Visiting Las Vegas in January? Conventions, Hotel Rates, and Show Schedules Explained

^{The Eagles limited engagement has been renewed numerous times due to popular demand, but it should be coming to an end this year. (Photo: Flagstaff Films on X)} 

LAS VEGAS — January is a different kind of month in Las Vegas. The holidays are over, and the new year brings an influx of business travelers.

That shift is important to keep in mind when searching for hotel deals. Weeknight prices are much higher than usual due to convention demand, while weekends remain affordable.

Conference Alert is a useful calendar of academic and professional conferences in Las Vegas. Avoiding these peak dates is one of the best ways to save money on hotel rooms or improve your chances of receiving casino comps during slower weekday periods.

The entertainment calendar is also relatively light, as many visitors are only in Las Vegas to work during the day and attend dinner meetings at night. There are fewer midweek shows and no major arena or stadium concerts. 

But have no fear: there are still plenty of performers that will take to the numerous Las Vegas Strip stages during the weekends. 

January Conventions

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the largest convention of the year in Las Vegas, and takes place Jan. 6-9. The event drew more than 140,000 attendees last year to check out the latest technology and concepts that could become reality in the future.

Nearly every hotel room in the city is booked during CES, with many attendees arriving early or staying later. Weeknight room rates are typically three to five times higher than usual.

Later in the month, about 60,000 people are expected to attend the World of Concrete expo from Jan. 20-22. It is the only international convention dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries — who knew?!

The SHOT Show takes place the same week, Jan. 20-23. More than 50,000 attendees will travel between Caesars Forum and The Venetian for the annual shooting, hunting and outdoor trade show.

Room rates during these conventions are generally two to three times higher than usual January pricing.

After the major conventions wrap up, the Adult Video News (AVN) Expo and Awards takes place Jan. 21-24 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Unlike business-heavy conventions earlier in the month, AVN revolves around the adult entertainment industry. The event hosts a public expo where fans can meet adult film performers, attend live adult-themed shows, and participate in late-night events tied to the awards ceremony.

Enough about business…let’s get to the entertainment!

Residencies and Limited Engagements

Most of the residencies and limited engagements in January are returning performers rather than brand-new productions.

The Zac Brown Band show at the Sphere is a wild ride from the singer’s journey from childhood trauma to how he’s healing. This is not what fans of their hit “Fried Chicken” were expecting.

One of the most anticipated new events arrives later in the month, when Zayn Malik launches his first Las Vegas residency in January. The show will focus on his four solo albums following his departure with One Direction.

January live music highlights include:

• Duran Duran at Fontainebleau: Jan 1, 2 
• Jennifer Lopez at Caesars Palace: Jan. 2, 3 
• Backstreet Boys at Sphere: Jan. 2, 3
• Leona Lewis at The Venetian: Jan. 2, 3
• Keyshia Cole at Wynn: Jan 10, 11 
• Blake Shelton at Caesars Palace: Jan. 15, 18, 21, 23, 24, 28, 30, 31
• Zac Brown Band at Sphere: Jan. 16, 17
• +Live+ at The Venetian: Jan. 16, 17 
• Zayn Malik at Park MGM: Jan. 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 30, 31
• Styx at The Venetian: Jan. 23, 24, 28, 30, 31
• The Eagles at Sphere: Jan. 23-24, 30, 31
• Ashlee Simpson The Venetian: Jan. 23, 24, 30, 31
• Santana at Mandalay Bay: Jan. 21, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29, and 31

Look ahead: Def Leppard starts its new residency at Caesars Palace on Feb. 3.

The Vegas entertainment news cycle slows in December, so there aren’t too many new show announcements. Expect to hear more as the calendar turns to 2026.

In December, Hilary Duff announced a limited engagement at Voltaire inside The Venetian over Valentine’s Day weekend, Feb. 13-15.

Longtime Las Vegas resident performer Barry Manilow announced he is undergoing treatment for lung cancer and canceled his January shows. He plans to resume his performance schedule at the Westgate in February.