Evening one
Saturday 7 AugustAfter the show floor closes: dinner and a short evening outing.
- EveningCirque du Soleil show
- EatIn-N-Out Burger
Black Hat and DEF CON 2027: what to do in Las Vegas after hours
7 to 14 August 2027 · ExpectedLas Vegas, United States
Black Hat and DEF CON keeps attendees on the show floor all day and leaves the evenings, the day after and partners' days free. This guide covers dinners that need booking, evening outings, a companion day and the day after in Las Vegas.
Know before you go
- Black Hat runs first, DEF CON follows at the end of the week. August heat is extreme.
Airport to Mandalay Bay and the Las Vegas Convention Center
Harry Reid International (LAS) is 10 minutes from the Strip. Rideshare is about $25 to $35; taxis use zone fares.
Strip resorts and LVCC.
Public transport directions to Mandalay Bay and the Las Vegas Convention Center
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Downtown and Fremont Street | Cheapest rooms, 15 minutes from the Strip by the Deuce bus. |
| Mid-range | Center Strip (Flamingo Road) | Walk to most venues, many resort fees. |
| Splurge | Wynn, Bellagio and the Cosmopolitan | The top resorts. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: The LINQ Hotel
- Mid-range: Park MGM
- Splurge: Wynn Las Vegas
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual show week schedule for 7 to 14 August 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Evening two
Sunday 8 AugustTeam dinner night. Book early: every group in town wants the same tables.
- EatEataly
- After darkFremont East bars.
Companion day
Sunday 8 AugustFor partners who came along and do not have a badge.
- Full dayGrand Canyon West with Skywalk
The day after the show
Sunday 15 AugustPush the flight back a day. A full free day costs little and the city empties out.
- Half-dayValley of Fire tour
- EatEsther's Kitchen
- FreeWelcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.
Team outing
For corporate groups of 10 to 40: private tours and tastings book out first.
Family-friendly picks
- Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.
- Adventuredome at Circus Circus.
- Springs Preserve.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Rooftop bars and clubs on the Strip.
- Fremont East bars.
Ten tours worth booking for Black Hat and DEF CON
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Valley of Fire tour | Half day | Families |
| Indoor skydiving | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Grand Canyon West with Skywalk | Full day | Families |
| Grand Canyon helicopter flight | Half day | Everyone |
| Hoover Dam tour | Half day | Families |
| Red Rock Canyon hike or e-bike | Half day | Families |
| Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend | Full day | Everyone |
| Cirque du Soleil show | Evening | Night owls, Bad weather, Families |
| Las Vegas helicopter night flight | Evening | Night owls |
| Food tour on the Strip | Evening | Food lovers, Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Neon Museum.
- Mob Museum.
- AREA15 and Meow Wolf.
Getting around on event days
- The Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip; the Deuce bus runs 24 hours.
- Walking the Strip takes longer than it looks: resorts are huge.
Day trips from Las Vegas
- Hoover Dam: 45 minutes
- Red Rock Canyon: 30 minutes
- Grand Canyon West: 2.5 hours
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Black Hat and DEF CON.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Black Hat and DEF CON 2027?
The next edition is 7 to 14 August 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Mandalay Bay and the Las Vegas Convention Center?
Harry Reid International (LAS) is 10 minutes from the Strip. Rideshare is about $25 to $35; taxis use zone fares. Strip resorts and LVCC.
Where should I stay for Black Hat and DEF CON?
For most visitors the best base is Center Strip (Flamingo Road): Walk to most venues, many resort fees.
What can we do between sessions at Black Hat and DEF CON?
Good short outings in Las Vegas include Grand Canyon helicopter flight, Hoover Dam tour, Red Rock Canyon hike or e-bike. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Black Hat and DEF CON?
Family-friendly picks: Grand Canyon West with Skywalk, Hoover Dam tour, Red Rock Canyon hike or e-bike. Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.
How far is Mandalay Bay and the Las Vegas Convention Center from Las Vegas centre?
About 3 km in a straight line. Strip resorts and LVCC.
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