Normally, no one really comes to Las Vegas looking for a history lesson. However, if you’re headed to downtown Vegas for a wild Fremont Street pub crawl or a legendary Fremont Street bar hop, it’s worth knowing a few things about the neon-lit wonderland you’re about to explore.
Before you go full throttle into your night out, take a minute to check out these fun facts about Fremont Street and see why it’s one of the most iconic places in Las Vegas.
1. The Street Is Covered by a Massive LED Canopy
Every night, the Viva Vision Light Show transforms the sky above Fremont into a high-resolution light and sound spectacle.
You’ll see dazzling animations synced to classic rock, EDM, and pop tracks, with a different theme playing every hour after dark.
If you’re doing a Turnt Up Fremont Street pub crawl, make sure to time your walk beneath the canopy with one of the shows.
2. Free Live Music is Always Playing
Throughout the year, you’ll find a rotation of local bands, tribute acts, and even national touring artists rocking out on three separate stages.
The 1st Street, 3rd Street, and Main Street stages host free concerts almost every night, with genres ranging from reggae to rock to hip hop. It’s not uncommon to catch a killer ‘80s rock cover band followed by a DJ spinning dance anthems.
The biggest party happens on New Year’s Eve when Fremont Street hosts “America’s Party Downtown,” complete with multiple bands, dancers, aerialists, and an epic countdown synced to the canopy’s fireworks animation.
3. You Can Zipline Over the Entire Street
SlotZilla is a zipline attraction that launches brave guests from an 11-story tower, soaring either halfway or all the way down the Fremont Street canopy.
There are two ways to fly; zipline which is 77 feet up and carries you halfway down the street, or Zoomline, which is 114 feet high.
4. The First Vegas Hotel Was Born Right Here
Hotel Nevada (Fremont’s initial hotel) served its first meal in 1951.
Over 100 years later, it continues to blend vintage Vegas vibes with modern updates. Golden Gate Hotel & Casino (Hotel Nevada) is home to the city’s first telephone, a speakeasy bar called “Bar Prohibition,” and some of the best shrimp cocktails you’ll find in town.
5. Fremont Street’s Nickname is “Glitter Gulch.”
Fremont was known as “Glitter Gulch” back in the mid-20th century, thanks to the dazzling neon signs that dominated the street.
Massive, blinking casinos, bars, and motel signs created a hypnotic, electric glow that earned Fremont a spot in dozens of classic films and shows.
6. Fremont Was the Birthplace of Vegas Gambling
Fremont Street was home to the first legal gambling license in Nevada. Feeling lucky? Take a stroll through these iconic casinos and try your hand at blackjack, roulette, or vintage slot machines before moving on with your bar crawl on Fremont Street.
7. Fremont Itself is Worth Checking Out
If you ask locals and longtime visitors, they’ll tell you that Fremont has something the Strip doesn’t: character.
Fremont Street may be shorter in length, but it’s loaded with quirky bars, historic casinos, street performers, live shows, immersive experiences, and, yes, cheaper drinks. It’s also more walkable and compact, making it the perfect setting for a Fremont Street pub crawl.
8. The Neon Museum Is Just Around the Corner
The Neon Museum is close enough to be part of your downtown adventure, and it’s well worth a visit.
The outdoor museum houses dozens of restored neon signs from old casinos, hotels, and bars. A walk in the “Neon Boneyard” feels close to stepping into Vegas’ history.
9. Fremont Street Had Vegas’ First Movie Theater
In 1929, the El Portal Theater opened on Fremont Street, becoming Las Vegas’s first cinema and the city’s first air-conditioned public building, a big deal in the sweltering desert heat.
Though it’s no longer a movie theatre, the building still stands and now operates as a gift shop. Look for the marquee on your next bar crawl on Fremont Street or the next time you’re walking past; it’s a cool relic of the city’s early entertainment scene.
10. Wave at Vegas Vic
Vegas Vic became one of the most recognizable symbols of Las Vegas after he was built. Vic is more over 40 feet tall and serves as a firmly erected reminder of Fremont’s Western-themed glory days.
Fun fact: Vegas Vic was once featured alongside Vegas Vickie (his neon cowgirl counterpart), who now lives inside the Circa Resort nearby.
Take Advantage and Utilize the Potential of Fremont with Turnt Up Tours
Now that you know the history and highlights of Fremont Street, it’s time to experience it for yourself. Whether you’re planning a bachelor party, birthday bash, or just a wild night Fremont Street pub crawl with friends, Turnt Up Tours has got you covered.