MARCH

10

Vegas Mafia: Las Vegas was built from scratch by the Mafia in the 1950s. Now, "Vegas Mafia," narrated by actor Anthony LaPaglia, examines how for decades the gambling mecca became a glittering cash cow for organized crime and chronicles the surveillance war between mobsters and the FBI. Witness how the FBI busted a multimillion-dollar skimming operation at the Stardust Casino. National Geographic Channel, Oceanic 73. Check local listings for time.

18

Matchbox Twenty with guests Alanis Morisette and Mute Math perform at 8 p.m., the Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms casino resort. Tickets: $88 and $153. 702-942-7777, www.palmspearl.com.

29

Margaret Cho: The comedian performs at 8 p.m., the Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms. Tickets: $38-$58. 702-942-7777, www.palmspearl.com.

APRIL

29

Avril Lavigne performs with guest Boys Like Girls, 7 p.m., the Pearl at the Palms. 702-944-3200

MAY

8-11

Vegas Uncork'd, A Bon Appetit Epicurean Experience: Bon Appetit Magazine, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, master chefs and exclusive Las Vegas resorts come together for four delicious days of events. Highlights will include: a Tale of Five Chefs Gala at Bellagio; a weekend brunch and a cocktail smack-down at Wynn Las Vegas; and the Grand Tasting and a Masters vs. Rookies Pro-Am cooking competition, both at Caesars Palace. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will host an after-hours poker tournament, while an evening of music at Lake Las Vegas Resort will kick off the resort's Summer Concert Series. Bon Appetit executive chef and "Iron Chef" Cat Cora will also be participating. Tickets for individual events range from $75 to $350, with weekend packages available. www.bavegasuncorked.com.

ONGOING

You don't have to be older than 21 to have fun in Las Vegas. Speed — The Ride at the Sahara surpasses the average roller coaster by sheer white-knuckle force and surprise. Electromagnetic force slingshots the roller coaster out of its launch site and over its first hill. Reaching speeds of 35 mph around the first curve, the coaster then dives into a corkscrew before plummeting 25 feet below ground through a mist-filled tunnel. Still with us? The Ride then clocks in at 70 mph through a loop. This would be a great time to try and smile; a souvenir photo is taken as the coaster exits the loop. Finally, the coaster ascends a 224-foot tower. Once at the top, riders experience the entire journey backward, at equally high speeds. Hours: Thursdays-Mondays, 2-10 p.m. Sahara hotel-casino, at the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Sahara Avenue. Cost: $10. A combo package for all-day rides on the Cyber Speedway and Speed — The Ride is $21.95. Riders must be 54 inches tall. 702-737-2111.