10 Fall Festivals

Yes, Vegas is all about glitz, glamour and gambling — but it’s also home to a wealth of world-class festivals. Check out these fabulous fall events, from culinary extravaganzas to hip cultural get-togethers.

For the foodies:

Greek Food Festival, Sept. 27 to 29
Satisfy your craving for baklava and souvlaki at the 41st annual Greek Food Festival, which will showcase lively music and folk dancing, along with booths of jewelry and artwork. But the real star is the array of authentic Greek desserts, which will include cookies, cakes and those oh-so-good honey puffs.
www.lasvegasgreekfestival.com

Food & Wine All-Star Weekend, Oct. 4 to 6
Get your gastronomic fix at the annual Food & Wine All-Star Weekend, Oct. 4 to 6, at the Bellagio, Aria and MGM Grand. From champagne brunches to burger bashes, the weekend will feature intimate sessions with the likes of super chefs Joël Robuchon, Michael Mina and Shawn McClain.
www.mgmresorts.com/foodandwine

Luckyrice, Oct. 4 to 6
Shining a spotlight on Asian cuisine, Luckyrice is back for its second year in Vegas. Sample tastes from the eastern half of the planet as the Cosmopolitan Boulevard Pool morphs into an Asian night market with bites from notable chefs whose inspiration comes from Taipei, Thailand and everywhere in between.
www.luckyrice.com

For the gearheads:

Super Run Classic Car Show, Sept. 26 to 29
Start your engines: More than 1,000 shiny, chromed-out hot rods, muscle cars and vintage rides — including a well-preserved hearse used when the mob ran Vegas — converge on Water Street in downtown Henderson for the Super Run Classic Car Show. The all-ages event features live entertainment, food and games, including the ever-popular roaring engines contest and burn-out competition.
www.visithenderson.com

Las Vegas BikeFest, Oct. 3 to 6
If bikes are more your thing, join thousands of motorcycle aficionados at Las Vegas BikeFest to experience a weekend-long party with hogs, heifers, games, giveaways and bikini bike washes. And be sure to take a “Slow Ride” with Foghat at the Saturday night concert at Vendor Village.
www.lasvegasbikefest.com

Motor Trend International Auto Show, Nov. 29 to Dec. 1
Love new car smell? Head to the Motor Trend International Auto Show as it parks in Vegas and see the shiniest new models and prototypes from the world’s top automobile manufacturers. It’s a perfect way to kick some tires without the shadow of a salesman as you drool over your dream car.
www.motortrendautoshows.com/lasvegas

For the artsy types:

Age of Chivalry, Oct. 11 to 13
If you need a new suit of armor, head to the Age of Chivalry — Las Vegas Renaissance Festival. Now in its 19th year, the fair promises great food (including a six-course “feaste”), chivalrous battles, costumed maidens and 100 artisan booths. Come dressed in your most authentic medieval garb, but leave your weaponry at home (visitors will be searched at the gates).
www.lvrenfair.com

Summerlin Art Festival, Oct. 12 and 13
Create your own chalk masterpiece and browse the work of more than 100 artisans and craftsmen at the Summerlin Art Festival, one of Southern Nevada’s largest outdoor art events. The festival also includes roving entertainers, face painters and live music.
www.summerlin.com/art-festival

Life Is Beautiful Festival, Oct. 26 and 27
Celebrate art, food, music and learning at the inaugural Life Is Beautiful Festival in Downtown Vegas. Expected to draw tens of thousands, LIB will feature more than 50 established and up-and-coming musical groups, performances from Cirque du Soleil, motivational speakers, and cooking demos and pop-up dinners by some of the biggest names in the culinary world.
www.lifeisbeautifulfestival.com

Vegas Valley Book Festival, Oct. 30 to Nov. 2
Book worms, arise! The Vegas Valley Book Festival showcases the written, spoken and illustrated word with readings, workshops and book signings. The lineup of talent this year includes Edgar Award winner Luis Alberto Urrea and Catherine Coulter, the author of 66 best-selling thrillers.
www.vegasvalleybookfestival.org

—Andrea Kahn, Brand Publishing Writer