Best Shows in Las Vegas
The Most Popular Shows in Vegas
Las Vegas shows 2023: Opinions of the best shows in Las Vegas are as varied as people's individual tastes and with so many shows in Las Vegas, it's hard to keep track of which are popular, up-and-coming, on the way out...like that. This list of the best shows in Las Vegas doesn't only list the best Cirque du Soleil shows, we're also entertained with smaller, lesser-known but equally great Vegas shows, of which there are a boat load! See the best Vegas shows we've discovered...sit back, rest your mouse, track pad or thumb, and enjoy reading through our list of top shows in Las Vegas.
It’s David freakin’ Copperfield. Need we say more? We really don’t but since we love talking about this world-famous magician who just so happens to be our neighbor, we’ll go on and brag about him and his show anyway. The perfect combo of nostalgia, magic and showmanship, master illusionist David Copperfield continues to wow us time and again. This is a popular Las Vegas show so it's helpful to buy tickets in advance.
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Cirque du Soleil has some of the best shows in Las Vegas and LOVE is no exception. LOVE takes audiences on a magical journey through the fantastical world depicted by the music of the Beatles. Acrobatics, aerialists and a cast of colorful, intriguing characters combine to create a mystifying visual pared with the already sensational soundtrack. This is a Vegas show you can't miss.
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CRISS ANGEL Las Vegas MINDFREAK Live, an illusion spectacular based at Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino, is a partnership performance with Cirque du Soleil so you know this is one top notch show! Recently awarded Magician of the Century, Criss Angel brings his arsenal of magic feats that truly delve deep into the minds of audience members and leave guests in a state of bewilderment, awe and fascination. The 90-minute production includes some of the most amazing illusions ever-presented on stage from feats that Harry Houdini dared decades ago, to the newest of illusions straight from the creation of Criss Angel – the most spectacular illusions from the Magician of the Century!
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Mystere is Cirque du Soleil's longest running Vegas show and there's a good reason it's been around for so long--it's awesome!
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After winning the 9th season of "America’s Got Talent," Mat Franco is headlining what might just be the best magic show in Las Vegas at The LINQ. He's got the major mojo to wow a massive audience with his sleight of hand and out-of-this-world magic. Oh, and his charisma just cranks it all up to 11. This guy's a major wizard.
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KA is a coming-of-age tale, presented in Cirque's now legendary 'feast-for-the-senses' style that is, at the same time, exhilaratingly beautiful. Inspired by the Egyptian idea of 'ka a spiritual duplicate' the show tells the story of twins, male and female, who are separated and finally linked in their destinies and their destinations.
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Not only is Tournament of Kings one of the best shows in Vegas, but it’s also one of the longest running shows too. Tournament of Kings transports audiences into the legendary realm of King Arthur. Forget the average ‘dinner and a show’ night out: this is an immersive and interactive experience like no other. The theater-in-the-round arena hosts valiant knights on horseback jousting for their honor while you enjoy a hearty three-course meal eaten medieval-style: sans utensils!
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Watch Piff the Magic Dragon and his assistant Mr. Piffles star in their long-awaited solo show. Fresh from his success on “America’s Got Talent” and following record-breaking ticket sales throughout North America on his first US tour, Piff the Magic Dragon will leave you amazed with his slight-of-hand tricks and magic. You'll be amazed by Piff the Magic Dragon and Mr. Piffles, the world’s only magic performing Chihuahua. They will perform a selection of their greatest hits from a repertoire that stretches over six previous critically acclaimed solo shows.
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One of the new best Las Vegas shows 2023 is Mad Apple is Cirque du Soleil's. It debuts in May of 2023 at New York-New York replacing now closed Zumanity and the location couldn't be more fitting as Mad Apple is a NYC themed variety show featuring six brash acts and a dynamic makeup of musicians, dancers, comedians, magicians, and circus performers. Each act is like a snapshot from a different nocturnal side of New York City. Mad Apple is a show with a late-night flavor so is recommended for ages 16 and up.
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It takes one heck of a performer to tackle Michael Jackson's legendary musical catalogue, but just as he was no ordinary artist, Michael Jackson ONE is no ordinary show. If the music isn't enough to get you into the action, the effects are sure to do the trick. Lights, gravity-defying acrobatics, state-of-the-art hip-hop infused choreography with the King of Pop's signature dance moves fuse seamlessly for what Rolling Stone called "A virtual parade of WOW moments." Cirque Du Soleil's trademark action is a perfect companion for Jackson's music for an experience like no other.
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Penn and Teller is the old school Las Vegas magic show. Their live show has been a hit on Broadway and now has a permanent home in Las Vegas at the Rio Suite Hotel and Casino. Known for their outrageous blending of comedy and magic, which often stretches the boundaries of traditional magic, this iconoclastic pair's live show on any given night can involve knives, guns, a fire-eating showgirl and a duck. Known as the "Bad Boys of Magic," for supposedly revealing the secrets to their tricks, they may show you how it's done, but they still manage to leave you startled!
Tickets from $86.71
It's hard to put Blue Man Group into words: take a rock concert and a comedy show, add a heaping dash of whimsy, stir in unrivaled creativity and a generous pinch of high-tech visual treats. Shake well and serve! There’s no act in the world like Blue Man Group, and their enduring popularity proves it. Blue Man Group can be called the ultimate sensory overload show. Three black cladded mute men covered in shiny cobalt blue paint take the audience through a journey of sound, light and color. They entertain using music and lights, drums, neon, and movement. This show is fun, bright, visual, colorful, funny and bursting with theatrics and entertainment. There's a reason why 35 million people around the world have attended a Blue Man Group performance, because it's fun and creative and bizarre.
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We all love a good Vegas show, especially a ventriloquist show. When Terry Fator and his puppets are a marriage made in Sesame Street heaven. Without each other, Fator would have been just another middle-aged singer to walk across the stage on "America's Got Talent." And, well, the puppets would still be puppets. But thanks to their exposure of winning "America's Got Talent," Terry Fator has capitalized on his success and now headlines in Vegas with essentially a puppet show.
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I've lived in Sin City for over 30 years and in that time if I had a dime for each time someone asked "what are the best shows in Las Vegas" I'd be up there with Elon Musk in net worth. Here's a tip: Carrot Top is an oldie and goodie Vegas show. Picking a comedy show to see in Vegas is a daunting task. That’s why we’ve done the research for you—we know you deserve the best while visiting the Strip! So, make your way down to the Luxor and check out Carrot Top, Vegas’s “Best Male Stand-Up Comedian. This guy is an absolute riot, combining comical commentary on current events with outrageous prop comedy. He’s got a trunk full of bizarre items, including several of his own inventions, which add an extra layer of hilarity to his jokes. Add in his wacky personality, over-the-top red hair, and the fact that he barely takes the time to breathe between jokes, and you’re in for a show that will have you doubled over laughing from start to finish.
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Shin Lim learned his world-class magic skills from.....you won't believe this: YouTube! But really, how good can this YouTube edcuated magician be? Shin Lim’s been on the Penn & Teller show, and he won the 13th season of America’s Got Talent, and then went on America’s Got Talent: The Champions and won that too! Now he's got his very own magic show in Las Vegas. Not bad, Shin Lim became a top magician and went on to headline one of the best shows in Las Vegas just by watching YouTube videos. You don’t want to miss this show.
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Potted Potter, the widely imaginative continuation of the J.K. Rowling Harry Potter books, is coming to Las Vegas this summer for a 10-show run after a successful run in New York City's Theatre District and London's West End.
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Jabbawockeez was the first dance crew to headline on the Las Vegas Strip, which communicates straight away that this troupe has a distinctive style and continues to set itself apart from other Vegas entertainment options. Dance enthusiasts and casual fans alike find plenty to love in this high-tech mix of stunning hip-hop choreography, special effects, and Vegas' trademark flair at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. Voted 'Best Family Show' and 'Best All Ages Show’ for three years in a row, the performers in Jabbawockeez are outfitted in white masks and gloves, presenting modern dance as the most fun, most unified, most accessible entertainment yet.
Vegas.com from $53.64
In the great pantheon of 20th century entertainers, only a few achieved legendary status, and no one quite captivated the world like Michael Jackson. Jackson's oeuvre is largely family-friendly for kids ages 6-10. This Las Vegas musical is approximately an hour long, perfect for young attention spans. Be aware that seats are not assigned with ticket purchase, so early arrival is recommended. If you're looking to introduce your youngster to the genius that is Michael Jackson, you'll love this show.
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Hitzville The Show is a nostalgia-filled trip through the Motown hits of yesteryear. Vocalist Jin-Jin Reeves, along with backup singers and the five-piece Hitzville band, fills Planet Hollywood's V Theater with an authentic Motown sound and experience that will have you clapping your hands and dancing in the aisles. Hitzville is a journey through the times and places that made Motown famous, opening up with The Pips' classic "I Heard it Through the Grapevine," and going through different acts, going from one influential Motown band to the next.
Vegas.com from $44.99
Prepared to be wowed by this popular Vegas show “WOW” (yes, we resort to puns when necessary). The production “WOW” belongs in the Entertainment Capital of the World by virtue of its acrobatics, 3D-multi-media projections, theatrical lighting and one of the coolest water stages you’ve ever seen (wink, wink). They’re not holding back, and why should they? It’s Vegas, baby and we are in the city that loves to entertain. What sets this show apart from other Las Vegas shows is that the stage is immersive with the audience. You will be flush up against the stage to see all stunts up-close-and-personal. Prepare for the "wow" that will float off your lips with every flip, jump and tuck.
Vegas.com from $49.26
Downtown, or Fremont Street as the locals call it, also boasts some of the best shows in Vegas so if you're visiting this area be sure to check out these amazing performances:
There were the naysayers, the haters and the diehard fans who said that Purple Reign would fail because Vegas has too many tribute shows. But has Prince EVER let us down?? I didn't think so. Jason Tenner has been performing his Prince tribute show in Las Vegas for more than a decade. What began as a lark in 1996 for this singer has transformed into a live replica of Prince's greatest hits and moves. Tenner watched Prince's movies and videos on repeat until he could mimic Prince's exact movements and expressions. To perfect his voice to sound like Prince, he would sit in his home studio, record, and replay, over and over again, fine-tuning himself. This is dedication people, and because of this, fans can still party like it's 1999.
Vegas.com from $56.89
What would a trip to Vegas be worth if there weren't a show all about the premier showman himself, Elvis! Grab your blue suede shoes and head over to this tribute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll. This astounding show is backed by a live band, so be ready to cut a rug. "The King" will only be playing the hits, like "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Suspicious Minds." Be prepared to take a trip back in time with one of music's greatest artists, a show not to be missed.
Vegas.com from $37.95
2022 saw a few Las Vegas shows go down in flames, among those, a long time favorite "Le Reve". But Le Reve wasn't alone, three major Las Vegas shows also bit the dust: Absinthe and Zumanity and this doesn't count the numerous smaller tier Vegas shows that bit the dust in 2022.
Zumanity gave its final performance in March 20202 but it's worth mentioning just how important this show was to Las Vegas: It’s definitely getting hot in here and the performers are definitely taking off all their clothes. Exploring the very sexy and very un-family-friendly side of Cirque du Soleil, Zumanity whips - er - whisks audience members up for a deliciously wild ride to discover their sensual side. Unlike other Cirque du Soleil productions, Zumanity has no storyline. Instead, this highly eroticized, cabaret-style spectacle offers a bunch of unique characters whose performances are each themed by different elements of sexuality. Oh, and there is no traditional Cirque gibberish either unless you count some moans and groans as such.
Another casualty of Covid, simply put, Le Reve was one of the most wonderful shows Vegas had ever offered to the world. Le Reve Las Vegas has earned a place among the top Las Vegas shows and you'll understand why once you experience its pools, platforms, tunnels and overhead acrobatics. The action begins when you see fire, water and smoke appear all around you. This Cirque-like show is unique and memorable, possibly giving Cirque du Soleil shows a run for its money, not a easy feat, but indeed there are many who believe Le Reve is better than 'O', Beatles Love, Ka and Michael Jackson. Judge for yourself.
We love Las Vegas shows so when creating this article, we decided we'd go beyond mentioning what our idea of top shows in Las Vegas is and use some actual data. We use a few metrics to determine which shows should be included in our list of top-rated Vegas shows: number of reviews, proportion of good versus bad reviews, and years performing in Las Vegas. So, there's a tiny bit of logic to our list of shows but we have not ranked this article in any order, fyi.