Explore Las Vegas' Festivals

Although many holidays makers hit Las Vegas because of the dream to hit it big on the slots, there are plenty of other reasons to visit this enigmatic city. The casinos are, undoubtedly, a fantastic tourist pull - but there are many other things to see and do in Vegas for those that may not be so keen on the bright lights and games.

Vegas is home to a bundle of excellent festivals that are set to entertain locals and tourists alike at all times of the year. The fantastic thing about Vegas festivals is that they are so diverse. Some of the best-known include film festivals like CineVegas, which is usually held around early June, and has been named as one of the top 5 festivals to visit by Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper. Now over 10 years old, the festival aims to bring together lovers of independent cinema and the films themselves, letting attendees enjoy fantastic new movies without having to travel too far to find them. Nearby in Boulder City the Dam Short Film Festival is younger and showcases short films to fans from all over.

For a festival with a real twist, Las Vegas' Helldorado Days is a cowboy themed romp that has been around for decades and includes a rodeo, a massive parade and a huge carnival that brings out Western fans in their droves. Expect to see a wealth of fancy dress costumes and hear a great deal of dodgy cowboy accents as locals and tourists enjoy the festivities of this exciting event.

Vegoose is a Halloween festival that takes the spookiest time of year to musical new heights. Focussing on rock and metal bands, this music festival combines fantastic bands with a Halloween theme that includes costume competitions, haunted houses, large-scale pumpkin displays and plenty more, making it a unique festival that is well worth visiting should your Vegas trip fall around the end of October.

No matter what your taste, Vegas has a huge variety of festivals that are bound to get you racing from your Vegas hotel to get to in time. Whether you prefer fantastic film festivals, music extravaganzas, bike festivals and competitions or quirky treats like large scale Halloween celebrations and cowboy-themed festivities, Vegas has a huge amount of festivals to offer - so plan your holiday well and you could end up with more than the casinos to remember.