Las Vegas doesn't need new venues and parties to maintain its position as a global champion in the nightlife industry. But 2019 piled on some new and different options anyway, pushing the party scene to its limits. There were many movements and moments that made these 12 months memorable, but three key destinations defined a rather wild year in Vegas nightlife, and more importantly, set a course for the future.

The Spark

In its first full year of operations, On the Record delivered on its promises to bring a diverse experience to the scene, prioritize the party over stars and get back to the locals-friendly vibe of the ultralounge era. That doesn't mean the speakeasy-style club with the hidden cocktail lounge, karaoke rooms and double-decker British bus can't go big; afterparties for Park Theater gigs from Lady Gaga, Aerosmith and Janet Jackson are already approaching legendary status. Halfway through the summer, it became clear that On the Record is something more: the cornerstone of a vibrant day-and-night experience at Park MGM, the closing act of a cool new Vegas itinerary that might include a stylish and sophisticated day by the pool at JEMAA: the NoMad Pool Party, food and drinks at Roy Choi's Best Friend or Bricia Lopez's Mama Rabbit and perhaps one of those superstar residency shows at Park Theater. There were weekends this year when you could catch a daytime DJ set from Mark Ronson, one of the most influential producers of his generation, before a concert from his most famous collaborators, Gaga or Bruno Mars, all on the same property.

The Fire

Wynn Nightlife made major headlines this year with a series of residency performances from Drake at XS and the sudden departure of managing partner Alex Cordova in the fall. But the return of Art of the Wild weekend and the expansion of Spain's landmark elrow parties defined luxury clubbing in Las Vegas and created an overwhelming dance music festival feeling at XS and Encore Beach Club. After debuting in October 2018, Art of the Wild touched down for spring and fall weekends at both Encore venues, bringing a who's who of house and techno DJs like the Martinez Brothers, Black Coffee, Guy Gerber, Jamie Jones, Pete Tong and even Idris Elba and Virgil Abloh to the Strip. Both events sold out several nights and attracted thousands of visitors from around the world, and the same thing happened (on a smaller scale) for several elrow events'

The Explosion

The Palms announced plans for KAOS in January, opened the 100,000-square-foot dayclub and nightclub in April with arguably one of the biggest parties in Vegas history and shut it down in November. Burn bright, burn fast. In the end, the renovated resort took a big swing and didn't connect, but there's no question KAOS was one of the most impressive Vegas venues ever built and offered one of the most incredible collection of artists (Cardi B, Marshmello, Skrillex, J Balvin, deadmau5) ever assembled. Time will tell how the Palms will use these lavish spaces in the future, but KAOS will forever stand as an extraordinary part of the local scene's sometimes outrageous history.