January
Laughlin Desert Challenge
January 24-27, 2008
Intense, off-road circuit races take place the last weekend in January. In Laughlin Events Center Park, Laughlin, (800) 452-8445 or www.score-international.com
February
Chinese New Year Celebration
Traditional festivities include parades, dragon dances and martial arts exhibition to celebrate Chinese New Year. The 2008 celebration takes place Sunday, February 17th. 10 a.m-5 p.m. Included with the celebration is the biggest authentic Asian food gathering featuring Hong Kong, Canton, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Thai, Hawaiian cuisine and more.
Chinatown Plaza, 4255 Spring Mountain Road at Wynn Road, 221-8448, www.lvchinatown.com.
March
NASCAR Weekend
NASCAR fans take over Vegas in mid-March to watch a 400-mile Nextel Cup Series race, as well as Busch and Truck Series events, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway's 1,600 acres includes road courses, a three-eighths mile oval and overall one of the most anticipated NASCAR events of the season.
Las Vegas Speedway, 7000 Las Vegas Blvd. N., (800) 644-4444
April
UNLVino
A day-long wine tasting and auction will celebrate its 34th year in 2008. From April 3-5, sample over 1,100 wines from more than 350 international wineries, represented by 145 suppliers at what has become the country's largest single day wine tasting. Exact date TBD. Proceeds from the event go to UNLV. (702) 876-4500, www.unlvino.com
Clark County Fair
April 10 - 13, 2008
Farm exhibits, BBQ, old-fashioned carnival rides and country music make this county fair a popular event. 1301 W. Whipple Ave off NV 160, Logandale, (888) 876-3247, www.ccfair.com
World Series of Poker Circuit Finals
Wildly popular event held in late April, early May at Caesars Palace, 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
(800) 851-1703.
May
Lei Day
Parades, live music and Polynesian and Pacific Rim food and culture make up this energetic celebration. Held the closest weekend to May 1st at the California, 12 E. Ogden Ave., (702) 385-1222. www.alohavalley.com
ArtFest Henderson
May 10-11, 2008
ArtFest of Henderson will celebrate its 11th anniversary on Mother’s Day weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. ArtFest of Henderson is a Mother’s Day tradition in Southern Nevada. The event, which draws 50,000 attendees each year and is the city’s largest annual event, will feature works from more than 200 international and local artists as well as food and live entertainment for the entire family. Festivities stretch down Water Street from Army to Basic, including the Henderson Events Plaza, and the Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water Street.
Helldorado Days
A Las Vegas tradition since 1934, Helldorado Days celebrates Las Vegas' Old West spirit with a parade, rodeo events, poker and golf tournaments. The original event was created to entice visitors to town after the completion of the Hoover Dam. Today Helldorado Days is sponsored by the Las Vegas Elks and proceeds benefit various charities. Check back for venues, usually held downtown in mid-May.
Henderson Salsa Challenge
Usually in early May, this popular event in Henderson includes salsa tasting, a Jalapeño eating contest and live entertainment. Check Web site for tickets and 2008.
June
CineVegas
June 12-21, 2008
This annual festival combines A-list name directors and stars with up-and-coming indie players to watch. Dennis Hopper serves as Chair of the CineVegas Creative Advisory Board. There are Vegas-style festivities each night of the nine-day festival as well, with venues ranging from rooftops to shark reefs. CineVegas Film Festival, Brenden Palms Casino, 4321 W. Flamigo Rd., (702) 992-7979.
Reggae in the Desert
June 14, 2008
Started in 2002, the flavor and attitude of the Caribbean descends upon the desert each June. The 2008 Festival features Reggae artists, The Caribbean Islands Vendor Village, with Reggae style vendors and sponsor exhibits and traditional food and drink available throughout the venue. Clark County Amphitheatre - 500 Grand Central Parkway. www.reggaeinthedessert.com Check Web site for times.
July
Red, White & Boom
July 3, 2008
Fun, fireworks, food, live music drink and carnival activities help celebrate America's birthday at Desert Breeze Park, 8275 W. Spring Mountain Rd., near S. Cimaron Rd., www.redwhitenboom.com
Star Spangled Spectacular
Sumerlin hosts the Las Vegas Philharmonic for this family-friendly Fourth of July celebration complete with patriotic tunes and a finale, of the "1812 Overture," and full fireworks show by Zambelli Internationale.
Hills Park, Hillpointe Road, Summerlin. www.lasvegasphilharmonic.com
August
Def Con
August 8-10, 2008
The world's largest underground hackers convention comes above ground to the Riveria this August to geek-out and swap their over-caffeinated knowledge. Learn more than I can explain on the www.defcon.org
The Riveria, 2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South.