Viva La Vegas: The Sin City Classic returns for its 20th anniversary of LGBTQ+ athleticism

Organizers of the annual Sin City Classic are gearing up for the event’s next gathering, which runs January 14 – 18, 2027, in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will mark the event’s 20th anniversary.

The event, sponsored by Lexus, routinely attracts around 10,000 LGBTQ+ participants — and you could be one of them! In fact, you don’t even have to be a competitor. You can attend as a spectator or just mingle with the athletes at the evening parties.

The Sin City Classic started in 2008 as an LGBTQ+ softball tournament. However, it’s grown since then to include 26 other sports and games.

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For 2027, this includes:

• Basketball
• Billiards
• Bowling
• Bridge
• Cheerleading
• Cornhole
• Curling
• Darts: Soft-Tip
• Darts: Steel-Tip
• Diving
• Dodgeball
• Flag Football
• Golf
• Indoor Rowing
• Kickball
• Pickleball
• Powerlifting
• Rodeo (conference only)
• Running
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Volleyball: Indoor
• Volleyball: Sand
• Wrestling & Grappling

Host hotels

Much of the action takes place in and around the host hotel, which in 2027 is the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino. Further packages are currently available at Paris Las Vegas and the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. Limited rooms are also available at two more new host hotels: Caesars Palace and Planet Hollywood.

The softball aspect remains the biggest part of the festival, with organizers expecting a jaw-dropping 200-260 teams to enter. However, registration is now open for all events, and you’d be wise to snap up a place early rather than leaving it too late. The same goes for the host hotels, which are offering special deals for Sin City Classic attendees if booked before December 31.

“For so many, amateur sport provides an outlet to come together with like-minded individuals and escape the daily grind,” said Sin City Classic Co-Executive Director Dr. Jason Peplinski in a press statement.

“The Sin City Classic has been that outlet for 20 years. Each year, thousands of members of our community from around the globe look forward to coming together, seeing old friends, meeting new people, and competing in a welcoming but competitive atmosphere. We pride ourselves on creating that safe space where community comes first.”

Solo or groups

Solo participants are welcome in most events, including tennis, darts, swimming, and bowling. Some sports, like bridge, will pair you with a partner, while team sports may place you in a free-agent pool. It’s better to register sooner rather than later. The festival is very popular—slots for high-demand sports like tennis and rowing fill rapidly.

Although the majority of visitors come from across the US, the games are open to international entrants. And even if you don’t get a slot or don’t wish to compete, spectators are welcome. You can also join some of the evening parties.

This will include the Opening Night Registration Party at the Horseshoe Las Vegas, and the Closing Night Party at LINQ Promenade’s Brooklyn Bowl. There’s usually a big-name performer. LeAnn Rimes closed the 2026 event, but organizers have not yet confirmed a name for the 2027 festival.

Check the official website sincityclassic.org for full details.

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