Sahara’s New Pool Concert Series Brings '90s Jams, New Wave, and Yacht Rock to the Strip

^{The Pool at Sahara will host a new summer concert series beginning in late May (Photo: Sahara on Facebook)}

Sahara Las Vegas has launched a summer concert series at The Pool earlier this year. The shows mostly feature rock bands from the '90s. There's also a national tour featuring bands from the 1980s, along with a Yacht Rock group that performs around town pretty regularly.

Poolside concerts in Las Vegas have been a growing trend at off-Strip casinos over the past few years. Durango Casino, Green Valley Ranch, M Resort and Red Rock Casino are just a few of the options.

Since Sahara returned to its roots and original name after a short-lived run as SLS Las Vegas, it has been reimagining the pool. It’s gone through different names and concepts and is currently known as The Pool. 

Sahara and The Pool have become a value destination for sports fans looking to watch big games outdoors. Now it's offering tickets for concerts with well-known bands on the Vegas Strip for prices starting under $50. The most expensive show is the Totally Tubular Festival with seven bands for $62.50.

Poolside Concerts Can be a Magical Experience

Poolside concerts on a warm summer night in Las Vegas can be magical. Two of my first concerts in Las Vegas were by the pool.

I'll never forget either of them for very different reasons. In fact, I still get goosebumps thinking about them.

When I moved to Las Vegas, Red Rock was the closest casino. I visited almost daily, and one night I ended up at the pop-rock band Lifehouse's poolside concert after hitting my first Royal Flush after moving here. Every time I hear the band on the radio while driving, I think about that night. 

Later that year, I got emotional watching Queens of the Stone Age at the Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan. The band shredded, and the view of the Vegas Strip from the rooftop made me incredibly happy that I had chosen this as my new home. 

Both were great experiences. The energy of a warm summer night in Las Vegas with music, drinks and friends can’t be matched.

Sahara might deliver a similar experience with an intimate concert for fewer than 2,000 guests.

Sahara Poolside Concert Series

The Summer Pool Concert Series at Sahara kicks off May 23 with Yachtly Crew. The group has performed at multiple Las Vegas casinos playing covers of bands like Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Toto and more.

After a night of yacht rock, the throws move to more nationally known bands. Doors open for all poolside concerts at 7:30 p.m.

• May 30: Gin Blossoms
• June 13: Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmakers
• June 20: Sugar Ray
• July 4: Smashmouth

Unless more concerts are added, the series will end July 25 with the Totally Tubular Festival. This national touring festival features the following new wave bands:

• Thomas Dolby & The Lost Toy People
• A Flock of Seagulls
• The Escapte Club
• Tommy Tutone
• The Motels
• The Producers
• Animotion

Aside from the concerts, The Pool offers something for everyone depending on the time of year. Every Saturday  beginning May 23, is the Elevate Pride Pool Party supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.

Sports fans can expect to watch some of the biggest games on the huge 240-foot LED screen. The prices for watch parties for the Super Bowl and March Madness are among the best on the Strip.

Entry to The Pool is free for all hotel guests and locals ages 21 and older with a valid ID.

Outside food and beverages aren't permitted at the pool, so you'll need to purchase drinks on-site rather than taking advantage of Casbar's 8-9 p.m. BOGO beer, wine or well drink specials and bringing them into the show.