Vegas Spotlight

Rock Music Night in Vegas: 8th Annual Vegas Rocks! Awards

The 8th Annual Vegas Rocks! Magazine Music Awards will take place on September 20, 2026, at The Orleans Showroom, celebrating rock music's legacy and its future stars. Hosted by Sally Steele, the event features live performances, celebrity appearances, and honors artists like Steve Vai and Sammy Hagar, with tickets available starting at $25.

Newsdesk R. Michael August 3, 2026 3 minutes read

LAS VEGAS — One of Las Vegas’ biggest nights for rock music is preparing to return this fall as the 8th Annual Vegas Rocks! Magazine Music Awards takes over The Orleans Showroom on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Produced and hosted by Vegas Rocks! Magazine publisher Sally Steele, the annual event has become a celebration of rock’s enduring legacy while also shining a spotlight on the next generation of performers. This year’s ceremony will once again combine live performances, celebrity appearances, artist tributes and an All-Star Celebrity Jam finale into one unforgettable evening.

For rock fans, it has become one of Southern Nevada’s signature music events.

A night honoring rock legends

The 2026 awards will recognize an impressive lineup of musicians whose careers have helped shape rock music across multiple generations.

Artists currently scheduled to appear or be honored include guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan, Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, Mitch Malloy, former Guns N’ Roses guitarist D.J. Ashba, Five Finger Death Punch bassist Chris Kael, comedian and entertainer Craig Gass, Gilby Clarke, Zowie Bowie, Armored Saint, Franky Perez, Heroine Honey and Pure Sport.

Additionally, organizers expect to announce more performers and special guests before the event.

One of the evening’s biggest highlights will be the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award honoring rock icon Sammy Hagar.

Red carpet begins the celebration

The excitement starts well before the awards ceremony.

A Grand Rock n’ Roll Royal Red Carpet event begins at 6 p.m., welcoming artists, celebrities and members of the music industry. Fans attending the show will have an opportunity to watch many of rock’s biggest personalities arrive before the main event begins.

Meanwhile, credentialed media members may begin checking in at 5 p.m. before the red carpet officially opens.

The awards ceremony itself begins at 8 p.m.

Live performances throughout the evening

The Vegas Rocks! Magazine Music Awards are known for delivering much more than an awards presentation.

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy live performances featuring legendary musicians alongside emerging artists from Las Vegas and beyond.

The celebration concludes with the popular All-Star Celebrity Jam, bringing many of the night’s performers together on one stage for a memorable finale.

According to Steele, the event continues celebrating both the artists who built rock music and those helping shape its future.

Continuing a proud tradition

During the past seven ceremonies, the Vegas Rocks! Magazine Music Awards have welcomed an extraordinary list of performers and honorees.

Previous events have featured appearances by members of Scorpions, Twisted Sister, Five Finger Death Punch, Cheap Trick, Blue Öyster Cult, Yes, Mötley Crüe, Toto, Guns N’ Roses, Whitesnake, Skid Row, W.A.S.P., Dream Theater, Ozzy Osbourne’s band, KISS, Angel and many more.

The awards have also attracted celebrities from television, radio and entertainment, helping establish the event as one of Las Vegas’ premier celebrations of rock culture.

Tickets now available

Tickets for the 8th Annual Vegas Rocks! Magazine Music Awards are on sale now, with prices starting at $25 plus applicable taxes and fees.

The event will also stream live across Sally Steele’s and Vegas Rocks! Magazine’s social media platforms, allowing fans around the world to join the celebration.

As anticipation continues building, organizers expect another memorable evening honoring the music, performers and personalities that continue keeping rock alive.