Labor Day in Las Vegas

Just as Memorial Day seems to mark the beginning of summer in Las Vegas, Labor Day marks the unofficial end. It is the last big hurrah of the season’s long days, and just as people pour into Sin City to celebrate the start of summer, the city also overflows with visitors hoping to send it out in fashion.

Hundreds of thousands of people arrive annually in Las Vegas for Labor Day, so you may not find deep discounts on lodging, shows and dining that are available at other times of the year, but check for promotions as you make plans for your Las Vegas vacation because you never know when and where they might surface. Because Labor Day is a popular three-day weekend in Las Vegas, it is best to book a hotel room early and make arrangements for any specific shows, clubs or restaurants that you know you’d like to visit while in town.

August in Las Vegas is still hot and sunny (expect daily temperatures between 85F and 95F), and you’ll be able to take one last dip in the city’s many pool clubs. They’re all still alive and hopping with DJs spinning poolside throughout Labor Day weekend, and over three-day weekends like this one, celebrities, musicians and athletes are frequently spotted. Though the pool parties at Bare Pool at the Mirage, Tao Beach at The Venetian and Rehab at Hard Rock Hotel are among the more popular swimming holes for adults, families can chill at guest-only pools without worrying about exposing kids to too much skin.

Once night falls, hit up the Las Vegas’ most popular nightclubs, including Pure at Caesars Palace, LAX at Luxor, Tao at The Venetian, Tryst at The Wynn and XS at Encore. Reserve VIP and bottle service well in advance. The line up for entertainment and celebrity appearances for the clubs is announced only a couple weeks in advance of Labor Day weekend, but chances are you’ll be able to do some celebrity sighting wherever you go.

In addition to the music you’ll find in the clubs and at the pools, there are always several concerts that come and go through Las Vegas, particularly on holiday weekends. If you’re planning on sticking near the Strip, you’ll likely find that the biggest concerts will be held at the Pearl concert theater at the Palms, in Mandalay Bay’s concert venue and at the House of Blues. If you have a rental car in Las Vegas, you may also want to catch the live music being performed at Lake Las Vegas. There are also occasionally wine walks and beer festivals held at the lake, so check out the full schedule of events for details.

Chances are you’ll be able to find live music on Fremont Street over the Labor Day weekend as well. If you’re a college football fan, keep your eyes open for a season opener with the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Photo credit: FatMandy