Top 10 things to do in Las Vegas this week
July 27, 2023 - 6:57 am
Updated July 28, 2023 - 12:59 pm
MUSIC
Smashing Pumpkins
The last time they played Vegas, five summers ago, the Smashing Pumpkins delivered an alt-rock epic, a spectacular 32-song, three-hour show at T-Mobile Arena. They return for a pair concerts in a smaller room, but expect their performance to be just as outsize as always. See the Pumpkins at 8 p.m. Friday and Sunday at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Tickets start at $82.52; ticketmaster.com.
Jason Bracelin
CONVENTION
‘Star Trek’
The three surviving original cast members — William Shatner, George Takei and Walter Koenig — will headline the annual “Star Trek” convention, “STLV: The 57-Year Mission.” Among the featured panels is a “Next Generation” reunion with Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Denise Crosby, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner and John de Lancie. The convention is scheduled for Aug. 3 through 6 at the Rio. Single-day tickets are $70; creationent.com.
Christopher Lawrence
SPORTS
Spence vs. Crawford
It’s the biggest fight of the past decade — and it feels like it’s taken nearly that long for it to materialize. Welterweight stars Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. have been circling each other for years in a showdown for not only supremacy in the 147-pound division but for bragging rights as boxing’s best. At long last, they meet in a coin-flip fight that could one be for the ages. The card starts at 1 p.m. Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. Tickets start at $513; axs.com.
Jason Bracelin
MUSIC
Kelly Clarkson
Wanna feel old? Kelly Clarkson was taking America by storm on the inaugural season of “American Idol” 21 years ago this summer. Now she’s joining fellow “Idol” winner Carrie Underwood — and current “Idol” judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie — with a Strip residency. See “Chemistry … An Intimate Night With Kelly Clarkson” at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Wednesday, with additional shows through Aug. 19, at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort. Tickets start at $79; ticketmaster.com.
Christopher Lawrence
SPORTS
FC Barcelona vs. AC Milan/Manchester United vs. Borussia Dortmund
We’re getting spoiled when it comes to international soccer. Last summer, Allegiant Stadium hosted Chelsea vs. Club America, Juventus vs. Chivas Guadalajara and the granddaddy of them all, El Clasico, the clash between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Barcelona picked up the 1-0 victory in front of 61,299 fans and will return to face Italy’s AC Milan at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets start at $70; ticketmaster.com. First up, though, it’s England’s Manchester United taking on Germany’s Borussia Dortmund at 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $45; ticketmaster.com.
Christopher Lawrence
SPORTS
Lucha VaVoom
Lucha libre-style wrestling and burlesque!? That’s more entertainment than any of us deserve. Yet that is what is in store with Lucha VaVoom, which also features fire-eaters, aerialists and maybe — if you’re lucky — an appearance by Magno “The Man Mountain” Rudo. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay. Tickets start at $39.50; houseofblues.com/lasvegas.
Jason Bracelin
FOOD
‘Mutant’ pizza
Aug. 3 to 6, Side Piece Pizza in Red Rock Resort is celebrating the premiere of the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” movie with a specialty Cowabunga! slice. The slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza is topped with pesto drizzle. Cost: $6 with a ticket to the movie at the adjacent Regal Red Rock theater or $8 without a ticket. Moviegoers may bring their slices into the theater.
Johnathan L. Wright
ATTRACTION
Sandbox VR
There’s a new full-body virtual reality experience in town. Sandbox VR at the Miracle Mile Shops offers seven immersive experiences that range from fighting zombies to becoming a Starfleet officer with “Star Trek: Discovery.” They’re designed for up to six players at a time, and all players will receive personalized highlight videos of their experience. The attraction is open 10 a.m. to midnight daily and costs $65 a person; sandboxvr.com/lasvegas.
Christopher Lawrence
FOOD
Deals for donations
Through Monday, when you donate writing implements, notebooks or composition books at Island Sushi & Grill, 9400 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 103, you’ll receive 10 percent off any plate lunch. This “For Da Keikis” school supply drive benefits students at Barber Elementary and Schorr Elementary. Supplies can be donated daily between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Johnathan L. Wright
FOOD
Killer Burgers
On Monday, 138 Degrees restaurant, 1450 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite C-205, in Henderson, is presenting another edition of its Killer Burgers experience with six one-night-only burgers and loaded fries. Burgers are $20; fries are $16. Reservations: 138restaurant.com, OpenTable or 702-272-0839.
Johnathan L. Wright