When AREA15 opened in 2020, it figuratively—and literally—changed the Las Vegas landscape when it came to immersive arts and entertainment. The multiple building complex offers unique family-friendly and adults-only experiences, and it’s Noah Kessler’s job as the head of events and entertainment to keep its wondrous and successful reputation going. Kessler recently spoke with Las Vegas Magazine’s Kiko Miyasato about what makes AREA15 so truly special and what visitors can look forward to as the year closes and a new year begins.
How do you decide what type of entertainment comes to AREA15?
AREA15 offers a robust and ever-changing lineup of entertainment, from concerts to top-tier nightlife to immersive art and original productions. We’re really focused on booking a diverse program; and we’re really just getting started. Booking multiple musical genres, everything from electronic music to hip-hop, rock ’n’ roll, country and LGBTQ programming, (we) really try to diversify and offer something for everybody. We aim to program stuff that’s different than what’s typically offered on the Strip or downtown. We’re always looking to book uplifting programs; things that bring people together.
What are some of your favorite spots inside AREA15?
I love Omega Mart, it’s just totally radical and next level. I like Museum Fiasco a lot, it’s a very sensorial experience; it feels really good in there.
Anything you can share that’s upcoming?
Looking forward to our New Year’s Eve programming—we’re going to do a complete building takeover. You buy a ticket, and you have access to all the different spaces including Omega Mart. We’re going to have music programming in Oddwood, The Portal, A-Lot. In the building, we’re going to have electronic, base, house and some disco and top 40, and in A-Lot, it’ll be more base-focused. We also have our AREA15 “massives,” formerly known as themed parties. We’re looking to do six of them throughout next year that combine music, art, performance, experience and connection to give our guests an unforgettable night—we encourage people to come dressed up so they can go from spectator to participant.
We really create whole immersive worlds. We also have a few standout artists booked for 2023: Ganja White Night, Big Gigantic as well as Little Miss Nasty, a burlesque show inside The Portal in January, February and March. We also have a lot of new food and beverage outlets coming next year.
Are you surprised at how massively successful AREA15 has become?
Yes, I think it was a surprise to everyone. I feel like we’re really changing the game, and I think a lot of the people on the Strip are looking to what AREA15 is doing next. I think we’re a trendsetter, hyper-relevant with the content and the music we’re bringing in. AREA15 really provides a place where people can explore their imagination. It gives a sense of hope. It’s all about connection—people are looking for that in this day and age. It’s a lot of fun; we seek fun during a heavy time in the world. It’s a reprieve and good experience and a place to go and find hope and creativity. I think people leave with their eyes opened a little wider and brighter.
3215 S. Rancho Drive, area15.com
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