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City Cast Las Vegas

Find the best that Las Vegas has to offer.

Rob Kachelriess

Catch it while you can. Cirque du Soleil’s newest, but four-year-old Las Vegas production, 

, performs for the last time on Sept. 5. How does it rank among other resident shows on the Strip by the French-Canadian entertainment company?

When in doubt, go with O, the one Cirque show we all agree to love. The short "oh" sound in the name is inspired by "eau,” which is French for water — and 1.5 million gallons of it is used on stage at the Bellagio for splash-filled dives and other stunts.

The only live show ever officially licensed and approved by the Beatles parent company ran at the Mirage from 2006 until the resort closed in 2024. You couldn’t go wrong with the music alone, remixed from the master tapes for a custom sound system, but the vintage London imagery was a trip back to the 1960s.

Launched in 1993 at Treasure Island, Mystère is the oldest Cirque production in Vegas, but never feels stale. It’s almost like a greatest hits of what Cirque is about — no theme necessary — and just trippy enough to not weird out the masses.

I have a soft spot for this MGM Grand production and its levitating stage, even though I once wrote a story about its habit of 

Running for more than 13 years at Mandalay Bay, this dance-heavy production has some resilient staying power to match the enduring (or perhaps … 

) appeal of Michael Jackson. The plotline is meh 👎 But the hologram finale ends the show on a high note.

Cirque’s only adults-only show on the Strip wasn’t afraid to get topless, have a drag queen host, and play around with sexuality. Despite its risque nature, it lasted seven years until the pandemic shut everything down in 2020. It never reopened.

Mad Apple took over Zumanity’s old New York-New York theater in 2022 with a theme to match the casino itself. The show represented a new era for Cirque, toning down pricey production spectacle in favor of New Yawker energy and attitude, adding up to a Spiegelword-esque variety show with breakdancing, basketball dunking, and standup comedy.

I know I’ve seen this show. I remember nothing about it. Zarkana lasted four years before its theater was demolished in 2016 to expand the Aria’s trade show space — revealing where the real money is generated in Vegas.

Somehow, Cirque couldn’t make Elvis work in Vegas, perhaps reflecting the waning appeal of the King with younger generations. After debuting at the Aria in 2009, the show was scrapped in 2012 for Zarkana.

Cirque’s biggest dud tried to model itself after a moody action flick at the Luxor, but was underwhelming and violated the cardinal sin of giving us too much story. It was cancelled after just a year in 2020 … 

 the pandemic was even an excuse to do so.

An un-Cirque-like collaboration with Criss Angel (Believe) and Blue Man Group, which the company bought in 2017.

Mad Apple performs its final show on Sept. 5. See where the production ranks among the Strip's Cirque du Soleil history. 

The Best Cirque du Soleil Shows in Vegas History

Cirque du Soleil's Las Vegas Legacy: Ranked

Find the best of everything that Las Vegas has to offer.

Las Vegas’s Best

Las Vegas' Best

Las Vegas has never shied away from weird and wacky tourist attractions, but as we continue to 

📷 The Palms just turned the exterior video wall on the 423-foot-long Ivory Tower into the world’s tallest photo booth. (We think. I haven’t checked with the record keepers at Guinness to confirm it.) It’s called 

 — and will allow you to become a part of the Vegas skyline during special activations and entertainment events.

 to send in their (used? 😬) baseball caps for consideration in a “larger than life” hat wall at 

, the country star’s upcoming honky tonk at the Flamingo. My thoughts and prayers to the intern assigned to sort through the donations.

, increasing the capacity from just 175 people to nearly 1,200. Now renamed the Meta Apex (thanks for the sponsorship, Mr. Zuckerburg), the venue is part of the same Southwest Valley campus that’s home to UFC headquarters — and a nice 

 to bigger cage fights at the T-Mobile Arena.

🎰 Don’t discount the power of a casino rewards club promotion, but this one is unusually good. 

 with barely a string attached. New and current loyalty club members can claim the promotion Mondays through Wednesdays until Sept. 7.

🎄 Celebrate Christmas … with Creed 🎸 Relive the late ‘90s and the early aughts as the rock band takes the Mariah Carey route and performs 

🤔 A lie in the sky? As previewed in our guide to August, the 

 is now open atop the Mandalay Bay hotel. Booze, views, and DJs are nothing new in Vegas, but as our friend Corey Levitan at casino.org 

, the venue isn’t really on the 63rd floor 

. The number is completely made up. If you want to be accurate, the Vinyl Room is on the 43rd floor.

Want your photo to be a part of the skyline? Vegas is full of weird new things to do these days. 

New Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas

What Vegas Needs Now: Offbeat Tourist Attractions

Summer is winding down and Las Vegas remains busy as we avoid the heat and look ahead to booze, food, sports, shopping, culture, and a big celebration for an iconic Strip resort.

🥃 Mix Drinks and Music at Two New Bars

Goodbye Foundation Room. Say hello to the 

, which takes over the 63rd-floor perch at Mandalay Bay. The lounge opens Aug. 8 with food, drinks, music on high-fidelity vinyl sound systems, and an atmosphere inspired by Japan’s jazz kissa listening rooms. Yes, you still get the awesome views. Country fans will be more interested in 

, which brings the beer-soaked line dancing of 

 at Santa Fe Station to Sunset Station in Henderson on Aug. 15.

🎂 Wish a Happy Birthday to Caesars Palace

August 5 marks 60 years since Caesars Palace opened on the Las Vegas Strip. To celebrate, the resort is rolling out special 

 at bars and restaurants throughout the property all month long. The Bacchanal Buffet is even offering some throwback dishes like Duck à l'Orange, Clams Casino, and Oysters Rockefeller. (Sorry, no throwback prices.) For a deeper dive into the history of the place, the Mob Museum presents 

Not Built in a Day: The Epic Story of Caesars Palace

, a discussion free to attend with paid admission on Aug. 6.

🛍️ Hit the Markets for Local Shopping

 is back with a Night Market at UnCommons on Aug. 1, plus a series of smaller Sunday Neighborhood Market events at Akin Cooperative in the Arts District. You can also shop for items by local vendors at the 

 inside the Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet Aug. 21-23, 

 at Santa Fe Station Aug. 27, and a UFO-themed 

🎉 Feel the Fireworks (and Super Bingo 👀) at the Plaza

The Plaza Hotel & Casino seems to be especially busy in August. It’s the final full month of Friday night Welcome to the Weekend fireworks, the Latin-themed 

 extended its run with additional performances, and 

 before) is one of the most exciting ways to cash in on the classic casino game.

The season is beginning to wind down as the Aces look to capture another WNBA championship. Head to the Palms for 

 to watch the team dominate the rest of the league: the pool Aug. 9, the sportsbook Aug. 23, and Ghostbar (on the 55th floor of the hotel tower) Sept. 24. (Consider that last one a preview of 

month.) Drink specials will be available at all three.

🇯🇵 Immerse Yourself in Japanese Culture

Taiko & Traditions: A Day of Japanese Arts

, free with admission on Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with family-friendly performances and activity stations. The 

 comes to the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA on Aug.15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for a day of food trucks, culture, memorial lanterns, and more — all in the independent Okinawan spirit of Japan’s Ryukyu Islands.

Las Vegas has new bars, cultural festivals, shopping, parties, and more this month. 

Things to Do in Las Vegas August 2026

Your Guide to Las Vegas in August 2026

Sure, you can go with sake, but some of our favorite Asian restaurants take pride in offering exceptional wine lists. It’s just one of the reasons we're excited to see the original 

 location reopen last month at Historic Commercial Center.

“Many of these wines have been carefully preserved in temperature-controlled storage since the original Sahara location closed in 2017, allowing them to continue aging under ideal conditions,” according to co-owner and operating partner Penny Chutima, daughter of James Beard Award-winning chef Saipin Chutima, whose recipes made Lotus of Siam a bucket-list dining experience.

“Many of our most prized bottles remained with the collection,” Chutima says, noting the restaurant has 2,000 to 5,000 bottles, representing a wide variety of producers, regions, and vintages. “Guests will find several vintages of Pétrus, verticals of J.J. Prüm, and an exceptional selection of older French and German wines, many dating back to before the 2000s. We also have a rare Scarecrow flight, along with a few highly sought-after bottles from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.”

Another Lotus of Siam location, near Flamingo and Paradise, has a smaller wine list, described by Chutima as “more approachable and fun.” Both restaurants, however, take pride in variety, while making a point to showcase Rieslings, which are typically lighter and sweeter, cutting and balancing the bold flavors of traditional Thai cuisine.

Bank Atcharawan, a former sommelier at Lotus of Siam, followed a similar approach while venturing out with his own concepts. After putting his stamp on 

 (with locations in Chinatown and Henderson), he’s moved on to 

, which occupies an intimate space off Spring Mountain Road. Like the restaurant itself, the wine list feels like a well-kept secret, featuring unfamiliar, but exceptional labels that often hover in an affordable $30 to $50 price range. Atcharawan also has a soft spot for 

 and usually carries at least one orange wine on the list.

When it comes to the Strip, you can’t go wrong with deep, indulgent wine programs at 

 is a Korean steakhouse that makes an especially strong point to showcase a thoughtful 1,200-label wine list. Ask nicely, and you can even take a sommelier-led tour of the wine “cellar” — a temperature controlled room that glows in red light near the main entrance. COTE isn’t afraid to stock up on jumbo-sized bottles like magnums and jeroboams for large parties, but the real finds are in the Old World varietals, especially the Burgundy and Bordeaux options, that pair well with Korean marinades and a multi-course selection of meats grilled by your server at the table.

The original Lotus of Siam is back — and leading a wave of Asian restaurants in Las Vegas that make it a priority to offer great wine.

Asian Restaurants with Amazing Wine in Las Vegas

Asian Restaurants with Amazing Wine Lists

City Cast Las Vegas wants to wish all the dads out there — hello Wayne! 👋 — a fantastic Father’s Day this weekend. You can score a few freebies on Sunday too 👀

 at Green Valley Ranch is giving dads a free Old Fashioned. It pairs well with the 14 oz. prime Ribeye, which is $58.

 at the Red Rock Resort is giving dads a free draft beer with the purchase of a meal. Go with the special (baby back ribs, cornbread, and baked beans for $32) and a $13 peanut butter cup cigar for dessert.

 at noon on Saturday, June 20. The price is $50, but you can enter a contest to win a complimentary spot by sending the direct message #pitmaster to 

 on Instagram by midnight tonight (June 18).

 is welcoming all dads with a complimentary barrel-aged Old Fashioned on Father’s Day.

 steakhouse is giving dads a dram of Glenlivet 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky on the house, 5-10 p.m. at the Fontainebleau (which also has free parking for locals right now).

 water park in Henderson with the purchase of at least one other regular day ticket at the gate.

 at the Venetian is giving dads a free Harajuku cocktail (which is kinda like a Manhattan and Negroni in one) and some of the restaurant’s steak seasoning to take home. If you want to splurge, a six-ounce A4 Japanese Wagyu tenderloin is $150 for Father’s Day.

🍣 This isn’t specifically a Father’s Day deal, but it happens to fall on the holiday: 

 is giving everyone a free signature roll with the purchase of an entree on every Sunday in June.

Dads, step-dads, and granddads get to enjoy a few free perks for Father's Day on June 21.

Where Dads Get Free Stuff on Father’s Day 2026

Father's Day Freebies in Las Vegas

Have you seen those airline flights lately? Gas isn’t cheap, but a road trip could be a great excuse to get away from Las Vegas over summer. So fill up the tank, check those tires, and hit the highway for a few not-so-obvious vacation destinations in the Southwest.

Don’t let the size of Arizona intimidate you. After passing through Phoenix and Tucson (which has one of the most underrated dining scenes in the country), you’ll hit 

 right before the Mexico border. The town was founded as a Spanish military site in 1752 and evolved into a walkable art community with more than a hundred galleries. Restaurants like 

 offer a mix of Sonoran and Mexican cuisine, while the 

 showcases the history of Spanish colonial life and Native American culture. Yes, summers are hot, but generally cooler than Phoenix and other parts of the state.

Las Vegans love a good road trip to the California coast (hello Santa Monica 👋), but head a few extra miles south to 

, an oceanside community between L.A. and San Diego that hasn’t been completely overrun by tourism. Parking is generally free and there’s only one hotel on the beach (

, renovated from an apartment complex). The village has its share of historic Victorian architecture and art murals with barely a chain in sight. Two restaurants, 

Beyond Zion and Bryce Canyon is Escalante, a quiet community that values the great outdoors along Utah Scenic Byway 12. Spend the night at 

 that has its own outdoor movie theater) and explore the rugged terrain of the 

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

. A drive on Hell’s Backbone is a tense, white-knuckle route that towers above winding canyons, but your reward is a meal in Boulder at 

, an arts-centric restaurant with menus based on local meats and produce.

There’s a lot to love about Williams, Arizona — even beyond the free 

museum dedicated to fossilized dinosaur poop

. One of the last active routes on Route 66, the small town celebrates the Old West and mid-century road trip culture in equal doses with small businesses, bars, and dining spots in locations where saloons and brothels used to operate. It’s also home to the 

, a train that takes a direct route to the gates of the 

Fill up the tank, check those tires, and hit the highway for a few not-so-obvious vacation destinations in the Southwest.

Summer Road Trips From Las Vegas 2026

Off-Beat Summer Road Trips From Las Vegas

Layla Muhammad

From dining to entertainment and more, City Cast Las Vegas has some ideas for making the most of June. 

🍽️ The Best Excuse to Eat Out This Month

 runs June 1 through 12 and it is one of the tastiest times of year in Las Vegas. Dining spots throughout the valley are offering special prix fixe menus, with proceeds supporting Three Square Food Bank's mission to fight hunger in Southern Nevada. It’s a great opportunity to check out what’s new at a neighborhood restaurant like Bar Boheme or get a deal at pricer Strip destinations like Cote. Make your reservations now before the good ones fill up.

, but June is still Pride Month and the city knows how to show up. The Las Vegas Aviators are hosting 

 on Thursday, June 4, with a pregame party starting at 6 p.m., $2 beer specials, and first pitch at 7:05 p.m. against the Reno Aces. Five dollars from every ticket sold benefits Las Vegas Pride.

🖼️ Three Museums Worth Leaving the House For

Las Vegas museums are having a moment. The Mob Museum kicks off its 

 on June 1, blending craft brews with organized crime history. The 

 takes over the Punk Rock Museum June 20 and 21 with ink, live music, and chaos. And on June 27, the 

 opens in the Arts District with immersive exhibits and rare memorabilia celebrating America's most legendary daredevil.

🎭 And Three Shows Worth Dressing Up For

 brings Leoncavallo's “I Pagliacci” to the Judy Bayley Theatre at UNLV on June 5, sung in Italian with English supertitles. 

, a world premiere musical set in 1920s Paris, has seven performances at Notoriety Live Downtown, June 23-27. And 

 hits the Plaza's timeless showroom for one night only on Saturday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.

🎉 Juneteenth Celebrations Around the Valley

Michelle Johnson Presents “Freedom - A Juneteenth Celebration”

Two new shows are ready to get inside your brain this month. 

, the husband-and-wife mentalist duo from “America's Got Talent,” kicks off a residency at Fontainebleau's Azul Lounge on June 4, and 

 opens at MGM Grand's Underground Theater on June 18.

🏒 A Great Month to Be a Vegas Sports Fan

The Golden Knights are competing for the Stanley Cup after a stunning sweep of the Avalanche, their third trip to the finals in franchise history. 

 against the Carolina Hurricanes is tonight! Meanwhile, Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter will sing the national anthem and join the Knights at the 

 charity baseball game on June 27 at the Las Vegas Ballpark.

Need more suggestions? City Cast Las Vegas 

, including our top Restaurant Week picks. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

What To Do in Las Vegas in June 2026

Las Vegas is known for great entertainment — and more than a few shows are taking place outdoors this year. Whether it’s by a pool or on a mountain, the following places know how to mix music and scenery together in one perfect package.

On any given night, you’ll see cover bands performing on multiple stages at the Fremont Street Experience. The biggest acts, however, are reserved for the 

 concert series, which is always free with performances among the bright lights of Fremont Street casinos. This year’s lineup includes names like Crossfade with Trapt (May 30), Fuel (June 13), Finger Eleven (June 27), George Birge (July 4), Sleeping With Sirens (July 11), Mayday Parade (Aug. 8), Story of the Year (Aug. 22), Protoje (Sept. 12), Lauren Alaina and Carly Pearce (Sept. 26), and The Used with Maggie Lindemann (Oct. 10). Fremont Street Experience also hosts 

 concerts with Madden Metcalf up next on May 28.

 ski and snowboard resort continues to host free outdoor festivals and concerts this summer on Mt. Charleston. Bring a blanket to enjoy Carlos Guerrero & Friends (May 23), Bike Fest (June 13), Mountain Fest (June 27), a Fourth of July Celebration (July 4), and Music on the Mountain (July 11).

 pool deck at Durango is hosting an outdoor concert series for the first time this summer. See acts like Thievery Corporation (May 31), Connor Price & Nic D (June 28), One Night of Queen (July 24), Pepper and The Movement (Aug. 20), Sevendust & Theory of a Deadman (Sept. 18), and Switchfoot with Anberlin (Oct. 17).

 is celebrating 36 years in Las Vegas with nighttime performances at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater by Jazz Funk Soul (May 23), Kayla Waters (May 30), and Al Di Meola (June 6) rounding out the season. The series has reintroduced a ticketless free format this year, but demand is high, so showing up early is a good idea.

, a new concert series by The Pool, transforming the property’s outdoor pool deck into an open-air live music venue. Confirmed shows currently include Yachtley Crew (May 23), Gin Blossoms (May 30), Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters (June 13), Sugar Ray (June 20), Smash Mouth (July 4), and the Totally Tubular Festival featuring Thomas Dolby and other ‘80s acts (July 25).

 open-air entertainment? Get familiar with all the 

Las Vegas is known for great entertainment — and shows are taking place by the pool, on a mountain, and other outdoor venues this year. 

Outdoor Concerts in Las Vegas 2025

Where to See Outdoor Concerts in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is entering those months when outdoor fun is better — and more tolerable — after dark. So it’s no surprise that the valley has a wide variety of outdoor movie experiences during spring and summer. Some are by the pool. A few are free. And no matter which flicks float your boat, it’s better than doomscrolling on the couch.

. Admission is $15 (or free for hotel guests). Doors open at 7 p.m. and movies start at 8 p.m. with the full lineup below:

“Finding Nemo” (May 24), “Luca” (May 31), “Jurassic World Rebirth” (June 7), “Frozen” (June 14), “Inside Out” (June 21), “How to Train Your Dragon” (2025) (June 28), “Captain America: The First Avenger” (July 3), “Finding Dory” (July 5), “The Secret Life of Pets” (July 12), “Lilo & Stitch” (2025) (July 19), “The Bad Guys 2” (July 26), “Zootopia 2” (Aug. 2), “Black Panther” (Aug. 9), “Frozen 2” (Sept. 6), and “Super Mario Galaxy” (Sept. 24).

 tradition on Monday nights at the rooftop Boulevard Pool with the Strip skyline in the background. Admission is $10 for locals, free for hotel guests, military, and first responders — and $15 for everyone else. Movies are shown on the hotel’s marquee at 8 p.m. with plenty of food and drink available. The schedule:

“A Minecraft Movie” (June 8), “The Mighty Ducks” (June 15), “Clueless” (June 22), “Rush Hour” (June 29), “Talladega Nights” (July 6), “Space Jam” (July 13), “How to Train Your Dragon” (live action) (July 20), “Superman” (2025) (July 27), “Super Mario Galaxy” (Aug. 3), “Ocean’s 11” (Aug. 10), and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (Aug. 17).

🌳 Movies on The Green at Green Valley Ranch

 on The Green (next to Whole Foods) concurrently with Makers Hive Market. Bring a chair or blanket. Seating opens at 6:30 p.m., and is first come, first served. The season kicked off last weekend with “The Wizard of Oz” (the old one, not 

) and continues with “Jurassic Park” (May 23). Expect additional dates to be announced.

, every other Friday at the M Pool. Admission is $10 and movies are shown on a 800-square-foot LED screen at 7:30 p.m. See the following films under the stars:

“Luca” (May 22), “Inside Out 2” (June 5), “Big Hero 6” (June 19), “Captain America: The First Avenger” (July 3), and “Wonka” (July 17).

 movie theater has first-run feature films throughout the summer season in North Las Vegas. General admission begins at $9 for adults. Check out the opening dates for the following Hollywood releases:

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” (May 22), “Passenger” (May 22), “I Love Boosters” (May 22), “Backrooms” (May 29), “Pressure” (May 29), “The Breadwinner” (May 29), “The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act” (June 4), “Scary Movie” (June 5), “Power Ballad” (June 5), “Masters of the Universe” (June 5), “Disclosure Day” (June 12), “Toy Story 5” (June 19), “Jackass: Best and Last” (June 26), and “Supergirl” (June 26).

Where to See Outdoor Movies in Las Vegas

Mother’s Day is Sunday — and it’s not always easy to make plans or find the perfect gift.

My mom lives in North Carolina, so I shipped over some fancy ice cream before learning my parents took an impromptu vacation to the beach this week. My package arrived yesterday. I think it’s still on the porch 📦 (Good luck dry ice. We’re all counting on you.)

If your mom lives here in Vegas, we’ve got a few ideas for Mother’s Day fun 😁

 at UnCommons celebrates Mother’s Day weekend on May 9 with 

, featuring tea service, bites, and a free mini-bouquet.

 party on Mother’s Day with light bites, desserts, and an interactive game. It’s free, but secure your spot via RSVP.

If your mom lives here in Vegas, we’ve got a few ideas for Mother’s Day fun.