Las Vegas nightclubs have a little something for everyone—if you’re willing (and able) to pony up some serious cash for the VIP treatment. Unfortunately, maintaining a steady party schedule can be difficult without the right connections. Luckily, there are options for ballers on a budget when it comes to maintaining their socialite street-cred, or for those looking to break into the game without breaking the bank.
For residents of Nevada, the local ID is clubland gold, yet many newbies to the Las Vegas Valley are hesitant to give up their home-state licenses for one reason or another. Perhaps these potential partiers don’t understand the advantages this little piece of plastic affords residents. After undergoing close flashlight scrutiny, local IDs allow men and women cover-free access to multiple clubs, especially on locals nights (consult the Weekly’s club grid). We advise you to show up with a group consisting only of locals (preferably more girls than guys). Residents in the know cringe when they get the phone call from cousin so-and-so who’s coming to town and wants to go to a nightclub—for free. Tourists (including the non-local guests of locals) are generally out of luck as far as free admission goes, unless they’re willing to spring for VIP bottle service in lieu of yard-long margaritas.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rules. For instance, local ladies can bring up to three non-local gals to Tao on Thursday nights, but only if they’re card-carrying Goddesses. According to Tao’s Kirsten “Kiki” Kuzmirek, the nightclub’s promotion team hand-selects “Vegas’ leading, lovely, local ladies” to become Tao Goddesses. “In addition to the VIP perks at the nightclub,” says Kuzmirek, “Tao Goddesses can also flash their Goddess card around town for discounts at salons, boutiques and other local businesses.” And for ladies who like to rake in free goodies, events like Body English’s Indulge Fridays or various posh store openings are a good way to add to the wardrobe without maxing out credit cards.
Yet, what to do if you have your local ID, but would still like to get in the nightclub express lane … and maybe get a drink ticket or two? Simple enough. Sign up for e-mail lists and send MySpace friend requests to clubs and VIP hosts. VIP hosts will keep you (overly) informed on guest-list availability and special events.
Las Vegans can also choose to forgo the mega-clubs and still have a good time. Almost every night of the week, one can seek out various Open Bar events. Various Vegas hot spots participate each night in socializing and free drinks concocted with the featured spirit of the evening. For gents trying to impress a special someone, in-store wine tastings at places like Valley Wine & Cheese and Khoury’s Fine Wine will have your date thinking you’re très, très sophistiqué.
In reality, going out all week and getting the hookup at primo events technically isn’t 100 percent free, unless you’re a total jerk who doesn’t know how to tip your bartender or server. Unfortunately, some nightclub newbies haven’t learned the importance of gratuity, and not tipping is a surefire way to burn bridges in a town that’s smaller than you think.
To make extra cash without having to get one of those nine-to-fivers, thus impeding your late-night partying, consider the multitude of contests sponsored by clubs around town. There are cash-prize events for the ladies, like Jet’s Pole-a-Palooza or the current Syrup Swimwear calendar-model search at the Hawaiian Tropic Zone. Themed parties at clubs (usually on industry nights) often have competitions for the best such-and-such with a nice little cash reward, or prizes that can range from a sizeable bar tab to a sizeable new set of breast implants. The Best Dressed Real Man in America contest coming up at Blush (April 26), or the Monday Guitar Hero tournament at Mist ensure gents can get in on the easy money/freebie action as well.
With the multitude of events in Vegas on any given night, one can guess that Sin City’s socialites just might be able to get by without spending a dime … well, at least not a dime of their own.