Discover the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, an enchanting oasis in the heart of the entertainment capital. Whether you’re a music lover, foodie, or simply seeking unforgettable experiences, our sprawling 40-acre playground awaits.
From electrifying concerts to vibrant food festivals, our versatile space caters to every passion. Imagine dancing under the desert stars, savoring gourmet bites, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Nestled along the iconic Vegas Strip, the Las Vegas Festival Grounds buzzes with energy. Operated by Circus Circus and owner Phil Ruffin, this open-air gem promises more than events—it offers moments that linger.
Las Vegas Festival Grounds is where memories are made. Explore our vibrant events and create your own #VegasMagic.
Explore the captivating journey of Las Vegas Festival Grounds, from its roots at El Rancho Vegas to hosting iconic music festivals like Rock in Rio USA and Day N Vegas. Discover its vibrant event history and significant transformations.
From its inception in 1941 until the 1970s, Las Vegas’s sprawling landscape was dominated by the illustrious El Rancho Vegas. Fast forward to 2007, MGM Mirage (now MGM Resorts International) seized the opportunity, purchasing the 26-acre El Rancho site for a staggering $444 million.
In 2014, a visionary plan unfolded as MGM partnered with Cirque du Soleil and Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Companies to reimagine the site as an outdoor music haven. Originally conceived as the City of Rock, inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s iconic festival, it was later rebranded as the MGM Resorts Festival Grounds, envisioning a versatile space for concerts, festivals, and sporting events.
The grand debut arrived in May 2015 with the Rock in Rio USA festival, marking the beginning of an era. Despite initial skepticism, $20 million in development costs paved the way for a new cultural epicenter.
The Festival Grounds swiftly became a pulsating hub for music enthusiasts. In May 2015, the Rock in Rio USA festival set the stage ablaze with performances by renowned artists like No Doubt, Metallica, Taylor Swift, and Bruno Mars. However, plans for biennial editions dwindled following tepid ticket sales.
Undeterred, the venue hosted diverse events, from the ACM Party For a Cause Festival to the relocation of the iHeartRadio Music Festival’s Daytime Village stage. Notably, the Festival Grounds showcased the eclectic Day N Vegas festival in 2019, curated by Goldenvoice, and the groundbreaking Intersect Music Festival, sponsored by Amazon Web Services.
As the venue continued to evolve, it ventured beyond music, hosting the heavy equipment exhibition of the 2020 Conexpo-Con/Agg and the vibrant Lovers & Friends festival in 2022.
Despite setbacks like the cancellation of Day N Vegas 2022 due to unforeseen circumstances, the spirit of the Festival Grounds remains resilient. With upcoming events like the anticipated When We Were Young festival, scheduled for October 2023, the venue continues to shape Las Vegas’s cultural landscape.
From its humble beginnings as El Rancho Vegas to its metamorphosis into the dynamic Las Vegas Festival Grounds, this venue stands as a testament to the city’s ever-evolving spirit. As it embraces the future with open arms, each event etches a new chapter in its storied history, promising an exhilarating journey for generations to come.
Come relive your teenage angst and rock out at the Sick New World Festival, happening live at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. This huge hard rock and alternative music festival features over 65 artists on five stages, offering a full day packed with energy, nostalgia, and powerful performances. Get ready for a lineup full of […]
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