CHAMPS Las Vegas
Summer 2026
August 26–28, 2026
Las Vegas Convention Center — 3150 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
The premier counterculture trade show — cannabis, smoke shop, vape, and glass art vendors under one roof at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Three days of 11 AM to 6 PM floor access, then every major nightclub is open. Closing night is Friday August 28 — Subtronics at EBC at Night. The only Las Vegas trade show that ends on the strongest nightlife night of the week.
Dates
Aug 26–28, 2026
Hours
11 AM – 6 PM daily
Admission
Free (Trade Only, 21+)
Closing Night
Friday — Subtronics EBC
About the Show
The Premier Counterculture Trade Show
CHAMPS Trade Show is North America's leading wholesale marketplace for the cannabis, smoke shop, vape, and counterculture lifestyle industry — a three-day buying event where independent retailers, dispensary buyers, smoke shop owners, and brand representatives converge to place wholesale orders, discover new products, and build industry relationships in person. Las Vegas hosts CHAMPS twice annually; the summer edition runs in August at the Las Vegas Convention Center, drawing buyers from licensed cannabis dispensaries, head shops, convenience-format retailers, and specialty stores across the United States.
Unlike most Las Vegas trade shows that open at 9 AM, CHAMPS starts at 11 AM daily and maintains a deliberately accessible, counterculture atmosphere on the floor. The Glass Games live glass-blowing competition is the signature event within the show — running across all three days with finals on closing Friday, it draws both professional collectors and casual observers into a continuous spectator event that functions as a social hub within the larger marketplace. Glass artists from across the country compete on the show floor in real time, producing functional pieces within the competition format.
CHAMPS attendees represent one of Las Vegas's most practically nightlife-ready trade show demographics. The 11 AM–6 PM schedule leaves every evening fully open. The Wednesday through Friday format delivers two weeknight evenings with weeknight guest list pricing — significantly lower cover charges than the same venues on Friday and Saturday — followed by a Friday closing night that converts directly into peak Las Vegas weekend programming. Subtronics at EBC at Night is confirmed for August 28, the single strongest nightclub headliner of the CHAMPS week. The counterculture, music-forward crowd at CHAMPS makes for a natural fit with Las Vegas's electronic music, live DJ, and nightlife culture in a way that few other convention demographics match as directly.
Schedule
CHAMPS Las Vegas 2026 Show Hours
Wednesday, August 26
Opening day. All vendor sections open simultaneously. Glass Games competition begins.
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday, August 27
Peak buying day. Full floor access across all exhibitor categories.
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday, August 28
Final day. Floor closes at 6 PM. Weekend nightclub programming begins at 10:30 PM.
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
CHAMPS is 100% free to attend for qualified trade buyers — no admission charge for the show floor, Glass Games, or any convention programming. Valid government ID and trade credentials required at badge pickup. Pre-register at champstradeshows.com for express badge access.
Getting In
Registration & Badge Access
Who Qualifies
CHAMPS is a trade-only event for qualified cannabis and lifestyle industry professionals. Qualifying categories include dispensary buyers and purchasing managers, smoke shop and head shop owners, vape retail buyers, CBD and hemp product retailers, distributor and wholesaler representatives, and licensed brand executives. Attendees must be 21 or older — there are no exceptions. Consumer registration is not available.
Pre-Register at champstradeshows.com
Registration is 100% free for qualified buyers. Pre-registration generates a QR code for express badge pickup at LVCC, avoiding walk-up registration queues. Badge pickup opens the day before the show. Bring valid government-issued ID and trade credentials — a state business license, dispensary license, or retailer account number satisfies the buyer verification requirement at CHAMPS Las Vegas badge counters.
Official Hotel Partners
CHAMPS lists Resorts World Las Vegas (starting at $95–195/night, directly connected to LVCC) and Tuscany Suites & Casino (off-Strip, complimentary shuttle service, starting at $69–179/night) as official partner hotels with negotiated rates. Access partner rates via the Travel Accommodations link on the official CHAMPS website only — CHAMPS will never contact attendees via third-party services to solicit hotel bookings.
Age & ID Requirements
CHAMPS is strictly 21+. Government-issued photo ID is required at badge pickup and may be spot-checked at the LVCC entrance. International attendees should ensure passport validity before travel. The 21+ requirement applies to all show floor access. Las Vegas nightclub entry also requires valid 21+ ID for all guests regardless of country of origin.
Show Floor
What's on the Floor — Six Product Categories
CHAMPS organizes exhibitors across cannabis, smoke, vape, and lifestyle categories throughout LVCC. The Glass Games competition runs concurrently on the main floor across all three days.
Cannabis Products & Accessories
Flower, concentrates, edibles, pre-rolls, topicals, and tinctures — wholesale buyers from licensed dispensaries, cannabis retailers, and multi-state operators. Emerging brands and legacy cultivators exhibit side by side in the largest segment of the modern CHAMPS floor.
Smoke Shop Merchandise
Rolling papers, lighters, pipes, bongs, waterpipes, grinders, storage containers, and branded paraphernalia across all price points — the core of CHAMPS' original wholesale offering since the early 2000s. Buyers include independent head shops, convenience retailers, and specialty stores.
Vape & Electronic Devices
Disposable vapes, refillable pod systems, cartridge hardware, batteries, and vaporizers across nicotine, CBD, and cannabis categories. One of the fastest-growing exhibitor segments at the Las Vegas edition, with both established brands and new entrants competing for floor visibility.
CBD, Delta-8 & Functional Wellness
Hemp-derived cannabinoids, adaptogen blends, nootropics, and wellness products positioned for mainstream retail. Smoke shops and dispensaries increasingly stock functional wellness as a crossover category, and CHAMPS has expanded this segment substantially over recent editions.
Packaging, Branding & Compliance
Compliant cannabis packaging, child-resistant containers, custom labels, point-of-sale displays, and brand identity services for cannabis and hemp brands navigating multi-state regulatory environments. Compliance-adjacent exhibitors have grown as state licensing complexity increases.
Glass, Art & Collectibles
Functional glass art, heady pieces, borosilicate waterpipes, and limited-edition collectibles. The Glass Games competition at CHAMPS is the premier live glass-blowing competition in the industry, running across all three days with finals and awards on closing Friday.
Insider Advice
How to Navigate CHAMPS Las Vegas 2026
Seven strategies experienced CHAMPS buyers use to maximize the three-day buying event and the Las Vegas evenings around it.
Arrive Tuesday August 25 for Pre-Show Access
CHAMPS opens Wednesday at 11 AM, but the most valuable connections happen Tuesday evening at pre-show industry dinners, hotel room buyers meetings, and informal networking at Strip venues. Tuesday night is the softest crowd of the entire CHAMPS window — the same-quality nightclubs with 30–40% fewer people than Friday and no 11 AM floor schedule the next morning for early arrivals.
Bring Business Credentials for Badge Access
CHAMPS is a trade-only, 21+ event — attendees must present verifiable business credentials at registration. Have your state business license, dispensary license, or retail buyer credentials accessible on your phone as backup to physical copies. Walk-up registration is available at LVCC but pre-registration at champstradeshows.com reduces entry wait time significantly on opening Wednesday morning.
Plan Around the 11 AM Open — Not 9 AM
CHAMPS runs 11 AM to 6 PM daily, not the typical 9 AM trade show open. This means no pre-dawn alarm — buyers can arrive at their hotel before midnight Tuesday or Wednesday and make the opening floor without an early start. The 11 AM open also makes morning dayclub sessions feasible: AYU Dayclub at Resorts World runs from 11 AM, so the daytime schedule can start at the pool before the 11 AM CHAMPS open if you manage the transit.
Closing Day is Friday — Plan the Weekend Around It
CHAMPS ends Friday August 28. Unlike most trade shows that close on Wednesday or Thursday, a Friday closing date means the evening transitions directly into peak Las Vegas weekend programming — major headliners, fully staffed venues, and the highest-energy club experience of the summer. Book Friday night plans before Tuesday of show week — headliner events at EBC at Night sell out by Wednesday.
Dress Code Reality for Las Vegas Nightclubs
Las Vegas upscale nightclubs maintain strict dress codes regardless of the convention demographic in town. For CHAMPS buyers: no athletic shorts, no cargo pants, no flip flops, no baseball caps (even expensive ones). Dress shoes or clean fashion sneakers, fitted jeans or trousers, and a button-down or fitted shirt will pass without issue at all major Strip venues. Elevated streetwear and graphic tees in clean, fitted styling typically clear the door — the standard is smart casual, not formal attire.
Resorts World is the Best-Value Convention Hotel
Resorts World Las Vegas is the only major Strip hotel directly connected to LVCC via covered walkway — under 5 minutes door to floor without outdoor walking required. CHAMPS lists Resorts World as an official partner hotel with negotiated rates. Zouk Nightclub and AYU Dayclub are both on-property, making Tuesday through Thursday evenings accessible without any rideshare cost from the convention hotel.
The 6 PM Floor Close is a Four-Hour Window
CHAMPS ends at 6 PM daily — four hours before the 10:30 PM nightclub open. Use 6–9 PM for hotel, dinner, and transition. The 6–9 PM restaurant window during CHAMPS week is significantly less crowded than the typical 8–9 PM peak — convention groups who clear the floor at 6 PM find tables more easily at show-week restaurants than groups who dine at peak hours.
Aug 25–28 Picks
CHAMPS Week Nightlife — Night by Night
Venue picks for each day of CHAMPS Las Vegas 2026. Weeknight cover Tue–Thu: $0–25 on guest list. Friday August 28 closing night: Subtronics at EBC at Night — book early, Friday guest list is more limited than weeknights.
Registration opens at LVCC (badge pickup from noon)
AYU Dayclub
Afternoon pool session
11:00 AM · Dayclub · Resorts World
LIV Beach
Weekly Tuesday session
11:30 AM · Dayclub · Fontainebleau
Marquee Nightclub
Marquee Tuesdays
10:30 PM · Nightclub · The Cosmopolitan
Tuesday is the smartest night of the CHAMPS window — strong pool party dayclubs and Tuesday nightclub crowds are the lightest of the week with the most available guest list spots. Industry buyers and brand reps who arrive Sunday or Monday describe Tuesday as their best Las Vegas night: same-quality venues, lower cover, far less congestion at the door.
Convention floor open 11 AM – 6 PM · Glass Games begin
Palm Tree Beach Club
Drift Wednesdays
11:00 AM · Dayclub · MGM Grand
Marquee Nightclub
Lowkey in the Library
10:00 PM · Nightclub · The Cosmopolitan
Hakkasan Nightclub
R&Bae Wednesdays
10:30 PM · Nightclub · MGM Grand
Wednesday opening day ends at 6 PM, leaving four hours before the 10:30 PM nightclub open. Marquee's Lowkey in the Library is the lowest-pressure entry point for opening night — a smaller, quieter room inside Marquee with easy guest list access suited to buyers who have two full convention days ahead. Hakkasan's R&Bae Wednesdays run hip-hop and R&B programming, a strong alternative to EDM-forward venues.
Convention floor open 11 AM – 6 PM
Zouk Nightclub
Weekly Thursday programming
10:00 PM · Nightclub · Resorts World
OMNIA Nightclub
OMNIA Thursday
10:30 PM · Nightclub · Caesars Palace
TAO Nightclub
TAO Thursdays
10:30 PM · Nightclub · The Venetian
Thursday is the highest-energy weeknight of CHAMPS week — most buying commitments are made, and the Friday closing day means this is the last full evening without flight pressure for most attendees. Zouk at Resorts World is walkable from LVCC-area hotels in under 5 minutes. OMNIA runs full 75,000 sq ft Thursday programming at Caesars. TAO Thursdays at The Venetian provides a complete dinner-to-nightclub experience in one building.
Convention floor closes 6 PM — peak weekend programming begins
Encore Beach Club
EBC Friday Daytime
11:00 AM · Dayclub · Wynn Las Vegas
EBC at Night
Subtronics
10:30 PM · Nightclub · Wynn Las Vegas
LIV Nightclub
LIV Friday
11:00 PM · Nightclub · Fontainebleau
OMNIA Nightclub
OMNIA Friday
10:30 PM · Nightclub · Caesars Palace
Friday is the single best nightlife night of the CHAMPS window — closing day ends at 6 PM and converts directly into peak Las Vegas weekend programming. Subtronics at EBC at Night is the confirmed CHAMPS closing-night headline: his second August EBC appearance, dubstep and bass format well-matched to the CHAMPS demographic. EBC at Night Friday guest list is more limited than weeknight slots — book early. Friday cover is $30–50+ versus $0–20 on weeknights through guest list.
Where to Stay
Best Hotels for CHAMPS Las Vegas 2026
LVCC is at the north end of the Strip. Resorts World is the closest hotel (official CHAMPS partner, walkable, on-site nightclub). Center-Strip hotels add 12–18 min rideshare but offer direct on-property nightclub access.
Resorts World Las Vegas
Official CHAMPS partner hotel. Direct covered walkway to LVCC West Hall — 5 min door-to-floor. Zouk Nightclub and AYU Dayclub on-property. Three hotel brands (Hilton, Conrad, LXR) at different price points. Zero commute during CHAMPS week.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas
0.5 miles south — 10 min walk. LIV Nightclub and LIV Beach on-property. Newest major Strip property; fashion-forward aesthetic and celebrity-focused booking at LIV. Walking distance to both LVCC and the nightclub without rideshare.
Wynn & Encore Las Vegas
1.5 miles south. EBC at Night on-property — Subtronics confirmed Fri Aug 28 (CHAMPS closing night). XS Nightclub closed Aug–Oct 2026 for renovation. Encore Beach Club daytime pool. 5 min rideshare from LVCC.
Caesars Palace
OMNIA Nightclub and OMNIA Dayclub via skybridge on-property. Thursday OMNIA programming is the strongest mid-show nightclub option for center-Strip staying buyers. 12-minute rideshare from LVCC.
The Venetian Resort
TAO Nightclub (Tue–Sat) and TAO Beach on-property. Best CHAMPS-week option for buyers who want dinner and nightclub in one building. Grand Canal Shoppes dining. 12 min from LVCC.
The Cosmopolitan
Marquee Nightclub and Marquee Dayclub on-property. Marquee's Library room is the easiest entry point for first-time Vegas club visitors. Central Strip positioning. 15 min from LVCC.
MGM Grand
Hakkasan Nightclub on-property — R&Bae Wednesdays (Aug 26) and regular Thu/Fri programming. Palm Tree Beach Club on-property. Free tram connection to Mandalay Bay. 18 min from LVCC.
Bellagio
Highest fine-dining density on the Strip — Picasso, Le Cirque, Prime Steakhouse, Michael Mina. 12-minute rideshare to OMNIA and Marquee. Best for buyers prioritizing dining experience over nightclub proximity.
Getting Around
Transportation for CHAMPS Las Vegas Attendees
Las Vegas Monorail
The Las Vegas Monorail has a dedicated LVCC station with service south to Harrah's/LINQ, Flamingo, Bally's/Paris, and MGM Grand. A single ride is $5, a 24-hour pass is $19. Fastest option for reaching center-Strip venues at the 10:30 PM nightclub open — monorail runs until midnight or later during peak August season.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
LVCC has designated rideshare pickup and dropoff on Convention Center Drive. The 6 PM floor close and 10:30 PM nightclub open creates a comfortable 4-hour gap — rideshare demand at 10–10:30 PM nightclub-bound is manageable. Off-peak rideshare from LVCC to center-Strip venues runs $15–22 and takes 10–15 minutes. Surge pricing applies at the 6 PM close window on Friday August 28.
Walking from LVCC
Resorts World is directly walkable from LVCC West Hall (5 min, covered walkway) — Zouk Nightclub and AYU Dayclub with no rideshare required. Fontainebleau is 0.5 miles south — 10 min walk — LIV Nightclub access. All other major nightclub hotels are 1.5+ miles away and require rideshare or monorail. August heat peaks 105–110°F between 1–7 PM — outdoor walking beyond 10 minutes during peak heat requires sun protection.
Tuscany Suites Shuttle
Tuscany Suites & Casino (official CHAMPS off-Strip partner hotel) provides complimentary shuttle service to LVCC. The off-Strip location offers lower room rates ($69–179/night) than comparable Strip properties — the shuttle eliminates the LVCC commute cost penalty. Tuscany is on Flamingo Road, approximately 2 miles from LVCC — roughly a $10–15 rideshare if the shuttle schedule doesn't align.
Dayclubs
Pool Parties During CHAMPS Las Vegas Week
August is peak pool party season in Las Vegas. CHAMPS hours (11 AM–6 PM) allow morning dayclub sessions before the floor opens, and EBC and LIV Beach run full Friday daytime programming on CHAMPS closing day.
AYU Dayclub
0.2 mi from LVCC · Resorts World
Encore Beach Club
Top Friday headliners · Wynn
OMNIA Dayclub
Wed–Sun · Caesars Palace
Marquee Dayclub
4 pools · The Cosmopolitan
LIV Beach
0.5 mi from LVCC · Fontainebleau
Palm Tree Beach Club
Wed–Sun · MGM Grand
Gentlemen's Clubs
Strip Clubs Near LVCC During CHAMPS Week
All major Las Vegas strip clubs operate Wednesday through Friday at full capacity. NoCoverVegas provides free entry and free limo service from LVCC-area hotels — no cover charge, no pickup cost.
Sapphire Las Vegas
70,000 sq ft · World's largest · 1.3 mi from LVCC
Crazy Horse 3
Private rooms · VIP access · 1.4 mi
Hustler Club
On-Strip · Rooftop lounge
Spearmint Rhino
2-floor venue · High service
Peppermint Hippo
Full bar · VIP rooms
Little Darlings
Fully nude · Only major all-nude venue
August Trade Shows
Other Las Vegas Conventions in August 2026
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Aug 6–9 · LVCC · Cybersecurity
MAGIC Las Vegas Summer
Aug 10–12 · LVCC · Fashion trade
CHAMPS Summer 2026 Guide
Aug 26–29 · LVCC · Evergreen guide
VMware Explore 2026
Aug 24–27 · LVCC · 25,000 enterprise IT
SuperZoo 2026
Aug 12–14 · Mandalay Bay · Pet industry
Black Hat USA 2026
Aug 1–7 · LVCC · Cybersecurity
Las Vegas Market Summer
Jul 26–30 · World Market Center
Hacker Summer Camp
Aug 1–9 · Las Vegas · Security
Las Vegas Nightlife — Quick Links
Nightclubs
Pool Parties
FAQ
CHAMPS Las Vegas 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
When is CHAMPS Trade Show Las Vegas 2026 and where is it held?
CHAMPS Trade Show Las Vegas Summer 2026 runs Wednesday, August 26 through Friday, August 28, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109. Show hours are 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM all three days. LVCC is located at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip — directly adjacent to Resorts World Las Vegas and approximately 0.5 miles from Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
How do I register for CHAMPS Trade Show Las Vegas 2026?
Registration for CHAMPS Las Vegas is free for qualified trade attendees, including dispensary buyers, cannabis retailers, smoke shop owners, vape shop buyers, and industry professionals. You must be 21 or older to attend — CHAMPS is strictly 21+. Pre-register at champstradeshows.com to receive express badge pickup QR code. Valid government-issued ID and business credentials are required at the door. CHAMPS never contacts attendees via third-party services for hotel rooms — only use the travel link on the official CHAMPS website.
What nightclubs are best for CHAMPS Las Vegas 2026 attendees?
Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas is the closest major nightclub to LVCC — under 5 minutes on foot via covered walkway. EBC at Night at Wynn Las Vegas is the top CHAMPS closing-night venue: Subtronics headlines Friday August 28 at 10:30 PM, the single strongest nightclub booking of the CHAMPS week. For Thursday August 27: OMNIA at Caesars Palace runs full Thursday programming in the 75,000 sq ft venue. Marquee and TAO both run Wednesday and Thursday programming with accessible weeknight guest list. XS Nightclub is closed for renovation August through October 2026.
Is there pool party access during CHAMPS Las Vegas 2026?
Yes — August is peak Las Vegas pool party season. AYU Dayclub at Resorts World is 0.2 miles from LVCC and runs daily. CHAMPS hours (11 AM–6 PM) make morning dayclub sessions possible before or during the floor visit. EBC at Wynn Las Vegas and LIV Beach at Fontainebleau run Friday daytime sessions on CHAMPS closing day August 28. All major dayclubs operate Wednesday through Friday during CHAMPS week.
What is the dress code for Las Vegas nightclubs during CHAMPS 2026?
Standard Las Vegas upscale nightclub dress code applies regardless of the convention demographic. No cargo shorts, no athletic shorts, no running shoes, no baseball caps. Fitted jeans or trousers, clean fashion sneakers or dress shoes, and a fitted shirt or button-down will pass at all Strip nightclubs. Elevated streetwear typically clears the door — the standard is smart casual. Dress code does not relax during CHAMPS.
What are the best hotels near LVCC during CHAMPS Las Vegas 2026?
Resorts World Las Vegas is the closest hotel — directly connected to LVCC via covered walkway and listed as an official CHAMPS partner. Tuscany Suites & Casino (official CHAMPS partner, off-Strip) provides complimentary shuttle to LVCC with lower nightly rates. Fontainebleau (0.5 miles south) has LIV Nightclub on-property. Wynn Las Vegas (EBC at Night) is 1.5 miles south — XS is closed Aug–Oct 2026 for renovation.
What is the Glass Games competition at CHAMPS?
Glass Games is CHAMPS' live glass-blowing competition, featuring glass artists competing on the show floor across all three days. Finals and awards are announced on closing day Friday. Glass Games is included with CHAMPS trade badge access — no separate ticket required. It functions as a social hub within the larger trade event and draws both professional collectors and casual spectators throughout the show.
Is there transportation from LVCC to Strip nightclubs during CHAMPS week?
Las Vegas Monorail has a dedicated LVCC station — $5 per ride, south to Harrah's/LINQ, Flamingo, Bally's/Paris, and MGM Grand. Rideshare from LVCC to center-Strip runs $15–22 off-peak. The 6 PM close and 10:30 PM nightclub open creates a comfortable 4-hour gap with no rush. Resorts World is walkable in 5 minutes (covered walkway). Fontainebleau is 10 minutes walking south. Tuscany Suites shuttle connects off-Strip attendees to LVCC on the show's schedule.
Are strip clubs available near LVCC during CHAMPS 2026?
Yes. All major Las Vegas strip clubs operate Wednesday through Friday at full capacity during CHAMPS week. Sapphire Las Vegas (70,000 sq ft, world's largest) is 1.3 miles from LVCC and provides free limo pickup from Strip and convention-area hotels. Crazy Horse 3, Spearmint Rhino, and Peppermint Hippo are within rideshare distance. NoCoverVegas provides free entry and free limo service from LVCC-area hotels for qualifying groups — no cover, no pickup cost.
What is the advantage of going to Las Vegas clubs during CHAMPS week?
Wednesday and Thursday nights during CHAMPS qualify for weeknight guest list pricing — $0–25 cover versus $50–80+ on Friday and Saturday at the same venues. Free nightclub guest list through NoCoverVegas eliminates cover charges on Wednesday and Thursday entirely. Friday August 28 (CHAMPS closing night) is the first night of the weekend, with peak programming — Subtronics at EBC at Night is the confirmed headliner. CHAMPS is the only major Las Vegas trade show that closes on the strongest nightlife night of the week.
Las Vegas Nightlife Directory — CHAMPS Week
Nightclubs
Pool Parties
Hotels
Related Guides
Free Guest List — CHAMPS Las Vegas 2026
Get On the List — Aug 26–28
Free nightclub entry for all three nights of CHAMPS Las Vegas 2026. Wednesday and Thursday are weeknights — lower cover, easier guest list, smaller crowds. Friday August 28 is CHAMPS closing night and Las Vegas weekend peak: Subtronics at EBC at Night. No cover charges on weeknights. We send venue and door details by text before your night out.