Las Vegas welcomes Britney, Shaq and ravers galore

Electric Daisy Carnival

The biggest electronic music festival in North America arrives Friday in Las Vegas after spending 13 years in Los Angeles. It features many of the world’s best DJs and is expected to attract a crowd of more than 250,000, making it one of the largest gatherings to ever occur in Las Vegas.

Events run daily through Sunday. But grab a nap if you plan to go. Shows start at 8 p.m. and continue until sunrise. Click here for tickets or more information.

Photo by Sam Morris

MMA: Hawaii vs. the Mainland at Las Vegas Hilton

Watch up-and-coming amateur mixed martial arts fighters battle for geographic bragging rights. Local MMA fighters will take on scrappers from Hawaii. The main event features Chance Torres and Neale Johnson.

Punches start flying at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Hilton, 3000 Paradise Road. Tickets cost $25.

Gavin DeGraw at Red Rock Pool

Singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw gained a loyal following after the release of his 2003 debut album “Chariot,” which spawned one of his biggest hits, “I Don’t Want to Be.” His profile has grown since, with his songs regularly featured on television and in movies. After a few solo stops this month and next, DeGraw will tour the United States in August with Maroon 5 and Train.

DeGraw plays from 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Friday at Red Rock Pool, 11011 W. Charleston Boulevard. Tickets costs $30, and guests must be 16 or older.

Martin Solveig at Wet Republic at MGM Grand

French electronic music DJ and producer Martin Solveig will spin poolside Saturday at the Wet Republic Ultra Pool. Solveig, who describes himself as “from geek to chic,” is best known for his international hit, “Hello.” His music draws on a wide variety of influences including African beats, funk, rock and rap. In 2009, the French culture minister recognized Solveig as a significant contributor to the arts.

He spins 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Guests must be 21 or older.

Britney Spears at MGM Grand

Pop princess Britney Spears returns to Las Vegas, this time for her “Femme Fatale” tour with all-female line-up Nicki Minaj, Jessie and the Toy Boys and Nervo. Spears is expected to perform songs from her newest album, “Femme Fatale,” including hits “Hold It Against Me” and “Til the World Ends.” She’ll also likely throw in a couple of classics.

The show runs 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets cost from $37.63 to $252.92.

Photo by Claire Hart

Who’s Bad at Insert Coin(s)

Las Vegas’ only video bar/game lounge honors the King of Pop on the second anniversary of his death with tribute music and a dance party. Michael Jackson impersonators will battle on the dance floor for cash prizes, while DJs Presto One, Kobra and Miglovin spin Jackson’s greatest hits.

The two-hour free party starts 10 p.m. Saturday at 512 Fremont St. Guests must be 21 or older.

Shaq’s retirement party with Pauly D at Moon

Shaquille O’Neal, the superstar basketball player who won numerous NBA awards, played in 15 All-Star games and brought home an Olympic gold medal, will end his 19-year career with a bash at the Palms. DJ Pauly D of “Jersey Shore” fame will provide the music. Pauly D will be wrapping up his inaugural weekend as the Palms’ resident DJ.

Party with Shaq starting at 11 p.m. Saturday at Moon Nightclub, 4321 W. Flamingo Road. Attendees must be 21 or older.

Wiz Khalifa at the Joint at the Hard Rock

Rapper Cameron Jibril Thomaz, better known as Wiz Khalifa, brings his Rolling Papers World Tour to Las Vegas. Khalifa has released several albums but shot to fame with his 2010 single “Black and Yellow,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 list. He was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2011 BET Awards.

Khalifa will be joined by special guests Big Sean and Chevy Woods. They take the stage from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday at 4455 Paradise Road. All ages are welcome.