If you’ve been watching the latest season of Netflix’s Glow, aka the ‘Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling’, you’ll have had a glimpse into the glamour and excitement of the Las Vegas strip. And if you haven’t, then we’re here to tell you there’s more to do in Vegas than just hitting up the casinos for bottle service and blackjack. Alongside the upscale Las Vegas strip hotels, in all their neon-lit glory, are destination restaurants, top theatrical performances, comedy clubs, concert halls, and so much more. For a fun night out, you can’t go past dinner and one of the many great Las Vegas events. Find out some of the best shows happening in Las Vegas ahead.
Las Vegas Residencies 2019
‘O’ and KA by Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas
This entertainment heavyweight hosts several popular performances on the Las Vegas strip. Among the must-sees are ‘O’ by Cirque du Soleil at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. This surreal display surrounds a body of water and includes world-class acrobats, divers and synchronised swimmers. Another Cirque du Soleil production exclusive to Las Vegas is KA at the MGM Grand. This storyline contains dramatic scores, pyrotechnics and more – the ambitious show cost an estimated $165 million to develop. No matter which you choose, a Cirque du Soleil production never disappoints with its daring entertainers and impressive sets.
Absinthe at Caesars Palace Las Vegas
If you want to take your night out up a notch, this is the show to see. Set inside the red-and-white-striped Spiegel tent at Caesars Palace, Absinthe offers a little bit of everything – comedy, song, circus and burlesque, to name a few. With a circular stage in the centre of the tent, no seat is more than 11 rows from the action, making for intimate viewing. This critically acclaimed performance promises an unforgettable evening on the strip.
Celestia at the Stratosphere
This production is all about high-flying fun, featuring talented trapeze artists and acrobats performing in an otherworldly setting under the roof of the Stratosphere’s 30,000-square-foot theatrical tent. Entry to this 70-minute show starts from $29 USD, so it’s one of the cheaper Las Vegas show tickets to put on your itinerary.
Penn and Teller at the Rio
This famous comedy duo is one of the most in-demand acts on the Vegas strip, and for a good reason. The seasoned entertainers are perhaps best known for their TV show Fool Us, which sees a rotation of top magicians aim to trick Penn and Teller, with success seen as the ultimate testament to their skills. Prepare for an evening full of astonishing illusions and belly laughs at this leading Vegas show. Hot tip: book ahead.
La Reve at Wynn Las Vegas
Similar to ‘O’, La Reve, translating to ‘The Dream’, centres on the theme of water. This long-running production takes place on an aquatic theatre-in-the-round, providing panoramic viewing for the audience. Crowds can expect a fantastical performance featuring elaborate costumes, synchronised swimming and sky-high diving – a favourite Vegas show.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club at the LINQ
Emmy Award-winning talk show host, comedian, writer and producer Jimmy Kimmel is a Las Vegas native, and his Comedy Club launched at the LINQ this year. Its roster showcases emerging and established stand-up acts in a slick, two-storey space where guests can enjoy food and drink alongside the entertainment. For a night of laughs in Las Vegas, keep an eye on this club’s regularly updating performance schedule.
The Nutcracker at the Smith Center
If you’re coming to Vegas around the festive season, what better show to book than the Nutcracker ballet? This Christmas classic is always a beautiful production, with whimsical costumes and sets that glitter with snow. The Nevada Ballet Theatre’s season caps off with Coppelia in May 2020, described by the New York Times as “One of the happiest ballets in existence”, and there are several other highlights in between.
Coming in 2020
Van Morrison at Caesars Palace
If you prefer concerts to theatre, there is an embarrassment of riches to choose from in Las Vegas. Among the tour highlights for 2020 are Aerosmith, Lady Gaga, Drake, Sting, and David Lee Roth (of Van Halen fame), but at the top of our list is Van Morrison for his timeless style and trans-generational appeal. Get in quick for a nostalgic night of sing-alongs, with gigs happening from 31 January to 8 February.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Live
Seven of Ru Paul Drag Race’s best-loved reality TV queens will head to Sin City for a residency at the Flamingo resort from January 2020. For fans of the show, this will be a not-to-be-missed night of dancing, singing, laughing, and ultra-fabulous fashion. Even if you’re not familiar with the series, it’s bound to be big fun. Tickets are on sale now.
Eager to experience the lights of Sin City? Book cheap flights to Las Vegas with Webjet, or add your Las Vegas accommodation into the mix too with one of Webjet’s USA holiday packages.
Hero image: Las Vegas. Credit: Daniil Vnoutchkov on Unsplash
