Las Vegas, the undisputed nightclub capital of the world, offers an unparalleled party experience. With its endless array of high-end restaurants, world-class casinos, and mega-clubs, the city caters to every partygoer’s desire. Every weekend, dance music enthusiasts flock to Las Vegas to catch top DJs and experience cutting-edge production. The sheer number of nightclubs can make it challenging to choose, but the clubs from Fontainebleau Las Vegas stand out in an extravagant way. Since opening in December of 2023, LIV Beach and LIV Las Vegas have become prime staples of the strip, with A list residencies from DJ’s such as John Summit, Tiësto, Calvin Harris, Dom Dolla, Metro Boomin and more.
With 2024 coming to an end in a few months, we had the opportunity to speak to Michael Waltman who serves as the the Senior Vice President of Nightlife for Fontainebleau Las Vegas, and gather his thoughts on how the group upholds their vision, as well as speak on what’s coming up in the event calendar. Michael currently oversees all aspects of nightlife and daylife on property. Prior to joining Fontainebleau, in 2020, Waltman led the team at Resorts World Las Vegas that launched Zouk Nightclub and Ayu Dayclub and he is proud to be a part of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities of bringing two high-profile nightlife brands to Las Vegas. He previously served over a decade at Wynn Nightlife, departing in 2020.
What is LIV’s philosophy when creating a memorable atmosphere for its patrons?
At LIV Las Vegas, we focus on combining top-tier entertainment while creating memorable moments. Our roster of resident artists include the hottest names in EDM, hip-hop and beyond, in a high-energy environment. We also strive to ensure amazing service for all guests, from VIP to general admission, we want to make certain each guest has an unforgettable experience. Fontainebleau Las Vegas prides itself on being an industry leader in both the luxury hospitality and entertainment space.
The first resident DJ announced by LIV was John Summit. What factors do you consider when selecting your resident DJs and how do you balance established names with up-and-coming talent?
We are always looking for the best of the best. That doesn’t always mean the biggest names or the most popular, sometimes it means taking risks and focusing on talent, style, energy, crowd engagement and their ability to create a vibe that resonates with our brand. With talent including John Summit, Tiësto, Calvin Harris, Dom Dolla, Metro Boomin and more and with names that are newer to the scene like James Kennedy, Cloonee and Sommer Ray, all bring a fresh energy and diversity to the lineup. This ensures that we’re not only catering to the tastes of today, but also setting the trends for tomorrow.
LIV’s first location opened in Miami and has dominated the South Beach nightlife scene. How much of the Miami ambiance was incorporated into the identity of LIV Beach and LIV Las Vegas?
LIV Las Vegas and LIV Beach both draw inspiration from our iconic Miami roots. While each venue has its own unique energy, we’ve incorporated elements of Miami’s vibrant nightlife culture, such as bold music curation and a sense of exclusivity that makes every guest feel like they’re part of something special.
With the Fall/Winter season approaching, does LIV have any themed events planned to coincide with the upcoming holidays?
As we enter the second half of the year, expect extravagant celebrations during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix with can’t miss performances by John Summit, Calvin Harris and more, making LIV Las Vegas the party destination during race weekend. Additionally, for those headed to the big race, LIV will be activating at the Paddock Club with LIV on the Grid, an open-air nightlife venue featuring a star-studded roster of performances, including Dom Dolla on November 23. Additionally, Papi Steak at Fontainebleau Las Vegas – the famed steakhouse from David “Papi” Einhorn and David Grutman’s Groot Hospitality will take over a F1 Garage during this year’s race, November 21 – 23. This ultra-exclusive trackside culinary and entertainment experience will combine Papi Steak’s high energy and the unrivaled hospitality of Las Vegas’ newest luxury resort with the thrills of an F1 race. This year’s New Years Eve weekend at LIV boasts the best lineup up and down the Strip with performances by Calvin Harris (December 29), John Summit (December 30), and Tiësto (December 31) to ring in 2025. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements as we head into 2025!
For those who haven’t checked out LIV Beach or LIV Las Vegas yet, check out our review on both venues here.
