Fifty years ago, a 5,000-square-foot room with 100 slot machines opened its doors to Las Vegas locals. This July, that same homegrown idea celebrates half a century as Station Casinos debuts an all-new logo and throws a month-long anniversary bash across the valley, beginning Wednesday, July 1. 

Expect fireworks, a drone show, a stacked live-music lineup, vintage photo booths, collector's commemoratives and the kind of throwback prices that built the company's reputation with locals — $1.99 margaritas included. From Palace Station to Durango, every property is in on the celebration. Starting July 1, vintage photo booths land on the casino floors at Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, Durango Casino & Resort, Palace, Santa Fe, Sunset and Boulder Station.  For $5, guests get a vintage photo strip and a digital copy — a nostalgic nod to the era when a booth was the only way to capture the moment. 

Guests can find the full rundown at www.stationcasinos.com/50th. 

Here's how to make the most of Station Casinos' 50th all month long. 

Fireworks & a drone show to kick it off 

Palace Station fireworks Photo by: Courtesy

The party starts where it all began. On Wednesday, July 1 at 9 p.m., Palace Station — built on the site of the company's original location — lights up its founding day with a free fireworks and drone show, with complimentary viewing from the surface parking lots. 

Then the valley goes big for the Fourth. On Saturday, July 4 at 9 p.m., shows light up the sky across town, all presented by Fireworks by Grucci: 

• Durango Casino & Resort: Upgraded viewing from Bel-Aire Backyard, with a live DJ, prime viewing areas, complimentary glow sticks and food for purchase. Tickets start at $35 for adults and $10 for children; cabana upgrades available. Buy online (plus applicable fees) or in person at the gift shop starting June 1. 

• Green Valley Ranch: Poolside viewing at the Backyard with a live DJ, complimentary Bomb Pops and light-up swag. Tickets start at $35 for adults and $10 for children; cabana upgrades start at $300 and daybed upgrades at $250. Burgers and hot dogs available for purchase. Free viewing also available from surface parking lots. 

• Red Rock Resort: An upgraded poolside experience over the Summerlin sky with a live DJ, complimentary glow-in-the-dark swag, popsicles and food for purchase. Tickets start at $35 for adults and $10 for children; cabana upgrades available. Free viewing also available from surface parking lots. 

• Boulder Station, Santa Fe Station and Sunset Station: Complimentary fireworks viewing from surface parking lots — and at Sunset Station, from the outdoor Amphitheater, with beverages for purchase. 

Live music all month long 

Cole Swindell Photo by: Courtesy

Station's properties host a month of live entertainment across the valley: 

• July 3-4 at Santa Fe Station: Fab Four (Beatles tribute) 

• July 4 at Palace Station: 90's Station, a complimentary poolside show 

• July 10 at Green Valley Ranch: Grace Potter 

One Night of Queen Photo by: Courtesy

• July 11 at Boulder Station: Los Lonely Boys 

• July 18 at Red Rock Resort: Cole Swindell 

• July 18 at Sunset Station Side Lawn: Patrick Lamb Jazz Series 

• July 24 at Durango Casino & Resort: One Night of Queen 

Throwback Vegas value: food & drink deals 

This is the part locals will love. All July, Station bars and cafes bring back classic Las Vegas value: 

• $1.99 margaritas at all casino bars  

• $3 beers and shots at all casino bars 

• $2.99 shrimp cocktail at Palace Station and Boulder Station cafes with a Boarding Pass 

• $9.99 late-night steak and eggs among many late-night specials at property cafes at select properties with a Boarding Pass, 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. 

Gaming offers, commemoratives & gifts 

The anniversary runs through the casino floor, too: 

• Commemorative Collector's Chips for purchase, plus branded Boarding Pass cards and VIP parking pass cards for eligible guests 

• Jackets for Jackpots: hit a slot jackpot of $2,000 or more and score a throwback satin casino jacket, all month long 

• Gift Days for invited Boarding Pass members, or guests who earn 300 same-day base points: a custom 50th full-zip windbreaker (July 10), a 50th hat and T-shirt combo (July 24) and a 50th quarter-zip pullover (July 31) 

For the full schedule of events and offerings, visit www.stationcasinos.com/50th.