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.
El Cortez in downtown Las Vegas has launched Alex Prime Steakhouse for dinner after an $8.5 million renovation, serving USDA Prime steaks and classic cocktails in a 1940s-inspired space.
Imagine Dragons gave Las Vegas fans a first listen to their Origins album at The Chelsea, mixing new tracks with their biggest hits just days before the official release.
Las Vegas will host the 35th annual Disability Awareness Day at Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park on October 10, offering free support, information, and entertainment for families, caregivers, and people with disabilities
Las Vegas visitors over 50 are skipping the crowds and late-night parties in favor of classic restaurants, midweek stays, and headline shows. Their approach is changing how resorts, restaurants, and venues cater to seasoned travelers.
Mariachi is booming in Las Vegas schools and venues. UNLV is now training future educators to fill a growing shortage. The new minor aims to keep this cultural tradition thriving in a city where over a third of residents are Latino.
Madrid is experimenting with Las Vegas-style concert residencies, hosting artists like Shakira and Bad Bunny for multi-date runs at single venues. The shift could change how European fans experience major acts and what cities gain from live music
Wu-Tang Clan’s final tour stop at T-Mobile Arena on October 3 brought every surviving member to Las Vegas for a set that honored their legacy, spanned decades of fans, and showcased the city’s evolving live music scene
Alice Cooper shook up Allegiant Stadium at the Raiders vs. Chiefs game on October 4, blasting through three signature songs with his longtime band and Vegas guests.
Donnie Wahlberg got choked up onstage at Dolby Live at Park MGM as New Kids on the Block’s Las Vegas residency rolled on in October. The moment showed just how tight the group’s bond is with longtime fans.
Wynn Las Vegas will open Cliff House above its golf course in October 2026. The new two-level clubhouse will feature a rooftop tee and a restaurant with sweeping views of the course and desert.
The Goblokes, a Malaysian rockabilly band, are pushing for a debut at Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend. They’re recording their first album and building buzz with shows at home and abroad.
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are coming back to the ring. Their rematch at The Sphere Arena in Las Vegas is set for September 19, with Netflix streaming the fight live.
Metallica’s Life Burns Faster residency at Sphere Las Vegas opened with a towering Cthulhu visual during “The Call of Ktulu” and a no-repeat setlist policy through March 2027
Clark County has named September 28 as Bill Nye Day and awarded the Key to the Las Vegas Strip to the science advocate during a sold-out UNLV lecture event.
The San Gennaro Feast returns to the Rio Las Vegas Convention Center parking lot from September 30 to October 4, offering carnival rides, Italian-American food, live music and a traditional procession.
One listener will win a trip for two to see Metallica at Sphere Las Vegas in February 2027 with airfare and hotel included. Daily entries also offer chances to win Metallica vinyl before the grand prize drawing.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway will dedicate the 2026 Fall NASCAR Chase Weekend to Kyle Busch, unveiling permanent memorials, special race events, and family tributes at the track where his racing journey began.
Unity of Las Vegas celebrates its 65th anniversary October 3–4 with a concert, silent auction, and the launch of a historic legacy project at its North Rancho Drive location
Josh Groban brings his GEMS The Las Vegas Residency to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace from October 2 to 10, following a year of global tours and a new album release
Las Vegas is home to a new generation of family attractions, from immersive museums to live shows and interactive adventures. Here are nine standout experiences for visitors with kids of all ages.
Formula 1 returns to the Las Vegas Strip November 19–21, 2026. Night racing, top drivers, and high demand for tickets—here’s what fans need to know to get seats before they’re gone.
Stone Temple Pilots’ 1999 House of Blues Las Vegas show, filmed for MTV’s ‘Spankin’ Live,’ captures the band’s raw stage power and signature alternative rock sound just before their fourth album dropped.
Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor will headline Fremont Country Club on October 18, marking his first solo show in over a year and bringing his signature mix of solo and band material to downtown Las Vegas
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.
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