Here are Neon’s top picks for things to do in Las Vegas from Friday, March 27, through Thursday, April 2.
through the weekend
‘Music of John Williams’
He’s been responsible for some of the most iconic movie scores of all time. Be prepared to hear many of them — from “Jurassic Park” and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” to the “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones” and “Harry Potter” franchises — when the Las Vegas Philharmonic presents “The Music of John Williams.” Experience it at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center. Tickets start at $57.60; thesmithcenter.com.
friday
Circus Freaks
This circus-driven variety show with a darkly sexy edge originated in Las Vegas over two decades ago featuring numerous Cirque du Soleil performers from back in the day. Now, they’re returning to town for the first time since 2004 to let those freak flags fly high again at 8 p.m. Friday to Sunday at Cornerstone Park, 1600 Wigwam Parkway, Henderson. Tickets start at $40; thecircusfreaks.com.
saturday
Great Vegas Festival of Beer
Unlimited samples of hundreds of craft beers and ciders will be available as part of the Great Vegas Festival of Beer. The Great Tasting, presented by Motley Brews, also will have food available for purchase from some of the city’s best food trucks. It’s scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday with check-in at the Fremont Country Club, 601 E. Fremont St. General admission is $55, with early entry tickets allowing access at 2 p.m. for $65; greatvegasbeer.com.
Paella Cooking Class
Jaleo by José Andrés in The Cosmopolitan is launching its new Paella Cooking Class series at 4 p.m. Saturday. The class, held around Jaleo’s live-fire paella pit, features instruction in how to prepare Spain’s signature rice dish, including the opportunity for students to cook alongside the restaurant’s culinary team. The class, limited to 20 students, also features passed tapas and sangria. Tickets are $120; sevn.ly/xtxp8cfr. The series will run on the last Saturday of every month.
Dinner & Auction
Chefs for Kids, a local nonprofit that addresses nutrition education and food security in Southern Nevada, is hosting its Dinner & Auction No. 34: Raiders of the Lost Spork at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in the Egyptian Ballroom at Luxor. The event features a chef-driven dinner, live and silent auctions, and opportunities for guests to support the organization’s work in local schools. Tickets start at $275, plus fees; chefsforkids.org/dinner.
Convivir at Lilli
On Saturday, Lilli by Chef Tyler Vorce is hosting an eight-course collaboration dinner, Convivir at Lilli, at Durango Social Club, 3655 S. Durango Drive, Suite 29. Chef Vorce is joined by chef Rogelio Garcia, a James Beard Award winner for his “Convivir” cookbook. The chefs first cooked together at The French Laundry. Seatings are at 5 and 8 p.m. Cost: $145 plus tax and gratuity; beverage pairings are additional. Signed copy of cookbook is $50. Required reservations: lilli.vegas. Must be at least 21.
tuesday
‘The Notebook’
It’s been a hit book, movie and now a musical. “The Notebook,” the tearjerking story of a lifetime of love shared by a couple from different worlds, has been brought to the stage with music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson. See it at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, with additional performances through April 5, in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center. Tickets start at $40.30; thesmithcenter.com.
White Reaper
As far as fist/beer/Bic-in-the-air rock ‘n’ roll anthems go, White Reaper’s title track to their 2017 banger “The World’s Best American Band” continues to kick-start adrenal glands with remarkable staying power. The Louisville, Kentucky band’s latest album “Only Slightly Empty” sees them continue to kick out the jams with aplomb. See them at 7 p.m. Tuesday at The Portal at Area15, 3215 S. Rancho Dr. Tickets are $34; area15.com.
wednesday
UnCommons Unwind
From 6 to 7 p.m. each Wednesday through September, visit UnCommons in the southwest valley for a free rooftop mat Pilates class, hosted by The Good Place, a Pilates studio. Guests must be 18 or older and bring their own mat, towel and water. Walk-ins are welcome, but sign-ups are requested to ensure a spot; uncommons.com.
Mariah the Scientist
“These feelings get to talkin’” Mariah The Scientist sings on early single “All for Me” — and they have to plenty to say, the R&B chanteuse a geyser of emotion that expresses itself in the most mellifluous of ways. See her at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq, 3545 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Resale tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.