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Music, dance, theatre, and performance art headline the cultural calendars in all of Night+Day’s cool cities. We combed through dozens of annual performing arts festivals worldwide, and here are the best of the best.
Best Performing Arts Festivals in....
Best Performing Arts Festivals
Las Vegas
Adult Entertainment Expo
January, Sands Expo and Convention Center, 866-486-3399 adultentertainmentexpo.com
The Draw: No, it’s not technically a performing-arts festival, but it’s Vegas, baby. Porn stars, such as Jenna Jameson and Ron Jeremy, pose for pictures and sign autographs, while vendors peddle DVDs and sex toys. The Scene: This is primarily an industry event, but the show is open to the general public during certain hours each day. Expect a range of expo-goers, including drooling frat boys, sleazy men, and Social Security–collecting grandmas with a thing for kinky sex. Hot Tip: The hottest event of the expo is the AVN Awards Show. Check often on avnawards.com for tickets, which generally go on sale about three months in advance.
CineVegas Film Festival
June, The Palms Casino Resort, 702-992-7979 cinevegas.com
The Draw: Nine days of Hollywood blockbusters (Ocean’s 13 premiered here in 2006), independent films, documentaries, and shorts. The Scene: Held at Brenden Theatres inside one of Sin City’s hippest hotels, this 10-year-old festival is attended by big names, including Dennis Hopper, Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Rosario Dawson, and Angelica Houston. Hot Tip: The after-parties are where the action is—if you’re into rubbing shoulders with A-list celebs, that is. If you want to guarantee yourself a spot, be sure to reserve a table well in advance.
City of Lights Jazz and R&B Festival
April, 800-969-83427 yourjazz.com
The Draw: Jazz. In Vegas. The Scene: Past performers at this two-day outdoor concert include Norman Brown, Paul Taylor, Janice Cooling, Chuck Mangione, and the Jazz Crusaders. Jazz and R&B fans come from around the country (In 2008, some 38 states were represented), with blankets and picnic baskets stocked with sandwiches, fruit, and wine. Hot Tip: It’s worthwhile to splurge on VIP tickets, which get you reserved seating, a private bar, and better bathrooms.
