The Vantage LV #26

From downtown blowouts to moonlit markets—here’s what’s worth showing up for.

Your locally curated guide to to the best brand-new eats, events, and hidden gems
[Issue #026 | May 1, 2025]

Together with:

Good morning, Vegas. Somehow, it’s already May—and the city’s acting like it. The Plaza’s fireworks are back on Fridays, the fiestas are spilling into the streets, and everything feels just a little more alive after dark.

This weekend brings rooftop views, block party energy, and more ways to spend your Saturday than you’ll probably have time for. But if we’re picking favorites:

🎉 Four ways to do Cinco—no sombrero required
🧛 A dance floor that drinks red, not rosé
🌙 The city’s most beloved market flips the switch

Here’s what’s worth your time this week:

At Monster Quest Escape Rooms, the stories aren’t just immersive—they’re alive, and they’re waiting for you to dive in. Solve ancient curses in Curse of the Mummy, untangle twisted science in Dr. Frankenstein, or take on their brand-new challenge: Swamp Thing.

This latest room drops you into a moonshiner’s cabin pulled straight from the Louisiana bayou, where a swamp witch’s curse has turned an unlucky trespasser into something... monstrous. Your team’s job? Find the source, break the curse, and try not to become the next creature in the woods.

Located in the heart of the Arts District, Monster Quest is a quick walk to great bars and better recovery drinks—perfect whether you're celebrating a win or spiraling from that last lock you couldn’t crack.

The city’s throwing more than a few parties this weekend, but these ones actually feel worth showing up for. From downtown blowouts to low-key fiestas, here are just a few solid ways to celebrate without slipping into the cliché.

Cinco de Mayo Ultimate Fiesta
📍 Sat-Mon, May 3-5 @ Fremont Street
​Downtown never needed an excuse to throw a party—but this one comes with tacos, tequila, and a full mariachi soundtrack. For three days straight, the Fremont Street Experience goes full fiesta with live performances across multiple stages, featuring everything from high-energy Latin rock to traditional ballet folklórico. The lights pulse, the margaritas flow, and the crowd feels like one big block party you actually want to be stuck in. Bonus: drink deals from downtown bars keep the budget in check while the vibes stay at a ten.

Cinco Con SerVehZah
📍 Friday, May 2 @ Arts District
​First Friday meets full fiesta mode at this no-cover, all-flavor block party hosted by SerVehZah. The beer bar and bottle shop takes over the block with DJs, dancing, and a steady stream of local food vendors. It’s a party for people who prefer their Cinco celebrations with better beer, cooler company, and a side of First Friday art energy. The crowd spills into the street, the micheladas are dangerously good, and if you're lucky, you’ll catch a spontaneous dance-off near the DJ booth. Think less frat party, more streetwise cerveza crawl.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
📍 Saturday, May 3 @ Tivoli Village
​If the Fremont scene sounds like too much fire for your mild salsa, Tivoli Village is your softer, more sophisticated scoop. Their Cinco de Mayo Fiesta brings a family-friendly version of the holiday to the west side, complete with mariachi music, folklórico dance, and a mix of artisan vendors and bites. It’s festive without the frenzy—picture sunlit plazas, churros in hand, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Great for families, date days, or anyone who wants their Cinco energy with a little more class than chaos.

Single De Mayo
📍 Friday, May 2 @ Area15
​For the record: not a typo. This immersive singles event at AREA15 leans into the holiday with a wink and a cocktail. Single de Mayo is part dance party, part icebreaker night, part neon-lit playground for people who are romantically unattached and unapologetically curious. There’s a DJ lineup, drink specials, and just enough structure to keep things interesting (without tipping into awkward). Whether you leave with a number or just a great story, you’ll definitely leave with a buzz—emotional or otherwise.

And if Cinco’s not your thing? No pressure. There’s a whole lineup of events that skip the sombreros and still deliver—from art parties and sci-fi dance nights to punk shows with puppies.

Robusta Coffee House Party
📍 Saturday, May 3 @ Maker’s & Finders (Arts District)
​A caffeine-fueled dance party in the middle of a coffee shop? Only in the Arts District. The monthly Robusta party at Makers & Finders turns your favorite brunch spot into a daytime house show—complete with DJs, cold brew cocktails, and a crowd that actually knows how to two-step in sneakers. It’s high energy without the late-night hangover, blending third-wave espresso with downtown’s creative pulse. Whether you're there for the beats, the buzz, or the people-watching, it’s an electric way to start the weekend.

May The 4th Be With You
📍 Sunday, May 4 @ Millennium FANDOM Bar
​A proper Star Wars night with the right amount of flair—cosplay, cocktails, themed DJ sets, and a crowd that actually wants to be there. The bar leans into the fun without going overboard, creating a space where you can grab a blue milk cocktail, cheer on the costume contest, and maybe trade theories with a stranger about why Andor is the best thing Disney’s done since Empire. Whether you’re flying solo or rolling deep with your rebel crew, it’s a solid hang with just enough nerd in the air.

Endless Night Vampire Ball
📍 Saturday, May 3 @ Fremont Country Club
​It’s part costume gala, part concert, and all gothic drama. The Endless Night Vampire Ball returns to Fremont with corsets, fangs, and a decadent dose of dark romance. A global tradition with roots in New Orleans and Paris, this immersive event invites guests to dress their vampiric best and disappear into a night of DJs, live music, and Victorian-era opulence. It’s theatrical, a little spooky, and unexpectedly elegant—kind of like what would happen if Anne Rice threw a rave.

Pups n Brews
📍 Saturday, May 3 @ Taverna Costera
​This isn’t your average pet adoption fair. Pups and Brews brings together local bands, local brews, and a lineup of adoptable dogs in a one-day, all-ages event that’s equal parts concert and cause. Hosted at Taverna Costera and organized in partnership with SNARL (Southern Nevada Animal Rescue League), the event features sets from a dozen-plus punk and alt bands, plus food, drinks, and a courtyard full of wagging tails. $15 at the door gets you access to it all—and every dollar goes directly to SNARL.

Night Market - Market in the Alley
📍 Saturday, May 3 @ UnCommons, 6-10pm
Market in the Alley is heading southwest for its first night market of the Summer at UnCommons. This after-dark edition brings the same creative energy—local makers, vintage finds, small-batch treats—but sets it under string lights and open skies. There’s live music, food trucks, and enough walkability to turn casual browsing into an evening plan.

Mother’s Day Marketplace
📍 Saturday, May 3 @ Executive Park, 11-4pm
Still giftless for Mom? This one-day market makes it easy. Dozens of local vendors are setting up with handmade jewelry, home goods, and small-batch sweets—perfect for a thoughtful last-minute grab or a full-on gifting haul. No stress, no shipping delays, and way more charm than a big box store.

Craft Festival at Tivoli
📍 Sunday, May 4 @Tivoli Village, 10-4pm
Tivoli’s Sunday craft market is back with its usual mix of art, décor, and weekend ease. Hosted by LV Craft Shows, this one leans handmade and heartfelt, with vendors lining the walkways and plenty of room to roam. Bring a tote, grab a snack, and make a slow afternoon of it. It’s classic for a reason.


Las Vegas Weekender
📍 May 2–4 @ Fremont
Three nights of soul, ska, reggae, and northern mod sounds—plus pool hangs, record swaps, and late-night sets that roll into early morning. It’s the third annual edition, and if you know, you’re already going.

Church of Bass x First Friday
📍 Friday, May 2 @ Arts District & Audio Bar
First Friday gets a proper after-dark soundtrack thanks to Church of Bass. The night kicks off outside with local DJs and art in the mix, then moves into Audio Bar for a stacked late-night lineup of deep house and bass-driven sets. It’s immersive, high-energy, and one of the better ways to close out First Friday without calling it early.

Reggaeton Rave
📍 Saturday, May 3 @ AREA15
Perreo takes over the A-Lot as Reggaeton Rave returns with Latin club beats, big visuals, and a high-volume crowd that’s ready to move. The vibe is bold, the lineup rotates, and the energy stays up well past midnight. Come ready to dance—and maybe sweat a little.

Mosh Eisley
📍 Sunday, May 4 @ House of Blues
A Star Wars-themed alt show where the dress code is Jedi robes and battle jackets. It’s loud, sweaty, and half the room probably knows every line from Revenge of the Sith. The most fun you’ll have yelling “Mos Espa” in a pit.

ColorFest
📍 Saturday, May 3 @ Swan Dive
Live DJs, immersive art, and a dance floor built for movement. ColorFest brings a DIY rave energy to Swan Dive, backed by the ColorFlow.wav crew. Come for the music, stay for the light show on your eyelids.

Dashboard Confessional
📍 July 12 @ Bel-Aire Backyard
Chris Carrabba brings his emo anthems to the Bel-Aire Backyard, offering a night of heartfelt lyrics and acoustic melodies under the Vegas sky. It's a chance to relive the early 2000s with a band that defined a genre.

Modest Mouse
📍 August 27 @ Brooklyn Bowl
The indie rock veterans take the stage at Brooklyn Bowl, delivering their signature sound in an intimate setting. Expect a mix of classics and new material from their extensive catalog.

Chris Isaak
📍 July 18 @ Pearl Concert Theater, Palms Casino Resort
Known for his smooth vocals and retro style, Chris Isaak returns to Las Vegas for a night of timeless hits. The Pearl Concert Theater provides the perfect backdrop for his blend of rockabilly and ballads.

Your voice matters! The local residents of Las Vegas are the number one best source of what’s good, great, and amazing here in this ever-evolving city. Every week we are going to feature the best recommendations tips, and shout-outs we receive!

Went to Enza and we can't get enough. The food is amazing. The prices are fair. But the service is exceptional. Went back next day and will continue to eat there on a weekly basis. If you don't eat there you're definitely missing out.

Ramie K.

I've gone to Takumi almost every month since the first time I visited and am still blown away every time I visit. We love sitting at the bar and the ~local~ vibes of this place. I imagine that it's rare that a restaurant has its original sushi chef as the only sushi chef.

Lauren N.

Our DMs are open, both via email and over on Instagram, so if you got some spicy news, hidden secrets, or just have a place you can’t get enough of, let us know!

🔗 Follow us on [Instagram]
✉️ Got a tip or a hidden gem? Reply to this email or DM us on Instagram!
📈 Interested in featuring your business in the Newsletter? Fill out THIS form.

The Vantage LV | Curated by locals, for locals.

Reply

or to participate.