All Vegas nightclubs have been closed for a year now because of the pandemic, right?

Wrong. While the state’s COVID restrictions mandate that nightclubs stay closed, a handful of venues have been able to reopen and serve guests safely by changing the way they operate. Packed dancefloors and general admission are not allowed, so reservations are required, and clubs have pivoted into lounge-style experiences in order to meet social distancing and other guidelines.

The most significant recent reopening is Omnia at Caesars Palace (702-785-6200), which returns to business at its outdoor terrace space only on March 5. It will be open Friday and Saturday starting at 10:30 p.m., offering a touchless menu system via scannable QR codes and separate VIP sections along with those familiar views of the Strip. Omnia has been shuttered for just about a year—so has Hakkasan Group’s eponymous flagship at MGM Grand—so the return of this part of the experience for the spring is a welcome event.

What other nightclubs are open?

Tao at the Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian (702-388-8588) has been dipping a toe back into the water since its restaurant reopened in October, and the current club-ish program, dubbed Tao Late Night, runs Saturdays starting at 10:30 p.m.. It’ll expand to include Friday nights on March 19.

XS at Encore (702-770-7300) is operating as XS Lounge, with indoor and outdoor tables available Friday and Saturday starting at 10 p.m.

The Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay (702-632-7631), a nightlife institution that has always offered a hybrid club, lounge and restaurant experience, opens Thursday through Sunday at 6 p.m. Reservations are required.

The rooftop pool and club space at Drai’s at the Cromwell has yet to announce a reopening schedule, but reps have already stated they’re hoping to come back to life in a big way, so expect to wait another few months. Meanwhile, the downstairs Drai’s After Hours space (702-777-3800) is operating as an ultralounge Thursday through Sunday from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m.

At Paris Las Vegas, Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop (702-776-7777) is still closed but has planned some pop-up experiences at the Strip-fronting Alexxa’s Lounge downstairs, set for Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m. starting March 5.

It’s definitely worth mentioning that although they’re not considered nightclubs, sister venues the Dorsey (702-414-1945) at Venetian and Electra Cocktail Club at Palazzo (702-607-1950) offer fantastic drinks and vibrant ambiance, plus DJs spinning Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. The Dorsey operates Thursday-Sunday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., while Electra is open Friday-Sunday from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m.

What about pool parties at dayclubs?

Popular Strip pool clubs also reopened last summer, following the rules and capably providing a more relaxed, service-oriented daylife experience. Many still have DJs setting the soundtrack, although the big names haven’t really been back yet. The energy is certainly different, but the music, drinks, food and atmosphere remain, as these dayclub venues essentially operate as complementary extensions of resort pool venues.

But if no pool is a dayclub, aren’t all pools dayclubs? Is the experience the same as going to a tranquil hotel pool complex?

Not really, because the dayclubs are still mostly open to guests 21 and over. And many resort pools are only open to hotel guests. And just so you know, guests are required to wear face coverings unless eating, drinking or lounging in the pool.

Which venues are opening this weekend?

Encore Beach Club (702-770-7300) returns March 5 and will be open Friday through Sunday starting at 11 a.m. You can still rent daybeds and cabanas at this favorite venue, and EBC at Night is expected to return sometime this spring.

Wet Republic at MGM Grand (702-891-3563), which was completely renovated and refurbished just before COVID-19 struck last year, also returns March 5 and will open Thursday through Sunday at 11 a.m. Sister venue Liquid at Aria (702-590-9979) will be back in action on March 12.

Marquee at the Cosmopolitan (702-333-9000) has always stood out because of its stellar food menu, and it raised the stakes last summer. It reopens March 5 and will operate Friday through Sunday starting at 11 a.m. Nighttime programming will likely follow in weeks or months.

There’s also Daylight at Mandalay Bay (702-632-4700), opening March 5 and running Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Wet24 Adult Pool & Bar (702-383-4870) on the 24th floor at the Strat, opening March 6; and Bare Pool Lounge at the Mirage (702-791-7416), opening in mid-March.

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