Star Trek Convention Las Vegas: Survival Guide, Parking & Food — Frequently Asked Questions
Page 7 of 7
A Vegas local's survival guide to the Star Trek convention at the Rio: free parking, bag check, what's walkable, where to eat, and what to do nearby.
Published · 3 min read
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking free at the Rio for the Star Trek convention?
Yes — and it's one of my favorite things about the Rio: self-parking and valet are both free, which almost no big Vegas hotel can say. If you're driving in each day, park here rather than at a paid Strip garage.
Where can I check my bags before check-in or after checkout?
Use the bell desk. Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 11 a.m., so I stash my bags there to get going before the room's ready, and again on getaway day so I can do the final Sunday sessions before my flight (tip on pickup). It's free and never sold out.
What is within walking distance of the Rio?
From the Rio I can walk to Gold Coast (5–10 min on foot) and The Palms (~10 min / 0.8 mi). The Rio sits off-Strip at Flamingo and Valley View, which sounds like exile but isn't. Two casinos are an easy walk and I do it all the time — well-lit, crosswalks the whole way:
Where should I eat near the Rio during the convention?
Start on-property — the Canteen Food Hall is fast and cheap, with Tender Crush open till 5 a.m., plus High Steaks for a Strip view and KJ Dim Sum in-building. Ping Pang Pong at the Gold Coast is a five-minute walk for dim sum, and Chinatown, a five-minute rideshare out, is the best real meal in town and open late.
What free things are there to do near the Star Trek convention?
Plenty that costs nothing. My free picks: AREA15, Fountains of Bellagio, Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Flamingo Wildlife Habitat. AREA15 is the closest — walking into the complex is free, and it’s about two miles from the Rio.
Does my Star Trek convention badge get me any discounts around Las Vegas?
Yes — a few spots knock money off when you show it. The Atomic Museum (National Atomic Testing Museum): Show your Trek to Vegas badge and it's $5 off admission, with free parking. It's at 755 E Flamingo Rd — a straight shot east down Flamingo from the Rio, about 10–15 minutes by car — and it's the most on-theme detour on this whole list: Cold War atomic history, real artifacts from the Nevada Test Site, and a Fallout-themed exhibit. The badge deal is good through August 31, 2026.
What time does registration open at the Star Trek convention?
Registration and badge pickup are at the Rio Las Vegas Hotel. Early check-in for VIP and Gold patrons opens Tuesday, August 4 from 4:00 PM, with Captain’s Chair, Copper and GA Weekend badges phased in through the evening. On Wednesday, August 5 registration opens at 8:00 AM by tier and is open to everyone from 9:30 AM until 6:00 PM. It then runs Thursday 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM–6:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM and Sunday 9:00 AM–5:30 PM.
Which day of the Star Trek convention is best to attend?
Saturday packs the most guests and Wednesday the fewest — but honestly the best day depends on who you want to meet, since several guests are only there one day. I break it down day by day in this guide.
What else is there to do near the convention besides panels?
Plenty — you’re minutes from the rest of Vegas. My picks for sneaking off include All Shook Up (Elvis Tribute), FlyOver Las Vegas, AREA15 + Meow Wolf's Omega Mart, Zombie Burlesque; I cover each with tickets in this guide.
How do autograph and photo-op lines work?
Photo ops run on a set schedule per guest, so I build my day around the two or three I actually care about — chase the whole list and you'll spend the con in line. For the big names, I buy the autograph or photo op early. I've watched too many people assume they'd walk up Saturday and miss out.
