Las Vegas is a city known for its casinos, its glitz, and its anything goes type of attitude. Las Vegas is indeed a progressive and laid-back city, one where everyone can feel free to express themselves and to be who they are. Las Vegas is diverse and welcoming, and offers a range of restaurants, bars, social events, and activities for those in the LGBTQ community to enjoy. Sunny, dry, and warm year-round, there are also endless options for outdoor fun. Truly, Vegas would be a wonderful place to call home.
Las Vegas – The History
Las Vegas was initially founded in 1905 after the opening of a railroad that linked Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. Las Vegas really began growing into the city it eventually became in the 1930s with the construction of the Hoover Dam. The theaters and casinos that grew into the Vegas we know today were initially built as entertainment for construction workers building the dam. Since the 1930s, Las Vegas has grown steadily, and is now a premier world destination for those looking to let loose, have some fun, enjoy the casinos, take in a show or two, or simply relax and enjoy the sunny weather.
Las Vegas Fun Facts
Read more fun facts about Las Vegas here.
The LGBTQ Community in Las Vegas
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada is a community-based organization that supports and promotes activities intended to encourage the well-being, positive image, and human rights of the LGBTQ community and its allies.
Las Vegas Weather
Las Vegas has a subtropical hot desert climate. This typically means long and very hot summers, a warm spring and fall, and a short winter with mild days and cooler nights. Las Vegas has plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of 310 sunny days, and bright sunshine during 86% of all daylight hours. July is the hottest month, with an average daytime high of 104.2 °F. December is both the year's coolest and cloudiest month, with an average daytime high of 56.6 °F. Las Vegas is one of the sunniest, driest, least humid locations in North America.
Events: Must See and Do
Las Vegas PRIDE is the can’t-miss LGBTQ event in Las Vegas each year. Held in October of each year at Sunset Park, PRIDE attracts thousands and thousands of visitors each year. The Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE also hosts and other related events every year, as part of the wider Las Vegas Pride Festival, including pool parties, bingo, hikes and lectures, among others.
Las Vegas Living – A Look at the Neighborhoods
Paradise is an area of town that includes some of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas, and it is also one of the most popular neighborhoods in the LGBTQ community. In addition to its many iconic Vegas attractions, Paradise also includes the well-known “Fruit Loop” region of off Paradise Road and Naples Street, which is a very popular area for gay locals and visitors as well. The median sale price of homes currently listed in Paradise is $274,000.
Spring Valley encompasses much of the southwest portion of the Las Vegas valley. It was first developed as a small, master-planned community, but now covers over 33 square miles, including the Las Vegas Chinatown district. Offering plenty of coffeeshops, bars, restaurants, and activities, there is always something to do here. The median sale price of homes currently listed in Spring Valley is $315,000.
Downtown Las Vegas is known as being artsy, quirky, and simply a fun place to live. Downtown Las Vegas was once the main gambling district before the Strip was created which is currently home to most casinos and hotels. Downtown Las Vegas is a favorite stop for locals and visitors, and is known as being a community that values eccentricity, open-mindedness, and diversity. The median sale price of homes currently listed in Downtown Las Vegas is $350,000.
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Arts and Entertainment
You don’t need to spend very much time in Las Vegas to realize that it has no shortage of arts and entertainment options. There are shows, performances, and concerts galore – far too many to even begin listing. Here are only a couple of many options that make Las Vegas a premiere destination in the world for truly stunning performances.
Cirque du Soleil is the largest contemporary circus show in the world, and the magic of these shows is difficult to put into words. Cirque is a stunning blend of acrobatics, music, dancing, and special effects that you don’t want to miss. There are 6 different Cirque du Soleil shows which are regularly performed in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Strip is a stretch of South Las Vegas Boulevard which is known for its concentration of resort hotels and casinos. There are endless opportunities for fun and entertainment here, whether it is playing a few games at the casinos, enjoying a show or some of the scenery at one of the hotels, dining at one of the amazing restaurants, or relaxing with a drink at one of the many bars. Truly, there is plenty to see and do!
Parks and Recreation
For those looking to get out and get active, Las Vegas has a number of recreational options. One popular team sports activity is the LGBTQ Volleyball Gay Social, which meets at Sunset Park several evenings each week. It’s a perfect activity for those wanting to play a team sport, get some exercise, and have some fun with other people who share their interests.
If you enjoy softball, the Las Vegas Gay Softball League may be an excellent choice to get some exercise and make new friends. Founded in 2009 by the Las Vegas Athletics Arts and Activities Foundation, the league has now grown to over 250 members making up between 20-25 teams.
Nightlife in Vegas
You can’t miss the outside of The Phoenix – The giant phoenix painted across the doors usually gives it away! This club offers a spacious bar, comfortable lounge area, a dance floor with DJs spinning excellent playlists, pool tables, and a nice outdoor patio area.
The Piranha is known as a compact but luxurious gay nightclub with theme nights, drag shows, VIP skyboxes and cozy outdoor patio. It was voted “Best Gay Bar” in 2016 and 2017 by the Best of Las Vegas.
Located on Flamingo Road in the Paradise section of Las Vegas, Hamburger Mary’s is known as the neighborhood’s go-to spot for locals who want great burgers, drinks, and fantastic drag show performances.