How do Las Vegas residents spend their summer, besides trying to stay out of the triple digit heat? One of the most popular annual traditions is a visit to the Spring Mountain Ranch, to enjoy live theater under the stars.

The Ranch is located 15 miles west of Las Vegas in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It’s a 520-acre desert oasis, once owned by Howard Hughes, which is worth a summertime visit even when there’s not a show scheduled. In fact, it’s one of the most picturesque places to escape the summer scorch, as the area is usually 10 degrees cooler than the city.

But if you’re going to make the trip you might as well see a great show as well. You’ll head out to a lovely meadow where seating is first come first serve (bring your own chairs if you’ve got them, otherwise a blanket on the grass will suffice). Or you can rent chairs there for the princely sum of a buck apiece. Food is available at the concession stand – nothing fancy, just hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, ice cream and soft drinks.

The 2014 show schedule opens with Spamalot, the uproarious musical based on the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Next up is another historic farce, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, one of the first triumphs for Broadway legend Steven Sondheim. Shrek the Musical checks in next, followed by the classic play Arsenic and Old Lace.

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Highway 159
Blue Diamond, Nevada
702-594-7529
Super Summer Theatre

Spamalot
June 11-14, 18-21, 25-28
8:05PM

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
July 9-12, 16-19, 23-16
8:05PM

Shrek the Musical
August 6-9, 13-16, 20-23
8:05PM

Arsenic and Old Lace
September 4-6, 11-13, 18-20
7:05PM