11 Best Shows in Las Vegas Right Now — From Jaw-dropping Acrobatics to Mind-blowing Magic Performances (2024)

Known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas is packed with things to do, including hundreds, if not thousands, of live shows. Options abound, from comedy and magic shows to thrilling acrobatics performances.

Once you’ve found a few shows you’re interested in, you’ll want to reserve tickets as soon as possible, especially since some tend to sell out fast. However, according to Fora travel advisor Mindy Cummings, there’s no need to fret if your desired show is sold out — so as long as you reach out to the right people. She adds, “Your concierge or travel advisor may have alternative channels they can hook you up with.”

Ahead, we’ve narrowed down the very best shows in Las Vegas for everyone — families, groups, couples, and bachelorette parties — including handpicked recommendations from travel advisors.

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U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere

11 Best Shows in Las Vegas Right Now — From Jaw-dropping Acrobatics to Mind-blowing Magic Performances (1)

U2’s residency at the massive Sphere marks the first time the band has played together in four years — and it’s drawing people from all over the world. This isn’t your typical concert: The venue is the world’s largest spherical structure, at over 360 feet tall, complete with 580,000 square feet of LED exterior. Inside, you’ll find the world’s highest resolution LED screen, a 160,000-square-foot wraparound display for mind-blowing visual effects that pair perfectly with each song. Keep in mind that tickets to the concert are highly coveted — and pricey — and you’ll have to act fast to snag them before the residency wraps up on March 2.

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The Mac King Comedy Magic Show

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Put simply, explains Fora travel advisor Sara Wilcox, “The amount of evening shows and dinner options in Las Vegas is overwhelming.” For a change of pace — and to beat the heat during the day — snag tickets to the hilarious Mac King Comedy Magic Show at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino. The 70-minute show takes place Tuesday through Saturday at 3 p.m., and, per Wilcox, “caters to adults and children ages five and up,” offering “something for everyone.” Prepare to be captivated by King while he cracks jokes; puts on stunts with his pet guinea pig, Colonel Sanders; and performs impressive magic tricks such as making his head disappear in a paper bag.

Awakening

11 Best Shows in Las Vegas Right Now — From Jaw-dropping Acrobatics to Mind-blowing Magic Performances (3)

Awakening made its grand (re)debut at Wynn Las Vegas in June 2023 with a new plot — plus choreography, costumes, music, and puppetry. The 80-minute performance, narrated by Academy Award-winner Anthony Hopkins, takes place on a massive 360-degree prismatic stage, but that’s just the beginning. The show follows IO, as well as the hilarious duo, Bandit and Boo, as they fight Darkness so that they can add Light back to the world. Along the way, the trio encounters some truly fascinating creatures.

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Absinthe

11 Best Shows in Las Vegas Right Now — From Jaw-dropping Acrobatics to Mind-blowing Magic Performances (4)

Fora travel advisor Jane Henzerling describes Absinthe as "an irreverent, hilarious, and mind-blowing mixture of ribald, totally inappropriate comedy with jaw-dropping acrobatic acts." The adults-only show, which takes place at Caesars Palace, is hosted by the raunchy Gazillionaire and features plenty of crude humor. "If you're easily offended, don't go," explains Henzerling. "If you're OK with pretty much every topic, you'll laugh uproariously and be endlessly entertained." Finally, it's worth mentioning the show is held in a circus tent, ensuring what the travel pro describes as "an intimate and in-your-face experience."

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"O" by Cirque du Soleil

11 Best Shows in Las Vegas Right Now — From Jaw-dropping Acrobatics to Mind-blowing Magic Performances (5)

According to Henzerling, the aquatic-focused "O" by Cirque du Soleil at the Bellagio “offers the highest ‘wow’ factor of any show in Vegas.” She adds, “The technical aspects alone are impressive — the stage transforms into different depths and shapes of bodies of water — and the choreography, athleticism, music, and costume design will take your breath away.” All in all, prepare to be dazzled by the array of acrobats, synchronized swimmers, and divers. Finally, keep in mind this 90-minute show runs Wednesday through Sunday and has a minimum age requirement of five.

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Atomic Saloon Show

11 Best Shows in Las Vegas Right Now — From Jaw-dropping Acrobatics to Mind-blowing Magic Performances (6)

Atomic Saloon Show from Spiegelworld — the same team behind the aforementioned "Absinthe" — transports patrons to the Wild West, albeit with a Sin City twist (think: sexy acrobats and cheeky comedy). The 75-minute show takes place in Madam Boozy Skunkton’s saloon. There’s also a resident singing cowboy and a handyman with some impressive acrobatic skills. The performance, solely for those ages 18 and up, occurs Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. inside the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort.

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The Magician's Study

11 Best Shows in Las Vegas Right Now — From Jaw-dropping Acrobatics to Mind-blowing Magic Performances (7)

This intimate, adults-only interactive show is held at a secret location (instructions on how to find it are provided the same day). The illusion-filled performance is hosted by a charming magician in his secret study. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a host before being escorted to the study’s hidden entrance. It’s worth noting that tickets are available by invitation only, and those lucky enough to be invited will receive a code word that unlocks the ticket page.

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America’s Got Talent Presents Superstars Live

Fans of the eponymously named hit show will especially love America’s Got Talent Presents Superstars Live, which showcases some of the hottest talent in all of Las Vegas. The family-friendly show, which is put on at the Luxor Hotel & Casino, is comprised of various acts — think magicians, acrobats, dancers, vocalists, and even knife throwers — performed by AGT alums.

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Magic Mike Live

11 Best Shows in Las Vegas Right Now — From Jaw-dropping Acrobatics to Mind-blowing Magic Performances (8)

Cummings recommends Magic Mike Live at the Sahara for bachelorette party groups, deeming it “a guaranteed good time.” The 90-minute, R-rated show, conceived and directed by Channing Tatum (a.k.a. the original Magic Mike), features a combination of sultry dance routines, acrobatics, comedy, and live music. “You'll laugh, sing, dance, and leave smiling,” says Cummings.

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The Beatles Love

11 Best Shows in Las Vegas Right Now — From Jaw-dropping Acrobatics to Mind-blowing Magic Performances (9)

Beatles fans of all ages should make their way to the Mirage to catch The Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil, which pays homage to the band’s many accomplishments and hits over the years. The 90-minute show features a combination of real and fictional characters to explore each song’s meaning. Guests can also expect acrobatics, aerialists, and some truly incredible choreography. Tickets are available for those five years and older.

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Criss Angel Mindfreak

At Criss Angel Mindfreak, world-renowned magician Criss Angel leaves audience members in disbelief while performing more than 75 different illusions and demonstrations — including his signature levitation move — over the course of 90 minutes. The moving lights, visual effects, and pyrotechnics only add to the magical ambience (pun intended). "Mindfreak" occurs in the evenings Wednesday through Sunday at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and is recommended for those ages 10 and up.