Adult video news magazine/site’s annual gathering kicks off with a splash of “rainbow”…
The 2024 AVN (Adult Video News) Adult Entertainment Expo kicked off in Las Vegas on Wednesday, January 24th. This being Sin City, its return was commemorated by a series of sexy parties. VEGAS 411 was on hand for two of them, along with attending the AEN Trade Show, AVN Expo, and covering both awards presentations.
If the acronyms confuse you, don’t be concerned. Commonly referred to as the “Porn Awards”, the AVN event is a multi-pronged sensory extravaganza. Two trade shows focus on 1) adult toys/products, and 2) performers and their related media. We’ll visit the trade shows and mainstream awards in another chapter, but today’s focus is on the smaller gay industry.
VEGAS 411 attended the official GayVN launch at The Garden, an alternative nightclub in the Arts District. Sponsored by Falcon Studios, NakedSword, and AEBN, the gala focused on “The Village”, a beef-centric corridor within AVN’s daytime trade show. Video stars filled the dance floor, hopped onto go-go platforms, ditched their shirts, and danced the night away.
The Garden is a downtown hotspot featuring an outdoor area that’s heated during the chilly months. Manager Edith Castillo, who returned to The Garden after a year-plus hiatus, is re-invigorating the venue with a new attitude. Along with its popular weekend Bottomless Drag Brunch, the nightclub has launched “Taste“, an outrageous adults-only variety dinner show.
TASTE variety dinner show at The Garden
Scene from Falcon Studios
A new dining menu premiered early this winter, focused on elevated fare that goes far beyond “pub grub”. Weekend entertainment has also returned The Garden to its roots, where handsome young men and those who appreciate them can cut loose, and “nothing is forbidden”. All-star deejays, crafted cocktails, and themed events will tempt you to return again and again. The Garden is located at 1017 S. 1st Street, the heart of “First Fridays”. Ample free parking is available.
The next morning, Resorts World Las Vegas opened its Expo Center and Perdana Ballroom to two trade shows. That evening, VEGAS 411 covered the red carpet procession leading to the 2024 GayVN Awards. Dozens of LGBTQ models, entertainers, and industry insiders lined up for interviews, photo ops, and an opportunity to show off some seriously wild outfits.
Mr. Pam and Chase Brown
Scheduled to run through 9 pm, the Red Carpet procession was still going strong at 10 pm. This pushed the start time for GayVN Awards ceremony, held in the Resorts World Theater, to way past 10:30 pm. Unfortunately, members of the media were not permitted to take photographs, but you can access a list of nominees and winners by heading here.
After the awards show, participants and fans headed to QUEEN BAR, a fledgling alternative spot along Las Vegas Boulevard. Nestled among historic neon signs and campy wedding chapels, QUEEN BAR hosted the official after-party inside its new QARMA Nightclub. Adult film stars Bruce Jones and Greg Dixxon were two of the club’s special guests.
Greg Dixxon and Bruce Jones
Both clubs are overseen by nightlife guru Eduardo Cordova. They offer weekend drag brunches, special events, and RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties. Ample free parking is available on site.
Cordova, formerly of LIAISON, The Garden, and Temptation Sundays, informed this writer that he has a juicy story to tell. We’ll share it with VEGAS 411 readers when the time is right. QUEEN BAR and QARMA NIGHTCLUB are located at 1215 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, between The STRAT and Fremont Street.
In Part Two, we’ll take a look at the stars, toys, and surprises at AVN’s expo and Awards presentation.
