Best Bets: Ed Sheeran, Slayer, ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and more for your Las Vegas weekend

By Brock Radke (contact)

Friday, Aug. 4, 2017 | 2 a.m.

Pop stars, metal legends, acoustic rockers and TV sensations … they’re all in the mix for this weekend’s offerings. These are supposed to be the slower days of summer in Las Vegas, but apparently the entertainment world didn’t get the memo. Check out these fun options.

ED SHEERAN The multiple Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter is simple inescapable right now, proven by his recent polarizing appearance in Game of Thrones. Some fans loved the cherubic redhead’s singing turn in the hit HBO fantasy drama, while others would rather he stick to selling out arenas and playing his mega-hits like “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill.” Sheeran’s tour rolls into T-Mobile Arena Friday night to kick off a huge weekend at the Strip venue; rapper Kendrick Lamar performs there Saturday. August 4, info at 702-692-1600 or axs.com.

SLAYER Considered one of the big four metal acts — with Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax — Slayer has notched two Grammys and three Billboard top 10 records, but most importantly the Southern California thrashers have recorded and toured consistently over their more than 35-year history. Their current run lands at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel Friday night, with support from more metal heavyweights, Lamb of God and Behemoth. August 4, info at 702-693-5000 or hardrockhotel.com.

THIS WILD LIFE After they play the intimate Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort Saturday night, the melodic rock duo of Kevin Jordan and Anthony Del Gross will head out on a South American tour through Brazil, Chile and Mexico, and then point toward Australia in the fall. That would qualify as a band on the rise that you can catch right here in your neighborhood. August 5, info at 702-797-7777 or stationcasinosevents.com.

DANCING WITH THE STARS LIVE: HOT SUMMER NIGHTS The TV competition show favorite comes to life with its latest touring production at the Orleans Arena Sunday, showcasing ballroom and modern dance group numbers, duets, and other performances choreographed by Emmy winner Mandy Moore. Cast members include Lindsay Arnold, Sharna Burgess, Sasha Farber, Keo Motsepe, Emma Slater, Hayley Erbert and more. Aug. 6, info at 800-745-3000 or orleansarena.com.

LIT & ALIEN ANT FARM The Flamingo Go Pool’s Sunday Night Jams concert series continues with a team-up featuring ’90s pop-punk acts Lit (“My Own Worst Enemy,” “Miserable”) and Alien Ant Farm (“Movies,” “Smooth Criminal”). Aug. 6, info at 702-733-3348 or gopoolvegas.com.