Choosing the right Las Vegas show

In our Help Me Choose series, we consult our expert writers to guide you in making the best travel decisions. This time, we turned to Las Vegas specialist Jesse Scott to help us sift through the incredible array of Vegas shows.

With such a wide variety of options, including comedy, music residencies, magic, and more, selecting just one (or a few) shows to enjoy during your visit can be challenging. In a city where choices can be hit or miss, here are your top picks for Las Vegas shows.

The must-see Las Vegas show for...

...a taste of everything: Cirque du Soleil

Over the years, Cirque du Soleil has become a hallmark of Las Vegas. This Canadian entertainment company is renowned for its circus performances, each showcasing unique artistry, immersive experiences, vibrant characters, and original music. While some Cirque shows tour globally, several hotels along The Strip host exclusive Cirque du Soleil residencies that can only be experienced in Las Vegas.

Among your top selections, Mystere at Treasure Island was the first Cirque show to grace Sin City, establishing itself as a family-friendly favorite since 1993. For Beatles enthusiasts, a visit to The Mirage is a must, where LOVE has been captivating audiences since 2006 – though it lacks live music, unlike many other Cirque productions. Another highlight is O at The Bellagio, featuring a stunning aquatic setting with divers and synchronized swimmers alongside Cirque’s signature high-flying acrobats.

The Sphere stands out as a stunning new landmark among Las Vegas's impressive venues © Anadolu / Getty Images

... a spectacle of visual magic: Sphere

Since its grand opening in late 2023, Sphere has been the centerpiece of conversation. This mesmerizing venue dazzles both outside and in, featuring an exterior crafted from 1.2 million lights the size of hockey pucks that collectively create stunning, larger-than-life visuals visible from great distances—think giant fireballs, jack-o-lanterns, massive emojis, and even the moon. Inside, it accommodates nearly 18,000 guests and boasts the world’s largest wraparound LED display, making it a breathtaking sight.

You can enjoy the exterior for free, with great viewing spots available from nearby resorts like Venetian, Palazzo, Wynn, and Encore. If you're looking to catch a show inside, Sphere hosts multiple daily performances of its nature-themed show, Postcards from Earth, which showcases its impressive audio and visual technology. Major acts like U2 and Phish are set to perform at Sphere, and if you plan to attend a concert, opt for floor seats to get the most out of the experience—otherwise, you might find yourself distracted by Sphere's captivating visuals throughout the show.

... a touch of magic: David Copperfield

From Siegfried and Roy’s tiger performances to David Copperfield making everything vanish, Las Vegas has long been a haven for legendary magicians. You can still see Copperfield performing at MGM Grand, where he has been dazzling audiences since 1996. Despite his superstar status in the magic world, he remains approachable, sharing personal stories and engaging the audience, plus offering meet-and-greet sessions for fans for an additional fee.

In addition to Copperfield, magician Criss Angel has been a fixture in Vegas for almost twenty years, originally premiering at Luxor and now hosting a residency at Planet Hollywood. While Copperfield leans towards a more elegant performance style, Angel’s shows are designed to captivate a younger, edgier audience with his dynamic showmanship.

Absinthe offers a sultry spin on the circus variety show © Las Vegas Review-Journal / Getty Images

... something sultry: Absinthe

In Sin City, sometimes you crave a bit of risqué entertainment. For an ultimate blend of artistry and sensuality, Absinthe is the perfect choice. Nestled in a white tent on the Roman Plaza outside Caesars Palace, this 90-minute spectacle fuses burlesque, comedy, and circus performances. The show features the outlandishly humorous Gazillionaire as its host, who brings an unapologetically vulgar flair to the stage. For nearly twenty years, Absinthe has thrived in its prime location, captivating audiences.

For another enticing option, check out Rogue at The STRAT, which premiered in 2022 and boasts nearly two dozen topless performers, along with contortionists, comedians, and aerialists woven into the acts. Like many Las Vegas shows, Rogue runs from Tuesday to Sunday, with Mondays off for the performers.

How to get ready for a Las Vegas show

Finding a deal: Visit the show’s resort box office for early or same-day discounts—you might even score complimentary tickets through certain levels of a casin o’s rewards program. Additionally, Tix4Vegas has kiosks along The Strip offering heavily discounted tickets.

What to wear: The days of strict dress codes at Vegas shows are over. However, be sure to dress warmly, as most venues—and casino s—tend to keep the air conditioning cranked up, especially in the summer.

When to buy tickets: The earlier you book, the better your seat selection will be. Consider your show type: for a magic performance, sitting near the stage enhances the experience, while a mid-venue seat works best for a Cirque show to appreciate the full spectacle.

Where to park: Most casin os now charge for parking, but three properties on The Strip offer it for free: Sahara, Treasure Island, and Circus Circus.

Artist residencies, like Adele's, provide an ideal opportunity to catch your favorite performers live © Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

Don’t overlook music residencies and comedy shows, either

Adele, Katy Perry, Garth Brooks, Barry Manilow, Maroon 5, and ventriloquist/comedian Terry Fator are just a few of the major names with current or recent residencies in Las Vegas. The frequency of these residencies can vary widely, ranging from week-long performances to occasional weekend shows throughout the year. If you learn that your favorite artist or comedian has a Vegas residency, it’s wise to check their tour schedule for Vegas dates and plan your trip accordingly rather than hoping for a spontaneous show.

Continue planning your Las Vegas getaway:

Create an unforgettable itinerary with 11 top attractions in Las Vegas. Las Vegas can be quite a lot to take in—check out our First-timer's guide to Las Vegas. Escape the bright lights with The 8 best parks in Las Vegas. Discover great deals and pleasant weather in our guide to the Best times to visit Las Vegas.