BigHorn Rodeo Pool Party at Alexis Park The Nevada Gay Rodeo Association’s annual rodeo is back at Horseman’s Park this weekend (for details, see Page 41), but the country-western fun doesn’t end—or begin, for that matter—at the arena dirt. NGRA kicks it all off with a poolside party featuring a HomoRodeo.com/Boot Barn-sponsored fashion show. May 8, noon-5 p.m., free.
DJs Colette and Heather at Tru According to our research, it’s been roughly five years since Vegas has grooved to the queens of Chicago house. Fortunately, Colette and Heather have included us in their national tour, slated to land at off-Strip spot Tru Afterhours. For scene veterans and those who like their house a little more traditional, this is a don’t-miss gig. Brian Gardner, Brenda D and Rob Dub all support. May 8, doors at 11:59 p.m., $20, $5 with Nevada ID.
Ditch Fridays with Scheana Shay at Palms Pool Why count down the clock at your cubicle when you could be cocktailing in a cabana all Friday afternoon? The off-Strip work-week closeout returns for another season of splash-bash action and celebrity eyecandy as brunette beauty and Vanderpump Rules star Scheana Shay hosts. Time to (swim)suit up! May 8, doors at 8 a.m. and free before noon, $20 men, $10 women, local ladies free.
Rob Gronkowski and Pete Wentz at Rehab Well, this is an interesting pairing. On hosting duties (May 9 and 10) is record-breaking New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who, at 6-foot-6, will be hard to miss at the Hard Rock oasis, where he’s celebrating his birthday this weekend. Then there’s Fall Out Boy bassist/lyricist/vocalist and emo icon Pete Wentz, who is a foot shorter than his co-headliner but should be equally visible when he holds court at the DJ booth and delivers one of his open-format sets. The blending of their respective fanbases should make for one of the most memorable Rehabs in a while. May 10, doors at 11 a.m., $40+ men, $20+ women.
Sunset Sundays at Carlos and Charlie's The tourist-friendly cantina is an unconventional spot for a new LGBT party, but its lively atmosphere and hang-loose patio, which is adjacent to the Flamingo’s iconic pool, offers gay nightlifers some serious weekend-closing potential, along with an outdoor alternative. Come as you are to Sunset Sundays’ launch party, which will feature DJs and a $20 liquor bust. May 10, 8 p.m., free.
Yacht Club at Drai's Dust off your Sperry Top-Siders and take an iron to those Lacoste polos—the Drai’s barge bash is back! Oh, and you might want to also practice your “Riverside” moves, as veteran beatslinger Sidney Samson supplies the tunes. Did we mention the special guest set by “Like a G6” hip-hop group Far East Movement? This isn’t your rich grandma’s boat party. May 13, doors at 10 p.m., $30+ men, $20+ women.
Nickel Beer Night with Big Gipp at Beauty Bar Over the past eight years or so, Big Gipp has enjoyed reuniting with groundbreaking Atlanta hip-hop act Goodie Mob, of which he’s a founding member, as well as collaborating with the Dungeon Family collective. On Tuesday, he gets to enjoy the more infamous institution that is Nickel F*cking Beer Night, which he will headline as a performer. Also on the bill: Mr. Ebranes, Biz:E and Beast Fremont. May 12, doors at 9 p.m., $10, $5 before 11 p.m.
Infamous Wednesdays at Hyde Another weeknight, another club, another new party—welcome to Las Vegas, right? Rub elbows with the nightlife set every Wednesday now at the lakeside Bellagio nightspot. In the booth: DJ D-Miles. May 13, 10:30 p.m., free.
