Wendoh Media acquires 50 percent stake in Life Is Beautiful Festival

The company that operates the weekly Vegas Seven magazine has acquired a 50 percent stake in the annual Life Is Beautiful festival in downtown Las Vegas.

Wendoh Media, developed by Justin Weniger and Ryan Doherty, also produces the SpyOnVegas website and Vegas/Rated, a monthly publication.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The event, a three-day celebration of music, food, art and culture, debuted in 2013 and quickly expanded to bring 90,000 people to the downtown area last year.

In the first two years, the event has brought Imagine Dragons, Kings of Leon, Lionel Richie, Skrillex and world-class chefs Hubert Keller, Scott Conant and Jose Andres for presentations.

Weniger has been named CEO of the festival. He said the partnership’s goal is expanding the festival and he will collaborate with founders about the event’s creative direction.

“We love this festival and its importance to Las Vegas, especially as it relates to the growth of arts, culture, food and music in our community,” Weniger said in a statement announcing the transaction. “We are committed to bringing the resources of the entire Wendoh portfolio to the table to make Life Is Beautiful one of the top music festivals in the nation.”

The third annual event is scheduled Sept. 25-27, earlier than in past years. The lineup of entertainers and presenters is expected to be announced in the next few months.

The festival was founded by Rehan Choudhry in 2013 and has grown to cover 15 blocks in downtown Las Vegas with several stages and pavilions for speakers and presentations.

“They’re invested in Vegas and clearly understand the impact of the festival, as they have been supporters from its inception,” Choudhry said of his new partners. “Collectively, we’ll realize the Life Is Beautiful’s mission and look forward to growing the brand together.”