A&E

Uno, dos, tres: Let us count the ways to celebrate El Grito in Vegas

Image
The Sex and Love World Tour of co-headliners Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, at Mandalay Bay Events Center.
Photo: Tom Donoghue / DonoghuePhotography.com

Las Vegas wastes no opportunity in turning a holiday into an opportunity to lure more people into the city—and that includes other countries' holidays. Since the 1990s, the Strip has turned Mexican Independence Day into a weekend-long (or weeklong, if the holiday falls midweek) fiesta now known as El Grito De Vegas. And while most of the related September 15-18 events are live music events, we’ve included a variety of ways to celebrate, for tourists and locals alike.

CONCERTS

Several Latin pop stars will grace Strip stages between Thursday and Sunday. Latin pop star Alejandro Fernandez, son of ranchera/bolero star (and former regular El Grito presence) Vicente Fernandez, plays MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 15 at 9 p.m. ($69-$225). On that same day, a double bill with Mexican adult-contemporary veterans Emmanuel and Mijares bring their Two’r Amigos 2 trek to the Colosseum for a 9 p.m. show ($52-363).

On Friday, Latin rock titans Maná, who played a set before a President Obama campaign speech in 2012 at Desert Pines High School, headline the Grand Garden Arena at 8 p.m. ($51-$265). Spanish heartthrob and Latin pop superstar Enrique Iglesias holds court over at the Colosseum both Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. ($40-$300).

Also on Saturday: Latin pop diva and gay icon Gloria Trevi performs what’s sure to be a high-energy setlist at the Chelsea at 7 p.m. ($29-$69). Across the street at Planet Hollywood, American salsa king and occasional film/TV presence Marc Anthony takes over the Axis at 10 p.m. ($96-$276). And Julion Alvarez y Su Norteño Banda, a regional music favorite in his native Mexico, includes Mandalay Bay Event Center as part of his first American arena tour. That show starts at 9:30 p.m. ($59-$180).

Naturally, casinos are having their Latin-music resident performers come into town for El Grito. Pitbull lords over the Axis on September 15 & 16 at 9 p.m. with his Time of Our Lives Las Vegas show ($39-$350). And Carlos Santana plays his greatest-hits show for the House of Blues September 16-18 at 7 p.m. ($90-$350).

PARTIES

Three evening fiestas take place at different areas of the valley on two different nights. On Friday starting at 4 p.m., Broadacres Marketplace in North Las Vegas throws Noche de Grito, featuring Banda Estrella Sinaloense y Mariachi Herencia de Las Vegas onstage ($2). At 10 p.m. that same evening, The Bunkhouse celebrates Mexican Independence Day in a unique way as its El Noa Noa throwdown—and, specifically, DJs Edgar Reyes, Hektor Rawkerz and Kolo Barrera—will pay tribute to balladeer Juan Gabriel, who was originally slated to perform earlier in the evening at Mandalay Bay before his untimely death on August 28 (free).

And Daylight Beach Club hosts El Grito de Las Vegas Pool Party Saturday at 9 p.m., which features live performances by Banda Los Recoditos and Banda Los Sebastianes ($40).

SPECIAL EVENTS

El Grito officially kicks off at 7:30 p.m. September 15 inside the Forum Shops with a ceremonial ringing of the bell by a Mexican Consul member, accompanied by folk dancers and a Mariachi band (free). There’s more Mariachi fun throughout the weekend as musicians make random appearances in the Caesars mall, and anyone checking in at the El Grito/InVegas hospitality desk and picking up a wristband can score discounts and freebies at some 60 Forum tenants.

On the following day, Derfelt Senior Center hosts a Mexican Independence Day celebration and lunch for those over 50 (and who register; call 702-229-6601 for details) at 11:30 a.m. ($5). And boxing fans can even get in on the fun as Mayweather Promotions offers up Fight Night with Frank Galarza squaring off against Ishe Smith at the Chelsea at 4 p.m. ($29-$99).

COMEDY

On Thursday, House of Blues hosts a rare late-night (11 p.m.) comedy show featuring Mexican comedian Franco Escamilla ($95). And the Mirage's Aces of Comedy program has employed Mexican-American comedian/actor Gabriel Iglesias for Friday and Saturday night stand-up duties. He goes on at 10 p.m. ($65-$76).

DINING

Restaurants all over the valley are featuring special Mexican dishes and drinks—with some at a discount—on various days through El Grito weekend, so call ahead to see who’s participating. On the Strip, China Poblanoand Searsucker boast secondary Independence Day menus, and Hussong’s Cantina hosts an all-day fiesta on September 16—the same day that The Salted Lime at Aliante in North Las Vegas will offer a $10 chicken fajita dish and $3 house margaritas.

Share
  • The Tony Award-winning musical “Follies” will take the stage at Access Showroom at Aliante Casino & Hotel for six performances starting on April 11.

  • Since opening at the Linq Promenade in March 2014, Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas has been a destination for some of the best and most under-appreciated ...

  • Sagittarius, for your own selfish sake, you need to pour out more adoration and care and compassion than you ever have before.

  • Get More A&E Stories
Top of Story