The way to a vacationer's heart is through their stomach, right?
Las Vegas is preparing to host a new food and drink festival that could help draw fresh attention to the Strip at a time when tourism has shown signs of slowing. They're calling it “Drink Las Vegas.” It's going to be a four-day event that will run from September 24 to 27 at more than 30 venues inside major MGM Resorts properties, including:
- ARIA
- Bellagio
- The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
- Park MGM
The festival will bring together dining, cocktails, and entertainment in an effort to attract visitors looking for new experiences beyond traditional gaming. The announcement comes on the heels of the closing of the MGM Grand buffet, which became known as a great place for a quick meal between casino games or shows. It is part of a larger change in Las Vegas dining habits.
What Kind of Food Will "Drink Las Vegas" Offer?
The festival is expected to feature a wide range of well-known chefs, bartenders, and beverage experts from around the world. Among them are Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Wolfgang Puck, Michael Mina, and Masaharu Morimoto, along with Roy Choi and Tom Colicchio. Their presence reflects Las Vegas’ long-standing role as a hub for celebrity chefs and high-end dining.
Newer voices in the culinary scene will also take part, including:
Many of these chefs have gained national attention through television and award-winning restaurants, helping broaden the event’s appeal to a wider audience.
It's Called "Drink" Las Vegas, Right?
The event will also provide many options to wet your whistle.
The beverage program will feature leading figures in mixology and wine. Bartenders from top cocktail bars and several master sommeliers are scheduled to host tastings, seminars, and pairing experiences designed to highlight current trends in the industry.
Events will range from large tasting parties to smaller, ticketed dinners and classes. Highlights include an opening night celebration at ARIA’s Yucca Pool, themed tasting events at Bellagio, and interactive sessions that explore the connection between music and cocktails. Guests can also attend seated lunches and dinners focused on specific cuisines and beverage styles.
In addition to entertainment, the festival will include panels and discussions centered on hospitality trends and the future of food and beverage experiences. These sessions are expected to draw both industry professionals and curious visitors.
Las Vegas Tourism Decline
Tourism officials and industry analysts have noted recent dips in visitor numbers, driven by a mix of economic pressure, shifting travel habits, and increased competition from other destinations.
Budget-conscious and middle-class visitors are especially likely to stay home or spend less, while higher-income travelers are still coming to Las Vegas, but not in enough numbers to make up the difference.
High prices are also a major concern. Resort fees, costly drinks, expensive food, and the overall price of entertainment have made Las Vegas feel less like a value destination for many visitors. Surveys and travel reports often point to these costs as one of the biggest complaints.
International travel has also softened, especially from Canada. Some reports say Canadian visitation has fallen sharply, with broader international air arrivals also showing weakness. Analysts have linked part of that decline to trade tensions, tariffs, and negative views of U.S. policy.
Still, many local leaders remain hopeful about a recovery in 2026. They point to conventions, new attractions, major events, and pricing changes as possible ways to bring more visitors back. Even so, some observers say the city is still working through a tourism correction after years of rapid growth.
New Events Could Help Spur Turnaround
Large-scale events like Drink Las Vegas are increasingly seen as one way to boost interest and bring travelers back to the city.
These types of events reflect a broader shift in how the city markets itself. While casinos remain central, there has been a growing emphasis on food, nightlife, and unique experiences as key drivers of tourism. By bringing together high-profile culinary talent and immersive programming, organizers are aiming to position the festival as a reason to visit in its own right.
