Licensing Expo Nightlife Guide 2026
The best nightclubs, gentlemen's clubs, and pool parties to hit during Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. Free guest list and complimentary ride for all Licensing Expo attendees.
Overview
What Nightlife Is Like During Licensing Expo
Licensing Expo is one of the biggest events on the Las Vegas calendar, drawing over 16,000 attendees to the city each year during May. When the show floor closes, the energy shifts to the Strip's world-famous nightclubs, rooftop lounges, and gentlemen's clubs.
Convention weeks are some of the busiest nightlife periods in Las Vegas. Clubs often bring in top-tier headliners to capitalize on the influx of visitors, and venues fill up faster than usual. Getting on a guest list before you arrive is the smartest move you can make — it guarantees free entry and lets you skip the general admission line.
Since Licensing Expo falls during May, Vegas pool season is in full swing. That means dayclubs and pool parties will be open, giving you the perfect daytime option before transitioning to nightclubs after dark.
Top Picks
Best Nightclubs During Licensing Expo
These nightclubs are our top recommendations for Licensing Expo attendees. All offer free guest list entry through NoCoverVegas.
Drai's Nightclub
PopularThe Vanderpump Hotel — Basement (formerly The Cromwell)· Nightclub
Multi-room underground nightclub at Vanderpump Hotel with live hip-hop performances and diverse music rooms.
Music: Hip Hop, R&B, House, Electronic, Top 40
LIV at Fontainebleau
NewFontainebleau Las Vegas· Nightclub
Miami's legendary LIV brand at the new Fontainebleau — one of the most anticipated openings in Vegas history.
Music: EDM, House, Hip Hop, Open Format (Miami-influenced)
Tao Nightclub
The Venetian· Nightclub
A Vegas institution since 2005 with Asian-inspired decor and an award-winning restaurant at The Venetian.
Music: EDM, Electronic, Hip Hop, Open Format
OMNIA Nightclub
VIPCaesars Palace· Nightclub
Iconic multi-level venue at Caesars Palace with top-tier DJs and an incredible kinetic chandelier.
Music: EDM, Hip Hop, Top 40, Latin (Sunday Deseo)
Gentlemen's Clubs
Best Strip Clubs During Licensing Expo
Convention nights are some of the biggest nights at Vegas gentlemen's clubs. NoCoverVegas gets you free entry and a complimentary ride from your hotel.
Treasures
Off-Strip (Las Vegas Blvd S)· Gentlemen's Club
Award-winning steakhouse and gentlemen's club in one — dine and enjoy premium entertainment.
Free entry, no cover charge
Sapphire Las Vegas
PopularOff-Strip (Industrial Rd)· Gentlemen's Club
The world's largest gentlemen's club at 71,000 sq ft — free guest list from your hotel.
Free entry, no cover charge
Daytime Parties
Pool Parties During Licensing Expo
Licensing Expo falls during pool season, so you can enjoy world-class dayclubs before hitting the nightclubs. Here are the top pool parties to check out.
Encore Beach Club
Encore at Wynn Las Vegas· Pool Party
The gold standard of Vegas pool parties
11:00 AM – Close (Fri–Sun, seasonal) · March – October
Marquee Dayclub
The Cosmopolitan· Pool Party
Reimagined for 2026 — redesigned stage, new sound, desert-luxury cabanas
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Thu–Mon, year-round) · Year-Round
Tao Beach
The Venetian Resort· Pool Party
Where luxury meets the ultimate pool party
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Thu–Sun, seasonal) · March – October
Ayu Dayclub
Resorts World Las Vegas· Pool Party
Southeast Asian-inspired luxury pool party at Resorts World
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Fri–Sun); Sat AYU AFTERS from 2:00 PM into night · March – October
After Hours
Licensing Expo After-Hours Scene
The brand licensing community is creative, deal-driven, and social. Licensing Expo evenings feature brand dinners, studio receptions, and networking events throughout the Strip. After the official events wind down, Las Vegas offers everything from world-class nightlife to premium dining — and the Mandalay Bay location gives you easy access to it all.
Licensing Expo Picks
Top Venues for Licensing Expo Attendees
These venues are curated specifically for Licensing Expo attendees — selected for proximity to Mandalay Bay Convention Center, music programming, and the crowd vibe that fits the Licensing Expo community.
Hakkasan
NightclubAt MGM Grand, one free tram stop from Mandalay Bay. Five floors of nightlife worthy of the entertainment licensing crowd.
OMNIA Nightclub
NightclubAt Caesars Palace. The production and VIP experience deliver the kind of spectacle the licensing industry creates.
Drai's Nightclub
NightclubUnderground multi-room club with live performances. Perfect for the entertainment crowd.
Crazy Horse III
Gentlemen's ClubFree entry through our guest list. Modern, upscale venue popular with convention groups.
Getting Around
Transportation from Mandalay Bay Convention Center to Nightlife
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
The most convenient option. Most nightclubs are a 5-15 minute ride from Mandalay Bay Convention Center. During convention weeks, expect slightly longer wait times and surge pricing around 10-11 PM. The designated rideshare pickup areas are well-marked at all major venues.
Free Entry (Strip Clubs)
Sign up through NoCoverVegas and get a free guest list entry at your hotel to any of our partner gentlemen's clubs. The guest list picks you up and drops you off right at the door — no cover charge, no hassle.
Las Vegas Monorail
The monorail runs along the east side of the Strip, connecting MGM Grand, Bally's/Paris, Flamingo, Harrah's/The LINQ, and the Las Vegas Convention Center. It's a great option if your nightclub is at one of these hotels. Single rides are $5; day passes are $13.
Walking the Strip
If your hotel is on the Strip and your nightclub is nearby, walking is a perfectly viable option. Most major nightclubs are inside casino-hotels. Just be aware that distances can be deceiving — what looks like a short walk on a map can easily take 20-30 minutes with pedestrian bridges and casino floor-throughs.
Licensing Expo Nightlife — FAQ
Where is Licensing Expo 2026?
Licensing Expo 2026 is held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119.
What are the Licensing Expo 2026 dates?
Licensing Expo 2026 runs Tuesday, June 9 through Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Is Licensing Expo free to attend?
Yes. Registration is free for qualified brand licensing professionals who register in advance. On-site registration may have a fee.
Where do I pick up my Licensing Expo badge?
Badge pickup is at the Mandalay Bay Bayside registration area. Express kiosks are available for pre-registered attendees. Registration opens Monday before the show.
What should I wear to Licensing Expo?
Business professional for the first day, business casual thereafter. Brand licensing is a relationship business — presentation matters.
How do I schedule meetings at Licensing Expo?
Use the Licensing Expo matchmaking platform to schedule meetings with brands, licensees, and retailers in advance. Walk-in meetings are possible but much less efficient.
How do I get from Mandalay Bay to the Strip?
A free tram connects Mandalay Bay to Luxor and Excalibur. From there you can walk or connect to the monorail at MGM Grand. Rideshare is also readily available.
What is there to do after Licensing Expo?
Las Vegas nightlife is right outside the door. From nightclubs to fine dining to shows, the Strip delivers. Sign up for a free guest list to skip cover charges.
Related Pages
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Licensing Expo
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Nightlife and hotel guide for Licensing Expo attendees
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Free Guest List for Licensing Expo Attendees
Get On The List
Free nightclub entry + free guest list entry at your hotel during Licensing Expo. No cover charges, no lines.