Things are heating up in Vegas in May! Our fair city is perfectly poised between Spring and Summer, and that means beautiful weather and bountiful events. You can expect average daily temperatures to approach 90 F, with lows around 60 F. Average humidity and rainfall stay low. Pool season is opening up; note that the mid-afternoon sun starts getting pretty intense if you’re going to be outdoors: drink plenty of water and don’t forget the sunscreen!
- May 4: Kentucky Derby Betting at William Hill Race & Sports Book
- May 4–5: Bank of America Museums on Us® Free Weekend
- May 4: First Friday Art Celebration
- May 12: Mother’s Day Dinner at R Steak & Seafood
- May 10–11: Bighorn Rodeo 16 (Nevada Gay Rodeo Association)
- May 11: Second Saturday Vegas StrEATS Festival
- May 16: Thirsty Third Thursday Pub Crawl
- May 16–19: Helldorado Days Rodeo & Festival
- May 17–20: Exodus Las Vegas Dance Festival
- May 24–27: Matinee Vegas Circuit Party
- May 26: The Art of Mummification Living History Performance
- May 27–31: Mesquite Amateur Golf Tournament
At the Riveria Casino and Hotel in April
May 12: Mother’s Day Dinner
R Steak and Seafood from 5 to 10 p.m.
We’ll be celebrating Mother’s Day in style this year, with a special four-course dinner featuring delectable dishes like herb-crusted prime rib (one of our specialties, really) and citrus & thyme marinated chicken breast. The meal ends on a sweet-tangy note with a salted caramel dessert. Make your reservation now!
Races, Marathons and Sporty Events in May
The array of races and sporting events that took off in April continues to sprint into May, with numerous events running all through the month. Not so athletically inclined yourself? Don’t let that put you off: these events typically include activities and entertainment open for spectators as well as participants.
Running Events
Whether your a professional competitor or simply an amateur athlete, you have plenty of races to chose from:
- May 4: Komen Southern Nevada Race for the Cure
- May 4: Spartan Army 5K Challenge
- May 7: National RUN A MILE Day
- May 11: Terrain Las Vegas Mud Run
- May 12: Girls on the Run of Las Vegas – Mother’s Day + Hot Mamas 5K + Mums on the Run
- May 25: Las Vegas BADASS Dash Obstacle Run
- May 25: The Patriot Run
Get more information at RunningInTheUSA.com.
May 4: Kentucky Derby
William Hill Race & Sports Book
With our high-definition TVs, you won’t miss a minute of the action at our own William Hill Race & Sports Book. And this is just the place to get in on the game, with future betting on the race.
May 27–31: Mesquite Amateur Golf Tournament
Now in its 11th year, the Mesquite Amateur is one of the largest handicapped amateur golf tournaments in the nation. Participants will play on a five-day, 54-hole, net, stoke play tournament set on grounds along the northern edge of the Mojave Desert. All seven courses offer distinct styles of play and gorgeous vistas.
Rodeos
May 16–19: Helldorado Days
This isn’t just a rodeo: it’s an experience. During this festival – the longest running civic event in Las Vegas History – downtown Las Vegas transforms into a rodeo arena and carnival. The four-day event features a professional PRCA rodeo, a locals rodeo, parade, carnival, Whiskerino (facial hair) contest, golf tournament, art show and auction, trail ride starting from Bonnie Springs Ranch, exhibits, and food. All proceeds benefit local children and veterans. The rodeo offers up barrel racing, team roping, bull riding and mutton bustin’ (for kids).
May 10–11: Bighorn Rodeo 16
A week prior to Helldorado Days, the Nevada Gay Rodeo Association will be hosting Bighorn Rodeo 16 at Horseman’s Park (5800 E. Flamingo, Las Vegas, NV) from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. both days. The rodeo calendar offers a full stock of events, from bull riding and bareback bronc riding to camp events you won’t find elsewhere. Gay rodeos are a lot of fun: they capture the same sportsmanship and athleticism of any major rodeo, while infusing the proceedings with a funny, almost campy sense of humor with special events you won’t find elsewhere, like goat dressing (a race to fit a pair of briefs onto a goat) and the perennially popular Wild Drag Race.
Dance Festivals
May 17–20: Exodus Las Vegas
This massive, non-stop dance festival covers four nights, four nightclubs and three pool parties for one price … and no hassle.
May 24–27: Matinee Vegas
Matinee Vegas is Vegas’ answer to Miami’s White Party or Montreal’s Black & Blue Festival: a massive gay circuit party featuring 20 DJs, 8 parties, 4 nights … and 8,000 guys from all over the globe.
May 26: The Art of Mummification
May 26, 2013 at 12 p.m.
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum – Map
http://lvnhm.org
The last Sunday of the month through June, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum is featuring a living history performance of “The Art of Mummification.” It’s an entertaining, educational experience that’s perfect for families.
Recurring Monthly Events
Bank of America Museums on Us® (Free)
May 4 & 5, 2013
Various museums
http://museums.bankofamerica.com
Are you a Bank of America debit or credit cardholder? Then you have automatic free admission the first full weekend each month to several museums and attractions in the Las Vegas area.
Participating museums in the BofA program include:
First Friday Art Celebration (Free)
Friday, May 4, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Downtown Arts District
http://www.firstfridaylasvegas.com/faq.htm
Vegas celebrates its arts community the first Friday of every month. It’s a fun and family-friendly event that includes artists, vendors and activities. It’s also free, but you may want to bring along some cash if you plan on purchasing any art or taking advantage of the many, many food trucks. The celebration also usually features multiple live bands and live performance “paintings.” It’s one of our favorite events to take the family, get away from the Strip for an evening and discover a cornucopia of artisans specializing in all kinds of media, like painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, and more.
For more information about getting there and what it includes, visit their website.
Second Saturday Vegas StrEATS
Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
600 E. Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
6 p.m. To 1 a.m.
This food festival celebrates the food trucks that meander around Vegas serving their portable cuisine. On the second Saturday of each month, the trucks gather at the El Cortez. As you sample their nibbles, you can enjoy live music and browse art by local artists. The street festival is free to attend, though you’ll pay for the food.
Thirsty Third Thursday Pub Crawl
Thursday, May 16, 2013 starting at 7 p.m.
HennesseysLasVegas.com
For $20, participants in this monthly event get 6 drinks at 6 different bars, 50% off an entree, 50% of an appetizer and live music. It’s a great way to get a good deal and meet new friends over a drink.
