LAS VEGAS — Despite falling on a midweek, Ash Wednesday has become one of the most attended weekday church days in Las Vegas.
This year, the religious holiday will fall on Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026, and is expected to draw large crowds. Church leaders say attendance is driven by the region’s strong Catholic community and the availability of multiple services designed to accommodate busy work schedules.
Las Vegas might be known as Sin City, but it is home to one of the largest Catholic populations across the Valley. According to the Archdiocese of Las Vegas, its 39,000-square-mile territory is home to 35 primary Catholic worship sites serving around 800,000 Catholics. Because the city also sees a high influx of travelers, many of whom also celebrate the holiday, churches need to be able to accommodate such high volumes. For many Catholics, Ash Wednesday is viewed as the start of the 40-day Lenten season.
As a result, there are multiple services throughout the day. St. Catherine of Alexandria, for example, will hold services from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., while Holy Trinity Catholic Parish plans multiple Masses throughout the day along with Eucharistic Adoration.
