DECEMBER

31

On New Year's Eve, the Las Vegas Strip becomes a giant pedestrian mall and block party for an expected 300,000 revelers from 6 p.m. onward. The city's traditional fireworks display will be launched from atop parking garages. For the best places to see the show, www.ap2009.com. The Las Vegas Monorail will be the only public transportation operating. Trains will be running until 3 a.m. Jan. 1. www.vegas.com.

Kid Rock takes the stage at 10:30 p.m. at Pearl at the Palms Hotel. $128.50 to $253.50, www.ticketmaster.com.

Tribute Palooza at Fremont Street Experience: A program of the "World's Best Tribute Bands" kicks off at 6 p.m. 702-678-5800.

XS: The night club inside Steve Wynn's new Encore resort debuts at 9 p.m. 702-770-0097.

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Pete Wentz will host revelers at Pure. This club at Caesars Palace overlooks the Strip — and the fireworks; general admission is $200, which includes a midnight Champagne toast; 702-731-7873, www.purethenightclub.com.

Akon: The hip-hop singer/songwriter performs at 11 p.m. at the House of Blues, Mandalay Bay 702-632-7777, www.hob.com.

Fergie performs at 9 p.m. at the Palazzo with Champagne toast at midnight and entrance into TAO after midnight. $200. www.lvol.com/events/newyear.html.

JANUARY

1-2

Stone Temple Pilots: Band performs 8 p.m. at the Palms Resort & Casino's Pearl Concert Theater, $70, $80, $125. www.ticketmaster.com.

2

Neil Diamond: Singer-songwriter, 8 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. $52.50, $105, $183.75, www.mgmgrand.com.

3

ZZ Top: Texas Rock band with original personnel intact since 1969 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band's support for the blues is unwavering both as interpreters of the music and preservers of its legacy. 8 p.m., The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. $46, $82, $147, www.ticketmaster.com.

6

Reel Big Fish: The band performs with Streetlight Manifesto and One Pin Short at 8 p.m., House of Blues. $25. www.ticketmaster.com.

23-25

Kenny G: 8 p.m. at the Orleans Showroom. $82, $99, $110. www.ticketmaster.com.

15-28

Tom Jones: 8 p.m. at Hollywood Theatre, MGM Grand. $92.40. www.ticketmaster.com.

17

Lisa Lampanelli: Queen of Mean standup comedienne performs at 8 p.m. at the Pearl at Palms Resort & Casino. $49.75. www.ticketmaster.com.

FEBRUARY

6

Motley Crue: The '80s metal band performs at 8 p.m. Hard Rock Hotel. $97 all seats. www.ticketmaster.com.

13-15

Chris Isaak: 8 p.m., The Orleans Showroom. $59.95. www.orleanscasino.com.

22-23

Dana Carvey: 8 p.m., The Orleans Showroom. $82.50, $99, $115. www.orleanscasino.com.

APRIL

25

Britney Spears: Circus 2009 is Spears' first arena tour in five years and will promote her new album of the same name, released this month. The 27-city North American trek with special guests The Pussycat Dolls kicks off in March in New Orleans. 8 p.m., MGM Grand. Ticket information: www.mgmgrand.com.