Famous parties from Las Vegas history

Bettmann // Getty Images If New York is the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas is the city that never stops partying. From its earliest days (or, at least since it legalized gambling in 1931), the western city has been a popular destination among those looking to cut loose. And with one of the highest concentrations of nightclubs in the country, it continues to be the #1 going-out town in the U.S. to this day. In celebration of America’s best party destination, Stacker spotlighted 20 iconic parties and party venues from Las Vegas history. From over-the-top billionaire birthday bashes to the craziest celebrity bachelor parties, the tales of these blowouts are sure to make your jaw drop. Truly, you had to be there. But if you didn’t get an invite to these legendary parties, that doesn’t mean you can’t throw an unforgettable gathering of your own. We’ve also included some of the most epic party venues for you to explore on your next trip to Sin City, from its most expensive club to its most unique. Read on to get some inspiration for your next Vegas night out. You may also like: Popular fads from the year you were born Pre-Prohibition partying in Las Vegas and beyond Bettmann // Getty Images One of the oldest bars in Vegas, Bar Prohibition! has been open since 1906. Over the years, it’s been a popular destination for Wild West cowboys, a place for women to let loose in the 1920s, and even a Rat Pack haunt. Given its long and colorful history, it seems safe to say these walls have seen some crazy things. Located in the Golden Gate casino, current-day visitors can pop in for a drink with the ghosts of partiers past. El Rancho Transcendental Graphics // Getty Images El Rancho was the first resort to pop up on the Las Vegas Strip. On its grounds was a venue called the Opera House, a restaurant with a full-sized stage. Tons of popular musicians performed here over the years–Sammy Davis Jr., Eartha Kitt, and Dean Martin, among others–making it one of the most popular party spots of the ’50s. The property was demolished in 2000, so a night out here is no longer an option, but pictures illustrate just how exciting it was back in the day. The Copa Room Bettmann // Getty Images Another epic nightspot that is now, sadly, gone is the Copa Room. Located in the Sands Hotel (demolished in 1996), the venue had one of the hottest stages in all of Sin City. It was, for years, the home of the Rat Pack and the Copa Girls and regularly featured performances from big names like Judy Garland, Lena Horne, and Nat King Cole. Despite being a smaller venue by today’s standards, it was the place to be throughout the ’50s and ’60s. Moulin Rouge Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images Today, no one would bat an eye at seeing folks of all races, creeds, and religions partying together in one of Vegas’ many clubs or casinos. But in the early part of the 20th century, that was untenable–at least until Moulin Rouge came onto the scene. The first racially integrated casino and club on the Strip, Moulin Rouge permitted both Black and white guests to dance, drink, and gamble on the same floor. Prominent Black performers like Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, and Sammy Davis Jr. regularly led the festivities. Teenbeat Club Bettmann // Getty Images You can’t talk about famous parties and party spots in Las Vegas without mentioning the Teenbeat Club. Opened in 1962, the venue was the first teens-only club in the country and was a hugely popular dance and music venue for the younger set. A house band (also called the Teenbeats) entertained audiences nightly and made frequent appearances on the “American Bandstand”-style show filmed at the club throughout its six-year run. The venue shut its doors in 1968 but was hugely influential in developing a party-all-night culture in young adults. You may also like: 100 iconic moments from music history The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s wedding Bettmann // Getty Images As far as size goes, Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s wedding is one of the smaller parties on this list. However, when it comes to lasting influence, their 100-person Monday morning ceremony more than earns its spot. The couple tied the knot at the Aladdin hotel (now Planet Hollywood) and followed their eight-minute ceremony with a champagne breakfast. In the decades since, thousands of couples have flocked to the pair’s unusual destination to sign their own marriage licenses, often with an Elvis impersonator on hand (though that appears to be a thing of the past these days). Jubilation Helmut Reiss // United Archives via Getty Images Paul Anka was a longtime fixture of Las Vegas’ nightlife scene, but his commitment to ensuring partygoers had a good time rose to a whole new level in 1978 when he opened Jubilation. At 10,000 square feet, Anka claimed Jubilation was the largest disco club in the world. It might also have been the first club to use metal detectors on its patrons–a security check in the Wild West, as it were. According to Anka’s autobiography, Anthony Spilotro (a famous mobster whose life is chronicled in the film “Casino”) and his gang spent a good amount of time at the club, filling the time between jobs with dancing and drinking. Frank Sinatra’s grandiose return George Rose // Getty Images In 1979, Frank Sinatra, who had ruled Vegas for years as a member of the Rat Pack, threw himself a 64th birthday party and celebrated 40 years in show business at Caesars Palace. Only 500 guests were invited to attend the formal bash, which lasted well into the night (as was typical of many events with which the crooner was involved). Several local outlets covered the party with vigor, excited by the magic of the man and the old-school glamour he brought with him. NFR