Las Vegas Sizzles in September: Must-See Fights, Festivals, and Star-Powered Entertainment
There’s never a bad time to visit Las Vegas, but September 2015 promises one of the busiest lineups yet. With a blockbuster boxing match, Mexican Independence Day celebrations, and top-tier music festivals, the Entertainment Capital of the World delivers non-stop excitement.
Where to stay: These high-profile events are filling hotels fast, but secure exclusive rates on our booking platform.
Fight Night
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Las Vegas favorite Floyd Mayweather Jr. faces Andre Berto on Saturday, September 12, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This could be Mayweather’s final bout, drawing massive crowds all weekend. Expect watch parties, pre- and post-fight events at casino sportsbooks, bars, and clubs.
How to visit: Rates will spike, but offset costs with Travelzoo Local Deals and exclusive show discounts.
El Grito: Mexican Independence Day
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day from September 11-16 with world-class Hispanic artists performing across top venues. Tickets remain available via box offices for most shows, including weekends. Highlights include:
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino: Marco Antonio Solis (Sept. 11), Chayanne (Sept. 12), Ricardo Arjona (Sept. 13), Pepe Aguilar (Sept. 14), Ricky Martin (Sept. 15)
The Mirage Resort & Casino: Gabriel Iglesias (Sept. 11-13)
Palms Casino Resort: Alejandra Guzman (Sept. 12)
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: Luis Miguel (Sept. 12), Juan Gabriel (Sept. 13), Marc Anthony and Carlos Vives (Sept. 14), Alejandro Fernandez (Sept. 15)
Caesars Palace: Enrique Iglesias (Sept. 13-14), Placido Domingo (Sept. 15)
Life is Beautiful Festival
The Life is Beautiful festival transforms Downtown Las Vegas on September 25-27 across 11 city blocks, blending 70+ acts, art, cuisine, and culture. Catch Stevie Wonder, Imagine Dragons, Snoop Dogg, Hozier, and more. Three-day GA tickets start at $255; single-day passes at $115.
Make it unforgettable: Indulge in culinary villages featuring celebrity chefs like Nobu Matsuhisa and José Andrés, plus craft cocktails and beers. Stay downtown to discover local gems.
At The D Las Vegas, enjoy Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse with tableside Caesar salad and tuxedoed waiters—home to Nevada’s longest bar. On Fremont Street, Commonwealth offers pre-Prohibition cocktails, a speakeasy, and prime rooftop people-watching. The Mob Museum, hailed by Travel + Leisure as a 2015 must-visit, showcases 885+ artifacts in a former courthouse, chronicling the mob’s reign in Sin City.
iHeartRadio Music Festival
The fifth annual iHeartRadio Music Festival lights up MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 18-19, featuring Kanye West, Sam Smith, Coldplay, David Guetta, Kenny Chesney, Duran Duran, Blake Shelton, and more.
Main shows are sold out, but Daytime Village tickets on September 19 are $39 for GA access to Hozier, Demi Lovato, Trey Songz, Lee Brice, Shawn Mendes, Nick Jonas, and others.
Pro tips: Wear comfy shoes—no parking on-site (across from Mandalay Bay). Park at a nearby casino and walk. With scant shade, pack sunscreen and hydrate at cooling stations.
After-parties heat up clubs: Lil Jon at Surrender (Encore) on September 18; Tiësto at Hakkasan (MGM Grand) Friday, Calvin Harris Saturday. Tickets available but selling fast.
Lead photo by Kobby Dagan / Shutterstock.com
