’90s Night at Artifice Seven years ago, I went bar-hopping in New York City’s East Village and stumbled upon kids dressed in baggy flannel, dancing to remixed new jack swing and TLC (and unremixed Nirvana). I then predicted ’90s parties would happen in Las Vegas once everyone got the ’80s out of their system. Nearly seven years later, here we are. Musicians Jefferson Montoya, William Neal and Lo Riley will be covering songs from the grunge ’n’ hip-hop decade, with RPS on DJ duty. May 16, 9 p.m., $5.
BrewBQ at Ellis Island Casino Another weekend, another beer festival in Las Vegas. The local brewery-casino puts on a philanthropic tasting benefitting Three Square Saturday night, featuring their signature brews alongside a number of imports (including Stella Artois and Leffe), plus spirit selections from Absolut, Jameson and more—but don’t get sloppy, hop heads, this is a charity event! May 17, 8-11 p.m., $55.
Fear and Loathing 3 at The End It’s likely been awhile since you last heard the word “psytrance”—or psychedelic trance, a faster, spacier version of trance—but both producers and fans of the remarkably wide-ranging electronic music subgenre still exist, as do parties devoted to it. Cue zombie-themed bar the End’s next Fear and Loathing party, which will feature California psytrance DJs Djane Christine and Paradigm, as well as local residents and guests. May 17, 10 p.m., free.
Nightswim with Avicii at XS The Swedish EDM wunderkind is back, after landing in the hospital during March’s Ultra Music Festival with a blocked gallbladder and ruptured appendix double whammy. He spent April recovering—i.e. lounging around Miami Beach with girls—but kick-started his vengeance-like return to DJing on May 2 at XS. He plays the club’s Nightswim party this Sunday, which, ahem, will be cheaper and less crowded than when he does so during Memorial Day Weekend. May 18, doors at 10 p.m., $30 men, $20 women (prices subject to change).
Temptation Sundays at Luxor Bringing boys in skimpy swimsuits and a whole lot of fabulousness to a major Strip property pool deck, the gay splash-bash was a pioneer when it first hit the scene in 2010. Help Temptation usher in its fifth summer season this Sunday, and don’t forget the sunblock—that Speedo sunburn is gonna, well, burn. May 18, 1-7 p.m., $20, $10 locals, free until 2 p.m. with text message “Vegas” to 77948.
Borgore at Marquee Dayclub The dude who played his Electric Daisy Carnival 2012 set from inside an LED-covered approximation of an ice cream truck will share his restless sound—from dubstep to “gorestep” to the more conventional trap and house genres—with frolicking almost-nudes at Marquee’s aquatic playland. Hey, ever notice the DJs never jump in the pool after their sets? Borgore, we double-dog dare ya to begin a new Vegas tradition. May 18, doors at 11 a.m., $20 men, $10 women (prices subject to change).
Novo Fogo’s Bars on Fire at Velveteen Rabbit Organic cachaça company Novo Fogo often invades American bars, bringing the Brazilian spirit (both the alcohol and attitude) to watering holes across the country. This week Novo has its eyes set on Velveteen Rabbit, as they put on a boozy bash at the Arts District bar complete with promotional cocktail prices and caipirinhas in jars. How do you say “cheers” in Portuguese? May 20, 8-11 p.m., free.
Girls Night Out at Hyde The annual fundraising fête has raised $2.5 million over the past 11 years for Shade Tree, a local nonprofit that provides refuge to physically abused and homeless women, children and pets. Year 12 promises a performance by Frankie Moreno, fabulous auction items (including a NYC Fashion Week package) and the peace of mind knowing you caught a buzz to help a charity catch a dime. Win-win. May 21, 6:30 p.m., $150-$300.
