It’s almost that time of year again when hundreds of slot fans descend upon downtown Las Vegas for an extended weekend of all things gambling. These slot fanatics, myself included, make the pilgrimage to Rudies Weekend every year to celebrate their love for the game and appreciate the community that has been built around the chance of hitting it big.
Once again, The Plaza Hotel & Casino is playing host to the event, rolling out excellent customer service paired with their iconic backdrops like the patio at Oscar’s or pool deck- both overlooking Main Street and straight down Fremont Street.
If you don’t have your ticket yet, now is the time! Tickets are on sale now for the four day event and give you access to a full schedule. Rudies will enjoy “cash-prize gaming, exclusive tournaments, refined dining” and plenty of time to gamble with fellow players and Brian (plus his team!).
What to Wear
Brian and his team have made suggestions for what to wear on each day during official Rudie events. We’ll put the suggested attire below, but don’t worry if you don’t have merch! Everyone that registers for the event will be given the Rudies Weekend 2026 Souvenir Tee. Plus, although I make sure to pay attention to what I could be wearing to match the group, I tend to just wear my favorites (I’d Rather Be Gambling) or a Vegas themed shirt I have on hand. If there is one event that I would highly suggest following the attire suggestion, at least loosely, however, is the signature party.
Every Rudies Weekend there is a signature party that follows the theme of the year. 2026 marks “10 dazzling years” of all things BC Slots and the big event of the weekend will be a formal Diamond Jubilee Gala. This is in sharp juxtaposition to last year’s carnival theme and I am here for it!
I am always one for dressing up and partaking in a theme. Last year I dressed up as a lion, but there is something about getting spiffy that is truly magical – especially when it is with your friends.
It is totally up to you as to how you want to approach the theme, some Rudies go all out while others opt to go more casual, yet still on theme, route. For what it’s worth, I plan on treating this like the prom I never had (one I enjoyed) – I will be wearing a big ole dress, maybe a crown, but definitely heels that make me even taller.
Pro tip: It’s OK if you slightly judge me on this one, one of my favorite things to do during Rudies Weekend is gambling in my comfy lounge outfits, slippers included. I stay at The Plaza, which means I can be from my room to The Rudie action within four minutes. There is something about gambling in your slippers with a group of people you know that is truly next level relaxation.
Attire Suggestions
- Thursday: Lucky
- Friday Slot Tournament: I Heart Slots
- Friday Mega Legacy Group Pull: Rudies Weekend 2026 Souvenir Tee
- Saturday Brunch: Garden Party (not a BC shirt!)
- Saturday Legendary Cocktail Party: Rude (this event is for Rudies of 2+ years)
- Saturday Diamond Jubilee Gala: Roaring ’20s formal. Think black, gold, emerald, burgundy, and tons of sparkle.
- Sunday Final Toast: 10 Years of BC
Reservations
Depending on what type of food you’re after, you might want to start looking into reservations now. This is especially true if you are staying downtown and want to eat at Oscar’s or some other smaller venues like Top of Binions.
A more casual option that you can snag options at is Pizza Rock, located within walking distance of Plaza. If you’re open to walking, you can hoof it down to The Arts District within 10 minutes. Most of the walk is under the Fremont Street canopy before it opens up by El Cortez.
Steaks: If you perked up reading Oscar’s or Top of Binions, this list of steakhouses is for you! I compiled my favorite spots across the city. Happy reservation hunting!
Plan Your Schedule
If you’re anything like me, you will touch down in Vegas and immediately beeline to the nearest slot machine. Before you get distracted by all the pretty machines, plan a quick “hit list” for what you want to cover beyond the slot floor.
I highly recommend keeping the schedule fluid, start off by making a short list of what you might be interested in. There are unique museums to explore including The National Atomic Museum and Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum. If museums aren’t your thing, there are even more things to explore including shows, outdoor adventures, and a variety of free experiences like Seven Magic Mountains.
Museums: This is my list of favorite, sometimes more educational, museums to explore. You can opt to buy tickets in advance or on the day you visit.
Non-Gaming: Check out this roundup of activities that don’t involve gambling or museums.
After you make your short list, see what you can fit in based around the pre-planned Rudies Weekend events. You can see times and locations here.
As for me? I am a big proponent of staying downtown because I like to be able to meander around to a bunch of different casinos and hit up the Dunkin at least twice a day. Plus, The Arts District is right down the street if I wanted to take a break from trying my luck and hang out at an eclectic bar (Davy’s is my favorite!) or hunt vintage items.
See you May 21 for Rudies Weekend 2026!
I THINK 5Guys is taking over the Pizza place.