Las Vegas boasts it is the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” While that may or may not be true, there is always something to do. But many of the offerings are super spendy.

It is my job, dear readers, to find FREE FUN things for you to do. Things only a local would know about. Because FREE is my favorite four-letter word.

Watch Cowboys Do Their Thang

You wouldn’t know it now, but Las Vegas was a cowboy town for the longest time. (Mafia notwithstanding.) The cowboy roots run deep.

This week starts the rodeo season, culminating with the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) and NFR (National Finals Rodeo– didn’t you see that George Strait movie Pure Country ?) in November and December. Both organizations give out way more money than our slot machines.

This weekend the National Stock Horse Association‘s “Reined Cow Horse Event” arrives at the South Point Arena.

You can watch the livestream https://hoofprintsvideo.com/live-events/. But why not see the action live? You get to smell the horses. Watch the hooves send the sawdust flying. Cheer the winners. Go because it’s FREE.

I love seeing rodeo at the South Point Arena. It’s smaller, hence more intimate than T-Mobile Arena for the PBR or Thomas and Mack Center for the NFR. You get up close and personal with the action.

Did you know the Arena barn serves as overflow for the expensive livestock for the PBR and NF? The top bull rider of the year wins $1 million. But the top-scoring bull wins $1 million too. Being a stock contractor seems easier to me than actually riding. But I digress.

For the record, I grew up in Chicago. The only thing I rode back then was the subway. But I did spend 23 years in Dallas. Back in the 1970s rodeo was actually a letter high school sport in Dallas. And I was hooked.

Tickets to the PBR and NFR are expensive, assuming you can even find one. This is a great intro if you’ve never been. Dust off your cowboy hat, don your jeans and boots and enjoy the rodeo.

P.S. The parking at the South Point is FREE too.

Yoga at Elia Beach Club

Elia is the new beach club at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

The day club has a special program called “The Reset.” It’s a series of morning yoga sessions led by Dray Garnder of Silent Shivasana and Arianny Celeste, she of UFC Octogon Girl fame. (Now we know where that muscley body comes from!)

Here’s how Silent Sivasana works. (I took a class at Downtown Summerlin before the pandemic.) You get a set of headphones. Then the teacher leads you through the practice. You watch her up front but all the instructions and music come through the headphones.

You have to register. And be over 21 because it is a day club and there’s liquor everywhere.

The Saturday classes are FREE until 10 am when general admission costing $40 begins.

Acai bowls and smoothies are available for purchase.

Sultan + Shephard, a Canadian electronic music duo, take over the club’s music at 11.

Pack up your yoga pants and change into your swim wear and enjoy the show. Namaste!

FREE Music at The Pass Casino

The former Eldorado Casino in Henderson has a new owner and a new name.

The Water Street casino is committed to FREE live music in its Silver Bar. The music starts at 7 pm every Thursday through Saturday.

Cover Lane and Gloria Vivelo alternate with Jenn de la Torre and Slow Burn. Maybe Gloria will bring her adorable Yorkie.

I love shows at our neighborhood casinos. The showrooms are small, so you once again are up close and personal. The entertainers are typically up-and-comers who appreciate the opportunity and sing their hearts out.

I haven’t been to the new casino yet, so all y’all tell me about it.

Summer Beer and Reggae Fest at Big Dogs

Saturday is Big Dog’s Brewing Company‘s annual Beer Fest & Reggae Party.

Admission is FREE. If you don’t drink or eat, the music and the fun are indeed FREE.

But if you decide to open your wallet, there will be 50 brews from around the world. And barbecue to go with the beer.

You pay as you go. Just buy tickets at the sales tent and use them to purchase your pours.

The party starts at 6 and goes until 11.

Reggae under the stars. What could be better?

The party is at Big Dog’s Draft House at Rancho and Craig.

I love the Big Dog’s on Sahara because the side of the building is painted with the image of a German Shorthaired Pointer. I have had many and they are my favorite dog breed. The founder must hunt because these hounds are the best gun dogs ever. But I digress.

Have a great week-end, Las Vegas.

((hugs)) BETH Ellyn

YOUR Las Vegas Real Estate Concierge

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