Weekend best bets: Clippers vs. Nuggets, ‘Sister Act’ and Jeff Beck and Brian Wilson

Brian Jones/Las Vegas News Bureau

DeAndre Jordan and the L.A. Clippers are back in Las Vegas on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013.

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013 | 6 p.m.

The weekend has arrived at last, and with it comes a slate of tantalizing food festivals, top-tier sports bouts and a couple of rock and roll greats.

Here’s a look at our weekend best bets:

TVT

Tonight: Taste of the Nation at the Palms

Top chefs from Strip eateries, including Andrea’s at Encore, N9NE at the Palms, and Fleur at Mandalay Bay cook for a cause tonight at the 21st annual Taste of the Nation culinary fundraiser at Rain in the Palms. The event offers an array of choice food and drinks to benefit v, a nonprofit combating childhood hunger in Las Vegas and nationwide, and also includes live and silent auctions. Tickets are $100 for general admission and $125 for VIP and may be purchased by calling 877-26-TASTE or visiting TasteoftheNation.org. The event is from 7-9 p.m.
Joan Marcus

Tonight-Sunday: ‘Sister Act’ at Smith Center

Smith Center welcomes Broadway’s rendition of the musical-comedy classic to Reynolds Hall through Sunday featuring original music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken. The theatrical rendition of the hit 1993 Whoopi Goldberg film tells the story of wannabe diva Deloris Van Cartier, who who must go into hiding in a convent after witnessing a crime. Tickets are $26 to $129. Showtimes vary.
Leila Navidi

Friday-Sunday: Las Vegas Foodie Fest at the Silverton

If one food festival isn’t enough for you this weekend, you can get your culinary fix from more than 40 eateries posting up shop in the Silverton parking lot, including White Castle, Buttermilk Truck, BaconMania and Sausage Fest. Entry times vary. Tickets are $5 to $50.
Dan Harr/Invision / AP

Saturday: Brian Wilson and Jeff Beck at the Palms

It’s two rock 'n' roll legends for the price of one Saturday at Pearl at the Palms. The Beach Boys and Yardbirds masterminds will perform separate sets, but rumor has it there are a few collaborative surprises in store. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $69 to $129.
Brian Jones/Las Vegas News Bureau

Saturday: Clippers vs. Nuggets at Mandalay Bay

The big leagues return to Las Vegas this weekend with a Western Conference face-off at Mandalay Bay Events Center between the Denver Nuggets and the L.A. Clippers, the latter of whom features former UNLV player Lou Amundson. Tickets are $15 to $750. The game starts at 7:30 p.m.
Sun File

Saturday: Boulder City Zombie Walk

Don your finest undead garb and hit the streets of Boulder City for the third annual Zombie Walk to benefit the Nevada Veterans Assistance League. Stop by Boulder Dam Brewing Company to get your makeup before the ghoulish march gets underway at 7 p.m., complete with live music and a raffle. A $5 donation is requested to participate.