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The Vantage LV #43
From sky shows to speakeasies, here’s how Vegas does Independence Day.
Matthew Prindiville
July 03, 2025
Your locally curated guide to to the best brand-new eats, events, and hidden gems
[Issue #043 | July 3rd, 2025]
Good morning, Vegas! Before we dive into the fireworks, a quick update: starting this week, The Vantage LV is going weekly. You’ll still get the same sharp curation and local flavor, now in one packed Thursday edition. This shift comes straight from reader feedback, and it means more time to dig, vet, and deliver what’s truly worth your attention.
It’s the 4th of July and while the rest of the country is grilling hot dogs and waving flags, this city is doing what it does best: turning up the volume, lighting the fuse, and throwing a celebration that feels like its own kind of thing entirely. So whether you’re chasing fireworks, cocktails, or just a reason to stay out late on a weeknight, this weekend is loaded with ways to make it yours. Grab some SPF, pace yourself, and let’s make this a Fourth worth remembering.
🎆 Sky-high sparks with a downtown twist
🍺 Bottomless pours where the walls come alive
🎶 Big-band flair with a familiar voice
Here’s what’s worth your time this week:
Rare Society
📍 UnCommons
Off‑Strip just got a spark of Rat Pack swagger: San Diego‑born Rare Society just opened at UnCommons, bringing chef Brad Wise’s Santa Maria–style, reverse‑grill technique to Southwest Vegas. We’re talking dry‑aged steaks and wagyu tomahawks alongside theatrical steak boards and seafood towers, all served in a beautifully retro space that feels like ‘50s Vegas reimagined. To top it off? Cocktails infused with fat‑washed bourbon and a cheeky lardo garnish.
TP Tea
📍 Chinatown
Chinatown’s bubble‑tea lineup just added a big name: TP Tea, the 2005‑founded Taiwanese chain from Chun Shui Tang (said to be the originator of bubble milk tea), is setting up shop in the former Sweet Coco space on Spring Mountain. Known for its expertly brewed teas, chewy tapioca pearls, and fruit‑tea variety, this newcomer promises that no‑frills, tea‑centric experience.
Independence Day Party
📍 July 4 @ Plaza Hotel
Downtown’s signature 4th of July party hits full stride at the Plaza. The rooftop pool deck opens at 7 p.m. for free, offering one of the best viewing spots for a 9:15 p.m. fireworks show launched from the South Tower. Before the sky lights up, test your wing-eating stamina at 6 p.m. (the Plaza’s Buffalo Wing Bowl awards $1,000 and earns a ticket to their February Wing Bowl finale).
Blast Off in the Basin
📍 July 4 @ Buckskin Basin Park
A family-friendly fireworks spectacle awaits off-Strip. This free event kicks off at 8 p.m. with live DJ sets and marching-band fanfare, followed by fireworks around 9:20 p.m. Food trucks and laid-back picnic vibes round out the night. Bring blankets, chairs, water, and stay for the whole show in this spacious park atmosphere.
4th of July Celebration
📍 July 4 @ Fremont Street Experience
Downtown’s entertainment corridor doubles down on Americana with special patriotic graphics and free live concerts, and Viva Vision canopy shows every hour from 6:50 p.m. into the night. The highlight: fireworks at 9:15 p.m., lighting up both sky and canopy in sync. Add zip-lining above the crowds on SlotZilla for a uniquely Vegas thrill.
4th of July Beer Bash
📍 July 4 @ Container Park
Kick off the party after dark in this intimate downtown enclosure. From 9 p.m.–12 a.m., Container Park hosts a rockin’ 80s tribute by Spandex Nation and “all you can drink” beer for ticket holders. With live tunes and outdoor tables framed by shipping containers, it’s a nostalgic yet indie-feeling choice for local revelry.
Red, White & Brews Spirit and Beer Bash
📍 July 5 @ Area15
Keep the holiday going with a midday brewfest in “The Portal”, AREA15’s immersive 360° mapping space. From 1–4 p.m., sip unlimited craft beers and spirits inside this one-of-a-kind art-meets-venue showcase.
Weekend with Seth McFarlane
📍 July 3 @ The Venetian
Seth MacFarlane brings his big-band baritone and sharp wit to Voltaire for a three-night Independence Day weekend residency starting July 3. Backed by a 29-piece orchestra led by Joel McNeely, he'll perform lush, never-released Sinatra arrangements from his newly dropped album Lush Life, a throwback to mid‑century Vegas glamour.
Big Country
📍 July 5 @ House of Blues
Scottish rockers Big Country headline a totally ’80s night at the House of Blues, joined by Missing Persons, Bow Wow Wow, and Gene Loves Jezebel. Known for their folk‑inspired guitar work and stadium-ready anthems like “In a Big Country,” this gig brings nostalgic energy and indie-edge to Mandalay Bay’s music hall.
Critical Hit
📍 July 3 @ Substance
Pokémon enthusiasts, get ready for a nostalgic rave: Critical Hit mixes DJ-fueled beats with Pokémon-themed visuals, cosplay encouragement, and a crowd that’s as eager to battle as they are to dance.
The Foster Collective
📍 July 6 @ The Sand Dollar
Jazz-fusion crew The Foster Collective winds down the weekend at The Sand Dollar on July 6, bringing intricate rhythms and soulful grooves. Las Vegas-based and full of instrumental flair, they’re booking Sunday nights into the lounge’s classic blues rotation
Keys to Doberman
📍 Wednesdays @ Doberman
Every Wednesday, Doberman’s cozy Drawing Room now hosts Keys to Doberman, a live-cabaret trio spinning modern classics over cocktails and conversation. It's midweek sophistication at its most intimate at one of the Arts Districts most interesting new venues.
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!
The service and ambiance at Ta'Chingon were perfect. But the food was the highlight of our visit! The salsa/sauce selection was an excellent addition to the experience. Different menu choices pair better with different sauces...our waiter helped us with our selection and even let us try a couple options.
The pork carnitas tacos were some of the best I've ever had. So simple, so flavorful, moist and tender.
Lunakin Cafe has such a fresh and unique vibe. Earthy tones make the space really lively. I'm addicted to the "Tiramisu" iced latte, immediately ditched Starbucks. I tried their jalapeño bacon burger. Oh heavens! And their chilaquiles has a good spicy with fluffy scrambled eggs. Everything on the menu sounds tasty, Definitely gotta try it all!
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!
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