Whether you’re hitting up Las Vegas to try your luck at the poker table or just for a little bit of sightseeing, it’s likely that you’ll want to see a show while you’re there. And really, why not? Las Vegas, the home of entertainment, has some of the very best spectacles out there for you to enjoy on your visit.
The only problem you’ll really encounter is which show to choose to see. While locals have the chance to see every show possible throughout the year, those in the city for just a few days may find themselves a little spoilt for choice.
We’ve put together this handy list of the very best shows in Las Vegas out there so you can make the best decision possible, and we’ve even included handy links to where you can buy tickets for each.
Penn and Teller
Penn and Teller have become household names across America, and there’s nowhere better to be wowed by their magic than Vegas. The pair work together to create the perfect storm of magic, entertainment, and skill and bounce off each other in a way that will have you gripped throughout the show. While Penn serves as the comedic narrator, Teller handles much of the show’s action without saying a word.
This truly breathtaking show located at the Penn & Teller Theater, Rio, combines classic magic and sleight of hand with more innovative and creative tricks. Expect to see knives thrown across the stage, goldfish materialized from thin air, and unimaginable items swallowed. While the audience is let in on some of the pair’s mind-blowing magic tricks, you’ll be left contemplating others for weeks following.
Book tickets for Penn & Teller at Rio here.
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is one of the most well-known and best shows in Vegas, and there’s definitely a reason they perform seven permanent shows across various venues in the city. Known for their mesmerizing stunts and flying acrobats which take place in a water stage, the show is said to provide audience members with a close-up magical feeling.
The most popular Cirque du Soleil shows are definitely ‘O’performed at the Bellagio, ‘Michael Jackson ONE’ performed at Mandalay Bay and ‘Mystére’ performed at Treasure Island, although we simply cannot choose our personal favorites out of the 7. You can also catch ‘KA’ at MGM Vegas, ‘The Beatles LOVE’ at The Mirage, ‘R.U.N’ at the Luxor Hotel & Casino, and ‘Zumanity’ at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino.
Book tickets for Cirque Du Soleil shows here
Absinthe
Absinthe is an absolute favorite for the happy-go-lucky people among us who love a bit of fun and aren’t offended too easily. A thrilling showcase of world-class artists who perform amazing feats of strength, balance, danger and unfathomable flexibility, Absinthe is described as ‘completely intoxicating’. The show includes the very best blend of acrobatics and dancing that an audience is never likely to forget.
Shown at Caesar’s Palace, the home to some great slots of Vegas, the show is full of raunchy jokes, lingerie-clad acrobats, and you may even be pulled on stage for a lap dance, so there’s a reason it’s for those aged over 18 only. Whoever you choose to go with, you’re sure to be scooped away from reality with this hit spectacular that is one of the best shows in Las Vegas.
Book tickets for Absinthe at Caesars Palace here.
Carrot Top
If you’re less into magic and more into comedy, then we definitely recommend a trip to the Luxor to see Carrot Top, given the title of Vegas’ best male stand-up comedian. Known for his combination of comical commentary on current events and trunk full of weird and wonderful items, Carrot Top is described as an ‘absolute riot’.
Expect fast-paced and wacky jokes mixed with front row shots and a lot of over the top ginger hair from this act. You’re sure to be in fits of giggles the whole way through the show, as there’s a reason he’s also been named “Entertainer of the Year” and “Comedian of the Year.” For a show that’s guaranteed to bring you a good time, check out this guy.
Book tickets for Carrot Top at Luxor here.
Australia’s Human Nature Sings Motown and More
While many hit up The Venetian for some of the best slots in Vegas, others go to see Australia’s Human Nature share their talent with the city. This show is bound to get to tapping your feet and singing along as the group performs a mix of pop classics, Doo-Wop, Motown, and soul standards. Human Nature is Australia’s top-selling pop vocal group and it definitely comes across on stage.
Effortlessly blending retro cool with contemporary sounds, this show takes the audience on a journey through the years and genres. Together Toby Allen, Phil Burton, and brothers Andrew and Michael Tierney aim to get personal with their audiences between songs by greeting audience members and telling stories. The group performs both with and without the band, truly showing off their award-winning voices.
Book tickets for Australia’s Human Nature at The Venetian here.
Mat Franco
Magician Mat Franco got his big break on NBC’s America’s Got Talent season nine and has now been claimed to perform one of the best shows in Las Vegas with his headling magic show at The LINQ. His power to wow a huge audience with sleight of hand and mind-blowing magic has won Franco a whole load of popularity across all ages and is sure to dazzle you. Franco’s show is performed in an intimate showroom to allow audiences to get up close to the stage to watch the magician’s every move.
While he will teach you one trick during the show that will leave you in awe, the rest is left up to the imagination. We love how unlike the slightly restricting gambling age in Las Vegas, this show is completely family-friendly and suitable for anyone over the age of five.
Book tickets for Mat Franco at The LINQ here.
VEGAS! The Show
VEGAS! The Show has been named as one of the biggest stage productions and best shows in Vegas on the strip in almost 20 years which promises all the gossip, glitter, and glamor of the Vegas culture. Performed at Planet Hollywood’s Saxe Theater, this show recreates the greatest moments in Vegas’ history which takes the audience on a journey to meet vintage Vegas icons like The Rat Pack, Elvis and today’s most popular performers.
Expect to see gorgeous showgirls and dancers take over the stage with musical numbers that make you want to tap your toes and bathe in vintage glamor. While the Vegas show promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, you’ll also leave with a greater understanding of the history of Vegas in all its glory.
Book tickets for VEGAS! THE SHOW here
Le Rêve – The Dream
Enjoy great seats to see Le Rêve at Wynn’s aquatic theatre-in-the-round for 75 minutes of love and loss acted out by fun and humourous characters. Performed with a mix of acrobatics, swimming, dancing, and breathtaking plunges from the high-diver, Le Rêve promises a mesmerizing experience that is one of the best shows in Vegas for all. Sit back and watch as the performers dazzle center stage in a dreamlike atmosphere with aquatic ballet and gravity-defying stunts.
Le Rêve – The Dream has been voted “Best Production Show” in Las Vegas by Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association for a record-breaking nine consecutive years and shows no sign of slowing down. And now, by buying tickets through to the end of 2019, one dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to Teach for America, Opportunity Village, and the Discovery Children’s Museum.
Book tickets for Le Rêve the Dream at Wynn Las Vegas here.
The Rat Pack is Back
Who doesn’t love The Rat Pack? Performing an award-winning tribute show to its original big band entertainers, The Rat Pack is Back is now playing at the Tuscany Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Perfect for those who enjoy reliving the days of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., the show is now in its 17th season. It’s also the only full-time Rat Pack show in the world with over 1.5 million tickets sold – making it one of the very best shows in Vegas.
Audience members are invited to share in all the great classics such as ‘Luck be a Lady’, ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, ‘New York, New York’ and ‘That’s Amore’ and even welcome a special visitor. The cast is supported by the sensational 7-piece Tribute Orchestra who are sure not to disappoint.
Book tickets to The Rat Pack is Back here.
Crazy Girls at Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino
For a sexy contemporary burlesque show full of leather, heels, and lace, check out Crazy Girls at Planet Hollywood. Enjoy pole dance routines designed by some of Sin City’s finest choreographers, as the performers shimmy their way through the edgy 75-minute show of glitz and glam. After 30 years, America’s longest-running Burlesque show is sure to be sticking around on the Las Vegas Strip for much longer.
Expect an ultra-sultry show has entertained millions with brand new routines to the burlesque classics we all know and love to create one of the best shows in Las Vegas. The Parisian-influenced topless outfits to black leather and spiked heels are sure to wow and the performers love going out into the audience to interact with the crowd and make them part of the show. While penny slots are loved by all at Planet Hollywood, so are the Crazy Girls.
Book tickets to see their year-round show here.
Hitzville- The Show
Get a taste of Motown on your next visit to Planet Hollywood with this popular musical performance known for its standing ovations and for being one of the best shows in Vegas. Hitzville The Show is perfect for fans of Gladys Knight and The Pips, Tina Turner, The Four Tops, Diana Ross and more. Relive the greatest Motown moments through the fun and entertaining performances which are sure to add a little razzle and dazzle into your life.
Starring the ever-talented singer, dancer, and actress, Jennifer (Jin-Jin) Reeves and backed by the Hitzville Band and a group of incredible dancers, this show will have you singing and dancing along the whole way through. If you’re looking for the best shows in Las Vegas for Motown, this is definitely up there.
Book tickets for Hitzville- The Show here.
Nathan Burton’s Comedy Magic
A breakout star of “America’s Got Talent”, magician and illusionist Nathan Burton’s comedy magic show is the perfect way to while away a Vegas afternoon. This high-energy feast of huge illusions and interactive magic is suitable for all ages and is sure to wow. Described as a ‘born entertainer’ by show reviewers, Nathan Burton’s show is perfect for anyone who wants to see good, clean fun in Vegas.
While you’re guaranteed to leave baffled at how he gets away with some of his tricks, Burton’s charismatic energy is guaranteed to catapult audience members into a world of mindblowing magic. It’s also one of the most affordable best shows in Las Vegas, too, so it’s a great way to squeeze another in on a budget.
Book tickets to see Nathan Burton’s Comedy Magic here.
Paranormal – The Mindreading Magic Show
Honestly, any show with the name ‘Paranormal’ is bound to entice and this one is no different – except it never fails to disappoint, just like many of the other best shows in Vegas. Paranormal is a 70-minute mind reading magic show led by Frederic Da Silva, Las Vegas’ award-winning magician, mentalist and hypnotist. Da Silva is always set to go deep into the minds of audience members to provide remarkable insights and predictions on their lives. The venue is super intimate, too, to provide audience members with the very best experience possible.
Even those with the shortest of attention spans refuse to look away for even a second as the quick-witted hypnotist moves through the show at a fast pace. This show takes place earlier in the night, so you’re sure to have plenty of time to hit up the very best Vegas Buffalo Slot Machines afterward.
Book tickets to see Paranormal – The Mindreading Magic Show here.
All Shook Up – Tribute to the King
It’s pretty well accepted that you simply cannot visit Vegas without a trip to see the king himself. The live Elvis tribute is the only Elvis show on the Strip where you can hear all Elvis, all night backed by a live band and is one of the best shows in Vegas. Performed at Planet Hollywood, this Las Vegas classic is so intimate that audience members feel part of the show at all times and features all the songs we absolutely love.
The MC of the night is known for being highly entertaining and spends a short amount of time chatting to the audience before inviting ‘Elvis’ onto the stage in all his glory. The accompanying band is amazing, and Elvis himself brings great vocals and outstanding impressions to this well-loved show.
Book tickets for All Shook Up here
Mac King’s Comedy Magic Show
Mac King is said to be the funniest and now the longest-running magician in Las Vegas, and we totally agree. Guaranteed to hold audience members spellbound, King is right at home in his old Vegas-style showroom at Harrah’s. His family-friendly self-effacing sense of humor blended with a flawless sleight of hand and corny imagination is sure to provide a show that people of all ages will love.
Expect fabulous rope tricks, fun hand shadow puppets, mysterious appearances of Fig Newtons, and live animals such as worms, goldfish, and even a white guinea pig to bring on of the best shows in Vegas. Although appearing to be a little silly, King definitely does not disappoint in his magic or people skills and loves to get the audience involved in his tricks.
Book tickets to Mac King’s Comedy Magic Show here.
Blue Man Group
The Blue Man Group guarantees to bring the ultimate sensory overload to their audiences with what is described as an audiovisual encounter unlike anything else on the Strip. Blue Man Group is fun for the whole family that never gets old, no matter how many times you see it. The narrators of the Blue Man Group show profess to know a lot about human nature and social evolution, but the three bald and blue stars are oddly oblivious.
The men use music, movement, and very little verbal communication to glue audiences to the stage to swim in the sights and sounds that douse the theater. The show is good clean fun that is suitable for anyone over the age of three and includes a variety of impressive acts and quick-change illusions to make one of the best shows in Vegas. The show centers around the company’s signature music played on loud, makeshift instruments which will make your jaw drop.
Book tickets for Blue Man Group here
