10 Reasons to Visit the Best Gay Party in Vegas

It’s no secret that Sin City is one of the party capitals of the United States. It’s been a swinging town since the Flamingo first popped up in 1946. It’s been a gay mecca since at least 1977, when Kenny Kerr starred in ‘Boylesque’ at the Silver Slipper - a drag show that took the town by storm. 

Today, it’s as loved by LGBT visitors as their hetero The Hangover-loving counterparts, and for good reason: you’ve got Britney, you’ve got Celine, there’s J Lo, and when you’re ready for a bit extra, you’ve got the Thunder from Down Under.

But nothing quite captures the cutting edge of the Vegas gay scene like Temptation Sundays at the Luxor. It’s a gay pool party that attracts some of the best-looking boys in town and beyond, and it’s the kind of sun-soaked, shirtless event you won’t want to miss if you’re anywhere near the strip. Not convinced? Let us break it down.

1. It’s got a pedigree

At least by Las Vegas standards — in a city where change is a constant, the party at Luxor is now entering its seventh year. If that seems short, remember this is the town that saw one of Jay-Z’s clubs rise and fall within the space of a single year. Temptation, on the other hand, has attracted a crowd of able-bodied guys since it launched in 2010.

2. It’s a cheap ticket

All it takes is $20 to make it to the pool ($10 if you’re a local, Luxor guest, or military member) and after that, the opportunities are endless. Grab a frozen drink, set yourself up in a cabana, or take a dip and cool off from all that dry Vegas heat. Once you’re through the doors, there’s no telling what (or who) you might see.

3. Their host is the most

Every Sunday event is emcee’d by J.Son (that’s J-Dot-Son, for the uninitiated) the handsome, hard-working, and endlessly likable guy behind Naked Boy News. No, he doesn’t run that kind of website, but he is an international globe-trotter, celeb favorite, and media darling who’ll make sure every party is one to remember. That, and his baby blues don’t hurt either.

4. The beats will drop

And how could they not, when you see the line-up of stellar spinners slated to choose the jams over the course of the season. Resident DJ Matt Lucio is already a standout for his unique style and ability to read a crowd, and when he’s not in charge, look to guys like DJ Morningstar (a WeHo fixture) and DJ Casey Alva (who’s worked with everyone from Cher to stand-outs from Ru-Paul’s Drag Race) to keep the music going.

5. Red-letter days

You can count on every Sunday being memorable, but certain events will take it to the next level. Temptation’s opening party (May 15) sets the stage for a season of poolside fun, but keep in mind that’s just the opening salvo — EDC Weekend, the Tempter Fashion Show, and the 7-year anniversary party, aptly named Seventh Heaven, will make those days twice as memorable.

6. Prime real estate

There are no bad seats at the Luxor pool, but if you're looking for a place to call your own, VIP chairs, daybeds and cabanas can be rented for a small fee (cabana boy not included, but feel free to bring your own…)

7. Eye candy

It's a handsome crowd at Temptation Sundays, but sometimes it takes a little motivation to get those bodies moving. That's where the go-go boys come in. Every week there's a team of rhythmically gifted (and exceptionally toned) young guys to get the party started.

8. Go ahead, drink up

Whatever your poison, it's likely stocked at the pool bar here, served frozen, straight up, or on the rocks. There's no shame in day-drinking, especially when there are plenty of drink specials to make buying a round that much easier.

9. You can do it in groups

You don't have to fly solo here - Temptation Sundays plays host to some major LGBT organizations, including the Big Gay Men’s Organization, Las Vegas Pride, and Aid for Aids of Nevada. What better way to enjoy some team bonding?

10. You already came out, why not stay out?

Listen — we all know Vegas offers more fun than you could fit in 20 trips. But most of that happens on the gambling floor, or in the darkened seats of a theater. A pool party, on the other hand? It's one of the rare chances you'll get to soak up the sun while also enjoying the sights.