Mark Patton writes for Vegas Report about Las Vegas history, historic casinos and resorts, neighborhoods, museums, and the changing character of Southern Nevada. His work emphasizes documented evidence, useful historical context, and a careful separation of established facts from the myths that often surround Las Vegas.
Mark Patton studied history at the University of Nevada, Reno, where his interests developed around public history, archival research, and the preservation of regional stories. His professional background includes work with regional museums, cultural organizations, community heritage projects, and independent historical research focused on Nevada and the American West. At Vegas Report, he writes about historic casinos and resorts, Las Vegas neighborhoods, museums, transportation heritage, Downtown Las Vegas, and the people and institutions that helped shape Southern Nevada. His editorial approach starts with records, primary sources, provenance, and historical context rather than repeating familiar stories simply because they have become part of Vegas folklore. Patton aims to help readers understand what can be documented, where uncertainty remains, and why the difference matters when interpreting the history of a city built as much on reinvention as on memory.
Coverage Areas
History of Las VegasThe development of Las Vegas from its early settlement and railroad period through the growth of casino resorts, tourism, suburban expansion, and the modern metropolitan region.
Public historyThe research, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of history for audiences outside traditional academic settings, including museums, archives, heritage projects, and public-facing media.
BarBars, lounges, taverns, and other social venues as part of Las Vegas cultural history, with attention to how distinctive establishments reflect changing neighborhoods, nightlife, tourism, and local identity.
Oasis will play Allegiant Stadium on August 20, 21, and 24, 2027, with Richard Ashcroft opening. Tickets are only available through closed registration and resale, and prices are already above face value.
Sphere Las Vegas is set to showcase U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere in a new immersive concert film. The official trailer highlights the venue’s advanced visuals and sound, offering a preview of what visitors can expect from this high-profile production.
Ikons of Rock has launched at The STRAT Theater with a rotating cast performing hits from Kiss, Journey, Motley Crue and more. Tickets start at $61.03 and include a limited-time STRAT Tower admission pass.
Donny Osmond is keeping his solo show at Harrah's Las Vegas going through June next year, giving fans more chances to catch what he calls his favorite show yet.
Nearly nine years after the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting, the Las Vegas Community Healing Garden is still a place where people remember, reflect, and care for the memory of each victim. Fifty-eight trees stand for the lives lost, and the community keeps their stories alive.
Carrot Top’s Las Vegas run at Luxor is on hold after the comedian was hospitalized on September 18. Two shows were canceled, and his family is asking for privacy as he recovers.
Cirque du Soleil has opened ticket sales for all its Las Vegas resident shows through New Year's Eve 2028. The company is also adding more dates in Orlando and launching a new show in Waikīkī in 2027.
Food trucks and specialty vendors from all over the country roll into Henderson September 25–27 as the Great American Foodie Fest returns to Galleria Mall. Daily and VIP tickets are on sale now.
Jennifer Lopez’s Las Vegas residency is coming to TV. The JLO Show: Live in Las Vegas will premiere Thanksgiving night on CBS and Paramount+, with an extended cut streaming only on Paramount+.
Las Vegas travelers are fighting back against hidden fees and high prices. Here’s how visitors are saving money in 2026 while still enjoying the city’s best entertainment.
Tom Stevens brings Tony Bennett’s golden era back to life with a free 90-minute concert at Centennial Hills Park Amphitheatre on September 26. The show recreates Bennett’s signature sound and style for Las Vegas.
Lexi Lew has left Nashville for a full-time spot at Ole Red, Blake Shelton’s venue on the Strip. Her move shows what it really takes to make a living as a working musician in Las Vegas.
Rei Hotoda steps in as music director for the Las Vegas Philharmonic, promising a high-energy 2026-27 season with Studio Ghibli music, Beethoven, and a 'Very Vegas Christmas' at Reynolds Hall
BTS returned to the iHeartRadio Music Festival for the first time since 2018, while Le Sserafim became the first K-pop girl group to perform at the event at T-Mobile Arena.
BTS headlined the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 18. Jungkook drew attention for his vocal range and stage presence during the group's four-song set in Las Vegas.
Carrot Top’s Friday night show at Luxor Las Vegas was canceled after the comedian was hospitalized. His long-running residency is on hold as his team asks for privacy during his recovery.
Las Vegas venues have released details for a new slate of concerts and shows set for late 2025 and early 2026. Most tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on September 18. Here’s a look at the artists and productions coming to major resorts and theaters.
The Las Vegas Men's Chorus will stage its 34th season with concerts at UNLV's Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall and a gala at South Point Hotel & Casino, starting December 2026.
Resorts World Las Vegas will host the 2026 Americas Final of the Global Champions Arabians Tour from October 2 to 4, bringing elite Arabian horse competition, luxury hospitality, and live entertainment to the Strip.
Oprah Winfrey will host a new immersive experience at Sphere Las Vegas from April 2 to 4, aiming to inspire visitors with themes of reinvention and personal connection
Oasis will play three nights at Allegiant Stadium in August 2027 as part of their reunion tour. Fans must enter a ticket lottery for a shot at seats, with only two U.S. stops on the schedule.
On September 15, Sphere Las Vegas became a massive Poké Ball as Pokémon celebrated its 30th anniversary with an animated display promoting Pokémon Sleep and featuring fan-favorite characters.
Lyft has signed a multi-year deal as the official rideshare partner for Sphere Las Vegas, adding dedicated pickup zones and in-app navigation to make event arrivals and departures easier for visitors.
Alice Cooper will close out 2026 with four more 'Welcome to Our Nightmare' shows at the Criss Angel Theatre in Las Vegas, reuniting with guitarist Nita Strauss and illusionist Criss Angel for a sold-out magic rock event.
Alex Warren will perform back-to-back shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on December 30 and 31 to mark the release of his new album Wildchild. Presale tickets open September 17 with public sales starting September 18.
UNLV Jazz Ensemble I and the Latin Jazz Ensemble will premiere new albums at Ham Hall this Sunday at 3 p.m., kicking off the 2026–27 season with a concert featuring top student and faculty musicians. Tickets start at $11.75 in person.
Las Vegas venues have added new concerts and live shows for February and March 2027, including events at The Smith Center and PH Live. Tickets for most performances go on sale September 11 at 10 a.m., with prices starting at $41.
Carín León’s Sphere residency hit a major setback as his September 10 concert was abruptly canceled due to mechanical issues grounding two planes in Hermosillo. Ticket holders can use their passes for a rescheduled date or request a refund.
Powerman 5000 and Kottonmouth Kings headlined a high-energy night at House of Blues Las Vegas, joined by Julien-K, blending electronic rock, hip-hop and nostalgia for a packed crowd on the Strip
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