entry into select experiences for one set price. After 10 p.m., AREA15 is open exclusively to guests age 21 and older, so be sure to bring any kids before then so the