The nightlife in Vegas changes constantly, with big names swapping venues all the time. However, there is always something good on – in fact, the hardest decision you’ll probably have to make is which one to go and see; there is always more than enough to choose from. This is a guide to some of the best venues that consistently have good talent on offer. Be sure to always check local listings and the websites for every venue before you decide where you want to go, not least because it’s not uncommon to find a hidden gem, or maybe even a band or comedy act that isn’t considered A-list, but happens to be a big favorite of yours.
Rod Stewart at the Colosseum
Denise Truscello/Caesars Entertainment
Live music
Bar at Times Square
New York New York, 3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-740-6466; www.newyorknewyork.com
Located in the heart of New York New York Hotel & Casino, great drinks and dueling pianos are the focus nightly at this boisterous bar. Those who visit during the daytime can watch their favorite sports on one of 14 flat-screen TVs, play bar-top games, and take advantage of the four-hour-long Happy Hour Monday to Friday, featuring Heineken drafts, house wine, and select shooters for just $5 from 3 to 7pm.
Boulevard Pool
The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-698-7778; www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
One of Las Vegas’ most unique concert venues, the Boulevard Pool is a multilevel pool experience by day and an intimate outdoor concert venue with unobstructed sightlines of both the stage and the Strip by night. Able to accommodate more than 3,000 guests, the seasonal venue is where the resort hosts 90 percent of its shows, as concerts are booked well into October. Most shows are for all ages.
The Colosseum
Caesars Entertainment
The Colosseum
Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 888-929-7849; www.thecolosseum.com
Las Vegas’ premier music venue, the Colosseum at Caesars Palace has been home to some of the world’s greatest entertainers since opening its doors in 2003. Built at a cost of $95 million, it was originally created for Celine Dion’s “A New Day...” but has gone on to host more than 2,000 events. It’s also home to one of the largest indoor, high-definition LED screens in the world, standing 110ft (34 meters) wide by 34ft (10 meters) tall and weighing 31 tons.
House of Blues
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, 3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-632-7600; www.houseofblues.com
Featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology in a one-of-a-kind custom-designed environment aimed at bringing fans and artists together, the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay is one of the country’s preeminent live music venues – not to mention the Vegas home of Carlos Santana. True to its Southern theme, the House of Blues’ decor feels like you’ve stepped into a Vegas version of New Orleans.
Mandalay Bay Beach Concert
MGM Resorts International
The Joint
Hard Rock Hotel, 4455 Paradise Road; tel: 702-693-5000; www.hardrockhotel.com
Many of the biggest names in music have played The Joint in Hard Rock since it first opened in 1995, including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Coldplay, The Killers, and more. The Joint doubled its space in 2009, now accommodating 4,000 people in a three-level venue that includes 700 fixed balcony seats, general-admission standing room on the floor, and a second level VIP area with luxury boxes.
Mandalay Bay Beach
Mandalay Bay hotel; 3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-632-7777; www.mandalaybay.com
One of the Strip’s most unique concert-going experiences, Mandalay Bay Beach hosts its summer Beach Concert Series every year from May until September. Music lovers are invited to bring their blankets and sit on the beach or wade in the surf as they listen to some of the biggest names in music perform on a one-of-a-kind stage suspended above the resort’s 1.6-million-gallon (7-million-liter) wave pool.
MGM Grand Garden Arena
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-531-3826; www.mgmgrand.com
When Barbra Streisand is the first person to perform on your stage, you know you’re destined for greatness. Home to major awards shows and music festivals, including the Billboards Music Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and the iHeartRadio Music Festival, the MGM Grand Garden Arena is one of the Strip’s top music venues. The multi-purpose venue has hosted numerous world-class concerts over the years, including U2, Madonna, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, and Justin Timberlake.
Napoleon’s Lounge
Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-946-7000; www.caesars.com
Home to resident artist Taylor Hicks, this intimate Parisian lounge is known almost as much for its entertainment line-up as its drinks. In addition to the American Idol winner, who performs on select nights, it hosts one of the top dueling pianos shows in town. Guests are encouraged to sing along and join in on the fun as the pianists perform a wide variety of hits throughout the evening, many at the audience’s request. There’s no cover charge for the dueling pianos show, so guests can enjoy even more selections from Napoleon Lounge’s drinks menu.
Petrossian Bar
Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-693-7111; www.bellagio.com
For a more laid-back evening, head on over to the Bellagio’s Petrossian Bar, where guests can enjoy live music from a Steinway grand. Pianists perform daily from 10am to 12.45am and include a range of talented performers, such as David Osborne, who has performed at various White House functions for Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Ronald Reagan. While you’re enjoying the music, treat your palate to a house-made infused cocktail or afternoon tea. Petrossian is also known for its selection of fine caviars, making it the perfect place for those with discerning taste.
Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill
Harrah’s Las Vegas Casino and Hotel, 3475 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-369-5000; http://tobykeithsbar.com
Named for his song “I Love This Bar,” Toby Keith’s Las Vegas restaurant combines down-home Southern favorites and live country music to make for an experience that’s sure to put a big smile on your face. Many of the country acts that perform on the restaurant’s stage nightly were hand-picked by Keith himself, so guests know they’re in for a real treat. Country music fans can also enjoy the acts without having to pay a cover, giving them another reason to two-step on over.
Hakkasan
MGM Resorts International
Nightclubs
1OAK
3400 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-693-8300; http://1oaklasvegas.com
This 16,000sq-ft (1,500sq-meter) avant-garde mega-club features Roy Nachum artwork, a state-of-the-art Avalon sound system, a 250-person VIP area, two unique rooms with dedicated DJs, and an enormous stage. Converging art and fashion, famous and infamous, cutting edge and established, barriers have been deliberately torn down to create a sexy and unpredictable environment.
Beacher’s Madhouse
MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 323-785-3036; http://www.beachersmadhouse.com
Celebrity impersonators are scattered throughout the crowd at this MGM Grand night spot, which rocks a variety show on stage that includes wrestling and heavy metal balancing acts, and even acrobats who deliver bottle service.
Chateau
Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-994-5198; http://chateaunights.com
Chateau gives you the option to dance the night away in their club, or take the party outdoors to their second-story terrace or Versailles-style gardens overlooking the Strip. Take in those panoramic views in your VIP cabana, oui?
Light Nightclub, at the Mandalay Bay
Denise Truscello/MGM Resorts International
Hakkasan
MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-891-3838; http://hakkasanlv.com
If you like world-famous DJs (Tiesto, Steve Aoki, Calvin Harris), eating exquisite Chinese food, and imbibing specialty cocktails, odds are you’ll seriously enjoy Hakkasan Las Vegas, where having an extra $500,000 lying around buys you their insane Dynastic bottle service package. Don’t have that? No worries, $12,000 will still get you the ZEN package with a casual 10 bottles of Dom, two magnums of Grey Goose, and a bottle of Patron Platinum.
Hyde Bellagio
Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-693-8700; http://sbe.com/nightlife/locations/hyde-bellagio
They call themselves “the best nightclub in Las Vegas.” Get a load of their terrace overlooking the iconic Bellagio fountains, or choose from multiple bottle service packages served by scantily clad ladies in leather. This 10,000sq-footer (900sq meters) is legendary in Vegas for good reason.
Light
Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-693-8300; http://thelightvegas.com
Inspired by the same man who brought you Cirque du Soleil, you can expect the same kind of creative, experimental innovation in the performances that come to Light. Smoke and mirrors and people hanging from ropes are just the beginning as old favorites like Skrillex and more bring new ideas to this laboratory of Vegas nightlife.
Marquee
The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-333-9000; www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
The Marquee Dayclub is the intersection of fun and luxury. With infinity pools, eight cabanas, and 10 three-story bungalow lofts, this outdoor space is sure to please on a scorching Vegas afternoon. When the sun goes down, the party starts.
Surrender
Wynn Encore, 3121 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-770-7300; http://surrendernightclub.com
Surrender at the Wynn Resort boasts a 5,000sq-ft (460sq-meter) dance floor and guest DJ appearances from folks like Diplo and Will.I.Am. So check your “baggy clothes” and “athletic footwear” at the door and dress to impress at this swanky after-hours club.
TAO
The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-388-8588; http://taolasvegas.com
This Asian bistro/nightclub/beach club nestled into The Venetian is a staple of Vegas nightlife, offering cutting-edge cuisine and a rotating line-up of DJs and performers.
Tryst
The Wynn, 3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-770-7000; www.wynnlasvegas.com
This Wynn nightclub, with a subtle, intimate atmosphere as well as an outdoor deck and pool area, boasts a waterfall by the pool and a little bit of breathing room compared to other Vegas late-night staples.
XS
Wynn Encore, 3121 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-770-7000; http://xslasvegas.com
Palm trees, pools, and parties in a gold-plated, mirrored, plush interior like you’ve never seen await you at Wynn’s premiere nightclub, XS. The guest list of DJs and performers always keeps it fresh, from Redfoot to Martin Solveig.
XS Nightclub
Wynn
Comedy clubs
Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club
MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 866-799-7711; www.bradgarrettcomedy.com
Welcome to the only place in Las Vegas to catch Brad Garrett performing live along with some of the hottest names in stand-up – from established stars to the funniest up-and-comers. To add to the fun factor, every show takes place in a specially designed theater custom-built for comedy.
Four Queens LA Comedy Club
Four Queens Hotel and Casino, 202 East Fremont Street; tel: 702-385-4011; www.thelacomedyclub.com
Great comedy in downtown Vegas! Come check out some of the country’s best and brightest comics. Show times are 9pm Tue–Sun, with new comics appearing each week.
Gordie Brown
Golden Nugget, 129 East Fremont Street; tel: 702-385-7111; www.goldennugget.com
Impressionist, singer and entertainer Gordie Brown is well known for his amazing comedy and celebrity impressions such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jack Nicholson, and Sylvester Stallone, as well as Las Vegas icons like Elvis Presley and Sammy Davis, Jr.
LA Comedy Club
2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-275-1823; www.thelacomedyclub.com
Top comedic talent features in Bally’s Windows Theatre, overlooking the Strip.
Las Vegas Live Comedy Club
3667 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-260-7200; www.lasvegaslivecomedyclub.com
Bringing together a cross section of the best comedians from NY, Chicago, Boston, LA, and Las Vegas, it’s conveniently located inside Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood hotel and casino in the center of the Las Vegas Strip.
Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club
MGM Resorts International
Las Vegas Zombie Burlesque
3663 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 866-932-71818; www.zombieburlesqueshow.com
Strictly speaking, the Las Vegas Zombie Burlesque Show is not a comedy club, but laughs are guaranteed at this unique show. Describing itself as a “dead sexy comedy musical”, the show will take you back to the year 1958: the world has all but been overrun by zombies; heroically, however, the President of the United States has managed to brokered a deal with the zombies that allows the two groups to live together in harmony. As part of the deal, the zombies demanded the living hand over their worst criminals, and they duly obliged. As a gesture of appreciation for their co-operation, the zombies want to show the living that they are not all bad. What better way to do so than to open the doors of one of your biggest clubs to your new friends?! The fictional Club Z is now open for business! Expect plenty of laughs.
Laugh Factory
Tropicana, 3801 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-739-2222; www.laughfactory.com
This Vegas version of LA’s iconic world-famous comedy club adds to the New Tropicana’s first-class entertainment, which boasts A-list performers as well as the newest rising stars of stand-up. The Vegas club lets funny run loose, with acts encouraging patrons to “laugh their rears off” on a nightly basis.
Sin City Comedy Show
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, 3667 Las Vegas Boulevard South; tel: 702-777-7776; www.caesars.com
Created by Emmy award-winning writer and comedian John Padon, Sin City Comedy & Burlesque features nationally known headliner comedians in a sexy show format with a touch of burlesque. Not only will you laugh, but you’ll be entertained by burlesque girls who sing and dance.