Dust off your walkmans and break out your low-waisted jeans: Lovers & Friends is about to take you back to the early 00s. Legends of hip-hop will blare at you across four stages for 13 hours — if you can stand the late Spring Nevada heat, that is.
The previously weekend-long festival has been condensed this year into just a single day, though the lineup remains just as robust. At the top of the bill are headliners like Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stefani alongside Backstreet Boys, Nelly Furtado, Nas, Ludacris and Ja Rule.
In the past, there have been issues with the execution of fest. Two years ago water station malfunctions led to many thirsty people, while “cooling buses” experienced long queues to gain entry (organizers ended up lifting rules on day two to allow for outside water bottles and umbrellas to be allowed in). In 2022, some attendees reported hearing gunshots before the last few sets, leading to a stampede for the exits and several tramplings and hospitalizations; it turned out to be a false alarm. Last year, it seems, ran more smoothly from the start.
The Specs
- 60,000 expected to attend.
- Bad news is that all ticket tiers are currently sold out. Good news? You can join the waitlist here.
- Starting from scratch on your itinerary? Take a look at Fifty Grande’s guide to Las Vegas
FAQs
What is the closest airport to Lovers & Friends?
Fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and grab a cab the 6.5 miles to the venue. From the Las Vegas Strip, the Fairgrounds are a 15-30 minute walk.
Where’s the venue?
Las Vegas Festival Grounds, 311 W Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89102
I’m driving. Where can I park?
There’s no parking on site for Lovers & Friends. The festival grounds will only be accessible by foot, Las Vegas Monorail or by rideshare dropoff.
What’s the bag policy like?
No backpacks or purses will be allowed in. Only bags smaller than 6” x 9” and clear bags under 12” x 6” x 12” will be allowed in.
How can I pay for stuff inside the Fairgrounds?
Lovers & Friends is a cashless event, so be prepared to pay for food, beverages and merch with plastic. You can also add your card to a digital wallet ahead of time to pay with a mobile device.
Which artists will I see at Lovers & Friends?
Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Backstreet Boys, Nelly Furtado, Nas, Usher, Ludacris, Ja Rule, Ciara, Nelly, Ashanti, TLC, Akon, Ne-Yo, T-Pain, M.I.A., Timbaland, Keyshia Cole, Brandy, Monica, Eve, Jodeci, Kelly Rowland, Craig David, Sean Paul, 6lack, Fabolous, Robin Thicke, 98 Degrees, Tyrese, Majid Jordan, Method Man & Redman, Rick Ross, Jeezy, Fat Joe, T.I., E-40, SWV, XSCAPE, Tank, Jeremih, Pretty Ricky, Ginuwine, Mario, Jojo, Mya, Kelis, Lloyd, Dru Hill, Keri Hilson, Lupe Fiasco, Too $hort, Cam’ron, Twista, Juvenile, Paul Wall, Trina, Ying Yang Twins, David Banner, Lil Flip, Plies, Mims, Tweet, Next, Lumidee, Nina Sky, Total Blaque, 702, Amerie, Paula Deanda, Jon B, 112, J Holiday, J-Kwon and Iyaz.
Poster
