Surrealismo at Artifice The Arts District lounge is trying its hand at something new: a promotion it calls “an abstract party,” purportedly featuring mind-bending visuals, non-mainstream music (via DJs Damo and 8-Bits), a film element and a flatstock screen-printing demo. We hope it’s even weirder than it sounds. August 29, 6 p.m., free.
Armin van Buuren at Marquee Locals complain that the same big clubs feature the same big EDM names far too often. However, frequent DJ poll topper Armin van Buuren doesn’t play his Vegas card very frequently. Catch the Dutch trance king in between world tour legs at this Labor Day Weekend kickoff bash. August 30, 10 p.m., $30 women, $60 men.
The Buffalo’s closing weekend After 33 years of serving the Valley’s gay community, the Buffalo closes its doors September 3 at 8 a.m. It’s a shame the bar won’t be open during next weekend’s Pride festivities, but the watering hole is giving loyal patrons some liquid motivation to come say goodbye: Starting Friday, all drinks are $2. So salute the Buffalo with a brew, and don’t forget to tip your bartender. August 30-September 3.
Skrillex at Light Not only is the man born Sonny Moore playing the new Cirque-themed dance space for the first time, he’s apparently coming prepped with new tracks to play. After hearing his surprisingly great Essential Mix for BBC Radio 1 and seeing him level an EDC throng with Boys Noize as Dog Blood, we’re anticipating this hyped happening. With DJ UZ, AC Slater. August 31, 10 p.m., $30 women, $75 men.
LL Cool J & Z-Trip at Palms Pool Are you a lady who loves Cool James? Then hit the Palms Pool Saturday afternoon, when the hip-hop artist takes the mic for an under-the-sun set. When LL isn’t spitting rhymes, mash-up master Z-Trip will have you splash dancing until sunset. August 31, noon, $20+ women, $40+ men.
Paul Oakenfold at Lavo Oakey’s role in transitioning Vegas clubland into an EDM paradise during his Perfecto residency gets overlooked. So does his talent at crafting a great set narrative, where he steadily builds his climaxes so they truly count. Fans ought to relish seeing him in this smaller setting. August 31, 10:30 p.m., $20 women, $30 men.
Ke$ha at 1 Oak The “Crazy Kids” won’t be “dancing on the dancefloor or drinking by the bar” Sunday night at 1 Oak. They’ll be front-and-center, screaming their lungs out to the provocative pop princess’ club-ready party anthems. September 1, doors at 10:30 p.m., $30 women, $40 men.
David Guetta at XS & Encore Beach Club While the French DJ/producer is technically a Wynn “resident,” it’s still quite rare to catch him behind the booth here (you’d have better luck in Ibiza). He more than makes up for that this weekend with a Strip tripleheader: a Sunday Night Swim set at XS and daylong Labor Day beats at EBC and XS. (What, was Surrender booked?) XS: September 1, doors at 10 p.m., $30 women, $75 men; September 2, doors at 10 p.m., $20 women, $30 men. EBC: September 2, doors at 10:30 a.m., $52 women, $102 men.
Snoop Dogg at Hard Rock Hotel Pool The rap-turned-reggae artist might be calling himself “Snoop Lion” these days, but he’ll always be the Doggy Dogg to us. Catch his jams at the off-Strip oasis, where we’ll all be feeling “Young, Wild & Free.” September 1, doors at 10 a.m., $50+ women, $70+ men.
