West Las Vegas Arts Center Hosts Free Community Arts Events This Spring and Summer

From spoken word performances to a Mariachi Conservatory celebration, the 89106 neighborhood's cultural hub has a full slate of free programming.

The West Las Vegas Arts Center, located at 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., is presenting a series of free community arts events this spring and summer, including spoken word performances, a Cinco de Mayo mariachi celebration, a multi-company spring dance concert, and a performing and visual arts summer camp for youth ages 10 to 15. All events are free and open to the public, with more information available by calling 702-229-4800.

Spoken Word and Open Mic Nights Anchor Spring Programming

The arts center is hosting an evening of poetry led by spoken word artist the E. Princess, described as a journey into the heart of poetry woven together with personal stories and reflections. A maturity advisory is in effect for that performance.

A separate open mic event centered on motherhood invites community members to share stories, songs, and poems honoring those who love and nurture. Billed as the final installment of a quarterly series, the event encourages diverse voices and is free and open to the public.

Mariachi Conservatory Presents Cinco de Mayo Celebration

The Mariachi Conservatory of Las Vegas, housed within the West Las Vegas Arts Center, is presenting Gritos Y Guitarras, a Cinco de Mayo celebration featuring an evening of mariachi music, dancing, and food. The event commemorates Mexico's historic triumph over the French Empire.

The lobby will open one hour before the program begins, and seating is open. The event is free and open to the public.

Higher Ground Spring Concert Showcases Next Generation of Dancers

The Live Arts Collective is presenting the 'Higher Ground: Onward and Upward Spring Concert Series,' described as a dynamic and innovative series highlighting the next generation of artists. The concert is produced in partnership with four organizations: the City of Las Vegas West Las Vegas Live Arts Institute, directed by Avree Walker as Artistic Director; the Ailey School's Ailey Student Performance Group, with Freddie Moore serving as Rehearsal Director; the School of Nevada Ballet Theatre, led by Terane Comito as Director of Education; and NBT II, with Don Bellamy as Artistic Director.

The event features open seating, and the lobby will open one hour before the program begins. No admission is charged.

Summer Arts Camp Marks 30 Years of Youth Programming

The West Las Vegas Arts Center is accepting registrations for its Performing and Visual Arts Summer Camp for Kids, which runs Monday through Friday from June 8 through August 1, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no camp on June 19. The camp is held at the arts center at 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd.

Now in its 30th year, the camp serves youth ages 10 to 15 and provides opportunities for civic engagement and social justice projects through arts education disciplines including music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and spoken word. Participants commit to the program's guiding philosophy, 'Excellence Without Excuse.'

The public is invited to attend free performances showcasing campers' work on Friday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 1, at 2 p.m. at the West Las Vegas Theatre, located at 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.

Registration closes June 3, 2026, at 5 p.m. Completed applications must be submitted in person at the West Las Vegas Arts Center with all required attachments. Financial aid is available for qualifying families, and mandatory parent and student orientation appointments may be scheduled upon submission of a completed application. Interested families can call 702-229-4800 for more information or to register.

What we know

• All events at the West Las Vegas Arts Center are free and open to the public.
• The Mariachi Conservatory of Las Vegas is based at the West Las Vegas Arts Center and is hosting the Gritos Y Guitarras Cinco de Mayo Celebration.
• The Higher Ground spring concert is a partnership involving the West Las Vegas Live Arts Institute, the Ailey School, the School of Nevada Ballet Theatre, and NBT II.
• The Performing and Visual Arts Summer Camp for Kids has operated for 30 years and serves youth ages 10 to 15.
• Summer camp registration closes June 3, 2026, at 5 p.m., and applications must be submitted in person at the West Las Vegas Arts Center.
• Free public performances by summer camp participants are scheduled for July 31 at 6:30 p.m. and August 1 at 2 p.m. at the West Las Vegas Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.

Why it matters

The West Las Vegas Arts Center serves as a cornerstone cultural institution in the 89106 zip code, offering no-cost programming that spans multiple art forms and generations. Its 30-year summer camp program provides structured arts education for neighborhood youth, while the spring event series creates accessible community gathering spaces. For residents of West Las Vegas, these free events represent consistent investment in local arts infrastructure and youth development in a part of the city that has historically relied on community-centered programming.

What’s next

Summer camp registration remains open until June 3, 2026, at 5 p.m., with the camp itself running June 8 through August 1. Public showcase performances are scheduled for July 31 at 6:30 p.m. and August 1 at 2 p.m. at the West Las Vegas Theatre. Community members can sign up for the Arts and Culture newsletter at cityoflasvegas.link/ArtsNewsletter or the Parents newsletter at cityoflasvegas.link/ParentsNewsletter for updates on upcoming programming.

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