Things to Do in Vegas!

​For conference attendees visiting Las Vegas in late July, the city offers a surprising wealth of educational and cultural experiences beyond the Strip. Because temperatures in July frequently exceed 100°F, we recommend prioritizing indoor attractions during the day and saving outdoor excursions for the early morning or after sunset. Our hotel has a currated list of attractions and events as well located here. 

Here is a curated list of activities to enhance your visit for the 2026 ICPEL Conference.

Near the UNLV Campus
If you have a break between sessions or want to stay close to the university, these venues are within walking distance or a short ride from the heart of the conference.​ 

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​Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art
Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art is located right on the UNLV campus and serves as a quiet, air-conditioned sanctuary for those interested in fine arts and indigenous heritage.

• Features a diverse range of contemporary art exhibitions and a significant collection of Pre-Columbian artifacts.
• Includes a peaceful xeriscape garden with native desert plants.
• Admission is free (though donations are welcome), making it an easy add-on to your daily schedule.

​Atomic Museum
Atomic Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate located just blocks from the UNLV campus, offering a profound look into the Cold War era and the history of nuclear testing in the Nevada desert.

• Features an "Atmospheric Bomb Shelter" simulation that recreates the experience of a 1950s test blast.
• Houses over 12,000 artifacts, including actual testing equipment and propaganda from the era.
• Provides a scholarly perspective on the intersection of science, politics, and ethics.

History & Culture
Las Vegas has a complex history that is meticulously documented in several world-class museums located just North of the Strip.

The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum Click to open side panel for more information is housed in a restored 1933 former courthouse and post office, providing a comprehensive and interactive look at the battle between organized crime and law enforcement.

• Highlights include the actual wall from the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and a courtroom used for the 1950 Kefauver hearings.
• Offers immersive experiences like a "Crime Lab" and a "Firearm Training Simulator."
• Features a basement speakeasy and distillery where you can learn about the history of Prohibition.

The Neon Museum Las Vegas
The Neon Museum Las Vegas Click to open side panel for more information is a "Neon Boneyard" that preserves the city's history through its most iconic medium: neon signs. We highly recommend booking a "Brilliant!" show after sunset.

• Showcases over 200 signs from defunct casinos and businesses dating back to the 1930s.
• The "Brilliant!" experience uses projection mapping to "re-illuminate" unrestored signs in a mesmerizing sight-and-sound show.
• Guided tours offer deep-dive narratives into the architects and designers who built the visual identity of Las Vegas.

Innovation & Performing Arts
For those interested in the future of technology and the arts, Las Vegas continues to be a global leader in high-tech entertainment.

Sphere
Sphere is a 21st-century architectural marvel that redefines immersive learning and entertainment through its massive 16K LED interior screen.

• The "Sphere Experience" often includes interactive robots in the atrium that discuss the future of AI and technology.
• Showcases films specifically designed for the space that explore themes of ecology, science, and the human experience.
• Even a visit to the "Vista Point" outside offers a unique look at how technology is integrated into urban architecture.

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Click to open side panel for more information is the city's premier cultural venue, often hosting Broadway tours, world-class ballet, and symphony performances in a stunning Art Deco setting.

• Features the Reynolds Hall, known for its impeccable acoustics and elegant 1920s-inspired design.
• Hosts "Jazz Cabaret" nights for a more intimate evening of music and networking.
• Surrounded by a park and outdoor sculptures, perfect for a sunset stroll before a performance

Outdoor Day Trips (Early Morning Only)
If you plan to venture into the desert, we suggest heading out at sunrise to finish your activities before the noon heat peaks.

Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam is a short 45-minute drive from UNLV and remains one of the greatest engineering feats in American history.

• Offers "Powerplant Tours" that take you deep into the dam’s infrastructure to see the massive generators.
• The Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge provides a spectacular aerial view of the dam and Lake Mead.
• A visit to the museum inside the visitor center explains the labor history and logistical challenges of building the dam during the Depression.

Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center ​serves as the gateway to a stunning landscape of Aztec Sandstone cliffs and Mojave Desert ecology.

• Features indoor exhibits about desert tortoise conservation and regional geology.
• A 13-mile scenic loop drive allows you to experience the natural beauty from the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.
• For those wanting to stretch their legs, short, paved paths near the visitor center offer scenic views without a strenuous hike.