Best Las Vegas Shows

The best shows in Las Vegas range from major Cirque productions and immersive Sphere experiences to close-up magic, comedy, family entertainment and adult-only revues. The difficult part is choosing the right performance for your trip.

This guide compares current options by audience, age guidance, location, budget and overall experience, with clear booking links throughout. It covers signature entertainment at Luxor Hotel, Harrah's Las Vegas, Flamingo Hotel and Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, where Barry Manilow's lifetime residency includes selected 2026 dates. Each resort casino in Sin City has a different personality, so check the latest schedule before booking.

📅 Last updated: 19 September 2026

On this page

• 🎪 Spectacle and Production 🎪
• 🔥 Adult Circus and Revues 🔥
• 🎪 Cirque du Soleil 🎪
• 🔮 Magic 🔮
• 😂 Comedy 😂
• 💃 Burlesque and Late-Night 💃
• 🌐 Sphere Experiences 🌐
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Entertainment 👨‍👩‍👧
• ❤️ Date-Night Picks ❤️
• 💰 Budget-Friendly Options 💰
• 🕒 Planning Your Show Night 🕒
• 🎵 Concerts and Residencies 🎵
• ❓ Frequently Asked Questions ❓

⭐ Top Picks at a Glance ⭐

🎟️ Book Las Vegas Experiences with GetYourGuide 🎟️

🎪 Spectacle and Production 🎪

O by Cirque du Soleil 🏆 VegasWizzard Favourite

One of the defining Las Vegas productions. O combines diving, acrobatics, aerial performance and theatrical staging around a vast water-based stage at Bellagio.

• Recommended for: First-time visitors, couples and special occasions
• Location: Bellagio
• Style: Aquatic Cirque spectacle
• Budget: ££££
• Typical length: Around 90 minutes
• Why choose it: It feels uniquely Las Vegas rather than like a touring production passing through the city
• Who may prefer something else: Visitors wanting comedy, a straightforward story or a cheaper evening

💡 VegasWizzard Tip: Central seats with a full view of the stage are often stronger than simply buying the closest seats available.

🎟️ Check O by Cirque du Soleil Tickets 🎟️

Awakening

Wynn's purpose-built production uses a 360-degree stage, large-scale puppetry, aerial acts, choreography, lighting, illusions and surround-style audio. The production runs for around 80 minutes without an intermission, with final performances announced through October 10, 2026.

• Recommended for: Couples, first-time visitors and anyone wanting a modern high-tech Strip production
• Location: Wynn Las Vegas
• Style: Fantasy, acrobatics and immersive theatre
• Budget: ££££
• Typical length: Around 80 minutes
• Age guidance: Children must be at least 5
• Current schedule: Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday at 6:30pm and 9pm; Sunday at 4pm and 7pm
• Final performance date: October 10, 2026
• Why choose it: The theatre itself is a major part of the experience

💡 VegasWizzard Tip: Because the production is staged in the round, a balanced central view usually matters more than being extremely close.

🎟️ Check Awakening Tickets on Ticketmaster 🎟️

V – The Ultimate Variety Show

A fast-paced variety production featuring a rotating cast of specialty acts including acrobatics, comedy, juggling, magic and daredevil stunts. Because the acts rotate, the exact line-up can vary between performances, making it a good all-round choice for families and mixed groups who want several styles of Vegas entertainment in one show.

• Recommended for: Families, first-time visitors, mixed-age groups and anyone wanting a lower-cost alternative to the major Strip spectacles
• Location: V Theater, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
• Style: Variety, comedy, acrobatics, magic and specialty acts
• Budget: ££
• Typical length: Around 75 minutes
• Age guidance: All ages welcome; children 2 and under can attend free when sitting on a parent’s lap, while guests aged 3+ or children requiring their own seat need a ticket
• Current schedule: Typically 7pm nightly, with additional 5:30pm or 8:30pm performances on select dates; check the chosen date before booking
• Why choose it: It packs several different types of entertainment into one relatively short show and is one of the more accessible family-friendly options on the Strip
• Who may prefer something else: Visitors wanting a single large-scale theatrical production may prefer O, KÀ or Awakening

💡 VegasWizzard Tip: This is a particularly useful option for groups that cannot agree on one type of show. The rotating line-up combines several styles without committing the whole evening to one genre.

🎟️ Check V – The Ultimate Variety Show Tickets 🎟️

Blue Man Group

A long-running combination of percussion, visual comedy, audience interaction, vibrant lighting and deliberately strange performance art. The theatre can be filled with colour, sound and guest participation, yet the act remains easy to follow for people of different ages.

• Recommended for: Families, groups and visitors wanting something less traditional
• Location: Luxor
• Style: Music, comedy and visual performance
• Budget: £££
• Why choose it: Broad appeal and very little reliance on dialogue or storyline
• Who may prefer something else: Visitors looking for a glamorous or romantic night

🎟️ Check Blue Man Group Tickets 🎟️

Absinthe

Spiegelworld's adults-only-style circus production at Caesars Palace mixes acrobatics, comedy and deliberately outrageous humour in a small tent-style venue. The smaller room makes the acts feel much closer and more intense than a conventional arena production.

• Recommended for: Couples, groups and adults who like edgy comedy
• Location: Caesars Palace
• Style: Acrobatics, circus and adult comedy
• Budget: ££££
• Why choose it: One of the most distinctive adult entertainment experiences in Las Vegas
• Who should skip it: Families, easily offended visitors and anyone wanting polished family-friendly theatre

🎟️ Check Absinthe Tickets on Ticketmaster 🎟️

Tournament of Kings

A medieval-style dinner production at Excalibur featuring knights, horses, jousting, staged combat and audience participation while dinner is served.

• Recommended for: Families, groups and first-time visitors wanting a classic themed experience
• Location: Excalibur
• Style: Dinner theatre and live action
• Budget: £££
• Why choose it: Entertainment and dinner are combined into one booking
• Who may prefer something else: Couples looking for a quieter or more sophisticated evening

🎟️ Check Tournament of Kings Tickets 🎟️

🔥 Adult Circus and Revues 🔥

Atomic Saloon Show

Atomic Saloon Show at The Venetian mixes circus, acrobatics, physical comedy and deliberately raunchy Wild West humour inside an intimate saloon-style theatre. The production is created by Spiegelworld, the company behind Absinthe, and leans heavily into adult comedy rather than polished family entertainment.

• Recommended for: Couples, groups and adults wanting something irreverent and different
• Location: Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort
• Style: Adult circus, acrobatics and comedy
• Budget: £££
• Typical length: Around 75 minutes with no intermission
• Age guidance: Strictly 18+
• Why choose it: The small 204-seat saloon setting makes the acrobatics and comedy feel much more intimate than a conventional Strip theatre
• Who should skip it: Families, easily offended visitors and anyone wanting a traditional polished stage production

💡 VegasWizzard Tip: This is a particularly good alternative if you like the idea of Absinthe but want a Wild West theme and a slightly more compact production.

🎟️ Check Atomic Saloon Show Tickets 🎟️

Magic Mike Live

Created and directed by Channing Tatum, Magic Mike Live is a 360-degree dance and acrobatic production inspired by the Magic Mike films. Performers move through, above and around the audience, with choreography, live music, comedy and acrobatics giving it considerably more production value than a straightforward male revue.

• Recommended for: Girls' trips, couples, birthdays and groups wanting an adults-only night out
• Location: Magic Mike Live Theatre at SAHARA Las Vegas
• Style: Dance, acrobatics, music and adult revue
• Budget: £££
• Typical length: Around 90 minutes
• Age guidance: 18+ with valid photo ID
• Why choose it: It is built as a full theatrical production rather than simply a sequence of dance routines
• Who may prefer something else: Visitors wanting conventional comedy, magic or Cirque-style entertainment

💡 VegasWizzard Tip: Audience participation is part of the atmosphere, although being selected is never guaranteed. Choose seats based on how involved you actually want to feel rather than assuming the closest seat is automatically the best one.

🎟️ Check Magic Mike Live Tickets 🎟️

Chippendales

Chippendales is one of the longest-running names in Las Vegas adult entertainment, combining choreographed dance routines, acrobatics, audience interaction and a high-energy male revue format. It is designed more as a party-night experience than a traditional theatre production.

• Recommended for: Bachelorette parties, birthdays, girls' trips and groups wanting lively adults-only entertainment
• Location: Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino
• Style: Male revue, dance and acrobatics
• Budget: ££–£££ depending on seating
• Age guidance: 18+ with valid ID
• Why choose it: It is one of the most recognisable adult revue brands in Las Vegas and works particularly well for celebration trips
• Who may prefer something else: Couples wanting a more theatrical production may prefer Magic Mike Live, while visitors wanting circus and comedy may prefer Absinthe or Atomic Saloon

💡 VegasWizzard Tip: Chippendales currently performs most nights with an additional late show on Fridays and Saturdays, so it can be easier to fit around dinner than many fixed-time productions.

🎟️ Check Chippendales Tickets 🎟️

🎪 Cirque du Soleil 🎪

Las Vegas currently has several resident Cirque productions. O is covered above as the overall VegasWizzard favorite, while each Cirque du Soleil show below offers a noticeably different style rather than simply being a cheaper version of the same thing.

KÀ

KÀ at MGM Grand is built around an enormous moving performance platform that tilts, rotates and becomes part of the action. The production mixes martial arts, aerial work, acrobatics and a more obvious adventure narrative than most Cirque shows.

• Recommended for: Visitors wanting action and dramatic staging
• Location: MGM Grand
• Style: Action, martial arts and acrobatics
• Budget: £££–££££
• Typical length: Around 90 minutes
• Family suitability: Family friendly, with the venue currently listing ages 3+

🎟️ Check KÀ Tickets 🎟️

Michael Jackson ONE

A high-energy Cirque production built around Michael Jackson's music, dance style and visual legacy. It combines choreography, acrobatics and large-scale audio-visual effects.

• Recommended for: Michael Jackson fans and visitors who prefer music-led productions
• Location: Mandalay Bay
• Style: Music, dance and acrobatics
• Budget: £££–££££
• Typical length: Around 90 minutes
• Age guidance: Ages 5+; guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

🎟️ Check Michael Jackson ONE Tickets 🎟️

Mystère

The longest-running resident Cirque production in Las Vegas and one of the closest to a traditional circus format, with colourful characters, acrobatics and physical comedy.

• Recommended for: Families and visitors who want classic Cirque rather than a heavily themed production
• Location: Treasure Island
• Style: Traditional Cirque acrobatics and comedy
• Budget: £££
• Why choose it: A strong introduction to Cirque and often easier to fit into a family itinerary

🎟️ Check Mystère Tickets & Availability on Klook

🎟️ Book Mystère Tickets on Ticketmaster 🎟️

🔮 Magic 🔮

Shin Lim 🏆 Best Magic Pick

Shin Lim performs at The Palazzo Theatre and focuses on highly polished sleight of hand, card magic and mentalism rather than giant stage illusions. His current residency runs Wednesday through Sunday.

• Recommended for: Couples, families with older children and serious magic fans
• Location: The Palazzo Theatre at The Venetian
• Style: Sleight of hand, cards and mentalism
• Budget: £££
• Age guidance: Current venue guidance lists audiences 4+
• Why choose it: The skill level is the main attraction rather than pyrotechnics and giant stage machinery

🎟️ Check Shin Lim Tickets 🎟️

Penn & Teller

One of Las Vegas' longest-running headline acts, mixing magic, comedy, scepticism and deliberate explanation with effects that still manage to leave the audience wondering what happened. Their Rio residency was extended again in 2026.

• Recommended for: Adults, older children and visitors who like intelligent comedy with their magic
• Location: Rio Las Vegas
• Style: Magic, comedy and misdirection
• Budget: £££
• Age guidance: Currently listed for ages 5+
• Why choose it: A genuinely iconic Strip act rather than a generic illusion act

🎟️ Check Penn & Teller Tickets on Ticketmaster 🎟️

Piff the Magic Dragon

Piff combines close-up and stage magic with dry comedy, audience interaction and a performer dressed as a dragon because apparently normal jackets were insufficient.

• Recommended for: Couples, groups and visitors who want comedy as much as magic
• Location: Flamingo
• Style: Comedy magic
• Budget: ££–£££
• Why choose it: Smaller-scale, funny and less formal than the major illusion productions

🎟️ Check Piff the Magic Dragon Tickets 🎟️

Criss Angel MINDFREAK

A large production with illusions, loud music, lighting and theatrical effects. The atmosphere is darker and more aggressive than traditional family-oriented magic productions.

• Recommended for: Fans of modern large-scale illusion productions
• Location: Planet Hollywood
• Style: Illusions and theatrical effects
• Budget: £££
• Why choose it: Big production value and a rock-influenced presentation

🎟️ Check Criss Angel MINDFREAK Tickets 🎟️

Mac King Comedy Magic Show

A daytime comedy-magic performance at Excalibur built around audience participation, sleight of hand and deliberately low-tech humour. Current performances are mainly Tuesday through Saturday afternoons.

• Recommended for: Families, budget-conscious visitors and anyone wanting an afternoon performance
• Location: Excalibur
• Style: Comedy magic
• Budget: ££
• Typical length: Around 70 minutes
• Why choose it: One of the easiest quality show choices to fit around an evening itinerary

🎟️ Check Mac King Tickets 🎟️

Mat Franco

America's Got Talent winner Mat Franco headlines his own theatre at The LINQ, combining close-up style magic, larger effects and audience interaction.

• Recommended for: Couples, families and first-time magic audiences
• Location: The LINQ
• Style: Modern magic and audience interaction
• Budget: £££
• Why choose it: Accessible, polished and less intense than the darker illusion productions

🎟️ Check Mat Franco Tickets 🎟️

Now You See Me Live — New for Late 2026

Now You See Me Live is scheduled to make its US premiere at MGM Grand from October 15, 2026 to January 5, 2027. Inspired by the film franchise, the production features four illusionists and is designed as a large ensemble magic production rather than a single-magician residency.

• Recommended for: Visitors travelling from mid-October 2026 onward
• Location: MGM Grand Theater
• Style: Large-scale ensemble illusion
• Budget: £££
• Age guidance: Current venue listing is ages 5+
• Important: This is date-limited rather than a permanent resident production

🎟️ Check Now You See Me Live Tickets & Availability

😂 Comedy 😂

Carrot Top 🏆 Best Resident Comedy Pick

Carrot Top's long-running Luxor residency combines prop comedy, rapid-fire jokes and visual gags designed to make the crowd laugh. The material changes regularly, helping this widely known Strip personality keep the performance lively after so many years.

• Recommended for: Adults and older teens who like fast-paced visual comedy
• Location: Luxor
• Style: Prop and observational comedy
• Budget: ££
• Age guidance: Currently 16+
• Current schedule: Mainly Monday through Saturday evenings
• Current status: Friday 18 September was cancelled after Carrot Top was hospitalised. Saturday 19 September was already a scheduled dark date and Sunday is normally dark. The next advertised performance is Monday 21 September, but it has not yet been confirmed; check with Luxor or your ticket provider before travelling.

🎟️ Check Carrot Top Tickets 🎟️

Comedy Cellar

The Rio's Comedy Cellar offers a rotating line-up rather than one permanent headline comedian, making it a good choice if you simply want a proper comedy-club night.

• Recommended for: Adults and groups
• Location: Rio Las Vegas
• Style: Multi-comedian club format
• Budget: ££
• Why choose it: Several performers in one booking and a more traditional comedy-club atmosphere

🎟️ Check Comedy Cellar Tickets on Ticketmaster 🎟️

Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club

A centrally located comedy club at LINQ Promenade with rotating stand-up acts and visiting performers.

• Recommended for: Visitors staying around Flamingo, Caesars Palace or The LINQ
• Location: LINQ Promenade
• Style: Stand-up comedy
• Budget: ££
• Why choose it: Very convenient location for combining dinner, drinks and comedy in one area

🎟️ Check Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club Tickets on Ticketmaster 🎟️

Touring Comedians & Aces of Comedy

Major comedians regularly appear at MGM Grand, Dolby Live, The Cosmopolitan, Encore Theater and other Strip venues. These dates change constantly, so visitors with fixed travel dates should always check the live entertainment calendars.

🎟️ Browse Current Comedy Tickets 🎟️

💃 Burlesque and Late-Night 💃

Dita Von Teese

Dita Von Teese is performing select 2026 dates at Voltaire inside The Venetian, showcasing elaborate costumes, choreography and classic cabaret styling in a polished burlesque production.

• Recommended for: Couples, special occasions and fans of premium burlesque
• Location: Voltaire at The Venetian
• Style: Burlesque and cabaret
• Budget: £££–££££
• Important: Performance dates vary, so check your exact travel dates

🎟️ Check Dita Von Teese Tickets on Ticketmaster 🎟️

FANTASY

A long-running adult revue at Luxor combining dance, music and topless performance.

• Recommended for: Couples and adult groups looking specifically for a traditional Strip revue
• Location: Luxor
• Style: Adult revue
• Budget: ££–£££

🎟️ Check FANTASY Tickets 🎟️

Thunder From Down Under

A male revue at Excalibur aimed mainly at adult groups, birthdays and bachelor/bachelorette-style nights out.

• Recommended for: Adult groups and celebration trips
• Location: Excalibur
• Style: Male revue
• Budget: ££–£££

🎟️ Check Thunder From Down Under Prices & Availability 🎟️

🌐 Sphere Experiences 🌐

Sphere is as much an attraction as it is a venue, so it deserves its own category. The programme changes frequently between immersive films and concert residencies.

The Wizard of Oz at Sphere

An immersive adaptation created specifically for Sphere's huge interior display, spatial audio and in-venue effects.

• Recommended for: First-time Sphere visitors, families and film fans
• Location: Sphere
• Style: Immersive film experience
• Budget: £££–££££
• Why choose it: The technology and venue are the main attraction

💡 VegasWizzard Tip: For Sphere experiences, central and slightly elevated seating can give a clearer view of the full screen than simply sitting as close as possible.

🎟️ Browse Sphere Tickets on GetYourGuide 🎟️

🎟️ Book The Wizard of Oz at Sphere Direct on Ticketmaster 🎟️

Postcard From Earth

Darren Aronofsky's large-format immersive film remains part of Sphere's experience catalogue alongside newer productions.

• Recommended for: Visitors more interested in Sphere technology than a conventional stage production
• Style: Immersive film and visual experience
• Budget: £££

🎟️ Check Sphere Experiences 🎟️

Concert Residencies at Sphere

Sphere also hosts major music residencies and limited runs. Acts and dates change frequently, so check the current programme before arranging flights or accommodation around one performance.

🎟️ Check Current Sphere Concerts & Residencies 🎟️

Staying overnight for an event? Compare the best hotels within walking distance of Sphere, including approximate walking times and event-night advice.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Entertainment 👨‍👩‍👧

❤️ Date-Night Picks ❤️

For a special evening, the strongest choices are usually O, Awakening (through October 10, 2026), Shin Lim, Absinthe or a concert at Sphere. O and Awakening work particularly well when paired with a good dinner nearby.

💡 VegasWizzard Tip: Try to book dinner in the same resort or immediate area as your show. In reality, a reservation that looks comfortably spaced on Google Maps can become less comfortable once a casino floor, pedestrian bridge and 25-minute walk appear between the two.

🍽️ Browse the Where to Eat in Las Vegas Guide 🍽️

💰 Budget-Friendly Options 💰

You do not need premium Cirque seats every night. Better-value choices can include:

• Mac King Comedy Magic Show
• Carrot Top
• Comedy Cellar
• Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club
• A selected tribute show
• Weekday performances of larger productions
• Earlier performances where available

💰 Read the Las Vegas Budget Guide 💰

🪑 How to Choose the Best Seats 🪑

Cirque and large spectacle shows: Central seats with a full-stage view usually beat extreme front-row proximity.

Awakening: The production is designed around a 360-degree stage, so balanced sightlines matter more than simply being closest.

Magic: Middle sections can be ideal because you remain close enough to follow smaller effects without losing the full staging.

Comedy: Closer seats improve atmosphere, although the front row occasionally comes with the unexpected privilege of becoming part of the evening.

Sphere: Central and elevated seats generally provide a stronger view of the enormous screen.

Concerts: Check the exact stage configuration because side sections can vary dramatically between residencies.

🕒 Planning Your Show Night 🕒

• Confirm the theatre entrance, not just the hotel name.
• Aim to arrive around 30–45 minutes before showtime and confirm when the house opens.
• Allow extra time to walk through large casino resorts.
• Save mobile tickets or vouchers offline.
• Check age restrictions and bag policies.
• Avoid booking dinner too close to curtain time.
• Check whether the performance has an intermission before planning afterwards.
• Expect rideshare demand to rise when a major show finishes.

🚕 Read the Transport & Airport Guide 🚕

🎵 Concerts and Residencies 🎵

Concert residencies change far too quickly to treat them like permanent shows. The most useful approach is to check your actual travel dates across the major venues:

• Sphere
• The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
• Dolby Live at Park MGM
• Encore Theater
• Resorts World Theatre
• MGM Grand Garden Arena
• T-Mobile Arena
• Allegiant Stadium
• PH Live at Planet Hollywood

🎟️ Browse Current Concerts & Entertainment 🎟️

❓ Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Which production suits a first visit?

For a traditional big Vegas spectacle, O is the strongest all-round choice. Awakening is excellent if you prefer modern technology and immersive staging, but its final performances run through October 10, 2026.

Which magic act is the strongest choice?

Shin Lim is the strongest pick for polished sleight of hand and mentalism, while Penn & Teller are better if you want comedy and classic Vegas history mixed into the show.

Which Cirque du Soleil production should I choose?

O is the best overall recommendation. Choose KÀ for action, Michael Jackson ONE for music and Mystère for classic Cirque.

Should I book tickets in advance?

Yes for priority performances, weekends, limited residencies and premium seat locations. Lower-priority options can sometimes be booked closer to the date, but relying on last-minute availability for a must-see production is an unnecessary gamble in a city already offering plenty of those.

Are these performances suitable for children?

Many are, including Blue Man Group, Mystère, KÀ, Mac King and selected magic acts. Always check the current age policy before buying.

How early should I arrive?

Around 30–45 minutes before the scheduled start is sensible for most productions.

What should I wear?

Smart casual is suitable for most venues. Premium productions do not normally require formal clothing.

Where should I buy tickets?

Use the official venue, an authorised ticket seller or the booking links in this guide. Avoid unofficial street sellers.

Do resident productions run every night?

No. Most resident productions have regular dark days, while concert residencies may only run for short blocks of dates.

🔗 Continue Planning Your Trip 🔗

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• Las Vegas Go City Pass Review
• Where to Stay in Las Vegas 2026: Best Areas & Hotels
• Best Things to Do in Las Vegas at Night (2026 Guide)
• Best Things to Do in Las Vegas for Couples (2026 Guide)

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