(A rendering of the planned 33,000-seat domed stadium for the Athletics, set to open in Las Vegas in 2028 on the former Tropicana site. Image courtesy ballparkexperience.athletics.com.)
The A’s ballpark breaks ground, Dolly Parton sells out Caesars Palace, and five major tradeshows head to the Strip in a summer shaped by development, demand, and shifting priorities
As Las Vegas breaks ground on a $1.75 billion Major League Baseball stadium and posts strong convention gains despite a dip in visitor volume, the city continues to showcase its dual identity—anchored by legacy entertainment and powered by new experiences. From Dolly Parton’s record-breaking residency and a wave of major July tradeshows to immersive attractions and high-profile project decisions, the Strip and surrounding neighborhoods remain in constant motion.
Convention Attendance Rises Despite Visitor Decline
Las Vegas saw a drop in overall visitor volume in May 2025, with 3.4 million people traveling to the city—a 6.5 percent decrease from the previous year. However, convention attendance increased by 10.7 percent, reaching 511,200. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the bump was driven by large-scale events including LightFair International, the Bitcoin Conference, and the National Automatic Merchandising Association Show. Several tradeshows shifted from other months into May, further boosting the total. Despite the uptick in meetings and events, hotel occupancy and average daily room rates declined across the city.
July Trade Shows Span Beauty, Aerospace, Manufacturing, and Culinary Arts
Las Vegas is set for another active tradeshow month this July, with five major events spanning beauty, aerospace, manufacturing, and culinary arts. Cosmoprof North America (July 15–17, Mandalay Bay) leads the month with 32,000 attendees and 1,100 exhibitors, showcasing innovation and product launches in the global beauty industry. The AWFS Fair – Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers (July 22–25, Las Vegas Convention Center) brings in over 10,500 woodworking professionals and 592 exhibitors focused on equipment, technology, and materials. The AIAA Aviation Forum (July 21–25, Caesars Forum) gathers 2,000 aerospace engineers and leaders to explore trends in flight and defense. Running concurrently, AIAA Ascend (July 22–24, Caesars Forum) offers programming on commercial space and future technologies. Rounding out the month, the American Culinary Federation’s National Convention (July 27–31, Paris Las Vegas) brings chefs, educators, and culinary students together for five days of education and competition.
City Council Rejects Harlem Nights Casino Proposal
The Las Vegas City Council has voted 6–1 to reject the proposed Harlem Nights Casino and Jackson Hotel Resort project in the Historic Westside. Led by developer Shlomo Meiri, the plan called for a 22-story casino-hotel complex, which exceeded the area’s seven-story zoning limit. Community members and city officials raised concerns about the project’s scale, potential traffic, and its impact on the neighborhood’s historic identity. While the proposal was pitched as a step toward revitalization, Councilwoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong emphasized the need for partnership over overdevelopment. The developers may revise the plan or wait up to a year to reapply.
Havana 1957 Brings Classic Cuban Cuisine to the Strip
Havana 1957 has opened its first Las Vegas location inside the Flamingo, bringing the Miami-based Vida & Estilo Restaurant Group’s signature take on Cuban comfort food to the Strip. Led by Chef Julio Martinez, the kitchen focuses on authentic recipes and scratch-made dishes—from ropa vieja slow-cooked in criolla sauce to truffled yuca fries and fresh mahi-mahi ceviche. The decor and nightly live music recall the glamour of 1950s Havana, while the cocktail list leans into mojitos, margaritas, and rum-forward favorites. The adjacent Cortadito Coffee House, also operated by V&E, adds breakfast and espresso to the mix.
Universal Horror Unleashed Reveals Monster-Filled Maze at Area15
Universal Studios is expanding its horror footprint in Las Vegas with the August 14 debut of Universal Horror Unleashed at Area15. The new attraction includes a haunted house featuring Van Helsing’s mausoleum, Castle Dracula, The Mummy’s tomb, and Frankenstein’s lab—all tied together in a single walkthrough experience. Also announced: Dead Storage, a creature-infested movie set zone, and The Boiler, a themed cocktail bar. The experience will also feature scenes inspired by The Exorcist: Believer, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Scarecrow: The Reaping.
WrestleMania 42 to Return to Las Vegas in 2026
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has announced that WrestleMania 42 will take place at Allegiant Stadium on April 18 and 19, 2026. The event follows this year’s record-breaking WrestleMania 41, which drew nearly 125,000 fans over two nights in Las Vegas. In addition to the main event, the 2026 schedule will include Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, NXT’s Stand & Deliver, and the WWE World fan experience. The return marks Las Vegas’ third time hosting WrestleMania, reinforcing its role as a major hub for global entertainment.
A’s Break Ground on $1.75 Billion Ballpark in Las Vegas
The Athletics held a ceremonial groundbreaking on June 23 for their planned 33,000-seat domed stadium in Las Vegas. Located on part of the former Tropicana site, the $1.75 billion ballpark is slated to open by 2028. Dignitaries including Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, U.S. Representative Dina Titus, and Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred attended the event. While owner John Fisher has committed $1.1 billion and secured a $300 million loan, the team still faces a $350 million funding gap. The ceremony marked a major milestone in the A’s relocation effort.
Dolly Parton Sells Out Las Vegas Residency in Record Time
All six shows of Dolly Parton’s upcoming residency at Caesars Palace sold out within 75 minutes of going on sale, making her just the fourth artist to accomplish that feat at the Colosseum, alongside Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, and Adele. The December performances coincide with the National Finals Rodeo, creating massive demand among country fans. This marks Parton’s first extended Vegas run in more than three decades, and resale prices have surged past $10,000 per ticket on some platforms.
Color Theory Pop-Up Brings Selfie-Friendly Art to the Strip
Las Vegas continues its push for immersive, photo-ready experiences with “Selfie Studio: The Color Theory Tour,” running July 18 through August 20 at Fashion Show Las Vegas. The free pop-up installation features eight art-inspired sets that use the Pantone color system to explore mood and personality. Created by Atlanta’s NGK Agency, the interactive space invites visitors to take a color personality quiz and pose in rooms designed to match their results—delivering bold, social media–friendly visuals in every direction.
