The Ultimate Las Vegas Memorial Day Weekend Guide

Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner and there are more parties than you can shake a glow stick, a bottle of Patron or a discarded high heel at after one too many hours shakin’ a tail feather.

Along with the usual slew of celebrity hosts and hangers on, the Palms is hosting Love Festival, featuring some of the world’s greatest DJs spinning together over the course of four days and nights. Other electronic heavyweights like Eric Morillo, Crystal Method and Tiesto will be here, and light heavyweights Lyoto Machida and Rashad Evans will be coming town for UFC 98 as well as a plethora of pre and post-fight parties. Playboy playmates will play poolside, the concert scene is packed and a few comedians will serve up belly laughs at venues around town. Here are some ideas to help you plan the perfect three-day weekend:

Thursday, May 21

Air Supply at The Orleans Showroom: Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock met in Australia and found success in the United States after Clive Davis signed them to Arista Records when their single "Lost in Love" raced up the charts. The duo will perform all their timeless classics plus some of their newer material at the Orleans.

Soundbar at Ghostbar with Lisa Shaw and guests: Lisa Shaw, JoJo Flores, Keith Evan, Carlos Sanchez and B. Minogue spin at Ghostbar before Love Festival takes over Memorial Day Weekend. Check out Keith Evan and Carlos Sanchez in our Local DJ Guide.

Friday, May 22

Kendra Wilkinson at Wet Republic: Playboy Playmate Kendra Wilkinson of The Girls Next Door will kick off the Memorial Day weekend celebration at Wet Republic. Enjoy music by Peter Bailey, Richie Santana, Vtone and Klutch.

Ditch Fridays with Scotty Boy and DJ Twin: The infamous Ditch Fridays pool party is taking part in the Love Festival over Memorial Day Weekend. Think of a good excuse to miss work, grab your barely-there swimwear, and spend the day at the Palms Pool and Bungalows.

Scott Weiland at Aliante Station: Scott Weiland's music career has been anything but a straight path. He's performed with Stone Temple Pilots, battled substance abuse and teetered on the edge of a successful solo career. See him live in concert at Aliante Station.

UFC 98 pre-fight party at Studio 54: Tapout presents the official pre-fight party for UFC 98. The party at Studio 54 will be in memory of Charles "Mask" Lewis, hosted by John Lewis and the Tapout Crew. Tap into free Mask t-shirt giveaways all night.

Roger Sanchez at Tabu: DJ Roger Sanchez will be spinning live at Tabu at the MGM Grand to kick off Memorial Day Weekend. The NY DJ will keep the house music pulsing to keep you dancing until afterhours takes over with Richie Santana and Peter Bailey.

Dane Cook at The Pearl: Comedian Dane Cook has made the transition from stand up to the big screen and back again. His stand up routines have wowed huge crowds at Madison Square Garden and his second CD, Retaliation, went double-platinum after debuting at #4 on the Billboard 200 charts. He’ll be performing May 22nd -May 24th at the Pearl.

Ozomatli at the Hard Rock Pool: When the work week is over, it's time to hit the pool, grab a cocktail and groove to the sounds of Ozomatli and their Spanish/English mash-ups that seem to defy categorization. This Los Angeles-based band has been producing catchy, socially conscious music for 12 years, and their fourth full-length album, Don't mess with the Dragon is one of their best to date.

Whoopi Goldberg at Encore: Legendary comedian and actress Whoopi Goldberg hasn’t exactly gone unrecognized. She’s got a Grammy, an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Tony and a Golden Globe. You can see what all the fuss is about May 22 and May 23.

Hope Dworaczyk and Crystal McCahill host at Rok Vegas: Playboy's Miss April and May Playmates, Hope Dworaczyk and Crystal McCahill, will host the party at Rok Vegas. Come party with the hot models while you dance to the sounds of DJ Klutch and DJ Finesse.

Joe Rogan at House of Blues: He's not just a UFC announcer, ladies and gentlemen. Joe Rogan got his start in stand up and he'll be showing off his skills onstage at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay.

DJ Riz at Prive: DJ Riz has gone by many titles – artist, DJ, club DJ, remixer and original producer. Tonight he’ll go by Prive’s special guest.

Leopold and His Fiction at the Aruba Ballroom: If you’re not into the club scene this Memorial Day Weekend, San Francisco bluesy rockers Leopold and His Fiction will be performing live along with The Detroit Cobras, The Dex Romweber Duo and The Black Jetts at The Aruba Ballroom. Check out The Black Jetts in our Local Band Guide.

DJ AM at Rain: One of the world’s most sought after turntabilists, DJ AM (Adam Goldstein), mixes hip-hop, rock and '80s with music from today at Rain Nightclub during the Memorial Weekend Love Festival. Enjoy an opening set by R.O.B.

DJ Timbo at Hawaiian Tropic Zone: DJ Timbo will be performing a special live show in honor of his I'm A F#!*ing Celebrity release party at Hawaiian Tropic Zone along with a hosted bar for ladies from 11 p.m. until midnight.

Girls Gone Wild America’s hottest girl search at VooDoo Lounge: No matter how long they look, Girls Gone Wild never seems to find America’s hottest girl. We know she’s around here somewhere! Join the search party at VooDoo Lounge at the top of the Rio.

Saturday, May 23

UFC 98 at MGM Grand Garden Arena: In the UFC light heavyweight division, one of the most talented weight classes in all of mixed martial arts, every bout is huge. UFC 98 is no exception. Champion ‘Sugar’ Rashad Evans will defend his crown for the first time against fellow unbeaten Lyoto ‘The Dragon’ Machida in the main event.

An Evening with Smokey Robinson at Star of the Desert Arena in Primm: This Memorial Day, take it back to the old school and enjoy the hits of Smokey Robinson like "I Second That Emotion" and "You've Really Got a Hold on Me."

Summer of '69 with The Guess Who at the Fremont Street Experience: The Fremont Street Experience presents the Summer of ’69: Vegas or Bust with a live performance by legendary rockers The Guess Who on the streets of downtown Las Vegas.

Taylor Swift at Mandalay Bay Teen country sensation Taylor Swift will bring her signature sound to the Mandalay Bay Events Center along with special guests Kellie Pickler of American Idol and Gloriana.

Lewis Black at the Mirage: Lewis Black may be one of the angriest men in America. He’s really, really pissed. And that makes for one really, really funny night. The Grammy-Award winning stand-up comedian, actor, author and playwright will perform two shows at the Mirage.

Flight of the Conchords at The Joint: Grammy-nominated New Zealand folk comedy duo Flight of the Conchords will perform live at The Joint at the Hard Rock along with special guest Arj Barker. You know what that means: “It’s Business Time.”

Jura Shaheed at Freakin' Frog: Timeless Arts Organization presents the album release party for 8 Bit Volume 1 by Jura Shaheed. The concert will feature performances by The Greater Good, Youthinasia/Stonez, 360, Somobe, Roe, Adam, J Slikk and Jura Shaheed.

Lyoto Machida's official after fight party at Studio 54: After he takes on Rashad Evans at UFC 98 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida will party it up at Studio 54 at a party presented by Kings Reign. Can we get some Advil with that rum and Coke?

Pittsburgh Slim and UFC after parties at Hawaiian Tropic Zone: Def Jam Recording artist Pittsburgh Slim will be performing live at Hawaiian Tropic Zone over Memorial Day Weekend. Enjoy his hit songs "Girls Kiss Girls" and "Flashy World." Ladies can enjoy a hosted bar from 11 p.m. until 12 a.m. Plus, for the first time ever, two UFC fighters competing in the same bout, will have their afterparties together. George Roop and local fighter Dave Kaplan will party together at Hawaiian Tropic Zone after they bash each other's faces in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The Virgins at Beauty Bar: New York City new wave R&B group The Virgins will be performing live downtown at the Beauty Bar. Catch them before they head out on their European tour this summer.

Boris and Roger Sanchez at Wet Republic: Spend your Memorial Day weekend poolside with Boris, Victor Calderone and Roger Sanchez at Wet Republic Ultra Pool at the MGM Grand.

Love Festival at Perfecto at Rain: Paul Oakenfold welcomes Eddie Halliwell, Doman & Pettigrew, Danny Love and The Funkler to the DJ booth at Rain for Love Festival over Memorial Day Weekend.

Rashad Evans’ after-fight party at Rok Vegas: "Sugar" Rashad Evans hosts an after-fight party at Rok Vegas following UFC 98.

Vavoom! Bikini Fashion Show at VooDoo Lounge: Maxim model Natalie Marie and Playboy playmate Jessie Parsons will host a Vavoom! bikini fashion show at VooDoo Lounge. Who better to do the honors than hot models? Video DJ Crime will be spinning in the main room.

Sunday, May 24

Rock 'n Jam for Peace at Sinister Rock Bar: The Las Vegas Peace Project presents the first Rock 'n Jam for Peace at Sinister Rock Bar. Eleven bands will perform including an open drum circle, the Expressive Yoga Dance Tribe and Cocoa Body Painting.

Sapphire Pool party and bikini contest: Head to the Rio for a Sapphire Pool party with Frenchy of Rock of Love and Arian of Tough Love. Enjoy extended night hours from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. plus sounds spun by DJ Girl 6 and bikini top contest for cash prizes.

Wyclef Jean at LAX: Former Fugee and hip hop star Wyclef Jean has been doing his homeland of Haiti proud, raising awareness and money to help the island’s impoverished citizens. This weekend he’ll do us a favor, too, with a performance at LAX over Memorial Day Weekend.

Summer of ’69 at Fremont Street Experience with Blood, Sweat and Tears: The Fremont Street Experience presents Summer of ’69 at Fremont Street Experience with Blood, Sweat and Tears. Rock out to classic tunes downtown over Memorial Day Weekend.

Duel In the Desert Boxing and MMA at the Star of the Desert Arena: If UFC 98 isn't enough fighting for you, head to Primm for the Duel In the Desert Boxing and MMA competition featuring a bout between Salita and Munoz.

Allman Brothers Band at Red Rock: Sandbar at Red Rock presents the 40th Anniversary Tour of The Allman Brothers Band. See the legendary rockers perform all your favorite hits like "Whipping Post" and "Ramblin' Man."

Baby Bash & Frankie J at the House of Blues: Baby Bash & Frankie J will be performing live at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay along with Paula Deanda. Baby Bash will hopefully have hits like "What Is It" and "Baby I'm Back" on the set list.

DJ Tiesto at Jet: This Memorial Day Weekend, Jet presents the number one DJ in the world, Tiesto. The Dutch DJ brings his signature trance tunes to Vegas for a two-night engagement.

DJ Eric Morillo at Tao: Celebrate Memorial Day weekend at Tao with DJ Eric Morillo as he returns to spin the night away at the posh club.

Love Festival at the Palms: Sunday May 24 is the official Love Festival date at the Palms. The pre-party kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Palms Pool & Bungalows with sets by Mark Farina, Steve Aoki, Swedish Egil, Danny Love, Jordan Stevens, and Keith Evans. At 9 p.m., Mark Lewis, Serge Devant, and Carl Cox spin for dance music fans on the outdoor stage poolside. Paul van Dyk, Robbie Rivera, DJ Reza, and Scotty Boy command the party inside Rain.

Nomo and Dopamine Flux at Beauty Bar: Nomo and Dopamine Flux will be performing live outside on the patio at Beauty Bar while Paul Ryder Of The Happy Mondays spins a live DJ set inside.

Terrell Owens at Rok Vegas: Football stud Terrell Owens will host Sunday night’s party at Rok Vegas. This all-pro wide receiver will officially usher in Memorial Day with famous his friends and fans.

Solid Gold night at VooDoo Lounge: Close out your weekend with ‘Solid Gold’ night at VooDoo Lounge featuring the best of ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s R&B, plus enjoy the Baby Bash official after-show party high atop the Rio with a beautiful view of the Strip.

Lil' Jon at Prive: Rapper Lil' Jon, the king of crunk, seems to really, really like Las Vegas. He’s here a lot and will be hosting a Memorial Day party at Prive at Planet Hollywood. Don't forget your pimp cups!

Mick Boogie at Studio 54: Mick Boogie will be spinning live at Studio 54 at the MGM Grand with and afterhours party featuring Jonathan Peters, starting at 3 a.m.

Kaskade at Drai's After Hours: Drai's After Hours presents the launch party for Belvedere IX with a special appearance by Kaskade. The San Francisco DJ specializes in house and electronica music.

Monday, May 25

Deadmau5 and Kaskade at Wet Republic: Deadmau5 + Kaskade + sun @ Wet Republic = one hell of a Monday. Tony Arzadon and Nathan Scott will be spinning the opening sets. Check out Nathan Scott and Tony Arzadon in our Local DJ Guide.

Propagandhi at Red Electric: Winnipeg-based punk veterans Propagandhi will be performing live at Red Electric in support of their recently released fifth studio album, Supporting Caste .

Rok Box Mondays at Tabu with DJ Vice and DJ Scotty Boy: Local DJ Scotty Boy will be spinning the best in electro, house and rock at Rok Box Mondays along with DJ Vice at Tabu. Check out DJ Scotty Boy in our Local DJ Guide.

DJ Tiesto at The Bank: This Memorial Day Weekend, The Bank presents the number one DJ in the world, Tiesto. The Dutch DJ brings his signature trance tunes to Vegas for a two-night engagement. Sunday night he'll spin at Jet and Monday at The Bank.