VIVA BIKE VEGAS October 9
Cyclists completing the 115-mile century distance in the third annual RTC Viva Bike Vegas ride will experience an historic moment when they are the first to cross the new Hoover Dam Bypass over the Colorado River. On Saturday, October 9, the century distance begins at 6:30am in front of the RTC building, 600 S. Grand Central Parkway, followed by a 50-mile half century and a 23-mile ride. There will also be a community festival in front of the RTC building with vendors and activities for children beginning at 9:00am. Proceeds from Viva Bike Vegas benefit local charities, After-School All-Stars Las Vegas and Nevada Cancer Institute. For information and to register for the event, please visit www.rtcsnv.com/vivabikevegas.

OKTOBERFEST October 16
The whole family is invited to join in celebrating Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 16 at the Centennial Plaza of the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth Street. From 2:00pm to 10:00pm, German music, dancing, food and beer will bring the spirit of Munich to the heart of Las Vegas. All ages are welcome to attend the free event, sponsored by the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs and the Original German American Social Club of Nevada. For more information, visit www.artslasvegas.org or call (702) 229-3515.

LAS VEGAS HALLOWEEN PARADE October 31
Las Vegas joins other Halloween hotspots around the country by adding a parade to the standard list of festivities. The inaugural Las Vegas Halloween Parade begins at 7pm on Sunday, October 31. Costumed participants, decorated ‘art cars’, and large puppets will begin lining up starting at 6pm in the 18b Arts District at the corner of Hoover Avenue and Fourth Street (one block north of Charleston Avenue) and parade north along Fourth Street to Fremont East. Participation is free to those in costume, with a few conditions, including, “All politicians (except Mayor Goodman) must wear a funny hat and say funny things to be in the parade.” Find out more at www.thelasvegashalloweenparade.com. 

Photo: Viva Bike Fest in 2009