Meow Wolf's Guide to Las Vegas Festivals 2023

When tourists think of Vegas, they think ofan assortment of things we can’t say here because…legal. 🙈

But anyone who’s ever lived here knows that there are more things to do in Las Vegas than just whatever insanity happens on The Strip. In fact, we know that when it comes to fine dining, extravagant cocktails and exceptional live entertainment, all roads lead to Vegas. 

We talk art, food and experiences all the time and if you’re looking for our suggestions on things to do, family entertainment and must-see-art, we’ve got you covered! 

One hidden gem that remains undiscussed is the Vegas festival circuit! 

‍This is our roundup. *DUN DUN* 

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‍LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL‍

Ohhhh it most certainly is. Life is Beautiful, one of the longest-running festivals in Vegas also happens to be one of our favorites! You may recall back in 2017, Meow Wolf made its debut in Vegas at Life is Beautiful with our Art Motel. 

As an arts and music festival, Life is Beautiful offers not just good music and vibes but an opportunity for locals and tourists alike to experience the rich art community in Vegas. 

LIB also never disappoints on the line-up, with insane headliners across multiple stages from afternoon well into the night. This year, names include The Killers, Bebe Rexha, Kendrick Lamar, Odesza & Khalid. The decision to get tickets is an easy yes– it’s deciding who you’re going to see at what times that will really have you doing mental gymnastics. 

‍Life is Beautiful returns as one of the top festivals in Downtown Las Vegas this year September 22-24 and in celebration of their 10 year anniversary, we’ll be joining them! Select tickets for Life is Beautiful are still available here. ‍

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‍iHeartMusic Festival‍

Often held the same weekend as Life is Beautiful is what we affectionately call iHeart. 

Hosted, of course, by iHeart Music Radio, fans of popular music spanning genres and decades will love this festival which has previously taken place right in our backyard at AREA15. 

‍Line up includes diverse headliners like Foo Fighters, Fall Out Boy, Kelly Clarkson, Kane Brown, Lenny Kravitz, Miguel, Public Enemy and an array of others. 

And while the festival may not be just a few steps away this year, we’d still love to see you. 

If you’ve got the time, don't miss the mind-bending wonders of Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart and  everything else AREA15 has to offer. 

‍iHeart returns September 22-23, 2023 to T-Mobile Arena and tickets are still available for IHeartMusic Festival! 

Already got tickets to LIB but still want to see what’s happening over here? Well, with a Hulu subscription, you can watch performances live while Downtown watching…more performances live. Marty McFly would lose his mind if he knew what the future really held. 

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‍WHEN WE WERE YOUNG‍

‍When We Were Young has had millennials in a chokehold since 2022. 

This year, Live Nation does it again with another impressive line up featuring Green Day, Blink 182, Simple Plan, Good Charlotte, The Offspring, Less Than Jake and dozens more.

Getting tickets is tough and they’re certainly not cheap, but can you really put a price on reliving the feeling of leaving the house without a cellphone and just returning before streetlights come on? 

The correct answer is maybe, but we’d gladly pay it. Oh, to be young again. 

But beware. With great nostalgia comes great responsibility. 

So grab your sweat wristbands and pull on some low rise jeans. But absolutely do not text your ex from high school that you swore you’d marry when you hear “your song” come on. 

‍When We Were Young returns Oct 21-22, 2023 to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds and tickets are currently sold out. But you can still join the waitlist for When We Were Young! 

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‍PSYCHO X ‍

For those who refused to let their punk era be just a phase, we present to you the Psycho X festival. 

Punk rock, metal and electronica fans rejoice! Debuting in 2016, Psycho X gained instant success as one of the first primarily punk festivals in Vegas. 

Acts spotted at Psycho over the years include Mercyful Fate, The Original Misfits, Alice Cooper, Sleep, Mastodon and even our beloved Beach House. 

Unfortunately, Psychofest 2023 was postponed but they do have plans to return next year to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. Check them out on Facebook or Instagram to stay in the know for line up info and on-sale dates!  

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‍TWITCHCON‍

Well, it seems that California residents aren’t the only thing making their way to Nevada! 🤪

For the first time ever, TwitchCon comes to Vegas this fall. The conference has a little bit of everything for creators, chatters, cosplayers, mods and anyone who just loves Twitch. Attendees can meet up with popular streamers, attend community panels, experience art alley, network, and watch rivals go head-to-head live. 

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is just a silly gaming convention– there’s more to TwitchCon than that. Not only are Esports streamers making 6 figures these days, but TwitchCon is also a great chance to learn more about industry trends and developments. Think WWDC…for gaming. 

While in town, the HyperX Esports Arena is also a must-see. 

‍TwitchCon will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center Oct 20-22, 2023. Get tickets and come hang IRL at TwitchCon.

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‍LVL UP EXPO ‍

If you’re a gamer looking for an excuse to return to Vegas every six months or so, this is it! 

‍LVL Up Expo is an annual convention that celebrates esports, anime, comics, and other elements within pop culture. It offers a traditional gaming con experience, with opportunities to participate in tournaments, tabletop games, and VR experiences, but of course it’s not all fun and games. 

Here is where you’ll also find some of your favorite voice actors from RWBY, Dragon Ball Z, My Hero Academia and more! Enjoy Q&As, cosplay photo ops, and tournaments, all for pretty reasonable rates! 

‍LVL Up returns to The Las Vegas Convention Center April 26-28, 2024 and tickets are on-sale for LVL Up now! 

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‍EDC LAS VEGAS‍

Do we…actually need to say more than just “EDC?”

Really, the photos speak for themselves. The magic of Electric Daisy Carnival is world-renowned and takes place in China, Mexico City and Orlando, though ours is the biggest with over half a million attendees in 2023. Just sayin’. 😏

If you’ve never had the chance to attend, think Meow Wolf’s maximalism meets electronic music. The production value is EDC’s selling point, with elaborate stage designs, 360 sound, and visual effects–though its line up is what makes it worth every penny. EDC has nine stages, each graced by notable names like Alesso, The Chainsmokers, Tiësto, Martin Garrix, Calvin Harris, and Skrillex.

‍EDC returns next May 17-19, 2024 but tickets are already SOLD OUT. 😭Join the waitlist for EDC 2024 here.

ProTip: For all of us who missed out on tickets, many of the EDC DJs often headline at clubs on The Strip and those tickets are (slightly) cheaper! Check out Steve Aoki, Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Alesso and others at Omnia, Wet Republic & Hakkasan Nightclub. 

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‍Lovers & Friends ‍

Rounding out our list is actually a newer addition to the city and it’s quickly become a favorite among festival goers. 

‍Lovers & Friends first arrived in town in 2022 and returned in 2023 with stars like Missy Elliott, Christina Aguilera, Boyz II Men, Lil Kim and dozens of other names from the 90s and early 2000s. R&B and hip-hop music lovers finally found their own space at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds and tickets sold out within hours. 

With a pleasant mix of new and old school names (En Vogue!), there’s an artist for everyone at Lovers & Friends. Finally, a concert we can enjoy with our parents.  

It’s unclear yet if L&F plans to return next year but you can stay in the know at www.loversandfriendsfest.com. 

Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive! There’s just too much happening in Vegas to list it all. Almost makes us feel like they should rename us “The City that Never Sleeps.”  🤔

While we reach out to the people who name cities about that, if you’ve got questions, or if you’re looking for more specific recommendations, come find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!