Visiting Las Vegas is one of the most glamorous vacations you can take within the United States. The first thing that everyone thinks of is the casinos, but Vegas is also called The Entertainment Capital of the World. It has earned this title for good reason.
Vegas has an overwhelming number of shows to choose from for incredible entertainment. There is something for everyone, from family shows to adult shows, comedy, music, magic, and more. The problem won’t be finding a show you want to see, it will be choosing only a couple of shows when there are so many that you want to see!
If you’re not sure which shows you want to book tickets for, here are some of the best shows in Vegas that you absolutely cannot miss:
Mystère by Cirque du Soleil
You’ll see a lot of Cirque du Soleil on this list. They are one of the most popular groups in Las Vegas. And their six concurrently running shows attest to that popularity, with each one having a unique theme.
Mystère is the very first show that Cirque du Soleil created. This is the show that made them explode into the limelight and become the massive success that they are today. That’s why this show is at the very top of our list of best shows in Las Vegas.
It is an abstract show featuring 67 artists performing amazing physical feats including flying through the air, free climbing, and contorting into insane shapes. It is a great show for the whole family (which can sometimes be a bit difficult to find in Las Vegas).
Book tickets for Mystère at Treasure Island here
Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group is another well-known show that has been around for years. This show is loud and in your face with music, action, and a variety of other acts. It’s colorful, creative, and just the right amount of weird.
People of all ages can enjoy this show. Even if you’ve seen Blue Man Group before, going again will be just as exciting as the first time. These performers are professionals when it comes to engaging the audience and getting them pumped up.
With infectious music played on make-shift instruments, explosions of paint and color, and fast-paced movement and illusions, you won’t want to take your eyes off the stage for even a second. It’s another of the best shows in Vegas for family!
Book tickets for Blue Man Group here
The Rat Pack Is Back!
Do you love the classic kings of music from the early 1960s? Adore the sounds of The Rat Pack? Then this is a perfect show for you, where top-notch singer/actors do amazing impersonations of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Joey Bishop, a.k.a. The Rat Pack.
The original Rat Pack rose to fame during their original run at the Sands in the 1960s and were one of the most popular Vegas shows ever. This new show revives the magic of old Las Vegas with professional impersonators and a 7-piece orchestra.
Not only will you enjoy the music of The Rat Pack, but these impersonators tell jokes, stories, and interact with one another as if they were the very men that they’re impersonating.
This show is for audiences age 12 and older. It runs for just over an hour. It’s a great way to escape back into the old glamor of Vegas and appreciate the city’s entertainment roots.
Book tickets for The Rat Pack Is Back here
Zumanity by Cirque du Soleil
Our second show from Cirque du Soleil is adult only. Talented performers from the well-known group offer their talents with a steamy, sexy spin. There is no plot or storyline to this show, it is just a celebration of sexuality.
Between the chains, whips, and minimal, see-through clothing, this show is highly erotic and is the Cirque’s version of a burlesque show. The performers will wow you with their talents for acrobatics and gymnastics while giving you the experience of a sexy Vegas show.
This is one of the best shows in Vegas if you’re visiting for a honeymoon, anniversary, or any romantic getaway. Start with Zumanity and see where the night takes you. You may just get some inspiration (or an injury–remember that they’re professionals).
Book tickets for Cirque Du Soleil shows here
Penn & Teller
Penn & Teller is the classic Vegas magic show. Not only will you see puzzling tricks and illusions, but you’ll have a few laughs too. This duo has been doing their magic comedy show in Vegas since 1993, and their expertise shows. Today, they still have one of the best shows in Las Vegas.
These two play off of each other’s talents. Penn offers comedic commentary throughout the show while Teller performs astonishing magic tricks and illusion acts in silence. After decades of practice, these men put on a show that will inspire and intrigue. And, unlike other magicians, they aren’t afraid to give you a peek behind the curtain.
This show is great for anyone age 5 and up. It’ll be engaging and entertaining for children and adults alike. It runs about 90 minutes and is sure to keep you captivated from beginning to end.
Book tickets for Penn & Teller at Rio here.
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil
KÀ is one of the most ambitious shows in Vegas today. You’ll see things in this show that you will see nowhere else, not even in other Cirque du Soleil shows. KÀ follows a classic theme of good vs. evil with an Asian inspiration.
KÀ features the well-known acrobatic and gymnastic talents of Cirque du Soleil performers, but with extra obstacles. The stage is made up of two moving platforms that float, spin, and even turn vertically as performers maneuver on them.
This is a great show for the whole family. If you’re looking to see action, adventure, and daring acts, this is the show for you. If money isn’t an issue, splurge and go for the box seats to get the best view possible. It’s one of the best shows in Vegas if you’re looking for action and thrills.
Book tickets for Cirque Du Soleil shows here
Absinthe
Absinthe is like the bachelor party version of a Cirque du Soleil show. You’ll be wow-ed by acrobatic stunts, feats of strength, and incredible gymnastic skills, but you’ll also get dirty jokes, sexualized performances, and blush-worthy acts.
Absinthe is only available for people 18 years and older, and it is definitely not a show to see with your mom. This show is not for those who are easily offended or faint of heart. But if you’ve got a thick skin and don’t mind some seriously racy jokes, this may be just the show for you.
If you decide to take the leap and book tickets, be prepared. This cast is known to call out audience members, involve them in acts, and even publicly shame those who leave the show early. You never know, you may be the unlucky winner.
Book tickets for Absinthe at Caesars Palace here
Lady Gaga Jazz & Piano
Lady Gaga currently has two residencies in Las Vegas that were supposed to be over by now. Luckily for us, new dates have been added through the end of the year and into 2020 because of the popularity of the show.
Lady Gaga Jazz & Piano is designed to feature the incredible voice and talent that Lady Gaga has, even when stripped down to just her voice and a piano. She performs some of her originals as well as some American classics that will leave you breathless.
This show will give you an entirely different view of Lady Gaga. You won’t be seeing any meat dresses or over-the-top extravagance, only pure, unfiltered talent. It’s one of the best shows in Las Vegas right now, maybe ever, in terms of musical talent.
Book tickets for Lady Gaga Jazz & Piano here.
The Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil
This show is a mix of two genres, musical tribute, and Cirque Du Soleil. The Beatles Love show features songs by, you guessed it, The Beatles. Cirque Du Soleil shows usually have a storyline or plot. The storyline of this show brings audiences through the Vietnam War era.
Cirque du Soleil blends acrobatics with music from The Beatles and creates a match made in heaven. The psychedelic, peace-loving, often drug-induced music that inspired a new genre merges seamlessly with the mindblowing acrobatic and gymnastic stunts of the performers. It’s one of the best shows in Vegas for a musical tribute.
This show will help you experience and appreciate music by The Beatles in a whole new way. Whether or not you’re a fan of their music, this tribute to The Beatles will entertain and inspire you.
Book tickets for The Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil here.
Fantasy
Fantasy is another adult-only show. It is the epitome of the sexy, glamorous Vegas show. This show features topless female performers that dance, dress up, and strip down. This is one of the best shows in Vegas if you’re visiting for a bachelor/bachelorette party and you’re looking to get a little wild.
The women in Fantasy perform dances in groups, small ensembles, or solos. There are pole dancing performances, acrobatic acts, stripteases, and more. These women are also accompanied by live music from Jamie Lynch and comedic commentary by Sean E. Cooper.
It probably doesn’t need to be said that this is an 18 and up show, but we’ll say it again just to make sure there’s no confusion. Definitely don’t bring any kids, parents, or conservative friends.
Book tickets for Fantasy here.
Le Rêve – The Dream
Le Rêve offers more subtle sexuality compared to the other best shows in Las Vegas. This show has an age restriction of 5 years and up, though I would not recommend bringing the kids. The show features dancing, swimming, and acrobatic performers who play out a steamy storyline.
These performers dress in intentionally revealing clothing that clings to their bodies when it becomes wet (which happens pretty often). The set and production of the show feature beautiful underwater scenes and romantic costumes that will immerse you in this amazing and enchanting experience.
This show is great for a romantic getaway or a vacation with friends. It’s not really a family show despite its relaxed age restrictions. Make sure to bring some tissues to the show because it’s sure to be a tear-jerker.
Book tickets for Le Rêve the Dream at Wynn Las Vegas here.
Criss Angel Mindfreak
You’re probably familiar with Criss Angel because of his television show, Criss Angel: Mindfreak. He performs all kinds of tricks and stunts for live audiences on the street. Some of his most popular stunts include walking on water and hovering above the ground.
Seeing these acts on TV is not the same as seeing them in person. On camera, despite the reactions of the audience, you always wonder how authentic the trick and the audience reaction is. But when you see Criss Angel Mindfreak in Las Vegas, those doubts are eliminated. It’s one of the best magic shows in Vegas today.
See his iconic tricks and stunts first-hand so you can experience the magic for yourself. You’ll see some old favorites as well as some new exclusives. Criss Angel puts on such a popular act that Planet Hollywood even gave him his own theater.
Book tickets for Criss Angel Mindfreak Live at Planet Hollywood here.
Chippendales: The Show
If the Fantasy show isn’t to your taste, maybe Chippendales: The Show can cater to your needs. This is for people who are more likely to watch Magic Mike than Coyote Ugly, if you know what I mean.
This show is a little bit more involved than other Vegas shows. The performers will walk through the crowd, dance, and flirt with the audience, so go to this show if you want a truly up-close and personal experience!
This is one of the best shows in Vegas for bachelor/bachelorette parties that are looking to appreciate the male form. And it’s definitely not a family show! You can even join the performers in the Flirt Lounge after the show.
Book tickets for Chippendales: The Show here.
O by Cirque du Soleil
O is one of the most popular shows in Vegas right now. Unless you’re planning months ahead, you may not even be able to get a ticket. They do two shows a day five days a week and still pack their theater.
O is an aquatic-themed show by the Cirque du Soleil producers that you know and love. In this show, performers do amazing acrobatic and gymnastic stunts in the air, do synchronized swimming routines at the water’s surface, and dive deep into a 1.5 million gallon pool.
This show is fun for people of all ages. Both children and adults will be entranced and amazed by the performance. This is one of the best shows in Vegas if you’re traveling with the whole family.
Book tickets for O at Bellagio Hotel & Casino here.
Jabbawockeez
The Jabbowockeez came onto the dance scene when they were on the inaugural season of the reality show America’s Best Dance Crew (ABDC). As the first crew to ever win the competition, they quickly became well-known across America.
The Jabbawockeez now has a permanent show in Vegas where they show off their abstract and amazing dance skills. Not only was this crew the first to win ABDC, they were also the first crew to headline in Las Vegas. This has solidified their place as one of the best shows in Las Vegas right now.
The groundbreaking dance skills that you’ll see in this show will have you wondering why your mom ever let you quit your dance lessons. You’ll want to jump up on the stage and join them by the end.
Book tickets for Jabbawockeez at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino here
Lady Gaga Enigma
This show is Lady Gaga’s other residency and will deliver something closer to what you’d expect of a Lady Gaga concert. Where the Jazz & Piano show is a bit of an experimental showcase of her vocal talents, Enigma is a pop concert party.
You’ll hear all your favorite hits and engage directly with the electric energy that Gaga brings to a live audience. This is, after all, the woman that performed a Super Bowl halftime show without the accompaniment of a single other artist.
You’ll see her perform hits all the way back to her debut album “The Fame” up to her latest album “Joanne.” Gaga is also known to engage with the audience and create a comfortable, familiar space by telling jokes and stories. After this show, you’ll be so amped up that you’ll want to hit the strip and party for the rest of the night.
Book tickets for Lady Gaga Enigma here.
Michael Jackson One by Cirque du Soleil
Wrapping up the Cirque du Soleil shows on this list, Michael Jackson One is a tribute to the iconic music and dance skills of Michael Jackson. Cirque du Soleil, of course, brings their signature acrobatic and gymnastic stunts to the table to pay homage to the historic singer.
Performers are dressed in outfits that Michael was well known for, like his sparkling glove and fedora. The routines also take cues from dance moves that he invented like the moonwalk, anti-gravity lean, and the MJ spin, to name a few.
This show is open to people age 5 and up. With all of the daring stunts and incredible acrobatics, you don’t have to be a fan of Michael Jackson to enjoy the show, but it sure helps.
Book tickets for Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay here.
Vacationing in Vegas can mean a lot more than hitting the casinos. There’s so much to do, to see, and to eat, that it can be difficult to decide what you’ll do on your trip and what you’ll have to pass up on. Hopefully, some of the shows on this list have captured your interest and now you have a good starting point. They’re some of the best shows in Las Vegas and you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
