Summer is here; celebrate the sun at these local hotspots and pool parties

Sun worshippers rejoice! After an unseasonably mild spring, triple-digit temperatures have once again returned to the Vegas Valley ushering in another sizzling pool season. Nothing says summer like the smell of coconut tanning oil, fl ip fl ops and barely there swim attire. With no shortage of experiences on and off the Strip, nobody does pool season like Vegas. But who is droppin’ hot beats? Where can you take the family? And, who shows the locals love? Fear not, we’ve got what you need to fi nd those # summervibes.

● FAMILY FRIENDLY
Cowabunga Bay
900 Galleria Drive
Drawing design inspiration from the 1960s era surf scene, the 23-acre waterpark features more than 30 water slides and attractions in three surfi ng-themed areas, including Aloha Shores (complete with children’s play area), Wild Surf, one of the world’s largest manmade wave pools) and The Boardwalk (waterslides galore, including the signature highspeed Zuma Zooma). The park features two restaurants and VIP lounge seating is available at an additional cost. The signature VIP Cabana Rama experience can accommodate up to 10 guests and includes a deluxe shaded cabana complete with ceiling fans, lounge furniture, a safe for valuables, USB charging station and mini-refrigerator. Cabanas surround a private leisure pool and include a dedi cated server. For an additional cost, beer, wine and adult frozen beverages are available to cabanas with guests that are 21 and older. Single-day passes are $12 to $40; season passes are $60 to $140. Visit cowabungabayvegas.com for complete list of hours and amenities.

TIP: Season pass holders enjoy rewards points and cash, plus exclusive partner offers.

Upcoming Events

►Fourth of July celebration, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., $19.99 admission w/ coupon from La Bonita Supermarkets, DJ, Free face-painting, free balloon animals and fi reworks. Food truck and concessions available for purchase.

► Spectacular Slide Nights – Ahhhh-Some Fun & Fireworks, Saturday nights, June 15-Aug. 3, 4-10 p.m., $27.99 ►Dive-in Movie Nights, Tuesday nights, June 11-July 30, 6-10 p.m.

► Mermaid Mondays, first Monday of the month, June-August, noon- 2 p.m.

● TEMPTATION SUNDAYS
Luxor
3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Look no further for the place to see and be seen. Weekends haven’t been the same since Temptation Sundays began a decade-long tenure on the Strip. Hosted weekly at the Luxor north pool by J.Son of Nakedboynews.com, Temptation Sundays is officially the longest running gay pool party in town. The party features drink specials, resident DJ Mattmon, guest DJs and an army of tan, toned, go-go boys.

Entry is $15 for hotel guests, locals and military ($25 for all other guests). Feeling fancy? Daybeds, cabanas and VIP chairs are available at an additional cost. Reservations are strongly recommended for those seeking the VIP experience.
TIP: Complimentary entry is off ered between 1-2 p.m. for those on the guest list (visit vegasgaypoolparty.com/list for more information). Entry fees may be slightly higher during holidays and special events.

● TOPLESS POOL PARTY
Artisan Hotel Boutique
1501 W Sahara Ave.
Known as the source for the hottest lesbian and LGBTQIA+ celebrities, entertainers and events, Eden Entertainment is bringing some serious fi re to Sin City at the Eden Vegas Topless Pool Party on Aug. 17.

Tops are optional, body positivity is in and everyone is invited. Playing host to women’s events in more than 21 cities, while booking talent for the likes of Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Las Vegas Pride (not to mention The Dinah), Eden Entertainment knows how to get the party started.

A full capacity crowd of 300 is expected to attend the annual event at the Artisan Hotel (W. Sahara, near the I-15 Freeway). The event is intentionally inclusive of trans women, non-binary and/or gender fluid individuals and will feature concert tickets giveaways from Channel Q Radio, pool party games, photo booths and ice cream from Paradise City Creamery. All members, friends and supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Entry is $15 and cabanas are available for an additional fee (email VIP@artisanhotel.com or call 702-214-4000 for details).

TIP: Buy early, tickets will sell out. Book a staycation at the Artisan Hotel and stroll to the party at your leisure.

● SIP N DIP POOL PARTY SERIES
Historic Alta District
VegasWomensFest.com
Party with a purpose in support of Vegas Women’s Fest. A key fundraising effort for the community-serving organization, the Sip N Dip series is hosted monthly at a private residence in the historic Las Vegas neighborhood on Alta Drive. A $20 donation is requested and includes cocktails, small bites, soft drinks and water. The come-as-you-are vibe is a refreshing departure for sunseekers more interested in sipping and dipping than seeing and being seen. Attendance is capped at 50 so advanced payment is strongly recommended.

A volunteer-led, community organization facilitating meaningful connections among the LGBTQIA+ community (and allies) in Southern Nevada, Vegas Women’s Fest provides opportunity and space for women to fi nd community and access to programs and resources. All women are celebrated including transgender women, gender-queer and intersex individuals.

► Endless Summer, July 20, 3-9 p.m.

► Tiki Madness, Aug. 20, 5-10 p.m.

►Summer Finale, Sept. 19, 3-9 p.m.

TIP: Bring your own towel, sunscreen and chair. Visit VegasWomensFest.com to register. Address is provided to paid registrants.

● THE POOL (FREE LOVE FOR LOCALS) Harrah’s Las Vegas, 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Free and open to the public, the pool at Harrah’s is an all-ages venue. Daybeds and cabanas are available for a fee. The Early Bird Happy Hour runs daily until 11 a.m. and features buy-one-get one Bloody Mary and mimosa deals, plus bucket specials on Coors Light and Miller Lite. The weekly Sundays on Fire promotion includes a shot of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire Whiskey for $10 and/or a bottle of Korbel Brut California Champagne or Korbel Brut Rosé for $70.

TIP: Live DJ Friday-Sunday. Visit caesars.com/harrahs-las-vegas/ things-to-do/pool for more information.

● THE TANK
Golden Nugget Las Vegas
129 E. Freemont Street
The $30-million, award-winning pool in downtown Las Vegas features a 200,000-gallon shark tank and a three-story complex, complete with a waterslide running through the tank. Poolside cabanas are available for an extra fee and sunseekers can cool off in any of several signature waterfalls. Pricing for non-hotel guests (May –September) is $25 Monday-Thursday and $40 Friday-Sunday. Kids 6 and younger are always free. Pool hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The slide, rentals and Hideout Bar are all open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The pool deck is open 8 to 1 a.m., but swimming hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Visit goldennugget.com for more information.

TIP: Spray sun care products are prohibited anywhere in the pool area or in hotel walkways. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas and vape pens or e-cigarettes are prohibited.

● Dive In Movies The Cosmopolitan
3708 S Las Vegas Blvd.,
Monday evenings June-September.
The Marquee at Boulevard Pool transforms into a colossal movie screen, showing a wide variety of fl icks above the Las Vegas Strip. From classic fi lms to modern blockbusters, you can take a dip or lounge poolside as you sip on handcrafted, movie-themed cocktails and snacks under the stars. Doors open at 7 p.m.; movie begins at 8 p.m.; and tickets are just $7 for non-hotel guests (complimentary for hotel guests and children 5 and younger). Daybeds and cabanas are available to rent (subject to a food and beverage minimum). The entrance is on level 3 accessible via the Boulevard Tower escalators. Learn more at cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/dive-in-movies.

TIP: General admission arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot.