It seems everything in Las Vegas is big and glitzy. The Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas is no exception.
The Fremont Street Experience is a light and sound show in a downtown shopping mall, which occupies five blocks and features a 30m video screen and more than 12 million lights. It attracts almost 17 million visitors a year.
The experience is a must for new visitors to the city in 2014, with seven nightly light and sound shows, regular concerts and special events – not to mention a host of other attractions.
The Fremont Street Experience can be reached on foot, by car or public transport. Visitors who opt for the driving option can find car hire in Las Vegas at multiple locations around the city, available from the airport or other locations. Parking for the Fremont Street Experience can be found at the Parking Plaza, located at the eastern end of Fremont Street, at the junction of 4th Street and Carson Street. Taxis and express buses are alternative options.
Fremont Street has a history that goes back right to the city’s beginnings in the early 1900s, pre-dating the world of high rise resorts and swanky casinos by a long shot. It was the first paved street in the city, with the first traffic lights, and it was also the site of the first gaming licence, issued to the Northern Club. Little wonder that it was this innovative and ground-breaking setting that was chosen for the site of the Fremont Street Experience.
An entertainment and shopping complex, the site features permanent stages that host live music and entertainment events throughout the year. The light show, featuring cutting edge LED technology, is one of the most sophisticated of its time. Costing in the region of $17 million, the display canopy delivers high resolution pictures and top quality sound for a completely absorbing experience. This is Viva Vision, the biggest video screen in the world and a truly unique setting for a memorable night out. Night shows occur hourly, on the hour, with the last show at midnight, and are completely free to the public.
It’s not just about the light shows, however. There’s always something going on at the Fremont Street Experience and the area has a lively buzz well into the early hours. There are two permanent stages where regular free concerts take place. Ten casinos line the street for those that want to try their luck, including Binion’s, California, The D Las Vegas, Fremont, Golden Gate and 4 Queens.
Or if you simply want to eat out you’ll be spoilt for choice, with over 60 restaurants to choose from along with great street food. Try the famous shrimp cocktail at the Golden Gate, delve into fresh, delicious sushi at Red Sushi (at the Golden Nugget) or step back in time in the elegant surroundings of Binion’s Steakhouse. And the shopaholics needn’t feel left out – there are numerous unique stores and kiosks along the street. Throw in a calendar of special events and a great range of street performers and you can rest assured that you will certainly be entertained.
The Fremont Street Experience has some other quirky attractions. Established in 1996 to promote the perseveration and study of the city’s iconic signs, the Neon Museum is home to an array of neon signs that are no longer in service; the Downtown Gallery displays restored signs that have been brought back to illuminated splendour, while the Neon Boneyard houses abandoned and salvaged signs.
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