After a lost 2020, the Life Is Beautiful music and art festival returns to Downtown Las Vegas September 17-19.

Since its 2013 debut, the outdoor gathering has made a transformative impact not just on the city’s core—whose streets become pedestrian thoroughfares of sight and sound—but on the entire Valley. LIB has become a local tradition, a point of demarcation; it marks the beginning of Vegas’ fall arts season, arguably the best time of the year to be outside. It allows us to gather together to enjoy live music; to discover new-to-us talents; to sample local restaurants; to run into friends we haven’t seen; to admire new street art; and to take a relaxed breath after a long, hot summer. Culturally and seasonally-speaking, Life Is Beautiful is a reset button.

The 2021 list of musical headliners is a winning assortment of LIB first-timers and returning favorites. The culinary options include an “Omakase Cantina” curated by Secret Burger/Vegas Test Kitchen creator Jolene Mannina. Brooklyn’s House of Yes returns to curate variety performances, parades and more. The street art, the live comedy, the Market in the Alley—it’s all here. And after two years of waiting, we’re more than ready to enjoy it. –Geoff Carter

Before You Go

What’s the COVID protocol? We’ve come a long way since 2020, when live music was put on indefinite pause. The show goes on, thanks to some basic safety rules. Guests must either be fully vaccinated (final dose no later than September 3) or have proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the event. To prove COVID status, guests can use the Clear app on their phone or show their CDC vaccination card (a photo or copy will be accepted). For more, visit lifeisbeautiful.com/health-safety.

What does a positive test result mean? It means you’re not going to LIB this year, but your tickets can roll over to 2022 for free if you email [email protected].

What about masks? Neither LIB nor the state of Nevada requires mask wearing, because the event is outdoors. But you should consider it, especially in crowded areas.

Where to park? The Park & Ride shuttle service to World Market Center is sold out. If you didn’t score a spot, you’ll have to get a little creative. Aim to ride share or find a spot at a Downtown casino or city parking garage. If you arrive early enough, street parking just outside the footprint might also be available, as long as you don’t mind walking a ways.

What does this year’s footprint look like? LIB was originally created, in part, as a celebration of life and culture in Downtown Las Vegas, and its distinctive urban location still anchors the fest. This year’s footprint covers 18 city blocks, from Mesquite to Carson avenues and 7th to 11th streets. Enter at Fremont and 7th or Fremont and 11th.

Are tickets still available? The event is sold out, but you can buy (or sell) tickets at LIB’s official ticket exchange, lifeisbeautiful.lyte.com.

What can you bring? Small bags, purses and empty hydration packs are fine. Backpacks must be made of clear material. Backpacks with hydration bladders aren’t permitted. It’s fine to fill bags with personal items such as hand sanitizer, refillable water bottles, sunscreen and cigarettes, but you can’t bring big items like laptop computers, coolers, tents or lawn furniture. Nor can you bring drones, pets, flags, musical instruments, inflatable toys or totems. –C. Moon Reed

Food, comedy, art and more:

Life Is Beautiful has never just been a music festival. The event offers an array of experiences for a well-rounded weekend, including …

Watch

Laugh it up—and get inspired—with the Kicker Comedy and More lineup. Author and inspirational figure Deepak Chopra was recently added to the top of the bill, joining a mix of comics including Sarah Cooper, activists such as Gabriella Wright, podcasters like Jackie Schimmel of The Bitch Bible and even RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8 winner Bob the Drag Queen.

See

The visual art at LIB (a collaboration with Just Kids) always leaves a lasting impression, thanks largely to its mural program. This year’s muralists include a mix of international and Nevada talent, including Spain’s Antonyo Marest, South Africa’s Keye Tama, Argentina’s Spidertag and Las Vegans such as Amy Sol, Mary Felker and Pretty Done.

Immersive art and installations will also dot the festival grounds. The Bacardi Art Motel returns, and Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart will bring a “delivery truck” to LIB. Select’s Astro Alley provides a light and sound show. Artists Laurie Shapiro, Mila May and Nichals Barrome also provides wonders for the eye. We predict that Canada’s Big Heart will be the top selfie spot of 2021.

Taste

Food is no afterthought at LIB; it’s one of the key experiences. More than 50 restaurants offer a seemingly endless array of cuisines and dietary options. Think of this as your chance to sample the best restaurants and emerging flavors in town, from spots like Dragon Grille, Cornish Pasty Co., Eataly, Pancho’s Kitchen, This Mama’s House and more.

This year, LIB also offers an expanded list of culinary experiences. In the Cookout, Main St. Provisions’ chef Justin Kingsley Hall leads a “live-fire cooking experience” with a rotating limited daily menu. Cocktail School returns with fun seminars and different types of booze. Secret Burger’s Jolene Mannina curates the “Omakase Cantina,” which features star chefs such as La Strega’s Gina Marinelli and a VIP dinner. And for those who prefer their food plant-based, head to the Farm Stand, which features a vegan culinary adventure curated by Vegans, Baby’s Diana Edelman.

For more, visit lifeisbeautiful.com/experiences. -C. Moon Reed

Life is Beautiful September 17-19, Downtown Las Vegas, official ticket exchange at lifeisbeautiful.lyte.com.