Updated by Lynsey Thompson
Casino Expert
Fact Checked by Michael Graham
Content Editor
Sin City has always had a reputation for delivering the biggest and best stage shows. From big-name residencies and renowned magicians to comedy icons and Cirque spectaculars, Las Vegas has seen it all.
With world class venues such as The Sphere, The Colosseum, Allegiant Stadium, T-Mobile Arena and Dolby Live, combined with countless casinos theaters and music venues, Vegas has positioned itself as an unrivaled international entertainment capital.
So, let’s take a look through the must see Las Vegas shows for 2026 and beyond - believe me there’s something for everyone here whatever your fancy!
Even the biggest music stars have had residencies in Las Vegas - Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion and Elton John to name a few - and I’m pleased to say, the tradition continues, even in 2026. Here’’s some of the top shows to catch, whatever your taste:
Whether you’re a fan of his music or not, Manilow is a true legend. This is actually his third long-term Las Vegas residency after stints in 2005 - 2009 at what was then the Hilton and another in 2010 - 2012 at Paris resort. This latest residency at Westgate Las Vegas has been ongoing since 2018 and he’s still going strong!
With 50 Top 40 hits and over 85 million albums sold, this promises to be a night of pop nostalgia with teary ballads and dance-floor classics all mixed in. Shows take place on various dates up until December 2026. Could it be Magic? Yes I think it could!
Now, when I found out this was happening, I’m not confirming that the 13 year old girl in me jumped around in a circle clapping hysterically, but that might have happened. It probably did. I know it did. And having seen the show myself earlier on this year, I can definitely confirm this happened on the night too.
If New Kids on the Block were ever part of your life growing up, either as an avid fan or a general passer-by, you’re going to love this show. Delivering a barrage of hits from their peak years (1988 - 1991), some from their 2008 comeback and more, they’ve still got the right stuff for sure. There’s just 8 shows left in October - don’t be ‘hangin tough’ - get them while you can!
The Sphere hosts its first ever metal band this October for a 24-show Metallica run until March 2027. Originally just 8 dates, additional shows were added due to high demand and there’s a good chance more might follow.
Named ‘Life Burns Faster’, Metallica will be repeating their ‘No Repeat Weekend’ format, meaning fans who see the show on the Thursday and Saturday of the same week will get completely different set lists. Combine that with the fully immersive wraparound LED screen and sound system of the Sphere, I’m pretty sure this one is not to be missed!
Already the longest running residency at the Sphere, The Eagles have been performing there since September 2024. I was lucky enough to see one of the earliest shows and I still rave about it now.
With dates spreading into January 2027, The Eagles combine their legendary catalog of hits with impressive visual imagery and crisp audio that looks and sounds incredible. From Hotel California to Take it Easy and Lying Eyes, I guarantee you’ll know more Eagles songs than you even think you do!
Slightly more high-brow now, the multi-award winning singer, songwriter and actor Josh Groban is performing a 5 night residency this October in the illustrious Colosseum Theater.
Josh Groban: GEMS The Las Vegas Residency will feature fan favorites as well as select songs from his new album dropping late spring. I’m not normally a fan of artists singing new songs, I’m much more of a ‘just sing the hits’ type of gal, but for Josh, I can make an exception. This one is niche, but that just makes it a bit more special.
Mary J Blige - My Life, My Story was originally a 10 date run, but after selling out the opening weekend, and huge demand in May, July and August, further dates have now been added until 31 October 2026.
Framed as a theatrical journey through her life and career, rather than just a concert, actors join the Queen of Hip Hop Soul on stage to narrate songs as scenes. Show-goers can still expect all the hits though, including Family Affair, Be Without You and No More Drama.
I’m sneaking this one in here, because although officially the Backstreet Boys 2026 residency finishes on 29th August, they are squeezing in three more dates and technically one of them is in 2026. My list, my rules!
After a hugely successful residency, Backstreet Boys are back on 31 December 2026 and 1 & 2 January 2027 for three special concerts over the New Year period. Showcasing all of their big hits, this show has been a huge winner in terms of ticket sales, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they add even more. Seeing in 2027 with a nostalgic sing song sounds perfect - I want it that way!
Although they haven’t made my list of must-see Vegas shows for 2026, I just have to give a shout out to two absolute Vegas icons that are still giving audiences what they want. Donny Osmond is performing at Harrah’s Showroom until mid December. Meanwhile Wayne Newton, Mr Las Vegas himself, has his Up Close and Personal show at Flamingo right up until New Years Eve.
Spectacular magic shows have been synonymous with Las Vegas ever since Steve Wynn brought Siegfried & Roy to the Mirage in 1990. Essentially, they invented the modern Vegas magic spectacle and it has continued ever since with the likes of Penn & Teller and David Copperfield continuing the tradition. Here are my top must-see Las Vegas magic shows of the year.
This one is a controversial one, and it’s not because Penn & Teller aren’t actual Vegas legends, it’s because there is a general consensus among Sin City tourists that they may be a little past their best. Tales of half-empty theaters and old tricks have been doing the rounds for a couple of years, however, I’m a firm believer that you should enjoy these icons while you can so they’re staying on my list.
Penn & Teller are the ‘longest running headliners in Vegas history’ according to their blurb. Their show is a culmination of 50 decades of magic entertainment together and 25 years in residency at the Rio. Whatever you may think, that takes some doing! Current bookable dates are available all the way until 30 December.
Known for his unrivaled close-up card magic and sleight of hand prowess, Shin Lim is one of the most renowned magicians in Las Vegas. The show Shin Lim: Limitless is popular with all, including families, and features 90 minutes of jaw-dropping tricks and ‘how did he do that?’ moments.
With shows every Wednesday to Sunday all the way until December 2026, tickets are easily accessible to see this double America’s Got Talent Winner deliver his mesmerizing best.
No two nights are the same at this show - hence the title ‘Magic Reinvented Nightly’. Mat Franco uses a mix of magic, illusion, crowd-guided improv and audience interaction to make every show different. That’s especially impressive when you realize he does six shows a week!
The first magician to win America's Got Talent, Franco has a unique laid-back conversational style. His humorous storytelling and anecdotes are just as entertaining as his magic, making for a fun show accessible to all ages. The show is currently bookable all the way until August 2027.
After a successful long-running TV series that made his name and almost two decades performing magic in Las Vegas, Angel knows how to wow an audience. His show, MINDFREAK, delivers theatrical illusions and stunts synonymous with his name and brand.
The show does provide quite a sensory overload with pyro, video, sound and lighting giving a fully immersive experience. It also leans into the dark, more mature setting, so although children are welcome, it is recommended for 10 years plus. The only recurring complaint I hear about this show is that Criss tends to talk a little too much, so keep that in mind! Available to book until 30 December 2026.
Now, comedy is probably the most subjective of all when it comes to what’s considered ‘the best’. What tickles your funny bone, won’t necessarily tickle mine. Saying that, there are a few long-running comedy shows and venues that are consistently popular so I’ll use that as a good guide.
The longest running comedy act in Las Vegas, Carrot Top’s prop-heavy, high-energy show has been packing houses for over two decades. Expect wacky inventions, sharp topical commentary and the kind of chaotic energy that’s made him a Vegas institution.
Right now, Carrot Top is available to book until the end of December but I would expect that to be extended into 2027. Due to mature content, guests must be 16 years plus.
Technically a venue rather than a specific show, this authentic brick-wall comedy club hosts comedians 6 nights a week, with between 2 - 4 shows a day. Featuring a mix of household names and up and coming comedians, it’s a great chance to see the next big thing.
As with all comedy clubs, the shows are only as good as the comedians so it can be hit or miss depending on your humor, but generally, this has a great reputation for high quality acts and a fun night. Suitable for 18+.
Another comedy venue but this time the named star actually hosts and performs himself on select nights. Brad Garrett is an Emmy award winning actor and comedian, best known for his role in hit TV show ‘Everybody Loves Raymond.’
Shows take place every night Monday - Friday night with a host and guest comedians. You can easily see on the schedule which night Garrett is hosting, so if that’s important to you then check the calendar first. Again, there’s no guarantee when it comes to comedy, but if popularity is a good measure, then it’s up there with the best. Suitable for 18+.
This unique show aims to make you laugh without even saying a word. New Zealand performer Sam Willis, a finalist on America’s Got Talent, uses mime, music and absurdist prop comedy instead of words as he performs with his mouth taped shut.
It's an unusual, family-friendly twist for a comedy list dominated by stand-up, and its visual, language-free style makes it a strong pick for international visitors or anyone after something a bit different from the usual club format. Shows take place six nights a week and it’s bookable until December 2026.
Considering Las Vegas is widely known as Sin City, believe me when I say there is no shortage when it comes to more ‘mature’ shows on offer. From edgy comedy to burlesque and downright nakedness, you don’t have to go far to find it. Here’s some of the best Las Vegas adult shows on offer in 2026.
This highly popular adult only Vegas show is situated just outside of Caesars Palace in the ‘Spiegeltent’. This raunchy Spiegelworld production features lingerie-clad acrobats, saucy tricks and what some might call ‘crude’ comedy in an intimate 571 seated circus tent.
Bookable well into 2027 and beyond, this show is not for the easily offended. In fact, even people not easily offended can be offended, so be warned. It’s chaotic, edgy and a little dangerous-feeling. One regular complaint here is that the seats can be a little too cozy.
This ‘Sexy Topless Revue’ features, well you’ve probably guessed it, topless dancers in various scenes with costumes and well-positioned props for a racy night out. The burlesque dancing is accompanied by feather boas, bathtubs, guitars and, of course, tassels in this intimate cabaret seated venue.
Positioned right in the center of the Strip, X-Burlesque has been going for 20 years so they must be doing something right. They perform 6 nights a week with double shows on Fridays and Saturdays and shows are bookable through to the end of December 2026.
In this ‘fully interactive’ male dance show the performers show a lot more than their personalities! Think Chippendales or Magic Mike but with Australian’s instead. It isn’t really any more complicated than that.
Each performer embodies a different ‘persona’ or female fantasy, if you like, and this high energy show involves table top dancing, intimate close-ups with the crowd and even some audience participation. Performances take place 7 days a week with double shows on Fridays and Saturdays and bookings are available well into 2027.
Another Spiegelword production similar to Absinthe, but this time with a cowboy Wild West twist. Expect all the usual Spiegel-style X-rated humour, bold comedy and spectacular acrobatics along with good old-fashioned saloon sing songs.
Available 6 nights a week with double shows on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Atomic Saloon takes place in a small intimate setting where you almost feel part of the show. Bookings are available through to 2027. Just remember what we said about not being easily offended!
There are two types of people who come to Las Vegas - those who think it should remain a child-free zone, and others who treat it like any other vacation destination and bring the whole family along. Whatever you think, the truth is, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sin City. Here’s a quick look at some of the best family shows in Las Vegas 2026.
An interactive medieval-themed dinner show complete with jousting, horse racing, and sword fighting. Guests cheer on a designated "king" while feasting on a Cornish hen dinner in this arena style venue.
Tournament of the Kings takes place 5 nights a week, usually with two shows a night and is bookable until the end of December 2026. A reliably fun, hands-on pick for families with younger kids but be prepared for loud bangs and noises. Some younger children may feel more comfortable with ear covers.
Running since 2000, this internationally famous trio combines music, comedy, and percussive performance art into a show. It’s visually striking and mostly dialogue-free making it an easy, universally accessible pick for families and international visitors alike.
Shows take place 7 days a week with regular double show days and it is bookable until December 2026. This is one of those shows that you don’t know if you’re going to enjoy before you go, but you end up wanting to go back and see it again. Trust me.
Okay, so this is more of a movie than a show, but it definitely has some show elements and like I said before, it's my list. Whether you’ve seen Wizard of Oz before or not, I can guarantee you’ve never seen it like this. Combining the Sphere’s unique audio visual experience with a remastered version of, surely the most classic film of all time, was a genius move.
What you get is a fully immersive viewing spectacular where you feel the swirls of the tornado, smell the poppies, see flying monkeys above your head and even catch a falling apple, if you’re lucky. Bookings are being taken until December 2026 with double shows on most days.
I couldn’t complete this full list without one Cirque du Soleil mention now could I? Mystere was Cirque du Soleil's first permanent Las Vegas production and it has been running continuously since 1993 with 13,000+ performances to date. If that doesn’t tell you how good it is, nothing will.
You can take your pick of Cirque shows in Las Vegas but for me, this one set the template. It’s a fun family-friendly acrobatic spectacle that mesmerizes audiences of all ages. Performances take place 5 nights a week, with double shows each day and bookings are available until December 2026.
Lynsey is a regular Las Vegas visitor and a keen slots and roulette player. As well as significant experience as a writer in the iGaming and gambling industries as an expert reviewer and journalist, Lynsey is one half of the popular Las Vegas YouTube Channel and Podcast 'Begas Vaby’. When she is not in Las Vegas or wishing she was in Las Vegas, Lynsey can usually be found pursuing her other two main interests of sports and theatre.
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