In one of the most popular tourist destinations across North America, there is never a shortage of exciting attractions to visit each month. Global Gaming Insider highlights the most prominent events and shows coming to Las Vegas during May 2026 across sports, entertainment and new conferences & exhibitions.
Major Sporting Events in Las Vegas This May
NHL Playoffs: Catch the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena
Since its inaugural season in 2017-2018, the Vegas Golden Knights NHL franchise has taken Las Vegas by storm, establishing a new era of high-energy and party-like atmospheres across hockey. For the fourth consecutive season, the Golden Knights have qualified for the NHL Playoffs and are currently on its path to potentially taking home a second Stanley Cup title in less than a decade of existence.
Facing off with the Utah Mammoth, the Golden Knights could play host to a game seven, win-or-go-home atmosphere at T-Mobile Arena on May 3 or possibly move onto the second round which is scheduled to begin on May 6. The Golden Knights are currently favored on a variety of sportsbooks to defeat Utah and advance, which would bring immeasurable energy to the Las Vegas Strip. Golden Knights’ home games are one of the most high-intensity and entertaining events to attend in Las Vegas and should be on the bucket list of any major sports fan across the globe.
The American Rodeo Qualifier at South Point Hotel and Casino
For fans of horses and cowboys, the American Rodeo Qualifier Tournament for the West Region will be held at the South Point Hotel and Casino from May 1-2, with a chance to qualify for the 13th annual American Rodeo Championship Weekend which features $3.6m in total prize money. Invited athletes who are ranked among the world’s best riders will compete with those who previously qualified through a series of sanction events, as well as a limited number of direct buy-ins. The South Point Hotel and Casino also offers a quieter – although only so quiet with a rodeo taking place – getaway for those who may want to avoid the typical Strip traffic.
Championship Boxing: David Benavidez vs. Gilberto Ramirez
Boxing will also make its return to Las Vegas when undefeated two-division world champion David Benavidez fights unified WBA and WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto Ramirez on May 2 at T-Mobile Arena. With a combined 55 knockouts between the two fighters, the Las Vegas Strip will once again play host to one of combat sport’s most exhilarating matchups. Additional fights on the May 2 PBC card include Armando Resendiz vs Jaime Munguia, Oscar Duarte vs Angel Fierro and Isaac Lucero vs Ismael Flores.
Unmissable May 2026 Entertainment & Music Residencies
Mary J. Blige: 'My Life, My Story' Residency at Park MGM
For the first-time in her career, musical artist Mary J. Blige will kick-off a Las Vegas residency from the Dolby Live theatre at Park MGM, beginning on May 1 and featuring 10 dates scheduled through July 2026. Billed as Mary J. Blige: My Life, My Story The Las Vegas Residency, the acclaimed artist represents yet another historic act to bring their talents to the Las Vegas Strip and will certainly bring new visitation from various markets.
EDC Las Vegas 2026: 15th Anniversary at the Motor Speedway
From May 15-17, the Electronic Daisy Carnival (EDC) makes its return to Sin City, featuring world-class DJs, artists and performers at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Artists such as Zedd, The Chainsmokers, Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki, Alison Wonderland and Porter Robinson will all be performing at this year’s show, representing the 15th anniversary since EDC first came to Las Vegas. The event routinely takes over the city as neon clothing and high-energy dance music flood the streets of Las Vegas.
BTS Stadium Tour: A City-Wide Takeover in Las Vegas
One of the most popular music groups in the world – BTS – will be arriving in Las Vegas from May 23-28, part of the band’s first headline stadium tour since 2021. BTS will host four shows from T-Mobile Arena and is reportedly planning a city-wide takeover of Las Vegas for its multi-day spectacle. Visitors can expect a number of BTS-themed activations and promotions throughout the week, and perhaps even some additional signage outside the T-Mobile Plaza at New York-New York. Nonetheless, BTS bringing their talents to Las Vegas will drive thousands of new visitors to the city, and perhaps from markets extending past the US as well.
Top Las Vegas Conferences & Professional Exhibitions
TEDxLasVegas 2026: Innovation at Symphony Park
TEDxLasVegas recently announced the full speaker lineup for its event at the newly opened AC/Element Marriott Hotel in Symphony Park, scheduled for May 2-3. The event will bring together leaders, artists and community voices involved with work that spans medicine, conservation, arts, cybersecurity, social justice and cultural history. TEDxLasVegas organizers have stated the 2026 program will look to explore how personal experience and collective history can shape what lies ahead.
Licensing Expo 2026 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center
The Las Vegas Licensing Expo will also take center stage in Sin City from May 19-21, bringing together the most influential entertainment, character, art and corporate brand owners with consumer goods manufacturers, licensees and retailers. The event has produced a four-decade-plus history, featuring brands such as Amazon, Walmart, Coca-Cola, Hasbro, Mattel and Paramount. This year’s edition will take place from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, as well as feature an opening night party with The Temptations.
The Las Vegas Diamond Arena project was introduced as a potential destination for an NBA expansion franchise on April 21, featuring more than 21,000 seats and the 'largest parking capacity' of any competing site
