Words by Melinda Sheckells
On-Track Viewing: Club Las Vegas
Imagine Formula 1 cars whooshing by at more than 200 miles per hour while you revel in Vegas entertainment, sip libations, and watch acrobats fly through the air. This only mildly sums up what’s in store at Club Las Vegas, the ultimate trackside party from Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS. The first year was such a smashing success that Club Las Vegas is back and bigger than ever with three floors of entertainment from circus-vaudeville-burlesque imagineers Spiegelworld, the masterminds behind Absinthe at Caesars Palace. When the race is on, so is Club Las Vegas. In the garden, try your luck at the Wheel of Fortune, travel to the world’s coziest apres-ski bars at Ski Lodge, take a closer look at the 2024 car or catch special performances by Absinthe’s Hot Chicks on Sticks. Mercedes Supperclub occupies level two with DJs, mozzarella carts and cocktail demos, all from Spiegelworld’s Superfrico Italian American Psychedelic restaurant at The Cosmopolitan. On level three, be blown away by the proximity to turn 4, order a specialty cocktail and be wowed by more pop-up live entertainment. The gods of the grid, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, have been known to show up for special appearances.
After Party: The After at Delilah
After the race is the after party, and that distinction belongs to the aptly named The After By Wynn at Delilah Las Vegas. The party debuted in 2023, hosted by Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings and H.wood’s John Terzian and Brian Toll (creators of Delilah) and Bond Hospitality (which will open Zero Bond Las Vegas) and returns in 2024. Last year, pretty much every celebrity in town made an appearance: Odell Beckham Jr., Justin Bieber, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Casey Affleck, Brooklyn Beckham, James Harden, Sofia Vergara, Jon Hamm, Shaun White, Wiz Khalifa, Leon Bridges, Ashley Graham, Damson Idris, Karlie Kloss, Michael Rubin, the list goes on. It’s back in 2024 and promises to be the one everyone is clamoring to get into.
Gala: amfAR gala
Known for its star-studded galas and headline-making red carpets that pop up all over the world at culturally significant gatherings, including the Cannes and Venice film festivals, amfAR, whose mission is to end the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research, arrives in Las Vegas with an exclusive benefit on November 22 in collaboration with RM Sotheby’s. Sylvester and Jennifer Stallone will receive the amfAR Award of Inspiration, and Diana Ross will perform. amfAR has raised nearly $900 million in support of its mission and programs since it was founded in 1985.
On-Track Viewing: Bellagio Fountain Club and TAO Skydeck
Undoubtedly the top attraction in Las Vegas, the Bellagio Fountains captivate millions of visitors annually. To capitalize on their prime position above the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit, they transform into a three-day multistory indoor-outdoor race viewing experience. Bellagio Fountain Club offers unlimited food and beverages for its guests, featuring cuisine from chefs David Chang, Mario Carbone, Alain Ducasse, Masaharu Morimoto, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Another bonus is the winner’s stage, where the first, second, and third-place drivers head for a toast and post-race interviews, which is just steps away. When the race ends, the party continues until the wee hours with entertainment and nightlife pop-ups. Right next door, Tao Group Hospitality hosts the Skydeck at Bellagio Fountain Club for two nights, November 22 and 23. The Skydeck offers an unobstructed view of the race and the Fountains, VIP bottle service and special performances.
Poker Tournament: Big Deal for One Drop
At Resorts World, the Big Deal for One Drop philanthropic poker tournament, hosted by the founder of Cirque du Soleil and One Drop Guy Laliberté, will take place on November 22 at noon in Allē Lounge on 66. It pairs the World Poker Tour Foundation and the One Drop Foundation, benefitting global water initiatives. Up to 54 players will buy in for $10,000 to play for fun and a great cause. The tournament will feature race week personalities, celebrities and poker pros battling for prizes, money-can’t-buy experiences, and bragging rights. Poker legend Phil Hellmuth emcees the event.
Nightlife: Papi Steak Garage and LIV on the Grid
At every grand prix, the most exclusive hangs happen in the Paddock Building. This year, two experiences capitalize on one of the things Vegas does best: nightlife. From Groot Hospitality, Papi Steak Las Vegas brings Papi Steak Garage to the F1 Trackside garages, which is one of the most luxurious packages for 2024; expect VIP moments throughout the weekend from some of Papi’s celebrity guests. Dine next to the pit lane on Alaskan king crab legs, Golden Ossetra caviar, split Maine lobster tails, prime rib roast and Australian pure breed New York strip loin carving stations. The sought-after F1 Paddock Pass delivers behind-the-scenes access to the working areas for drivers, team principals, staff and media, meet-and-greets with F1 legends, a pit lane walk, truck tour, transportation and a dedicated service manager. Paddock Club Rooftop access gives a 360-degree view of the track. As part of the Paddock Club Rooftop, fans can access LIV on the Grid, an open-air nightclub with the A-list from LIV’s nightlife and daytime experiences.
Pop Ups: Lewis Hamilton Collabs at Wynn
Wherever Lewis Hamilton appears, a crowd and a party ensue. Last year, he showed up all over Wynn in support of his brands, and this year, his nonalcoholic blue agave spirit Almave is back, as is his streetwear-inspired clothing brand, +44. Head to Eastside Lounge for a zero-proof Almave cocktail and a lounge ‘takeover’ at coastal Mexican restaurant Casa Playa. The new +44 limited edition collection is available at a boutique pop-up at Encore Beach Club. There’s no guarantee the man will show, but the sipping and shopping are rewards.
Sensational Sipping: Louis XIII
No matter where you drink Louis XIII, it’s a celebration. Race weekend offers multiple opportunities to enjoy this precious cognac in limited-edition forms. The Louis XIII pop-up retail experience, which made a triumphant debut last year, returns to Wynn through November 30. The boutique will feature an assortment of the brand’s latest, including The Iconic Collection, Rare Cask 42.1, The Drop Collection, Accessories, and two collector’s edition hand-painted coffrets with animations of Wynn Las Vegas and Las Vegas Grand Prix, available exclusively when purchasing the Louis XIII Classic Decanter. At Caesars Palace, two dinners pair Louis XIII with exemplary cuisine. On November 22, Peter Luger Steak House hosts a four-course dinner and tasting with LOUIS XIII’s National Director of Luxury Brands, Guillaume Vallet. On November 23, Restaurant Guy Savoy does the same with six courses.
