Viva Las Vegas for my 50th birthday?!

Well my wife asked me what I wanted to do for my 50th birthday. I'm the kind of person that only has a few close friends and I definitely don't want a big party. So for the first time in a long time, I thought what would "I really want to do...?" Traditional Car show!!!

Needless to say, there are not a lot (well, none) of car shows here in Iowa at the end March (27th to be exact). So I punched the date into google and the first thing that comes back is Viva Las Vegas March 28th - 30th. My wife loves Vegas so I'm thinking this might be perfect.

So here's my question.... After researching the show a little bit, I'm concerned this might be a "counter culture" show. Is this somewhere that a 50 year old dude (that still thinks he's 18 when he's driving his car) will fit in? I'm more concerned about my wife who is not a "car" person. I typically go to shows with my car buddies.

Any insight to the show, the atmosphere, what it's about, where to stay, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Any other shows out there on that weekend? I'm willing to fly just about anywhere, you only turn half a century once!

Stevie

 

The car show is great. Plenty of great cars in the show amongst the RATS. Lots of stuff to see and do at the event. You can stay at the Gold Coast cuz I think the Orleans is already sold out. I like to stay at the rio because they're suites are bigger and it's less crowded during the car show weekend. You'll love it if you like great music and cars. There is a lot of younger crowd but its fun for all ages and even for those who aren't so much into cars. IMO

 

From all the past post on the Hamb it's probably not going to appeal to your wife,,I don't doubt there are other guys in their 50's that attend and probably is a lot of fun.

It does come across as a party atmosphere.,,having never been there it's just a observation on my part. HRP

 

Is it shorts weather that time of year in Vegas?

 

Shorts? YES! 50 yr.olds? YES! Lots of em. Fun for your wife? HELL YES! I got married at Viva at 49. So great, man.

 

yes it gets pretty warm during the day. someitmes it sprinkles a bit at night so you'll need warm clothes also.
it is a big party atmosphere and a lot of young people but the car show itself has no age limit. there are lots of diff age people there having a blast so i dont wee why you wouldnt enjoy it or your wife for that matter

 

great show been there plenty of times.

 

nothing wrong with a party atmosphere to celebrate a 50th birthday right?..hell there is cars music and more cars..damn son go for it!

 

Gutted ::::: we booked 17 blokes on my 50th birthday pissup for 18th march we go home when this starts, never mind we will still have fun , any tips on thing to do ?,

 

Viva is a great time. My wife and I went for the first time last year and we are heading back this year. I'm 52 and wife is 48, she loves it. The music is outstanding and the car show does have some nice rods mixed in with some not so nice stuff. It is a big party that lasts four day. You'll enjoy your 50th.

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=687931&highlight=hot+rodding+to+viva

I went for the first time last year & when I got back I told her she's going with me next year & she's gonna dig it. She'll get to play dress-up, 50's style, the whole vegas get a 50's vibe. There's 50's people everywhere. The Orleans has like square dancing & other 50's/chick stuff.

 

You will not be disappointed!

 

Delay it a week & go to Austin for the Lone Stone Roundup in Texas

 

I took my wife, who is not a "Bettie" or "Rockasilly" and we both had a good time.
Certainly not a traditional car show but the cars are not even half of it.
Music is great, dancing great, Foods great, some really nice cars, but some junk you will just shake your head at.
If we have a good time there, anyone can.
We did Route 66 to VLV and back to Roundup.

 

Any other comments out there? How far is the show from the strip? Any other good places to stay with easy access to the show? Does the new monorail get you close?

 

Go for it! Doesnt matter how old you are or how young you feel, youll have a great time.

 

the wife and I been twice now and we love it, we are rockabilly folks so its right up our ally. we stay at the rio which is a few blocks away. If you two are into music and dancing you guys should go. The strip is not with in walking distance but a short cab ride away. The car show is cool and on Sunday is a pool party with the Hula Girls. a great little band. So yes go drink like a 18 year old and dance all night. Hell get a tattoo while your at it, it Vegas.

 

Is there a lot of tattoo artists set up at the event? I really want to get some flames on my arm...

 

no not at viva and I would recomend staying away from the shops in the casinos and the strip. your going to pay 3 times more.

 

My wife is not a car person but she likes people watching. It's one of the best shows to people watch. While we were there, we also renewed our vows at the Graceland Chapel with "Elvis". It was so much fun, I should have done that with our original vows.

 

haha your not the only one brother, we got hitch at viva 2009 and renewed them at last years viva las vegas 2012. What was I thinking.

 

My brother and I went in 06, and have to agree it's a great show for people watching, although the car show was pretty good too.

 

Another question... Is there music all around the place? I see a music pass, a car show pass, all inclusive pass looks pretty expensive. Any suggestions?

 

Say hi to my friends if you see them!

 

There is live music at the car show all day on Saturday. I think you and your wife will have a great time. If you want to go dancing and hear the perfomances inside you will need a arm band for Thursday thru Sunday.
I am lucky to live in Las Vegas and go every year. I have done both entries and perfer just doing the show
PM me if you want more info on Vegas or questions.

 

Like the ones on your HAMB, errr there are none.

 

great show. i usually stay at the rio, much better room prices and not to far. we just walk to the goldcaost across the street and a shuttle will take you there free of charge or you can catch a cab there if you don't wanna wait. its like 10 bucks from the rio to the orleans at at least the last time i was there.
its not so much of a car show as much as it is more of a all things rockabilly event. great show to go to at least once. then you will prob go back anyways lol

 

Yes, the measure of a man is friends on his HAMB account. You got me good! You should send me another PM telling me how cool you are again.

 

If you are going you better per-register,,a 4 day ticket is $115 bucks ,,late entry is 150 Bones! HRP