Nightlife Junkie: July 4th | VEGAS EDITION

So here it is...Independence Day to some, the 4th of July to others. Whatever you call it, however you spin it, if you're traveling to Las Vegas it means one thing....Three Day Weekend.

For the day/nightlife companies of Las Vegas it's another reason to spend money on solid talent to stake claim on throwing biggest and best party of the weekend in hopes to lure you to their properties so you can spend that "Vacation Pay" that you'll see on your next paycheck. For others, it's a means to escape, celebrate the country we live in, where we've come from and where we are today. Bottom line...it's time to party.

If this is your first time, or if you're a seasoned vet (no pun intended), here's a reminder on some of the key things you should know.

• Plan out one or two events that you know you want to attend. Buy the pre-sale tickets online. It's cheaper this way and easier to get in when the club already, in essence, has your money. On top of that, it sets you up to make sure you don't get left out in the heat, in the eve nt the DJ you "had to see" ends up sold out.

• I've said this time and time again, and I'm going to keep saying it. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER! Also make sure when you go out it's on a full to semi-full stomach. With weather in the trip digits everyday, you want to make sure you can keep going long into the night. Who really wants to KO at 9PM on a Saturday? Not I.

• Pay VERY close attention to the dress codes of the pools and dayclubs, as their policies vary from venue to venue. One may let you in with shorts, while another is strictly pool attire (i.e. bathing suit NOT cargo shorts). You don't want to get all the way up to the entrance and be "that guy".

• Sun block is your best friend, aside from water. Especially when you are at the pools, the sun's rays reflect on the water and intensifies them. So while you think you're SPF15 will give you a nice golden tan, in truth, by the time Monday rolls around you'll be wishing you had went for the SPF45 instead

Now that I've touched on those points, here is your heads up on the who, what, where, when, and why for the upcoming weekend, broken down the best I could.

Friday, July 1

Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan kicks off the weekend with the EC Twins, while the Palms Pool features the sounds of DJ Lisa Pittman.

Continuing on into the evening, if you're looking for some hard hitting beats, look no further than XS at Encore for one half of the DJ duo Ducksauce, A-Trak. While still on property, head on over to Surrender as they play host to internationally acclaimed DJ/Producer Sidney Samson. Marquee Nightclub welcomes back one of the leading DJ's in house Gareth Emery while Rain Nightclub at Palms hosts their weekly party CLASH featuring the sounds of DJ Dainjazone and Dave Fogg. Maybe you're not really into the music, as much as you want your picture with that certain celebrity? Well it's a good thing Nick Lachey will be spending his night hosting at Tao inside the Venetian, while, the "love him or hate him" blogger, Perez Hilton will be hosting the evening at The Bank Nightclub at the Bellagio.

Saturday July 2

Wake up! Wake up, because Encore Beach Club will be host to elctro-house DJ Calvin Harris, while Tiesto prodigy, Avicii will command the sounds of Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan.

The evening headliners for this weekend will undoubtedly be Tiësto as he returns to Sin City for his monthly residency at The Joint at Hard Rock as well as Erick Morillo, who will be spinning a live set at Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan. These heavy hitters know how to rock the party and will most likely go past 4am. If you find yourself at Wynn or Encore, you couldn't have picked a better place to be with Calvin Harris DJ'ing at XS Nightclub, Resident DJ Lil' Jon, star of the hit series Celebrity Apprentice at Surrender Nightclub and Jon'scast member on Celebrity Apprentice, Gary Busey celebrating his birthday at Blush Boutique Nightclub. Within walking distance of each other you can find a special DJ set by Avicii at TAO Nightclub at The Venetian and The EC Twins Independence Day Weekend at Lavo Nightclub at Palazzo. If you prefer off strip, check out Paul Oakenfold as he returns to the helm of his residency, Perfecto Vegas, at Rain Nightclub at Palms. If trance isn't your thing then check out Sasha Grey at Moon Nightclub & Playboy Club where she will host the night. Maybe electronic dance music (#EDM) isn't your thing...I got you covered. Eight-time Grammy Awards nominated artist Busta Rhymes will be performing live at the Hard Rock Cafe (On The Strip) while B.o.B, the man behind hit singles Airplanes and Nothin' on You, hosts the night at Pure Nightclub at Caesars Palace

Sunday July 3

With so much talent in town, I say unto thee...choose wisely. If you have never seen him play the pool, you have been missing out. Kaskade returns home to Daystar Sundays at Encore Beach Club, for what will most likely be another sold out show. Wet Republic at the MGM Grand plays host to Cathy and David Guetta's F**K ME I'M FAMOUS party featuring a surprise guest DJ. Beatport Pool Sundays takes over TAO Beach at The Venetian with Markus Schulz while the sister property Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan welcomes the “Vegas Takeover” with Fatboy Slim.

Haze Nightclub at Aria gets the house bumping with a special guest spin by international DJ sensation Paul van Dyk while the Wicked Reunion Tour at ghostbar at Palms sees the group together again for the first time since 2004.

Monday July 4

Encore Beach Club at Encore features a special July 4th performance by International Superstar, and resident DJ Afrojack during the daytime.

Later that night, finish your weekend off right with Steve Aoki and Afrojack spinning together at XS Nightclub inside Encore for Independence Day. If you're lucky you just might here some of their new collaborations they're been working on together.

So, I know that was a lot to read, a lot to process. Trust me, it was A LOT to type. With that being said, there are still many venues, many DJ's that are TBA, and after looking at this list, with good reason. I hope you all have a fun, memorable (or semi-memorable) and most importantly, SAFE weekend.

That's it for me, I'm out.

-nj