The Best of Las Vegas Nightlife

When it comes to nightlife, few cities match Las Vegas, Nevada, often called “The Entertainment Capital of the World”. The first casino in Las Vegas was built in 1931. As the popularity of these casinos have grown exponentially so have the entertainment options that make Vegas the adult playground it is today.

The centerpiece of Las Vegas nightlife are the original shows found at nearly every major casino. These spectacles mix music, dance, acrobatics, imaginative sets and visual effects into one-of-kind entertainment. The leader in Vegas shows, Cirque du Soleil, are responsible for productions at venues around Vegas. The most talked-about of these may be the aqua-centric “O” at the Bellagio. Other Cirque du Soleil productions include Beatles tribute, “LOVE” at the Mirage, “Mystere” at Treasure Island, and “KA” at the MGM Grand. A Cirque du Soleil production is an essential ingredient of any visit to Las Vegas.

Cirque du Soleil isn’t the only producer of mind-boggling Las Vegas production numbers. Many consider “La Reve” at the Wynn the equal of the Cirque du Soleil extravaganzas. “La Reve”, French for “The Dream”, makes use of a one million gallon tank of water to create a dream-like fantasy experience.

For the musical aficionado, versions of popular Broadway shows regularly make their way to Vegas stages. Crowd-pleasers such as “Mamma Mia” and “The Producers” have been staged. Currently, you can find “The Lion King” at Mandalay Bay. “The Phantom of the Opera” resides in a namesake theater at the Venetian.

Musical talents spend multiple weeks of the year entertaining Vegas crowds. Elton John, Donny and Marie and Gladys Knight are among the musicians currently making extended engagements. If you’re looking for laughs, there is no shortage of comedians in Las Vegas. Penn and Teller, Rita Rudner and Carrot Top are just of few of the acts that can give you your jollies on a trip to Vegas.

And don’t forget the magicians! Hip illusionist Criss Angel teams up with the ubiquitous Cirque du Soleil for “Believe” at the Luxor. David Copperfield and the Amazing Johnathan are other popular Vegas magic men ready to amaze you.

Adults searching for something provocative may enjoy a show where flesh is bared. One of the most popular of these is another Cirque du Soleil offering, the sensual “Zumanity”, at New York, New York. The female form is also prominently featured in “Crazy Horse Paris” at the MGM Grand, a reproduction of the racy Parisian Crazy Horse Cabaret. If men are your preference, make a trip to see the infamous Chippendales at the Rio.

After the shows are over, you can party the night away at a virtually unlimited selection of Vegas nightclubs. The Bank is an extremely upscale dance club at the Bellagio. Body English at the Hard Rock is a favorite choice for the ultra-hip younger crowd. Those hoping to relive the seventies can choose the MGM Grand’s take on the legendary Studio 54. Beatles fans can indulge themselves at the Revolution Lounge at the Mirage, a Beatles-themed nightspot that will take you take back to the sixties when the Fab Four ruled rock and roll.

As you can see, when it comes to Vegas nightlife the challenge isn’t finding things to do at night, it’s finding enough night to do everything.

John is a travel writer from the UK currently working on www.las-vegas.travel – a new Las Vegas holiday guide