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When Vegas Goes Country

Known as the “Super Bowl of Rodeo,” the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is one of Las Vegas’ largest—and richest—events, with a total purse of $10 million. This season-ending championship for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association consists of 10 rounds, one on each consecutive day. Here’s how to rope in all the fun even if you never set foot in the arena.

Gonna Have a Good Time

Everyone comes to Vegas to party in one form or another. For those wanting to ring in the New Year at the newest spot in town, look no further than The Mayfair at Bellagio. Part restaurant, part lounge and all show, it’s set against the backdrop of the Bellagio Fountains and will return guests to the glamour of the days-gone-by supper club— Vegas-style, of course. The Mayfair opens New Year’s Eve. For those who can’t wait, here are nine hotspots to kick off your festive Sin City experience.

Eat, Drink And Enjoy Scary

Fall brings out the best of Las Vegas, including the weather. Take advantage of the crisp air and cool vibes at food festivals that showcase some of the city’s best restaurants and chefs. There’s also Oktoberfest fun, or round up family and friends for any of the Halloween festivities. Looking for a scare? Las Vegas has that in spades, too, at museums, haunted houses and escape rooms.

Find The Best In Venetian/Palazzo/ Grand Canal Shoppes

Find the best in venetian/palazzo/ grand canal shoppes

It's Showtime

Las Vegas dubs itself the Entertainment Capital of the World, a lofty nickname that calls out the broad spectrum of shows in the city. Resident acts, magic, cabarets and comedy all find a home here. These shows are meant to keep fans coming back for more . Dive into some of the best the city has to offer, whether it’s something new, something tried and true, something fans can’t get enough of or something to rev up your engine.

Entertainment May

The ChangeNo joke. Four women meet at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra that helps them realize that they are all suffering from memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats and more. “Menopause the Musical” parodies classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s while celebrating women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change.” Tu-F, 7:30 pm; M & Sa, 4 & 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $50.15. Harrah’s, 702.777.2782.

Hot Dates

JUNE 27, 29-30: Gwen Stefani Your favorite “Hollaback Girl” takes over Las Vegas for 25 dates starting in June. Gwen Stefani, the lead singer for No Doubt, got her start with hits such as “Just a Girl,” “Don’t Speak,” “Hey Baby” and “It’s My Life,” has her own L.A.M.B. fashion line inspired by Japanese Harajuku street style, and plays a role as a judge on “The Voice.” Now she stars on the Las Vegas Strip with her big hits including “Spiderwebs,” “Sunday Morning” and “What You Waiting For?” Tickets start at $59. Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort, 702.777.2782

Where Now

Where to eat, laugh and play with the whole family.

Celebrity Chef Faves

More than 40 celebrity chefs have restaurants on the Strip. We chatted with some of the top concierges in Las Vegas to find out about some of their favorite chefs and what they like about the restaurants.

Two Face

FROM JUNE 1 The pop star brings fans two ways to experience her show.

Holiday Magic

No holiday season seems right without “The Nutcracker” performed on pointe. The Nevada Ballet Theater fills the stage with glittering holiday cheer as Tchaikovsky’s beloved score takes the stage. When Clara goes in search of a one-of-a-kind key to unlock a box that contains a priceless gift, she discovers a golden thread that leads her to a strange and mysterious world led by a soldier named Phillip and a group of mice who help her unlock the mystery of the holidays. Dec. 8, 14-15, 20-22, 7:30 pm; Dec. 9, 15, 16, 22-23, 2 pm. Tickets start at $29. Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center, 877.893.2003

Laying It On The Line

Country music duo Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, otherwise known as Florida Georgia Line, bring their hits such as “Cruise” to the stage. Canaan Smith opens during this five-night residency. Dec. 1, 5, 7-8, 11, 8 pm. Tickets start at $49. Zappos Theater at Planet Holly wood Resort, 702.777.2782

Seductive Las Vegas

Sexy neon, a 24-hour environment and hot nights combine to create some of the most steamy experiences in Las Vegas. Whether that means an intimate dinner for two in a private enclave, a spa treatment with a loved one for complete relaxation or cozying up in one of the fabulously cool, luxurious cabanas. Las Vegas’ most seductive experiences await.

Dining Adventures

Las Vegas knows how to take care of just about any kind of dinner outing, whether it’s heading out with the girls for a night out, celebrating a bachelor party, eating with the kids or spotting celebrities. Restaurants can handle wedding plans, whether getting married or holding a reception, and can help with business, either landing a big deal or entertaining clients. Here’s a look at 12 restaurants in Las Vegas that are ready to cater to every dining whim.

Hot Dates

MARCH 19-24: Hello, Dolly!The 1964 Tony Award-winning musical tells the tale of Dolly Gallagher Levi, a strong-willed matchmaker and widow who heads to Yonkers, New York, to find a match for Horace Vandergelder, a miserly millionaire. In the meantime, Dolly has some matchmaking schemes of her own to tend to. Broadway legend Betty Buckley stars in the touring version of the show that includes that iconic namesake song, performed first by Carol Channing and later by Barbra Streisand. Tickets are $36-$142. Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center, 702.749.2000

Smoke ‘Em

Pair cigars with a 208-inch video wall and screens throughout for the perfect setting to watch any sports. Montecristo Cigar Lounge features dark wood, leather couches and oversized arm chairs. Try the Rolling Smoke made with Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon, Laphroaig Islay whisky, coffee bean-infused Carpano Antica vermouth and vanilla. Caesars Palace, 866.227.5938

9 Perfect Patios

With an average temperature of 80 degrees in April, patio season kicks into high gear in Sin City. And Vegas has a patio for just about everyone. These are the nine patios you need in your life—discover great places to kick back, do some people-watching, romantic canoodling, game-playing and more in Las Vegas.

4 Desert Day Trips

A world of Southwestern landscapes await with a day trip away from Las Vegas. Mountains, stunning red rock canyons, desert landscapes and a huge man-made lake can be found with a day trip out of Las Vegas and into nature, all within 55 miles of the city.

Hot Dates

MARCH 23, 26-27, 30: Ricky Martin Upside inside out, Puerto Rican superstar Ricky Martin takes over the Park Theater with sexy moves and music inspired by salsa, merengue and bolero from the “She Bangs” and “La Bomba” singer. Martin got his start as a member of the all-boy pop group Menudo at age 12 and hasn’t looked back since then. Fans will certainly hear “Vente Pa’ Ca” and of course “Livin’ la Vida Loca,” which kicked off the Latin pop explosion in music in 1999. 8 pm. Tickets start at $59.50. Park Theater at the Park MGM, 844.600.7275

The Brunch Scene

Try the bang bang shrimp eggs Benedict or crème brûlée French toast served on Saturday and Sunday at Bonesh Grill. Town Square, 702.407.0980

The Kids Are Alright

Las Vegas has a way of making itself the perfect vacation spot for the whole family. Kids of every age can see animals that swim and prowlers that prey, they can dive into water parks that take the heat out of the day, then fill up on food that makes the entire family happy. Here’s a look at 14 places that will satisfy toddler to your inner child.

Concierge Picks For Special Nights Out In Las Vegas

Your best bet for finding a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion is asking your concierge. Romantic views, divine cuisine and over-the-top settings make the list. Here are their top picks.

Love Is In The Air

Romance fills February, and what better way to show your love than flowers? The pagoda entrance to Catch at Aria features thousands in an archway that leads to the bar and restaurant with its Asian-influenced cuisine. Catch at Aria. 702.590.7111

Las Vegas From A To Z

Dangerous and outrageous, the crude and unpredictable Gazillionaire is your unforgettable host for an evening of zero boundaries.