A 24-Hour Vegas Escape for Maroon 5
- Jess Choi
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
Turning 40 is all about making memories, embracing adventure, and saying YES to unforgettable experiences. As part of my journey to complete 40 incredible adventures in a year, I hopped on a whirlwind 24-hour trip (essentially a "day trip") to Las Vegas to see Maroon 5 perform their 40th residency show at Park MGM. Because what better way to celebrate this milestone year than with a spontaneous trip filled with music, bright lights, and a little bit of Vegas magic?
Touchdown in Vegas
The moment I landed in Las Vegas, the energy of the city hit me instantly. There’s something electric about stepping into McCarran International Airport (now Harry Reid International), greeted by the sounds of slot machines and the promise of non-stop excitement. With just 24 hours in town, I knew every minute had to count.
First stop? Checking into Park MGM and meeting up with my cousin and friend who flew in from LA. We decided to stay at Park MGM it was where Maroon 5 was set to take the stage and conveniently located on the strip. From our hotel room, we could see the T-Mobile arena, home of the Las Vegas Golden Knights NHL team. There were lots of Knights fans and Detroit Red Wings fans as they were in town for a game - I always forget that Vegas has as hockey team and am considering to try to get tickets for a future trip!
Pre-Concert Fun
No trip to Vegas is complete without indulging in some incredible food and drinks. Before the show, we headed to Javier’s at Aria, a vibrant spot known for its elevated Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails. I sipped on Ranch Waters while we enjoyed delicious bites (their tortilla chips are amazing!). Afterward, we tried our luck on the slot machines at Park MGM—unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side this time!
Maroon 5: The 40th Residency Show
Walking into Dolby Live, the excitement was palpable. This was Maroon 5’s 40th residency show—an epic milestone for them, and the perfect way to mark one of my own. From the first notes of "Moves Like Jagger" to the heartfelt "She Will Be Loved," Adam Levine and the band delivered a performance that was pure Vegas spectacle—high energy, stunning visuals, and a setlist packed with hits. Singing along with thousands of fans, I couldn’t help but feel the magic of the moment. Seriously, if you have a chance to catch Maroon 5 live, definitely grab tickets!
A Nightcap & Late-Night Eats
Post-show, we kept the adventure going with a visit to Chef Roy Choi’s Best Friend at Park MGM, a fusion of Korean BBQ and street food flavours that was the perfect way to cap off the night. We enjoyed "Mi-Choi-ladas" - Roy Choi's twist on a michelada that has kimchi juice in it and yummy eats including the Uni Dynamite Rice. The lively atmosphere and bold flavours made for an unforgettable late-night dining experience.
Saying Goodbye
Before heading to the airport, we grabbed breakfast at Eataly inside Park MGM, where we enjoyed coffees and breakfast croissants before wrapping up our whirlwind adventure.
This 24-hour Vegas escape proved that sometimes the best adventures are the ones that happen on a whim. With 35 more experiences to go in my 40 Adventures at 40 series, I can’t wait to see where the next adventure takes me!
Stay tuned—and if you get the chance to say YES to a last-minute concert trip, take it. It just might be one of the most unforgettable nights of your life.
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