Weekend best bets: Mayweather Jr. vs. Alvarez, Iron Maiden and Mexican Independence Day

Bebeto Matthews/The Associated Press

Floyd Mayweather Jr. faces off with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez during a boxing news conference Monday, June 24, 2013, at New York’s Times Square. Mayweather Jr. and Alvarez kicked off an 11-city promotional tour, making their fight in Las Vegas on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, official.

By Andrea Domanick

Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 | 6 p.m.

This weekend marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day, and there’s no shortage of concerts, events and other celebrations (you can view our complete guide to festivities here.

From musicals to title fights, here’s a look at our weekend best bets:

Tom Donoghue/DonoghuePhotography.com

Today - Sunday: ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at Smith Center

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of the all-time classic “The Wizard of Oz” comes to Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts this weekend. Developed from the original MGM screenplay, Webber’s reimagining includes the story’s iconic music and moments, as well as brand new songs by Tim Rice and Webber himself. Shows run at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $26 to $129.
Bebeto Matthews/The Associated Press

Saturday: Mayweather Jr. vs. Alvarez at MGM Grand

The undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. will defend his title — to the tune of $41.5 million — against undefeated Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in a highly anticipated, high-stakes bout Saturday night at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The bell goes off at 3 p.m. Tickets are $350 to $2,000.
MTI, Balazs Mohai / AP

Tonight: Iron Maiden and Megadeth at Mandalay Bay

Following Black Sabbath’s recent show and on the heels of Motley Crue’s residency return at the Hard Rock Hotel, Iron Maiden and Megadeth keep Las Vegas’ metal streak going with a powerhouse set of ’80s classics from their original lineups at Mandalay Bay Events Center. The headbanging kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 to $90.
AP

Friday-Sunday: Gabriel Iglesias at the Mirage

Fluffy’s back! Funnyman Gabriel Iglesias returns to Terry Fator Theater at the Mirage with his signature blend of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects for three nights of electrifying comedy. Shows run at 10 p.m. nightly. Tickets are $50 to $60.
Glenn Pinkerton/Las Vegas News Bureau

Saturday: Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival at Paris

The Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival returns for a 23rd year this Saturday at the Paris Las Vegas Events Center at 8 p.m. The event features performances from genre greats including Antonio Aguilar Jr., Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano. Tickets are $65 to $105.
Leila Navidi

Tonight - Sunday: San Gennaro Feast at Grand Canyon Shopping Center

Feast. Drink. Dance. Repeat. The recipe for a good time is simple at the annual San Gennaro Feast, which celebrates Italian food and music for a 34th year in Las Vegas this weekend at Grand Canyon Shopping Center. In addition to an endless array of culinary offerings, this year’s festival includes a beer and wine garden, music, appearances from local performers and a new 100-foot Vertigo ride. Tickets are $5 to $7. Festival hours vary.