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.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suárez will host a public meet-and-greet at La Bonita Supermarkets in North Las Vegas on September 3, with additional stops at a local high school, The Las Vegas Bakery, and the Colors of Mexico exhibit
Visions Park, a $40 million affordable housing project with 99 units for blind and visually impaired residents, has officially opened near the Blind Center of Nevada’s main campus at 950 Visions Park Lane
Oasis Ice Rink reopens at Fontainebleau Las Vegas from November 19 to January 17, offering real ice skating, firepit rentals, cabanas, and weekly holiday movie nights on the Strip’s largest rink.
Las Vegas is seeing a new wave of coffee concepts, from Griffin Cafe’s bar-turned-cafe in Fremont East to mobile and pop-up experiences, offering locals and visitors fresh ways to connect beyond nightlife.
Las Vegas sportsbooks have released preseason odds for the 2026-2027 NFL season’s top player awards, with favorites and longshots drawing attention from bettors ahead of the fall kickoff
Two major restaurants will close at Red Rock Resort in Summerlin on October 29, affecting nearly 150 workers. The Oyster Bar will reopen under Station Casinos management the next day, with future plans for the vacated spaces still pending.
Extreme Thing Sports & Music Festival will mark its 25th anniversary at Desert Breeze Event Center on March 20, 2027, with early bird tickets available for $50 starting September 4. The event promises a mix of alternative music and action sports.
Cirrus Aviation Services brings back Knight Flights for the 2026-2027 season, offering private jet travel and game tickets for select Vegas Golden Knights away games—including the 2027 NHL Stadium Series in Arlington.
Downtown Las Vegas will mark Mexican Independence Day on September 15 with a free, all-ages event at Fremont Street Experience, featuring Latin music, food trucks, and a headline set by Terry Ilous and The Vagabonds.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas will host Dierks Bentley, Creed, and a slate of NFR-themed events and offers from December 3–12, including concerts, watch parties, and exclusive gatherings for rodeo fans on the Strip.
Tailgate Beach Club at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino hosted a full slate of sports viewing, live music, and parties throughout Labor Day weekend, including post-concert events and special guest performances.
Activate opens its first Nevada location at Town Square on October 3, offering more than 55 high-energy, team-based games across 15 arenas. Early guests can access special discounts and exclusive perks during opening weekend.
Miracle Mile Shops will offer 25% off select items, dining, and attractions at participating locations from September 1–30, 2026, giving Las Vegas visitors and locals a chance to save across the Strip destination
Fontainebleau Las Vegas will host a two-week Carín León takeover from September 1–14, featuring special events, pop-ups, and exclusive merchandise as León begins his sold-out Sphere residency and celebrates Mexican Independence Day weekend.
Grammy winner Rick Springfield brought his signature hits and energetic stage presence to Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort on August 29, performing a 90-minute set that included fan favorites and classic covers.
Sphere Las Vegas will introduce expanded 4D effects to The Wizard of Oz at Sphere starting September 25, 2026, with tickets now available for performances through early 2027
The viral Fruit Roll-Ups popsicle is available at Museum of Ice Cream Las Vegas through Labor Day, with a 30% admission discount for Vegas Golden Knights fans extended until September 15 at AREA15
Rí Rá Irish Pub at Mandalay Place will offer a special menu from September 14–20, with 20% of sales benefiting HELP of Southern Nevada, a nonprofit supporting local families and individuals
Resorts World Theatre will host Dwight Yoakam, Gary Allan and Chris Young during Wrangler National Finals Rodeo week, with performances scheduled December 3–5 ahead of Riley Green’s “Cowboy As It Gets Tour” dates later that week.
UNLV kicked off its football season at Allegiant Stadium with a 27-20 loss to Memphis before a crowd of over 31,000, marking the first start for quarterback Jason Arnold and the second season for coach Dan Mullen
A new federal plan to reduce Colorado River water use could impact Las Vegas, with potential cuts to municipal supplies and higher costs for residents and businesses as drought conditions persist across the Southwest.
Golden Nugget Las Vegas celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2026, highlighting decades of hospitality, gaming, and dining in the heart of Downtown. The resort features four hotel towers, a shark tank pool, and a range of restaurants and nightlife
Etho Wellness Club and The STRAT will host 'Sunset in the Sky' on September 2 and 3, offering guided yoga, breathwork, and a sound bath more than 1,000 feet above the Las Vegas Strip. Advance registration is recommended
Punk Rock Brunch launches September 5 at The Venue in Rio Las Vegas, offering a high-energy brunch experience with live performances, interactive moments, and a menu inspired by punk culture. Tickets start at $29.98.
Durango Social Club in Spring Valley has introduced an expanded Vietnamese comfort food menu, featuring new appetizers, main dishes, and desserts from Executive Chef Crystina “Mama” Nguyen. Reservations are available Wednesday through Saturday.
Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace has received a One Michelin Star in the first-ever Michelin Guide Southwest, highlighting its two-decade legacy of French fine dining on the Las Vegas Strip.
Esther’s Kitchen in Downtown Las Vegas has been awarded a Bib Gourmand by the 2026 Michelin Guide Southwest, marking the guide’s return to Las Vegas after 17 years. The recognition highlights the restaurant’s value-driven Italian menu and local impact.
Starting September 1, Las Vegas residents can buy concert tickets in person every Tuesday at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas without service fees, with access to shows at three major venues and a chance to win Quick Passes
Donny Osmond will continue his residency at Harrah’s Las Vegas through June 2027, marking 16 years of performances on the Strip and introducing new tech-driven elements to his show.
The Michelin Guide has returned to Las Vegas, awarding stars to just four restaurants in its 2026 Southwest edition. The announcement, made at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, highlights the city’s evolving fine dining scene but leaves some notable omissions.
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