We Are Las Vegas

Candlelighters Hosts Halloween Bash for Local Families

The 28th annual event brought 480 children to Grand Prix Plaza for holiday activities and community support.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold vector editorial illustration of colorful carved jack-o'-lanterns and autumn leaves on a plaza floor, representing a community seasonal event.
The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada held its 28th Annual Halloween Bash at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, providing community support for 480 local children. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Families navigating childhood cancer gathered at Grand Prix Plaza as the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada held its 28th Annual Halloween Bash. The celebration hosted 480 children and their siblings for a day of activities on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

Why it matters

The annual event provides a necessary respite from the rigid demands of medical treatment for local families. It also serves as a critical support network, allowing caregivers and children to connect with others sharing similar experiences in the valley.

The 28th annual gathering drew 480 children diagnosed with cancer and 886 total family members. This event continues a tradition that began in 1998.

The players

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada

A non-profit organization that provides support services to children diagnosed with cancer and their families in Southern Nevada.

Ellis Island Casino & Hotel

A local gaming and hospitality property that partnered with the foundation to host the event.

The details

Partnering with the Ellis Island Casino & Hotel and the Ellis family, the foundation transformed a portion of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit into a trunk-and-treating site. Attendees participated in carnival games, rides, and various activity stations throughout the plaza. The organization focuses its support services on families throughout Southern Nevada dealing with the impact of pediatric cancer diagnoses.

Timeline

  1. The Halloween Bash tradition began in 1998.

  2. The 28th Annual Halloween Bash occurred on October 22, 2026.

Beyond the Strip

This gathering repurposed the permanent infrastructure of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit for community-focused philanthropy. It marks a shift from the circuit's primary use for marquee racing events toward localized charitable activities.

Families can continue to monitor the foundation's calendar for year-round support services and upcoming holiday initiatives. The event concluded yesterday at Grand Prix Plaza, with no further traffic impacts currently associated with the site.

The takeaway

The foundation provides a consistent support structure for local families during medical treatment cycles. Residents interested in future volunteer opportunities or donation drives should watch for updates on the organization's annual anniversary schedule.

Further reading

Learn more about local community efforts in philanthropy.

Source note: This article includes information reported by KSNV.