Well, we gotta be honest, summer in Vegas isn’t everyone’s favorite. It’s hard to keep active and social when living in the desert…but fortunately, this city knows a couple of tricks. From night swims to day clubs, indoor beer festivals, and nature escapes, we’ve got you covered. Here are 8 things you absolutely cannot miss this summer in Vegas.
1. Watch a movie under the stars…from a pool
Who doesn’t love watching a movie outside, under the stars? It makes for the perfect romantic date, or night out with friends. You know what makes it even better, though? A pool. At Cosmopolitan, this summer you can once again watch movies straight from the Boulevard Pool, every Monday. If pools aren’t your thing, you can also just lay poolside with a cold cocktail. The tickets are just $10 for Vegas locals, and $15 for visitors. Here’s this summer’s schedule:
June 9 | Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone
June 16 | Wicked*
June 23 | The Goonies
June 30 | Top Gun
July 4 | Top Gun Maverick* (Friday Showing)
July 7 | Despicable Me
July 14 | Inside Out 2
July 21 | Happy Gilmore
July 25 | Elf* (Friday Showing)
July 28 | Godzilla x Kong – The New Empire
August 4 | Lilo & Stitch
August 11 | Twilight
August 18 | Mean Girls
August 25 | Legally Blonde
September 1 | Good Burger*
*Themed Movie Nights: This season, Dive In Movies debuts themed nights with select films like Wicked, Top Gun: Maverick, Shrek, Elf, and Good Burger – featuring film-inspired cocktails, bites, and interactive touches for an unforgettable experience.
2. Beat the heat at a day club this summer in Vegas
You can argue over many topics on whether Vegas does it best, or not…but this isn’t one of those topics. When it comes to hanging out in a massive pool with your friends while a world-class DJ plays your favorite tunes…yeah, we own that.
- Catch Diplo, The Chainsmokers and Marshmello at Encore Beach Club
- Catch Tiesto, TYGA and Cedric Gervais at Tao Beach
- Catch Wizz Khalifa, IRV G and Maria Romano at Drai’s
- Catch Nelly, Kaskade and DJ Flight at AYU Dayclub
3. Or just head to a (normal) pool
More chill, less party? No problem. Vegas is literally swimming in pools, so you can always find one that fits your vibe. Check out The Tank and the Golden Nugget, The NoMad Pool at NoMad Las Vegas or The Backyard at the Red Rock Casino. Don’t forget that in Sin City, you can even watch your favorite game from the pool. The Stadium Swim at Circa has a 143-foot screen, and loads of great vibes. Here’s a list of our favorite pools in Vegas.
4. Enjoy the best festivals this summer in Vegas
Just because it’s hot outside, it doesn’t mean the fun stops. While we have more festivals going in during spring and fall, there are some events you should definitely check out these following months:
- Vegas Mac N’ Cheese Fest & Competition – A cheesy celebration that speaks for itself
Date: June 22, 2025
Location: Beer Zombies Brewing Co. - Las Vegas Tribute Festival – a five-day event honoring beloved Elvis Presley with performances and special events
Date: July 9–13, 2025
Location: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino - Las Vegas Indoor Summer Beer Festival – a much-awaited event by all craft beer lovers
Date: July 26, 2025
Location: Ahern Hotel - Unity at The Sphere – when EDC and Tomorrowland come together…we get Unity!
Date: August 29–31, 2025
Location: The Sphere
5. Go for an early hike
Nature escapes are definitely not off the table during summer – but you may have to get up early. No one can ever get tired of breathtaking Valley of Fire State Park. Head to Mt. Charleston for a cooler vibe (literally, colder), or to Lake Mead if you’d rather chill on a boat, canoe, or simply be around water. You can even scuba dive here, in certain areas! Here’s a list of beautiful hikes you can explore this summer in Vegas.
6. Cool down for real at the Ice Bar
If nothing else cuts it, you can always go for the other extreme at the Minus5 Ice Bar. As the name suggest, you’ll be chilling at minus 5 degrees in this unique environment with over 90 tons of ice and of fun ice sculptures. The bar provides a parka and gloves with entry, so you don’t need to worry about clothing.
7. Check out one of the many interesting museums this summer in Vegas
Some days we escape the heat by partying at the pool, others we escape the heat and get educated or inspired instead. Sin City’s obviously known for its glitz, glam, and nightlife – but it’s a lot more than that. Vegas is home to some incredible museums that explain its tumultuous history, such as the Mob Museum or the Neon Museum. You can see amazing art at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, and don’t forget to stop by the Bellagio Conservatory while you’re there. There’s also a brand new Titanic exhibition in town, which features over 350 real artifacts and full-scale recreations. You can even see the famous Grand Staircase, and walk along the Promenade Deck – find tickets here.
8. Halloween, but everyday
This summer, Vegas will welcome the first ever year-round haunted house, so you can basically get the Halloween spookies any day. Inspired by the iconic 1974 horror classic, this immersive experience plunges you into the terrifying world of “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”. You’ll retrace the victims’ final steps, encountering infamous scenes brought chillingly to life. Your journey begins in a desolate Texas cemetery, then leads to the dusty gas station – home of the unsettling Old Man and the site of that unforgettable barbecue scene. From there, you’ll enter the decaying Sawyer house, where Leatherface awaits, along with his twisted family and their unfortunate victims. Well, we won’t spoil the rest. Check it out yourself starting August 14, 2025, or check out this article for more details.