The Best Shows in Las Vegas: Reviewing 13 Shows I’ve Seen
I’ve been to Las Vegas six times in the last four years. Before you assume I’ve got a gambling addiction, hear me out. Five of those trips were business trips.
I do love Vegas though. I’m not a drinker nor partier and I don’t like to gamble so I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Sin City. But I’m a big fan of the shows. I’ve seen 13 different shows and I keep coming back for more.
Below, I’ll give my spoiler-free, honest reviews of all the Vegas shows I’ve seen so you know which ones to grab tickets for and which ones to skip.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
I am obsessed with Cirque du Soleil. I’ve seen all four of their Vegas shows (O, Mystère, Kà, and Michael Jackson One) as well as their traveling show, Luzia. I loved O and Mystère so much I saw them both twice and I have tickets to see another traveling show, Kooza, while I’m in Sydney. If you want to be stunned by what humans are capable of, buy tickets to a Cirque show.
Below, I go into further detail about what sets each show apart to help you decide which is the best fit for you. But let’s just say you can’t leave Vegas without seeing (at least) one of their shows.
MYSTÈRE
AT A GLANCE
Genre: Circus, Acrobatics, Comedy
Runtime: 90 minutes
Venue: Treasure Island
Book Tickets: Link
DESCRIPTION
Mystère is Cirque du Soleil in its rawest form. Unlike the other Vegas Cirque shows, with vertical stages, pools of water, or a catalogue of iconic pop music to rely on, there are no crutches or gimmicks to dazzle the audience with, just insane acrobatics. Acrobats flip on trampolines so fast you can’t even count how many times, soar from the air off of swings, and launch each other into the air from giant see-saws.
Believe it or not, Mystère is older than I am. It has been an entertainment staple in Las Vegas since 1993 when it opened as the first permanent, non-traveling Cirque du Soleil show and it’s now the longest running show in the company’s history.
REVIEW
There were so many moments where my jaw dropped to the floor during this show.
There was an act with two women who had superhuman strength and flexibility like I’ve never seen before. They contorted themselves in crazy positions with perfect balance and such grace and calm. They stole the show for me.
I also loved the action-packed, fast-paced moments in the show, like the act with the Chinese Poles. The performers scaled up the poles at record speeds with unbelievable agility using their hands and feet. They reminded me of the witch’s evil monkeys from the Wizard of Oz, probably because I saw that movie at the Sphere the night before. They then performed death drops, flying down the pole headfirst and catching themselves a mere millisecond before their head would have collided with the stage. What an adrenaline rush!
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Cirque du Soleil show without flips. The performers rolled out a giant trampoline and had acrobats somersaulting at record speeds, flipping over each other at lightning speed. As if flipping on trampolines wasn’t impressive enough, they had to turn up the temperature and flip on see-saws or flip as they soared through the air on swings. A thought I kept having over and over again was “how do they cram so many people onto that?” whether it was the poles, the trampolines or the see-saws. The precision required to prevent collisions was next level.
Tricks aside, I also appreciated the humor in this show. In other Cirque du Soleil shows, the humor feels a little gimmicky to me. I would find myself counting down the minutes until the clowns went backstage and the acrobats came back on again. But the recurring bit with the “usher” made me laugh. He was such a nuisance! In truth, the acting was fantastic and I found myself chuckling every time he made a reappearance throughout the show.
Mystère is Cirque du Soleil at its finest. The classic, quintessential experience. There’s a reason it’s been around for over 30 years. Mystère should be a top contender if you’re deciding which show to see in Vegas.
O
AT A GLANCE
Genre: Circus, Acrobatics, Comedy, Aquatic
Runtime: 90 minutes
Venue: The Bellagio
Book Tickets: Link
DESCRIPTION
O is Cirque du Soleil’s aquatic show, performed on a stage that transforms from solid ground into a massive pool and back again throughout the show. Acrobats, divers, synchronized swimmers, and aerialists perform above, below, and within the water as the stage constantly changes beneath them.
O is another long-standing Cirque du Soleil show that’s been in Vegas since 1998 (so I am officially just one year older than this show).
REVIEW
O has a special place in my heart. It was the first Cirque show I saw and it kicked off my obsession with the brand.
Out of all the Cirque du Soleil shows I’ve seen, I felt most transported to another world watching this show. The music and props were fantastic, the set was otherworldly, and the cast was able to create such vivid characters using no words, just movement, mannerisms, and costumes.
They reel the audience in with surprises and a little audience participation before the curtains even open. The tricks, flips, and dives throughout the show are mesmerizing, whether they’re diving from the ceiling, leaping off the end of a Russian swing, or swinging underneath a giant boat that floats in the air. During some of the tricks, the performers would disappear under the surface of the water and I would find myself wondering how they managed to stay underwater for so long. I think they use scuba diving regulators to breathe.
And if you thought water was the only element featured in the show, you’re wrong. Fire also made an appearance. Somehow the performers were immune to the heat of the fire. They even set an entire human on fire and he casually walked around on stage with no panic or urgency. What a trick!
Admittedly, the only part of the show I didn’t like was the clown performances. The humor, as to be expected I suppose, was silly, and I found myself hoping they’d get off the stage and bring back the acrobats! But no show is perfect. I was still absolutely mesmerized by O.
O is a show like no other. If you have time for just one show in Vegas, O is the perfect pick.
KÀ
AT A GLANCE
Genre: Acrobatics, Theater/Drama
Runtime: 90 minutes
Venue: MGM Grand
Book Tickets: Link
DESCRIPTION
Kà is a dramatic Cirque du Soleil production that tells the story of twin siblings who are torn apart during a fierce attack and embark on a long, arduous journey to reunite with each other.
The standout feature of this show is the vertical, 90 degree stage on which the actors perform a few scenes. Of course, the show also features many of Cirque du Soleil’s trademark gravity-defying acrobatics.
REVIEW
Kà managed to get my heart pounding a couple times, especially during the scene with the Wheel of Death, a massive rotating contraption with several giant cages that resemble hamster wheels. The acrobats not only ran inside the wheels as they rotated, but also on top of them. Oh, and by the way, they jumped rope while doing it. They had to time their jumps so precisely. A split second delay would send them plummeting to the ground below.
Another standout scene was the one performed on a vertical, 90 degree stage. The vertical stage created some of the coolest visuals of the entire show, with performers climbing, flipping, and battling across what was essentially a giant wall. I also loved the dramatic scene with the boat rocking in the raging waves.
However, I did have one criticism with the show. I found the storyline hard to follow and generally my comprehension is pretty good. There was supposed to be a plot, but it was pretty difficult to follow, especially as there was no dialogue throughout the performance.
I recommend this show for Cirque du Soleil fans who’ve already seen O and Mystère.
MICHAEL JACKSON ONE
AT A GLANCE
Genre: Dance, Acrobatics
Runtime: 90 minutes
Venue: Mandalay Bay Theater
Book Tickets: Link
DESCRIPTION
Michael Jackson One is a tribute to the King of Pop and his music. It’s essentially a concert with high energy dance moves, special effects, and elaborate costumes, with a few of Cirque du Soleil signature acrobatics thrown in.
REVIEW
The energy at Michael Jackson One was electric. The dance moves were smooth. The costumes were flashy and over the top, in the best way. The special effects, with lights, lasers, and drones, were spectacular. In fact, Michael Jackson One claims to be the first indoor show in North America with drones flying over the audience. Overall, the production quality of the show was on another level.
However, I left feeling like I had seen more of a Michael Jackson tribute than a Cirque du Soleil show. I bought tickets to Michael Jackson One because I wanted to see the flips and tricks that Cirque du Soleil is famous for. There were a few of these, but these signature tricks were such a smaller percentage of the show than any other Cirque du Soleil show. The choreography just wasn’t as impressive in my opinion.
Two things worth considering before you trust my review. First, Alex disagreed with me wholeheartedly. He loved this show, although he agreed with my ranking: see O and Mystère first, then Michael Jackson One. Second, and I realize that admitting this won’t win me any friends: I’m not the biggest fan of Michael Jackson’s music. So if you are, I’m sure you would enjoy the show.
This is a high quality production, but the least impressive if you want to see what Cirque du Soleil is known for: high quality acrobatics that blow your mind. See O or Mystère first.
MAT FRANCO: MAGIC REINVENTED NIGHTLY
AT A GLANCE
Genre: Magic
Runtime: 90 minutes
Venue: The Linq Hotel
Book Tickets: Link
DESCRIPTION
Mat Franco’s Magic Reinvented Nightly combines close-up magic with larger-scale illusions. Franco has headlined his own show at The LINQ for over a decade after winning America’s Got Talent in 2014.
REVIEW
Of all the magic shows I saw in Las Vegas, this one was my favorite. Alex gave it the ultimate honor: he ranked it as his favorite of all the shows he’s seen in Vegas. My parents also saw it and it was their favorite of the 3 shows they saw too.
Mat’s energy is infectious. His enthusiasm for the craft is so evident and it’s clear that he loves what he does.
The magic itself is also fantastic. Throughout the show, objects would keep disappearing and reappearing in impossible places. A $100 bill. A cell phone. A person. Every trick got progressively more insane. I won’t go into detail as I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but trust me, this is one you’ll want to see for yourself.
A fantastic show to see while you’re in Vegas. This is the Vegas magic show I’d recommend.
If you’re a fan of magic shows and you find yourself in New York, I also highly recommend Steve Cohen’s Chamber Magic, Dan White’s The Magician, and Speakeasy Magick.
SHIN LIM
AT A GLANCE
Genre: Magic
Runtime: 90 minutes
Venue: Palazzo Theatre inside The Venetian Resort
Book Tickets: Link
DESCRIPTION
Shin Lim specializes in sleight-of-hand magic, performing mind-bending tricks with cards, smoke, and everyday objects right in front of your eyes.
REVIEW
Shin Lim brings a completely different energy to the stage than Mat. He’s mysterious, moody, and dramatic, although he sort of breaks character and shares more about himself during the Limitless show than I’ve ever seen before, and I’ve seen a lot of his performances on America’s Got Talent.
This is the show to see if you love sleight-of-hand magic and card tricks. Cameras capture Shin’s hands up close and project them onto giant screens as he seamlessly makes cards disappear, reappear, and transform right in front of the audience’s eyes. His signature “smoke coming out of the mouth while he produces a card” trick is also well worth seeing in person.
I loved the part where he got his wife involved in the show. She performed magic in the air, combining aerialism and magic seamlessly. I’ve never seen that before! He also invites other performers to do a segment. Historically he’s had the Clairvoyants and Colin Cloud. Spidey, a mentalist, did a segment during the show I saw in 2025.
Of course, he gets the audience involved too. At one point, every single person in the theater gets to participate in a card trick from their seat.
While Shin’s sleight of hand is undoubtedly the star of the show, he adds a lot more variety with his special guests and makes the show well worth the price of the tickets.
I loved Shin’s show. I have a slight preference for Mat’s grand illusions, but it’s quite possible Mat had an unfair advantage as I saw his show first.
PIFF THE MAGIC DRAGON
AT A GLANCE
Genre: Magic, Comedy
Runtime: 75 minutes
Venue: Flamingo Las Vegas
Book Tickets: Link
DESCRIPTION
Piff the Magic Dragon combines impressive magic tricks with dry, sarcastic comedy. He’s joined onstage by showgirl Jade Simone and Mr Piffles, his tiny chihuahua sidekick.
REVIEW
Piff the Magic Dragon’s show was by far the most lighthearted and humorous of the magic shows I saw in Vegas. Piff’s personality plays a huge part in the show. He’s sarcastic and grumpy and he brings with him an entourage: his enthusiastic sidekick Jade and of course, Mr Piffles, Piff’s chihuahua.
The most memorable trick he performed was essentially a “Think of a Drink” trick where Mr Piffles produced the exact drink an audience member requested. (I’ll let you guess where Mr Piffles produced the drink from). I listened to Piff’s episode of the Desert Island Tricks podcast after the show where Piff revealed he spent $20,000 building an apparatus with Teller from Penn & Teller to accomplish this trick. Fascinating! There were many other magic tricks sprinkled into the show, interspersed with audience participation and comedic asides.
After the show, there was a meet and greet. I got to take a photo standing next to Piff holding Mr Piffles, who sadly passed away just one month later. Interestingly, Piff made news when he paid $60,000 to clone Mr Piffles. Now, Mr Piffles the Second performs with Piff.
Piff’s show is great for a good laugh with a side of magic. If you’re looking for serious, mindblowing and original magic, it’s probably not the show for you, but I would recommend it if you’ve already seen some of Vegas’ other magic shows.
MIND2MIND
AT A GLANCE
Genre: Mentalism, Magic
Runtime: 75 minutes
Venue: Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Book Tickets: Link
Dates: This show runs through February 2nd, 2027
DESCRIPTION
Husband-and-wife duo James Harrington and Marina Liani read the minds of audience members and predict the future in their show, Mind2Mind.
On the night I saw Mind2Mind, James and Marina were not performing. The Azul was hosting world-renowned mentalist Banachek for a one-night only show instead.
REVIEW
While the performance I saw wouldn’t be the one you see if you book tickets to Mind2Mind, I feel confident recommending this show anyway. I saw James and Marina perform on America’s Got Talent and was blown away with their performance. I would love to see them live. There are also some perks about the venue itself. Unlike most Vegas shows with grand theaters seating hundreds if not thousands of people, the venue at the Azul Lounge is intimate, with less than 100 guests. At least half the audience participated in our show. The environment was relaxed and you could grab a cocktail at the bar if you wanted, making for a nice, relaxing evening. The mentalism style of magic also felt different from the other magic shows I’ve seen in Vegas that focus more on card tricks and flashy illusions. It’s a nice change of pace.
To give you an idea of what a mentalism show looks like, I’ve included my review of Banachek’s performance. I’ll give more detail in this review since it won’t spoil the tricks you’ll see.
He started the show with a little introduction to the psychology behind mind reading. He asked four members of the audience to think of a card and he guessed them all correctly. He told the audience the body language cues each person was giving that helped him guess the card. If they stood up straight, they had a high card. If they hugged their body while they stood, they had a red suit, and so on.
One of my favorite tricks was his telepathy trick. He called two random audience members to the stage and had them close their eyes. He tapped the male on the shoulder and on the knee and asked them both to raise their hand if they felt a tap. The woman raised her hand every time even though Banachek never touched her!
Banachek then announced that a few members of the audience would have a chance to kill him. We were just as confused as you are now reading this! He said that Penn & Teller had put together a list of the ten most dangerous magic tricks in the world and that this trick made the list, along with two others he created.
He put five folding knives in envelopes. Three were folded, so no blade was exposed. Two had an exposed blade. He mixed them up and asked members of the audience to grab an envelope. He picked three of them to stab him in the chest as hard as they could while he laid out on a table. We waited with bated breath until the third knife was plunged, and he sat up from the table with not a single drop of blood on his shirt. Phew!
For my fellow skeptics out there, you might be wondering if he just had a bunch of plants in the audience. Since Alex participated in two of the tricks, I knew that was not the case. I asked Alex if he had any idea if he had a knife with a blade or one without. He said he had no clue and he was shaking as he plunged the knife into Banachek’s chest. He didn’t want to murder the guy!
This show is undoubtedly worth the money. If you’ve been to Vegas before and you’re looking for something different, this would be a great pick. However, for a first trip to Vegas, I would prioritize the more classic experiences: a Cirque du Soleil show, a visit to the Sphere, and a magic show with either Mat Franco or Shin Lim.
ABSINTHE
AT A GLANCE
Genre: Variety, Comedy, Circus
Runtime: 80 minutes
Venue: The Spiegeltent at Caesars Palace
Age Requirement: 18+ years old
Book Tickets: Link
DESCRIPTION
Absinthe is a variety circus act performed in a small tent. A rotating cast of performers takes the stage to show off their various talents: aerial acrobatics, rollerskating, hand balancing, and so much more. Between acts, the hosts entertain the crowd with raunchy comedy.
REVIEW
The performers at Absinthe are undeniably talented. The rollerskaters in particular are some of the most talented performers I’ve ever seen. A skater would spin in a circle on that tiny stage holding another performer by a single foot and spinning her round and around, her head just inches away from the floor. Undeniably amazing! And this was just one of the many crazy performances.
But I’ll be honest: this show wasn’t for me. The jokes didn’t jibe with my sense of humor. To get a laugh, they relied on crude humor or picking on members of the audience, neither of which earned any points with me. This is admittedly an unpopular opinion, as it’s one of Vegas’ most popular shows. I saw the show with Alex and his mother, both of whom loved it, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
Too raunchy. You can find a higher ratio of “wow” moments at other shows. Maybe you’re just looking for a good laugh and a good time. If so, maybe this is the show for you. But it wasn’t the show for me.
WIZARD OF OZ AT THE SPHERE
AT A GLANCE
Genre: Immersive Film
Runtime: 75 minutes
Venue: The Sphere
Book Tickets: Link
DESCRIPTION
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere takes the classic 1939 movie and turns it into an immersive experience designed specifically for the Sphere. The film fills the massive wraparound screen while effects like wind, scents, and objects falling from the ceiling make you feel like you’ve stepped right into Oz.
REVIEW
Alex, his mom, and I saw the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere and all three of us were blown away (literally, during the tornado scene, but mostly figuratively). The massive LED screen filled our entire field of vision, making the characters appear 3D. The “4D” effects, between the wind, the vibrating seats, the snow raining down from the ceiling and the fire erupting from the floor, made the experience feel that much more immersive. We felt like we had spent the evening in Oz instead of inside a theater in Las Vegas. A new genre of art is officially here at the Sphere: immersive cinema. I felt privileged to get to experience it.
We wrote a full article reviewing this fantastic experience. Be sure to check it out if you're considering seeing the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere.
Our Full Review of Wizard of Oz at the Sphere
This show is a must-see. The Sphere gives a whole new meaning to the word “immersive”. After seeing this show, you’ll believe you really went to Oz for the evening. There’s nothing else like it not only in Vegas, but anywhere else in the world.
There may be nothing else in the world like the Sphere right now, but there will be soon. They are building a Sphere in Abu Dhabi, UAE, that is set to open in 2029.
WOW SPECTACULAR
AT A GLANCE
Genre: Variety, Acrobatics
Runtime: 90 minutes
Venue: Rio Hotel & Casino
Book Tickets: Link
DESCRIPTION
WOW Spectacular is a variety show that throws a little bit of everything onto the stage: acrobatics, aerialists, dancers, daredevil acts, comedy, and more. The production is built around a water-themed stage with fountains and pools that appear throughout the show.
REVIEW
I have mixed feelings about this show. There were a couple numbers that impressed me, but I found the talent to vary heavily from act to act and it felt like there was a lot of filler.
The standout performance came from Silvia Silvia, who performs a thrilling and dangerous act with a crossbow. I also enjoyed the rollerskaters, whose performance rivaled the one I saw during Absinthe, and the aerialist who held the weight of not only himself, but also another performer, with just his teeth attached to a mouthpiece on a rope.
The rest of the show, however, was largely forgettable. The water stage featured in a few songs felt gimmicky and the humorous acts were very corny.
The show was entertaining and had a few numbers that impressed me, but it’s not my top choice. I might recommend it for someone who has already seen the core Vegas shows (Cirque du Soleil, Mat Franco, Shin Lim, etc.) who wants something new but I don’t think it quite rises to the level of Vegas’s best shows.
ZOMBIE BURLESQUE
AT A GLANCE
Genre: Burlesque, Comedy, Variety
Runtime: 75 minutes
Venue: V Theater inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort
Age Requirement: 16+ years old
Book Tickets: Link
DESCRIPTION
Zombie Burlesque is a campy burlesque show starring a cast of zombies. But it’s not just striptease. The show mixes male and female burlesque performers with live singing, comedy, dancing, variety acts, and audience participation.
REVIEW
This show was exactly what I thought it was going to be: ridiculous, but not in an entirely bad way. The host was raunchy, the costumes were skimpy, and the zombie bit was just as corny as you’re probably imagining.
I will give it credit where credit is due though: the show isn’t just a strip show. It appeals to a broader audience than just bachelor parties by featuring both male and female performers and many other acts throughout the show other than burlesque. It’s really more of a variety show. There’s live singing, comedy, contortion, dancing, and an impressive balancing act, and if you came for the stripping, yes, they still manage to find plenty of time in the show for that too, don’t worry.
One thing to note: audience participation was a big part of the show, meaning that your experience will largely depend on how interesting and bold the members of the audience on that particular day are.
It’s a fun date night and there was more to the show than I first thought. It’s not what I would consider one of Vegas’s top shows, though, so I’d prioritize some of the others for a first trip.
AMERICA’S GOT TALENT SUPER STARS
This show has officially closed, however some of the performers who participated in the show have events elsewhere, including the mentalist duo the Clairvoyants and comedian Preacher Lawson. Light Balance also just announced a Las Vegas residency for 2027.
If you’re an America’s Got Talent fan like me and you still want to see a great show in Las Vegas, I’d recommend Mat Franco, Shin Lim, or Piff the Magic Dragon instead. All three people rose to fame on the show. Mind2Mind’s James and Marina also made an appearance on America’s Got Talent and have a limited engagement through February 2027.
AT A GLANCE
Genre: Variety
Runtime: 75 minutes
Venue: Luxor Hotel & Casino
DESCRIPTION
America’s Got Talent Super Stars brought the fan-favorite AGT contestants together for a live variety show featuring a rotating lineup of singers, comedians, magicians, acrobats, and other performers.
REVIEW
The talent in this show was absolutely stacked. So many of these performers could have headlined their own show in Las Vegas and I’d happily buy tickets to see them.
My two favorite performances came from Kodi Lee and Aidan Bryant. Kodi is an autistic and blind pianist and singer who is unbelievably talented. Aidan Bryant is a self-taught aerialist who combines insane flexibility with dramatic spins high above the stage. I also thoroughly enjoyed Light Balance’s neon, glow-in-the-dark dancing act.
But, I’ll be honest: not every act was so memorable and there was definitely some filler, but that’s inevitable with variety shows. The appeal was getting to see completely different types of talent back-to-back, especially since most of the names were familiar to me as someone who has watched the show every year for over a decade now.
I’m sad this show closed. For fans of the show like myself, it was a great way to spend an evening in Vegas. But, the good news is that many of these performers are still performing elsewhere. If you have a favorite AGT alumni, it’s worth checking out their websites to see if they’re performing near you anytime soon.
FINAL VERDICT: TOP 3 SHOWS TO SEE
If I had three nights in Vegas, I would buy tickets to a Cirque du Soleil show (either O or Mystère), an event at the Sphere, and Mat Franco’s Magic Reinvented Nightly. This combination gives you a taste of what Vegas does best: world-class acrobatics, futuristic immersive theater, and mind-bending magic.
FAQS
Do you need to book Las Vegas shows in advance?
Most shows on this list have last minute tickets available, although I do recommend booking at least a couple weeks in advance if you’re looking for the best seats.
How many shows should you see in Las Vegas?
The whole reason I keep coming back to Vegas is to see more shows so I personally like to see one every night. I wouldn’t schedule more than one per night, though, as that would be very tight timing with traffic on the Strip.
Which is the best Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas?
I keep flip-flopping back and forth between O and Mystère. I simply cannot decide!
What is the best magic show in Vegas?
There is no shortage of epic magic shows in Las Vegas. My favorite is Mat Franco’s Magic Reinvented Nightly, but I also loved Shin Lim’s Limitless, Mind2Mind, and Piff the Magic Dragon (in that order).
