BLACK HAT USA 2026

Black Hat Prep Guide

August 1–6 • Mandalay Bay • Staying at Luxor

🏨 Luxor Hotel & Casino • Your home base

Your Week at a Glance

Sat Aug 1
Arrive in Las Vegas • Check-in at Luxor • Explore the property
Sun Aug 2
Free day • Trainings begin (optional) • Strip exploration
Mon Aug 3
Trainings continue • Evening free
Tue Aug 4
BUSY — Conference Summit Day
Wed Aug 5
BUSY — Main Conference
Thu Aug 6
BUSY — Main Conference
Fri Aug 7
Departure or extended stay

Black Hat is right next door at Mandalay Bay Convention Center — literally a short walk or tram ride away.

🌮 Restaurants for Gluten + Nightshade Allergies

Allergy-Friendly

Your wife’s restrictions (no gluten, no tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant) require careful ordering. Focus on steakhouses, Asian restaurants with customizable proteins & rice/noodles, or places known for excellent dietary accommodations. Always inform staff clearly and ask for ingredient lists.

Rice & Company

📍 Luxor Hotel Asian

Excellent gluten-free menu with rice bowls, stir-fries, and grilled proteins. Easy to avoid nightshades by requesting no sauces or peppers.

Past guests with celiac report dedicated GF options.

True Food Kitchen

📍 The Forum Shops (Caesars) Healthy / American

Highly customizable menu. Many dishes can be made without nightshades. Great salads, grilled items, and quinoa bowls. Very accommodating staff.

Short tram ride north from Luxor.

TENDER steakhouse

📍 Luxor Hotel Steakhouse

Classic steak & seafood. Order plain grilled steaks with simple sides (steamed broccoli, asparagus, or rice). Nightshade-free by default.

Pro tip: Download the “Find Me Gluten Free” app and always call ahead. Many Strip restaurants (especially MGM properties) have excellent allergy protocols.

🗺️ Sights & Activities (Non-Conference Hours)

Right at the Luxor

  • Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition — Fascinating artifacts from the ship
  • King Tut’s Tomb & Museum — Authentic replica of the famous tomb
  • PLAY Playground — Giant interactive games and arcade fun

Easy Evening Walks

  • High Roller at The LINQ — World’s tallest observation wheel (book sunset slot)
  • Bellagio Fountains — Iconic water show every 15 minutes after dark
  • Mandalay Bay Beach & Pool — Relaxing oasis right next door

Slightly Further (Tram or Short Ride)

  • Fremont Street Experience — Downtown neon, zip line, street performers (great after 8pm)
  • The Sphere — Immersive visual experiences (if shows align with schedule)
  • Neon Museum — Boneyard of historic Las Vegas signs (book ahead)
Evening recommendation: After conference days, take the free tram from Mandalay Bay/Luxor area north along the Strip. Catch the Bellagio fountains around 9–10pm, then head back.