Your Guide to October Residencies, Concerts and Music Festivals in Las Vegas

^{The When We Were Young festival, now in its fourth year at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, features dozens of hard-rockin’ emo-pop-punk bands. (Photo: When We Were Young / Facebook)}

October is a busy month for music fans in Las Vegas. Outdoor festival season shifts into high gear now that high temperatures will be manageable, ranging between the high 70s and 90s, according to AccuWeather.

Residencies and limited engagements offer a variety of music styles as usual. Visitors can enjoy everything from yesterday's hits to today’s EDM.

National tours will make stops at major arenas throughout the month, with one massive concert at Allegiant Stadium. This is the busiest time in Las Vegas for concerts and festivals in several months, so let’s get to it.

Residencies and Limited Engagements

Residencies and limited engagements this month feature a mix of new and familiar faces. While Alanis Morissette starts a new residency at Caesars Palace, performers like the Eagles, Tears for Fears and Motley Crue return for another run of exclusive performances that only take place in Las Vegas.

Lionel Richie has a doubleheader at Wynn this month. First, he will have a conversation (no concert) about his new book, “Truly,” with Sebastian Maniscalco. Later in the month, he will return to the casino for six shows as part of his multi-year residency.

• Motley Crue at Park MGM: October 1, 3
• Rod Stewart at Caesars Palace: Oct. 1, 3, 4 
• The Beach Boys at The Venetian: Oct. 1, 3, 4
• "Truly" - Book Tour: In Conversation with Lionel Richie (No performance, an intimate conversation with Sebastian Maniscalco) at Wynn: Oct. 2
• Thomas Rhett at Fontainebleau: Oct. 3, 4
• The Eagles at The Sphere: Oct. 3, 4, 10, 11, 31
• Barry Manilow at Westgate: Oct. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18
• Air Supply at Westgate: Oct. 3, 4
• Earth, Wind & Fire at The Venetian: Oct. 10, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25
• Alanis Morissette at Caesars Palace: Oct. 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25
• Lionel Richie at Wynn: Oct. 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25
• Tesla at Mandalay Bay: Oct. 17, 18, 22, 24, 25
• Insomniac x Tomorrowland – UNITY at The Sphere: Oct. 17, 18
• Tears For Fears at Fontainebleau: Oct. 22, 24, 25
• Jackson Browne at The Venetian: Oct. 31

Lookahead: Jackson Brown’s limited engagement continues into November. The first show is already sold out.

October Music Festivals in Las Vegas

Cooler temperatures this month in Las Vegas mean it’s time to enjoy the fresh air once again. The three music festivals in the city fall on different weekends, while the one just outside of town will give visitors an option for outdoor entertainment at the start of the month.

The Reggae Rise Up Music Festival takes place at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, across from The D, from Oct. 3 to 5. While the festival features mostly reggae artists such as Slightly Stoopid and Dirty Heads, there is also an old-school hip-hop element. Public Enemy will have a full set, while E-40 and Too Short will make special appearances. Visit Reggae Rise Up for the full lineup and ticket information.

The Rise Festival takes place the same weekend, Oct. 3 to 5. This is the 10th year of the world’s largest lantern festival, which takes place in the Mojave Desert. Entertainment programming for the event is expanding this year, with Calvin Harris, Disclosure and John Mayer among the headliners. This is unlike any other music festival you will find in Las Vegas. Visit the Rise Festival website for more performers and details.

Best Friends Forever returns to the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center from Oct. 11 to 13. This festival revolves around emo and indie legends from the 1990s and early 2000s. Headliners include Jimmy Eat World, Minus the Bear and Jawbreaker. Arrive early so as not to miss bands that rarely tour. Visit Best Friends Forever for the full lineup, travel packages and more.

The When We Were Young Festival takes place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, across from the Sahara, on Oct. 19 and 20. This festival leans on the popular side of emo and punk with a stacked lineup both days and nights. Blink-182, Panic! at the Disco, Weezer and the Offspring are among the biggest names. Visit the festival's website for ticket information and the complete lineup.

Lookahead: The FREE Neon City Music Festival returns to downtown Las Vegas Nov. 21 to 23 with a much stronger lineup than its debut last year.

National Tours In Las Vegas

As usual, there is a variety of performers in the national tours making stops in Las Vegas in October. Classic rock, rap, indie rock and pop are all represented at three of the city’s largest venues this month.

• Paul McCartney at Allegiant Stadium: Oct 4
• Hozier at T-Mobile Arena: Oct. 5
• Stevie Nicks at T-Mobile Arena: Oct. 11
• Lorde at MGM Grand: Oct. 17
• Playboi Carti at MGM Grand: Oct. 18