22 Must-See Las Vegas Shows

By VacationIdea Staff on June 15, 2022 - Updated

Courtesy of Renato Rovina - Fotolia.com

There’s no denying that Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world. After all, when it comes enjoying the best that the United States has to offer in terms of shows, games, and nightlife, there are few other cities that can truly compare to the extravagance that Vegas has in spades. It would seem that the city has live shows down to a science, with dozens of popular performances dotting the entire stretch of the Las Vegas Strip.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.O by Cirque du Soleil

In the realm of live performances, Cirque du Soleil is in a league of its own. Practically all of their live shows in Vegas are regularly sold out, and the same can definitely be said for “O” at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. “O” is an intricate, aquatic weave of artistry, theatre, and surrealism with performers who perform breathtaking stunts on and above a stunning pool of water within an equally magnificent theatre. The show features an international cast of incredible synchronized swimmers, divers, actors, and world-class acrobats, all of whom transform the Bellagio’s European-style performance stage into a whole other world altogether.

3600 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Phone: 888-987-6667

2.Absinthe

If you’re looking for a show that is a magical blend of carnival and spectacle within an intimate circular stage, then look no further than Absinthe at Caesar’s Palace. Absinthe features outlandish acts that come together to form an unforgettable variety show that you can only truly experience in Vegas. Watching this show brings you as close to the action as possible, as Spiegelworld’s tent, the show’s venue, is a cozy location that’s practically an immersive adult playground. Be prepared to come face-to-face with fantastical performers who are both talented and alluring – performers who will dazzle you with outrageous comedy and breathtaking feats of danger.

Roman Plaza, 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Phone: 866-227-5938

3.Las Vegas Shows: Blue Man Group Las Vegas

Ready for an evening of foot-tapping beats and mind-blowing color? You’ll get it all (and then some!) when you dare to live in full color and catch the Blue Man Group at Luxor. With shows all over the country, the Blue Man Group, or BMG for short, will rock your world and help you unleash your musical spirit. Each show is an impressive journey through incredible percussion-based music, gut-busting comedy, and other surprises from three very bald and very blue men. No matter how old you are or where you’re from, the Blue Man Group is sure to impress and will have you dancing your way out of the theater.

Atrium Level, 3900 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89119, Phone: 702-262-4400

4.Boyz II Men

Eager to experience Motown Philly’s being back again? Boyz II Men is an unstoppable show of energy and brings an East Coast Philly swing to the theaters of The Mirage through the powerful vocals of Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman. Boyz II Men is much more than your typical Vegas show, too. Each show is filled to the brim with some serious humor, great stories, and a bout or two of utter surprises, not to mention the fact that the performers make the show a personal and engaging experience. With moves and the music to kill, you can bet that Boyz II Men will leave you with unforgettable memories that will be with you long after your visit to their home theater in The Mirage.

3400 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Phone: 800-963-9634

5.Las Vegas Shows: Carrot Top

Arguably the wackiest red-headed comedian since Lucille Ball, Carrot Top at the Luxor Las Vegas hotel features the crazy antics and hilarious skits of Scott “Carrot Top” Thompson. Named the “Entertainer of the Year,” the “Comedian of the Year,” and the “Best Male Stand-up Comedian,” Scott Thompson will keep you shaking in your seat from laughter as he parades his outrageous props and out-of-this-world inventions before you. If you’re a lover of comedy, then there’s no reason for you to miss out on Carrot Top's trademark mop of bright red hair and his comedy that will undoubtedly leave you in stitches.

Atrium Level, 3900 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89119, Phone: 702-262-4400

6.The Jabbawockeez

Masters of awesome choreography and dance, the Jabbawockeez are known for their unique brand of hip hop and breakdancing backed by incredible mixes of great music. The Jabbawockeez first gained recognition on the hit television reality show America’s Best Dance Crew where they stunned live audiences and came out on top in practically every episode. Needless to say, the Jabbawockeez achieved the inaugural crown of best dance crew at the end of the season and have, since then, entertained and awed audiences all over the country. Today, their show at the MGM Grand has been voted the “Best Family Show” as well as the “Best All Ages Show” for 3 years running thanks to their laugh-out-loud skits, crazy choreography, and stunning special effects.

3799 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Phone: 702-531-3826

7.James Michael Redneck Comedy Magic Show

The James Michael Redneck Show is one of the most popular comedy magic shows in Sin City. Street magic ought to move aside, really, as James Michael brings dirt road magic to the streets of Vegas alongside his penchant for boots, booze, and (oops!) bad words. You may be wondering why you should opt for the Redneck Comedy Magic Show over all the other impressive shows that Vegas has to offer, and the answer truly is simple. Though James Michael may not be the brightest tool in the shed, he definitely knows how to bring comedy and magic back to its roots. Think David Copperfield meets Yeeee-Haw!

2000 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89104

8.Las Vegas Shows: KA by Cirque du Soleil

One of the best shows on the strip, Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ amazes viewers with incredible feats of acrobatics within the MGM Grand KÀ Theater. The show combines innovation and art through one of the world’s most technically advanced stages ever made alongside stunning performance arts, aerial displays, stunt work, and even pyrotechnics. While there are definitely many eye-catching aspects to the show that will have your jaw dropping, KÀ is, at its core, an enthralling tale of twins that set off on a dangerous journey to fulfill their larger-than-life shared fate. If this magnificent show doesn’t have you at the edge of your seat, we don’t know what will.

3799 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Phone: 702-531-3826

9.Las Vegas Shows: La Reve

Step into the thrilling fantasy world of Le Rêve, also known as The Dream, at the Wynn Las Vegas. Recently reimagined and reworked with completely new music and gorgeous costumes and set amidst a round aqua theater, La Rêve presents a suspenseful performance revolving around the show’s heroine, known simply as The Dreamer. The show features themes of dark passion, true love, and dueling desires and features stunts like breathtaking high dives, quirky underwater tangos, unimaginable lights and effects, and much more. Having been voted the “Best Production Show” in Vegas for 8 years in a row, there’s just no way that you should miss out on this.

3131 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Phone: 702-770-9966

10.Shows in Las Vegas: Marc Savard Comedy Hypnosis

Named the “Best Comedy Show” of Las Vegas in 2014, the Marc Savard Comedy Hypnosis promises an unpredictable night of madcap antics care of the well-known and well-loved hypnotist Marc Savard. A teeny bit naughty, a wee bit crazy, and absolutely hilarious, Marc Savard’s show is definitely a must-see on the Strip. If you’re lucky enough, you might even get called onto the stage to participate in the show yourself. Whether you’re hopping on the stage or watching from the comfort of the audience, it’s definitely a show that will leave you in stitches. Catch the show 6 nights a week at Planet Hollywood’s V Theater. Oh, and you may want to leave the kids at home for this one.

3667 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Phone: 702-374-1906

11.Michael Jackson One by Cirque du Soleil

We don’t think there’s ever been a Cirque du Soleil show that’s disappointed, especially when it comes to the Las Vegas Strip. Michael Jackson One is no exception as it features one “wow” moment after another along with electrifying acrobatics, on-point dancers and choreography, as well as visual effects that are out of this world. As a performance tribute to the one and only King of Pop, the creators of the show really went out of their way to make sure everything was up to par and worthy of Michael Jackson himself as the show features seamless visual montages and state-of-the-art surround-sound features. Truly, Michael Jackson’s spirit is perfectly channeled through the magnificent performances of the show’s 63 dancers and acrobats.

3950 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89119, Phone: 877-632-7400

12.Las Vegas Show: Mike Hammer Show

For 5 nights a week, locals and visitors to the sleepless city of Las Vegas can enjoy comedy and magic that will elicit oohs and laughter at the Mike Hammer Show. Popular amongst comedy and magic lovers, the Mike Hammer Show is a mainstay at the Four Queens Hotel and Casino’s Canyon Club. Mike’s hilarious jokes have earned him multiple television appearances on networks like the CW, through the Penn & Teller’s Fool Us show, and various shows on A&E TV. Tickets are for sale at the Four Queens Box Office and visitors to the show are sure to leave pleased and still laughing.

202 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101, Phone: 877-935-2844

13.Las Vegas Shows: Monday’s Dark

Las Vegas certainly has a reputation for taking its visitors for all they have, but at Mondays Dark, Vegas gives back. Hosted by Mark Shunock, a native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, Mondays Dark is a bi-monthly show that features a cast of guests from all kinds of industries. From celebrity chefs to musical acts, from athletes to Hollywood stars, Monday’s Dark sees Mark and his guests chat, entertain, and elicit laughs from each other and the viewers for 90 minutes every show. Mondays Dark aims to raise 10,000 dollars in just 90 minutes for the benefit of over 30 local charity partners. If you want at ticket to this show, you better act quick. They sell out practically every time!

3460 Cavaretta Court, Las Vegas, NV 89103, Phone: 702-903-1070

14.Las Vegas Shows: Opium

From the creators of Absinthe comes the eclectic and extremely entertaining show entitled Opium. It’s the newest show at Las Vegas’ The Cosmopolitan and offers viewers a new dimension of entertainment unlike any before. Described as fast, funny and funky, Opium is out of this world with a pack of comedians and crooners doing their thing alongside the house band. If you’re looking to check Opium out, it’s a good idea to leave the kiddos at the hotel or at a different show as this 85-minute hilarious bonanza is intended for audiences of 18 years old and above. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

3708 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 8901, Phone: 702-698-7575

15.Penn & Teller

Penn & Teller definitely isn’t your run of the mill magic and comedy duo. Skewering the traditional magic tricks of the day (say goodbye to the hat and rabbit trick, folks), Penn & Teller’s Vegas Show is an outrageous mix of laughter and magic. What’s even more fantastic about this show is that the comedy and magic are all performed in provocative ways to produce outstanding results and hilarity. The Penn & Teller Show started on Broadway and settled in Las Vegas after touring the country. Catching the “Bad Boys of Magic” can entail a lot of things, but we wouldn’t put it past them to have knives, guns, a cow, and a fire-eating showgirl around for kicks.

3700 W Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89103, Phone: 702-777-2782

16.Piff the Magic Dragon

Comedy? Magic tricks? A man in a dragon suit? You can look forward to that and more at the popular Vegas show of Piff the Magic Dragon. Piff was the standout star of America’s Got Talent and also made waves when he appeared on the Penn & Teller Las Vegas Show. Today, Piff has garnered over a hundred million online views and consistently sells out his shows at the Flamingo Las Vegas hotel and casino. Joined on stage by the world’s only magic performing chihuahua, Mr. Piffles, this unique magic show is quickly becoming an icon of Sin City. After all, how could you even think of top a magician in a dragon suit?

3555 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Phone: 702-733-3111

17.Shows in Las Vegas: Purple Reign

If you’re a true fan of “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince," then tickets to Purple Reign are a must-buy when in Las Vegas. Known abroad and within America for being the absolute best Prince tribute in the world, Purple Reign started as a small show in university college clubs before transitioning to late-night television. From there, the show began to gain recognition not just in the United States but also around the globe for its imaginative and seamless performances. Today, the show is a multiple award winner and promises blistering acts of great music. The raw energy of the cast captures the raw energy of Prince himself when he was in his prime.

Phone: 800-462-8767

18.The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil

Beatles fans and circus fans alike all rejoiced when Cirque du Soleil announced that their next big project at the Vegas Strip was going to feature the top hits of the legendary British quartet. After all, John, Paul, George, and Ringo changed the world, and with a performance as incredible as LOVE, their musical legacy comes to life on stage through amazing acrobatic sequences and choreography. For Cirque du Soleil and fans who have caught the show live, LOVE is more than just a tribute. It’s an artistic and physical manifestation of their iconic lyrics and music. The Grammy-winning soundtrack of the show is magnified by the show’s cast of aerialists, acrobats, and dancers, who leave it all on the floor at every performance.

3400 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Phone: 702-792-7777

19.Shows in Las Vegas: The Mentalist

For 12 years running, Gerry McCambridge has been wowing locals and tourists alike at his nightly show in Planet Hollywood Casino – The Mentalist. A headliner and a true star in his own right, The Mentalist has run over 3,400 times in Sin City, making it the longest running and undeniably the most popular mentalist show in Las Vegas’ entire history. The show originally started in 2005 when Gerry McCambridge was still performing his one-man show-stopping show in New York’s Off Broadway. Upon his move to Las Vegas, his popularity went nowhere but up, with jam-packed shows and repeat watchers being a very common occurrence.

3667 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109

20.Shows in Las Vegas: V – The Ultimate Variety Show

A nightly spectacle at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino’s V Theater, V – The Ultimate Variety Show is a popular show to catch for all those who seek entertainment and amazement all in one from their visit to Las Vegas. The show, one of the best on the Vegas Strip, is home to some of the most unbelievable acts in the world, with performers like Russ Merlin, Tamara Yerofeyeva, The Quiddlers, Wally Eastwood, and the Crazy Gauchos. The show features 14 acts in total and yet each visit to the show provides a whole new experience at every turn. Perfect for all ages, you and the whole family are bound to have a great time at V.

3663 S Las Vegas Boulevard #360B, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Phone: 866-932-1818

21.Las Vegas Shows: Vegas! The Show

Now, if you’re looking for one of the best Broadway-type shows that Sin City has to offer, then look no further than Vegas! The Show. This Vegas hit pays homage to all the greats that made the city into the entertainment capital that it is today. From Elvis to the Rat Pack to Tina Turner, the show is packed with chart-topping hits performed fantastically by a professional and utterly skilled cast of singers and dancers. Ultimately, the show is completely classy and full of glamor that you just won’t find anywhere other than on a true-blue Las Vegas stage.

3663 S Las Vegas Boulevard #454, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Phone: 866-932-1818

22.Show in Las Vegas: Zombie Burlesque

A visit to Las Vegas just would not be complete without a visit to one of the city’s greatest burlesque shows. At Planet Hollywood’s V Theater, there is a unique burlesque show that will take you back to 1958, but with a twist – a visit from the undead. Zombies have taken over this burlesque show, which is a dead sexy and hilarious comedy musical all rolled into a unique and undead package. Apart from beautiful, albeit dead, women, viewers can also enjoy live (no pun intended!) feats of strength and balance by some of the city’s greatest performers. The show’s cast is backed by a fantastic live band and talented dancers, making it one of the best shows to catch on the Strip.

3663 Las Vegas Blvd South, Suite 360, Las Vegas NV 89109, Phone: 866-932-1818