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DESERT DAYS Are Here…and Queer

A new gay party series excites, unites, and launches with Drag Queen fights!

Las Vegas has struggled for decades to form a unified LGBTQ+ community. There are competing factions, gay-owned businesses with long-held rivalries, and community organizations that consistently “talk shit” about one another. We have no “gay ghetto” residential neighborhood like those in Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, and San Francisco. Now a new organization is taking ambitious steps to bring our city’s gay population together….one drag-queen punch at a time.

DESERT DAYS is an exciting new organization behind a series of gatherings known as the “circuit party”. In gay-speak, that’s a large-scale dance event built around an attention-grabbing theme. Renowned deejays, pumping tracks, and hundreds of shirtless men (and their friends) work up a sweat until the sun rises, with ancillary activities keeping things exciting throughout the weekend.

As noted in a Desert Days press release, Las Vegas “currently lacks a branded LGBTQ+ artist festival that showcases the vibrant diversity of the queer community.” That wasn’t always the case. In previous years, the city welcomed circuit events that eventually fizzled out. That leaves us with the Las Vegas PRIDE FESTIVAL, which is going strong and right around the corner.

Desert Days officially launches during Las Vegas Pride, creating widespread buzz while providing additional reasons for gay tourists to fly in. They’re different organizations simultaneously working to rebuild what has been lost…and help create what never was.

“Desert Days aims to fill this gap by creating a platform that celebrates LGBTQ+ talent through elevated circuit parties and events, with the long-term vision of growing this segment into a festival that can ultimately position Las Vegas as a host for World Pride.”

The creators of Desert Days are Devin Mitchell (Brand Marketing and Communications) and Peter Moore-Picciano (President – Operations and Customer Experience). The two have chosen Alexis Park Resort for Desert Days‘ location, which offers lots of advantages.

Alexis Park Resort

The off-Strip Alexis Park Resort is best known to VEGAS 411 readers for a pair of retro-cool MODERN SHOWROOMS. It’s located only minutes from Harry Reid International Airport and within walking distance of three popular gay nightclubs (Piranha, Gipsy, and Quadz).

The all-suite resort offers hundreds of reasonably-priced suites, four ballrooms, Pegasus Bar & Grill, Alexis Gardens Steakhouse, three lush pools, an expansive rooftop event space, and free parking. It also features the “Disco Divas” in FLASHBACK: Tina Turner and Friends.

Desert Days bursts out of the gate on October 12th with a mind-boggling pre-circuit event. “Slap a ho for charity” when KNOCKDOWN Drag OUT unleashes a fundraising competition of the campiest kind.

Kick off your night with the 1st EVER! *Knockdown, Drag OUT!*, the electrifying pre-show leading up to our main event, *Ultra Load*. Held at the Alexis Park Resort Hotel, this fundraiser promises fierce drag performances like no other and high-energy fun.

It’s time to RUMBLE in stilettos! 👠💫 Our drag queens are trading the runway for the ring at *Knockdown, Drag OUT!* 🥊🔥 Come witness this fabulous battle as they knock each other out for a knockout cause! 🎶✨ Grab your tickets now and support our LGBTQ+ community! The winner decides their charity of choice!!

KNOCKDOWN Drag OUT will take to the ropes at Alexis Park’s Parthenon Ballroom. Doors open at 8 pm. Tickets are by donation. You can register your contribution by heading here. Add open bar for an additional $50.00.

After the brawl, get ready for Desert Days‘ main event. That’s when international music producer DJ Aron spins for ULTRA LOAD, the first gay Las Vegas circuit party of its kind this decade. The fun begins at 9 pm in the main ballroom and runs through 2 am. The resort’s rooftop terrace will be open for fresh air. smoking breaks, and more intimate socializing.

Ticket prices for ULTRA LOAD Launch Party range from $25 for Nevada resident general admission to a $60 VIP option. Open bar is available for an additional $50. Purchase your package by heading here. A clothing check and changing room will be available.

Not done dancing yet? The after-hours CIRCUIT BREAKER is just getting started. Fitness model and circuit deejay Nick Stracener takes over the controls for a thrilling conclusion to the evening’s festivities. The party picks up where ULTRA LOAD wraps, beginning at 2 am and pumping until 5 am.

Tickets for CIRCUIT BREAKER After-Hours featuring Nick Stracener are $20 and can be reserved by following this link.

On October 26th, Desert Days presents its first holiday gathering: DARK ROOM. Setting the tone for a sexy Halloween weekend, DARK ROOM urges dancers to wear their sexiest costume…or no costume at all (clothing check available). The ballroom and rooftop garden will be open, combining high-energy beats with a chill space to socialize. Get tickets here.

DARK ROOM circuit party delivers an eerie, high-energy Halloween celebration like no other. Featuring Brazilian DJ Erik Vilar and performers with an otherworldly flair. Expect spine-tingling surprises, themed sets, and an atmosphere that captures the darker side of Halloween.

More Desert Days events are in the works, including a New Year’s Eve Gala and daytime pool parties throughout 2025. Alexis Park Resort offers reduced New Year’s Eve rates for Desert Days attendees by clicking here. Head to the official Desert Days website to learn more, and be a part of the movement.

“Desert Days is bursting onto the Las Vegas scene, ready to revolutionize the local nightlife and LGBTQ+ event space with a series of unforgettable, themed circuit parties. Our mission? To break boundaries, elevate experiences, and showcase top LGBTQ+ DJs, artists, and allies, offering an experience that rivals the international circuit scene. We aim to set a new standard for U.S.-based circuit parties with a uniquely Las Vegas flair.”

Alexis Park Resort is located at 375 E. Harmon Avenue, across from Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Make room reservations by heading here, and show reservations by clicking here.

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