Life is Beautiful Offers Top Names in Music Amongst Las Vegas Nightlife

Kelly Fay

The city lights of Vegas shine a little brighter during Life is Beautiful. The weekend-long festival celebrates music, art, food and ideas throughout downtown Las Vegas. With a goal of promoting individuality, inspiration and cultural integration, the event is considered more of a movement than a festival. With 18 blocks of activities and four stages to inspire doers and creators, the offerings don’t fall short. The festival itself has a reputation for bringing love and acceptance into Sin City and gifting attendees with an experience to take away from Vegas, that people actually want to talk about.

From its inception in 2011, the festival has provided fans with famed headliners, underground artists and upcoming performers. This year, the lineup upholds its reputation, bringing  Mumford and Sons, J. Cole, The Lumineers and Jimmy Eat World, to name a few. The Art realm spotlights Crime on Canvas, Tristan Eaton and Dulk while The Taste offers sensations such as Nobu, 50 Shades of Green and Stripcheeze, among many more options. The Idea spectrum presents actress, Azie Tesfai, Ted Speaker, Dr. Kate Stone, author and entrepreneur, Alex Banayan and American journalist, Cal Fussman, among other inspiring leaders.

Although Fremont and surrounding streets ooze historical relevance to the city’s early days, downtown Las Vegas has undergone a personality transformation over the past several years. The reinvention invites visitors to experience a new borough that offers a more casual scene, in the bars, restaurants and shops lining the streets. Noteworthy attractions include Container Park, a recycled outdoor courtyard with a variety of restaurants and bars, and Slotzilla, a two level zip line that swings through downtown. However, the new downtown takes on twists and turns within the 18 streets devoted to the movement, to adopt the theme of Life is Beautiful by empowering individuals to open themselves up to love, laughter and music while embracing the notion that, indeed, life is beautiful.

EAT:
The Foundation Room is a luxurious lounge that reaches above the heights of the Mandalay Bay towers. The once members-only club is now open to the public but keeps the appeal of an exclusivity dining option. 63 floors up from the Strip, one can expect a restaurant-lounge with a vantage point that is arguably the best in the city. The glitter of the Vegas lights the Foundation Room’s vintage flair. The cuisine offers an Asian inspired theme with the subtly of European taste. With upscale cocktails, international cuisine and a required dress code, patrons can expect a unique outing.

Located in the MGM Grand, L’atelier De Joel Robuchon is among the top places to eat in the Sin City. Not only because it’s ran by “Chef of the Century,” Joel Robuchon, but also for the singular approach of preparing every meal before the eyes of the diner. Small and large portions of French fare grace the menu while guests are encouraged to complete their meal with a dessert, cheese plate or signature sorbet.

Arawan Thai Bistro and Dessert features a classical Thai concept with a modern twist. Sharable options fill the selection of cuisine throughout the menu. Only fresh veggies are used while the chefs butcher their meat and fish on location. The Red Curry Fish Cakes, Shrimp and Spicy Green Beans and Lobster tail Panang will not disappoint.

DRINK:
Inside the Cosmopolitan you will find a beautifully detailed, larger than life chandelier. Naturally, this unique bar is sensibly named The Chandelier. With three levels of architectural wonder, drinkers have a variety of options depending on their vibe of the night. On the Bottom of the Chandelier guests can expect to find a high energy atmosphere that is open 24 hours a day while Inside of the Chandelier mixes fine cocktails for the spirit coinsurers. At Top of the Chandelier, the ambiance is that of a lounge masked with the magic of the Chandelier.  

The Mandarin Bar is an experience that likely surpasses any other in Las Vegas. The décor features three floor to ceiling windows that oversee the infamous Strip, opening up the spirits of patrons while gifting them with the lights of the city. Perfectly crafted Asian-infused cocktails are known to be concocted throughout the 23rd floor of the Mandarin Bar. Live music is offered Thursday thru Saturday nights.

With more than 20,000 square feet of fun to be had, Gold Spike is a playground for adults. Featuring oversized games such as Giant Beer Pong, Connect Four, Skeeball, Corn Hole, Giant Chess and Shuffle Board, big “kids” are expected to bond over the friendly competitions while the drinks flow. The Livingroom is a transformative living area that is first a workstation for daytime users, and second a nighttime experience for the party animals. The venue hosts live music and events throughout the calendar year adding yet another element of play.

In a swanky old-fashioned cocktail bar in downtown Las Vegas, you will find a gem that recalls the roaring twenties. Commonwealth delivers exceptionally crafted cocktails in a 6,000 square foot space with a design to make you feel like you are in old Hollywood. Various musical events are scheduled weekly that fit into the establishment’s feel.

STAY:
ARIA Sky Suites flies high above the Las Vegas Strip providing views of the casino’s neon lights. The luxury AAA Five Diamond hotel is rich with amenities, optimal service (including personal assistance and an exclusive private check-in) and topped with exquisitely sleek goodness. Take advantage of complimentary and stylish airport transportation and the poolside personal pampering during your stay. Suites are spacious and include a separate living room, powder room and master room but what’s more impressive is the spa-inspired deluxe bathroom. No matter your cravings, ARIA has it covered. Dip into the newly open ocean-to-table restaurant, Herringbone, or try Lemongrass, an authentic Thai experience. There is no shortage of nightlife in this extravagant hotel. Whether you opt for a sports bar experience, a casual lounge or a full-on nightclub, your tastes will be satisfied. Jewel Night Club is a hit among nighttime partiers while Liquid Pool Lounge brings out the babes and hunks to sip in the sunlight.

Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas is in a league all its own. With stunning views, a glossy, modern design, outstanding service and a non-gaming/non-smoking approach, the hotel stands alone in its appeal. Perhaps their most notable accolade to date is the recognition by LEEDS as a gold-certified sustainable design. When it is time to eat, there is an array of fresh options for everyone’s dining pleasure including Twist by Pierre Gagnaire, which is the only restaurant in the U.S. to benefit from the skill of Chef Pierre Gagnaire himself. For modern Asian cuisine, MOzen Bistro offers a journey through Asia with subtle American influences onto your plate. For the best place to drink in the hotel, and quite possibly in Las Vegas, make your way up to the 23rd floor to experience the impressive Mandarin Bar. When it’s time to pamper, head for the two floors of serenity at the Spa. Healing and wellness therapies such as the Chinese Foot Spa, The Gentlemen Treatment or for a lengthier healing treatment, The Digital Detox will center your being.

The Bellagio offers an assortment of rooms and suites to fit everyone’s taste and budget while still maintaining class and style throughout. The pools are a work of art in the Bellagio, and daybeds and cabanas are available for those craving a bit more luxurious poolside space. Dining is also a treat. Lago by Julian Serrano is backed by Michelin recognized Executive Chef Julian Serrano where he prepares small yet inventive and flavorsome Italian creations. The Intermezzo and Brunch Menus are a unique standout in the restaurant. At Harvest by Roy Ellamar, you can expect freshly prepared dishes with a sophisticated approach. Nightlife fun includes dancing until dawn at The Bank, where high-end service and elegantly distinct vibes and unparalleled design meet. For a mix of interior and exterior Vegas merriment, The Hyde is a sought after nighttime destination decked out with a lavish design in a location overlooking the Fountains of Bellagio. The Spa at the Bellagio is a 65,000 square foot sanctuary that serves to replenish every guest who wanders through the doors. Whether you opt to sweat in the fitness center or unwind in the surroundings of a body treatment, you will leave feeling renewed.

Life is Beautiful will take place Sept. 23-25 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tickets can be purchased here.