Erik Kabik/Retena
Thursday, April 19, 2012 | 6 p.m.
This weekend, pool season gets into full swing as many of the dayclubs host grand opening bashes with top performers and DJs. If the clubby pool scene isn’t your cup of tea, there are many family-friendly activities, two of which center on pets. Choose from "Disney on Ice," Pet-a-Palooza or UNLV’s festival of communities.
Here are our best entertainment bets for the weekend:
Follow Allison Duck on Twitter at @AllisonDuck.
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Friday-Sunday: Pool club openings
Pool season is officially under way as several of the bigger pool clubs officially kick off their seasons. On Friday at noon, Ditch Fridays gets under way with a performance by recording artist Kelis. Marquee Dayclub’s grand opening party begins at 10 a.m. Saturday and features music from Avicii, who will be in town before he returns to California for his second set at Coachella. Prices range from $10-$40. The Hard Rock’s Beachlife grand opening spans the entire weekend with Summer Camp Fridays kicking off with Dragonnette, The Nectar Music Festival beginning Saturday with DJ Vice, Basshunter, Hyper Crush and Jump Smokers plus a nighttime performance by Fitz and the Tantrums and of course the Hard Rock’s most famous pool party, Rehab, on Sunday featuring DJ Pauly D and Pitbull. Doors open at 10 a.m. each day and prices range from $50-$70. Encore Beach Club opens its pool season with music from Tiësto at a Sunday party hosted by Playboy model and former Playmate of the Year, Sara Underwood. Tickets are $50-$100.
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Thursday-Sunday: "Disney on Ice" at Thomas & Mack
Join the celebration at the Thomas & Mack as 65 of Disney's best-loved characters from 18 of its memorable stories come to life in "Disney on Ice." Celebrate “100 Years of Magic” with characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and many Disney princesses. Tickets are $10-$50 and performances are at 7 p.m. on April 19 and 20; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on April 21; 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on April 22.
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Friday: Crosby, Stills & Nash at the Joint
Crosby, Stills and Nash will be performing live at the Joint at the Hard Rock. The folk rock trio has been cranking out hits for the past four decades with songs like "Wooden Ships," "Southern Cross" and "Teach Your Children." Prices are $41-$121 and the show starts at 8 p.m.
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Saturday: Mad Mud Run at Providence
If you’re not afraid to get a little dirty this weekend, head to Knickerbocker Park in the Providence neighborhood (10695 W. Dorrell Lane) for the Mad Mud Run and the Mud Puppy Splash for children. The Mad Mud Run is a muddy 4.6-mile run/obstacle course that helps support Spread the Word Nevada, a local charity that collects books for Clark County students in need. The Mud Puppy Splash is open to the first 200 children ages 4-12 and costs $15 per child. Tickets for the adult race are $60 and the mandatory pre-race meeting begins at 9:45 a.m.
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Saturday: Cleveland Orchestra at the Smith Center
Under the leadership of Music Director Franz Welser-Möst, the Cleveland Orchestra has become one of the most sought-after performing ensembles in the world. Founded in 1918, the Orchestra continues a nearly century-long legacy of excellence. With performances across the world and an acclaimed residency in Miami, the Orchestra will be making a special stop in Las Vegas at the Smith Center. Tickets are $39-$129 and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
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Saturday: Festival of Communities at UNLV
UNLV will host the Festival of Communities, a celebration of the cultural diversity of UNLV and the unique aspects of life in the Las Vegas Valley. This year's event will feature more than 100 live musical and dance performances, international food booths, kid-friendly activities, craft and gardening exhibits, tips on green living, a farmers market and a research symposium displaying undergraduate research and creative activities. The event is free and runs from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
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Saturday: Pure Aloha Festival at the Silverton
The Silverton presents the 11th Annual Pure Aloha Festival running all weekend April 19-22 outside at the Silverton parking lot. The two-fold event features a Hawaiian festival and comedy/concert series. Pure Aloha features more than 100 island craft and merchandise booths, authentic food vendors and amusement rides. Enjoy music and comedy from groups like Augie T, Mahi, Katchafire, Rebel Souljahz and Haleamano. Admission is $5-$7 and the event runs 4-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.
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Saturday: Pet-a-Palooza at Sam Boyd Stadium
Don’t worry about “no pets allowed” signs at Sam Boyd Stadium this weekend; it’s time for Pet-a-Palooza. Pet stores, boutiques, groomers, sitters, trainers, vets, and other vendors will be on hand to showcase their products and services. More than 45 nonprofit animal rescue groups will be on-site for animal adoptions. Enjoy entertainment by Matt Nathanson, Kris Allen, Megan and Liz, Graffiti 6 and Haley Reinhart. Adult tickets are $8 and children 3 and under are free. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
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Saturday: Great Festival of Beer at Tivoli Village
Tivoli Village hosts the second annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer. The ticket cost includes admission, a tasting glass and samples of beers from more than 40 breweries. Food will be available for purchase from local restaurants. A portion of the proceeds goes to benefit Las Vegas-area nonprofits. Tickets range from $27-$47 and designated driver tickets are $15. The event runs from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
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Sunday: Best in Show at Orleans Arena
If you’re still up for some pet-friendly fun, head to the Orleans Arena for the Animal Foundation's Best in Show fundraiser event. The American Kennel Club-style dog show will feature over 50 contestants from the Animal Foundation's shelter and is hosted by Flamingo headliner Nathan Burton. Competition is held in several categories and the victor is crowned through audience participation, so be sure to cheer hard for your favorite. All dogs are available for adoption immediately following the show. Tickets are $5-$12 and the event begins at 1 p.m.
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