Going to Vegas during holiday weekends

I am returning from a brief getaway during the Memorial Day weekend, and was interested on everyone's preference on visiting Vegas.

All things being equal, if you could visit on a holiday weekend vs. Non holiday vs. During midweek, which would you choose?

 

We used to show up on Sunday of a busy weekend. The place would be super busy, which was fun for a few hours, then would clear out by dinnertime. Holiday/weekend rates were not in effect. Naturally, that didn't work if the holiday was a Monday.

 

Since inception of my Vegas trips, I choose my dates to avoid holidays, holiday weekends, weekends.

I enjoy a "less-populated" schedule of either Sunday-Thursday or Monday-Friday.

 

I went to Vegas last year for Memorial Day and it was fine. I wouldn't do it again but that was mainly because restaurants were too busy to just walk in whenever I wanted and table minimums in the evenings made it hard to find $15 tables for craps. I usually go the weekend before Thanksgiving and come back home Thanksgiving day, and those crowds are far lighter that week and table minimums are much better. I have heard that 4th of July and NYE are bad but have never been there myself on those holidays.

 

I also prefer it not busy, but was surprised that some holidays are not that busy.

NYE, Superbowl, Rodeo and CES are the busiest I have ever seen Vegas and I'll try to avoid those times in the future.

 

Back when I was employed I was a regular to LV for Memorial Day and Labor Day to avoid burning vacation. Now I avoid them.

 

I usually try to schedule my long trips over a holiday since it's basically a "bonus" day of paid time off. That said, it does get pretty damn crowded sometimes. Pro-tip if the valet fills up at CET property, they will usually still take you if you're 7*.

 

Wait until the weekend of February 10-11th 2024. That will be the mother of all football weekends with the Big Game in Las Vegas. NFW am I planning an LAS trip for that weekend. I was in Laughlin in February, and I underestimated the number of thirsty Arizonans who crossed over for free booze during the game.

 

My comps or room rates are usually cheapest Sunday to Friday. Because of that, I usually go during that time.

If I get a weekend, great. I don't mind going during holidays either. Already did Labor Day, 4th of July, and NYE. Fun times.

I don't really notice much of a difference either. Maybe small uptick in crowds. Pools are definitely a bit busier, but not impossible either.

Then again, I'm a simple guy who likes to drink beers and gamble, so no big crazy plans or preferences.

 

I usually avoid going anywhere during a holiday weekend. Things get too peopley, prices go up and enjoyment goes down a little. That said, if that was the time that I had to go, and I didn't mind paying the holiday weekend tax, I'd definitely go.

I prefer going midweek, mainly because I'm a low roller and a lot of my room offers are Sun-Fri. It kills me to pay for what I can get for free on a different day lol. But mainly because when I go anywhere, I may plan where I want to go and where I want to eat, but I never plan anything down the exact time unless I absolutely have to. I'd rather walk in when I'm ready (obvs, this doesn't apply to shows) and that's fairly easy to do midweek.

 

I avoid all holidays, large game events, F1, etc. I don't like the huge crowds and my schedule allows me to go weekdays and off times.

 

I think if you're working or retired has everything to do with it. Las Vegas is always crowded, just nut-so crowded on holiday weekends. That being said, if you're working, a 3-day weekend is ultra-alluring and crowds don't usually bother the young as much as those with a few more years under their belt. If you're retired, M-F on a non-holiday week is plenty crowded enough but not nut-so.
Of course, there are those of us that camp out in LV for a week or two, weekends and holidays be damned. That's me. I only avoid NYE and March madness.

 

Years ago, I never use to plan my trips to avoid holidays and major events, except for New Years Eve when things tend to get crazy.

However, Vegas has changed a lot over the past few years, especially since the Covid pandemic. Needless to say, Vegas is always crowded, but not all crowds are created equal. Now, I try to avoid some major holidays and when some huge events are taking place, since I know they will draw massive crowds which means surge pricing across the board, packed restaurants, as well as long lines everywhere. Although one thing that hasn't changed is that my average trip is still 7 nights so it covers both weekdays and weekends. Anything less than 5 nights is too short for me. LOL

 

In my 20s I loved holiday weekends. These days I like Sun-Wed, LoL

 

We've been there at all times. Did a lot of weekends because of work but at that tried to do a Monday return when possible. We've been on most of the holidays save Christmas. Can't see us ever doing another holiday. Midweek always is good.

 

The only “holiday” I’ll intentionally stay all weekend for is EDC. Otherwise I prefer less busy times, which may include long weekends where I arrive on the Sunday and leave Monday or Tuesday.

 

I've been on 4th of July weekend. and March Madness opening week and weekend and can honestly say I didnt notice anything different than any other time I have been there.

 

I always try to go mid-week, smaller crowds is the main reason.

 

Coming back from Memorial Day weekend, I can say I will likely not go during that time again.

Reasons:

1. The table minimums were sky high due to the foot traffic
2. The restaurant service was not up to standard. We had a reservation both nights, however our wait staff was just taxed due to the crowds
3. Even though I was comped with freeplay and resort credit, I "enjoy" my time now in Vegas on non holiday, mid weeks. My favorite recent trip had me checking in on a Sunday, staying until Wednesday. Sitting around the pool on a Tuesday morning, followed by a massage/spa in the afternoon was the highlight.

 

Planned trips…almost always Sunday to Thursday. Four nights is our “sweet spot” for a Vegas trip.

Surprise or spur of the moment trips…weekends so we don’t have to arrange PTO.

We usually have all nights available as comps at MGM places but I avoid the weekends except for a special occasion or a quick trip.