XS Nightclub Reopens at Encore, Now With Retro-Futurist Opulence

By Scott Roeben, on November 06 2026
3 min read 0 comments
Las Vegas Nightclubs

XS Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas (technically Encore) has reopened following a major renovation, ushering in a bold new chapter of retro-futurist opulence, immersive spectacle and luminous architectural expression. Or, in human English, they remodeled XS.

XS kicked off its grand reopening Nov. 5, 2026, with four nights of performances by Rufus Du Sol, The Chainsmokers, Calvin Harris and others.

We mostly just wanted to share XS photos. They’re fleek AF.

We use “fleek” ironically, so stop your snickering.

Our favorite thing about the reopening of XS is how we shared the price of an opening weekend package on Twitter and it got 1.3 million impressions.

You won’t think it’s expensive once we share how Wynn Resorts describes the renovated nightclub.

The news release said, “The transformation ushers in a new chapter for XS, evolving the experience for a new generation while preserving the sense of fantasy and spectacle that has defined the nightclub since its debut 17 years ago. Located in the Encore Esplanade, the space pairs world-class design with cutting-edge technology.”

XS opened in December 2008, so it’s closer to 18 years than 17, but forest for the trees.

The news release is all pretty normal up to this point, but then it gets really Wynn Resorts.

You’ll have to look at another photo before we share another excerpt.

Our top nightclub tip: Be a young, attractive woman. Better yet, be a group of them.

The release also said, “At the heart of the design, XS comes to life in retro-futurist opulence, drawing inspiration from bold interpretations of the future across decades of visionary design. These thematic influences take shape through reflective brass, bronze and chrome, saturated color, sculptural forms and luminous surfaces, establishing a rich architectural aesthetic. Complementing these design elements, lighting, media and performance technology are seamlessly integrated into the surrounding environment.”

News releases gonna news release.

We were dismayed to learn “retro-futurist” is a real term. “Retro-futurist” means inspired by how people in the past imagined the future would look.

For example, the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, designed by Betty Willis in 1959, reflected the era’s vision of the future. Today, that aesthetic is retro-futurism.

Anyway, we are not here to mansplain; we are here to lovingly poke fun at the lofty language used by Wynn Resorts to describe, well, anything.

Here’s more: “The DJ booth echoes the venue’s retro-futurist design language, as mirrored gold finishes provide visual impact while its architectural composition delivers the versatility and functionality required for live entertainment. To further reinforce the venue’s sonic identity, subwoofers and center-fill speakers are discreetly incorporated into the booth’s structure, allowing sound to be experienced rather than seen. This balance enables each artist to extend their creative expression beyond the stage and throughout the space, creating an ever-evolving atmosphere that brings guests deeper into the spectacle.”

Here’s more interior design porn.

Viewing photos of XS may cause excessive drooling.

XS spans more than 40,000 square feet, accommodates 1,840 guests indoors and up to 3,121 guests with its outdoor areas.

Yes, the number 3,121 is very specific.

In Las Vegas, maximum venue occupancy limits are determined by factors including usable floor space, the number and capacity of emergency exits, interior layout, furniture and whether areas are indoors or outdoors.

If there are 3,121 people at XS, party. If there are 3,122 people at XS, the place goes to hell in a handbasket. Fellow youths, “goes to hell in a handbasket” means “giving shitshow.” You get the idea.

One of the best things about nightclubs is the music’s so loud, you don’t have to be interesting.

While we are not personally a nightclub person, we can’t wait to see the new XS and its bespoke aperture centerpiece.

Our only interaction with nightlife at Wynn was a kerfuffle involving Encore Beach Club at Resorts World. A trust fund baby got into a fight with a host at the venue, then went across the street and paid to have offensive messages played on the massive digital screen at Resorts World. It was a whole thing.

Oh, and we do have one other connection to XS.

The Kinetic Pendants was the name of our band in high school.

This was the last time we wore a tie.

The nightlife landscape in Las Vegas is changing (for example, Jewel at Aria just announced it will close permanently after a decade), and Wynn Resorts no doubt saw the writing on the wall.

Omnia Dayclub recently opened at Caesars Palace. Drai’s rooftop nightclub recently closed at Vanderpump (formerly Cromwell). Intrigue closed at Wynn and was turned into an event space. Yes, that was 2019, but we had to mention it because we broke the news and Johnny Kats absolutely hates when that happens.

Light closed in 2022, 1 OAK in 2020, Kaos in 2019, Hyde in 2019 and The Bank in 2018. Let’s not forget about Chateau, Body English, Moon, Surrender, Studio 54, Tabu, Ghostbar and Apex Social Club.

While many nightclubs have closed, many were rebranded. Rain became Kaos, Haze became Jewel, Tryst became Intrigue, Pure became Omnia and LAX became, well, an Esports Arena.

If you don’t evolve, you become extinct.

Thankfully, Las Vegas resorts are always up for making new things.