Early October
Whether you're a biker or not, you'll get a kick out of early October's Las Vegas BikeFest (LasVegasBikeFest.com). Thousands of people come to view the displays of custom bikes, watch a variety of competitions and cheer on their favorite candidates for Mr. and Miss Las Vegas BikeFest. Many events sell out so register early for the ones you really want to attend.
At the other end of the cultural spectrum, Art in the Park also takes place early in the month. This festive art sale is held in Bicentennial, Escalante and Wilber parks in Boulder City, a quick 20 miles from Las Vegas. Come for food, music and a wide variety of stunning arts and crafts. Proceeds benefit the Boulder City Hospital Foundation (BoulderCityHospital.org; click on Art in the Park).
Mid Month
In mid-October, don't miss the Justin Timberlake Shriners Open, a five-day PGA tournament. The event is a fundraiser for Shriners Hospitals for Children, and features a kids' clinic in addition to the professional tournament. Buy tickets at JTShrinersOpen.com.
During mid-month, also look for the U.S. Open of Supercross (USSX.com), with pros racing around the hotels on the strip. The Hold 'Em or Fold 'Em Charity Poker Tournament takes place at the same time. The event lets amateurs compete against professional poker players, and their entry fees go to support the Road 2 Recovery Foundation. This nonprofit organization helps supercross and motocross riders who have been injured in accidents.
End of October
Go wild at the Professional Bull Riders Championships at the end of October and into early November. Along with the pro competition, there's a wide range of activities including shopping, live entertainment, a blackjack tournament and a clay shoot.
End October on a spooky note as Las Vegas celebrates Halloween. Join the fun at Monster Mayhem, which features seven haunted houses, a graveyard, arcade games, food and souvenirs. Find more information at HalloweenLasVegas.com.
About The Author
Barbara Dunlap is a freelance writer in Oregon. She was a garden editor at "The San Francisco Chronicle," and she currently specializes in travel and active lifestyle topics like golf and fitness. She received a master's degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has been a Knight Foundation Fellow.
