Variety shows are by far our favorite types of shows in Las Vegas. You get a little bit of everything — dancing, singing, acrobatics, comedy, fantasy, storyline, even magic!
These days, a lot of the new high-production value shows are some flavor of a variety show. From the long-time favorite Absinthe at Caesars to the all-new Awakening at Wynn, these grandiose high-energy shows are taking over the city by storm!
If you’re visiting Vegas with a bunch of people who can’t seem to agree to one type of show, our best recommendation is to make it a Las Vegas variety show. Here are 10 super popular variety shows that showcase it all.
Key Takeaways
For a variety show that will leave you totally immersed … we recommend Awakening
For a classic variety show … we recommend V – The Ultimate Variety Show
For a variety show featuring a touch of Cirque du Soleil acrobatics … we recommend Mad Apple or “O” at Bellagio
For an adults-only show that mixes comedy with a variety of acts … we recommend Absinthe or Atomic Saloon Show
Awakening
Go Vegas Guide Recommended
Starting with the visionary minds of Bernie Yuman, Baz Halpin and Michael Curry, Awakening has captured a massive audience with its combination of dramatic choreography, fantastical creatures, original musical score, and narration by none other than Anthony Hopkins.
At the core of Awakening is a hero’s quest to confront the forces of Light and Darkness. The protagonist, known as IO, encounters a diverse cast of characters, both human and fantastical, as she navigates the challenges that unfold in her mission to reunite opposing forces and save the world.
The show has been called the most technically advanced show on the planet. To help you illustrate why, I’ll just tell you that they spent $120 million to create a massive 360-degree theater just for this show.
After watching the show for myself, I see why. All the high-tech features of the theater added SO much to the show. On top of that, expect everything from amazing dancers, colorful lights and lasers, aerialists, magic, light comedy, and puppetry!
If “variety” is really what you’re after, Awakening is the show to go with. I personally think it’s way more varied than any Cirque du Soleil show.
- Type of Show: Top-Seller, Variety
- Where: Awakening Theater, Wynn Las Vegas
- Show Length: 80 minutes – No intermission
- Age Restriction: For audiences 5 years and older
Mad Apple By Cirque du Soleil
Mad Apple is a thrilling concoction of New York-inspired magic that brings the city that never sleeps to the heart of Las Vegas!
From the moment you step into the theater, you’ll be entertained by high-flying acrobatics, music, dance, and even comedy. The dynamic cast includes underground stars, high-flying acrobats, street performers, and the biggest musical sensations that New York has to offer.
- Type of Show: Variety, Cirque du Soleil, Adults Only
- Where: Zumanity Theatre at the New York – New York Hotel & Casino
- Show Length: 80 minutes – No intermission
- Age Restriction: For audiences 18 years and older
Miss Behave’s Mavericks
Miss Behave’s “Mavericks” is an ever-changing, world-class variety show that’s made Old Vegas’ Plaza Hotel its home.
Miss Behave and her notorious crew deliver a flirty, filthy and fabulous blend of comedy, circus, burlesque and variety—all delivered with an irreverent wink and cut-throat wit.
Audiences can expect a fast-paced spectacle filled with jaw-dropping stunts, hilarious antics, and audience participation that keeps everyone on their toes.
With the focus on charismatic talent, seasoned legends and a sublime ambiance—all for a refreshingly affordable ticket price—”Mavericks” is Classic Vegas to its core, sped up for the roaring 2020s!
V – The Ultimate Variety Show
Overwhelmed by the multitude of entertainment options in Las Vegas? V – The Ultimate Variety Show is like a buffet of talent, offering a little bit of everything packed into one thrilling performance.
Featuring a rotating cast of performers, including comedy, magic, dare-devil stunts, and high-energy specialty acts, this show promises an unforgettable show. From death-defying stunts by the Skating Aratas to captivating drum routines by The Crazy Gauchos, each performance promises to either have you at the edge of your seat or leave you breathless.
Critics have hailed it as “seven shows rolled into one”, which alone tells you that this is the perfect Las Vegas variety show for everyone in your party!
- Type of Show: Variety
- Where: V Theater, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood
- Show Length: 75 minutes
- Age Restriction: For audiences 5 years and older
O at Bellagio
Prepare to have your mind blown by this aquatic-themed Cirque du Soleil show that combines jaw-dropping acrobatics with mesmerizing water effects.
If you’re stuck choosing between all the different Cirque du Soleil shows offered in Vegas, make it this one. While it is the most expensive, it still remains the top seller!
It took us over a decade from the time we first visited Vegas to watch this show (we were poor college students for quite some time). But now having seen it, the grace, awe, beauty, and happiness we experienced during the show was worth every single penny!
Sure, you could watch a regular ol’ magic show, but why settle for the mundane when you can experience the surreal elegance of O?
- Type of Show: Top-Seller, Variety
- Where: O Theatre, Bellagio Hotel & Casino
- Show Length: 90 minutes – No intermission
- Age Restriction: For audiences 5 years and older
Absinthe
Named “the #1 greatest show in Las Vegas history” by Las Vegas Weekly, Absinthe is an innovative Spiegelworld show featuring world-class artists who push the boundaries with amazing feats of strength, balance, danger, and unfathomable flexibility.
Set in an intimate circus tent, this show is full of raunchy jokes, lingerie-clad acrobats, and adult comedy, so be prepared for an outlandishly good time. Amid the raunchy and risqué acts is your show host, Gazillionaire, a filthy rich man with a filthy vocabulary.
It’s a full-fledged institution in Vegas, still one of the most buzzed-about shows on the Strip, and an innovation that has impacted the direction of live entertainment in Las Vegas.
- Type of Show: Top Seller, Variety, Adults Only
- Where: Spiegeltent on the Roman Plaza, Caesars Palace
- Show Length: 80 minutes – No intermission
- Age Restriction: Must be 18 years of age or older
WOW – The Vegas Spectacular
Get ready to be mind-blown by WOW – The Vegas Spectacular, an internationally acclaimed production that’s been seen by over 2.5 million viewers worldwide.
Experience a world of water, wonder, and fantasy as 30 artists take the stage in a display of talent and creativity. Directed by Hanoch Rosenn (known for his extravagant productions), WOW promises to, well, wow audiences of all ages!
Expect 3D multi-media projections, water walls, holograms, and dazzling choreography set to magnificent music. From aerialists and acrobats to stunt performers and dancers, WOW features an incredible lineup of talent.
This award-winning production has rightfully earned its accolades, including Best Production Show, Best New Show, Best Family Friendly Show, and Best Value Show in the Best of Las Vegas awards.
- Type of Show: Variety, Water-Themed
- Where: Rio Showroom, Rio
- Show Length: 90 minutes
- Age Restriction: For audiences 4 years and older
VEGAS! THE SHOW
Step into the glamour and glitz of old-time Vegas with VEGAS! THE SHOW, featuring showgirls, Broadway-style singers, dancers, and a live big band. Experience the story of how it all began, paying homage to The Rat Pack, Elvis, Gladys Knight & The Pips, and more.
From the dazzling showgirls to the powerhouse singers and dynamic dancers, this production takes you on a musical journey through the decades, celebrating the legendary performers who defined Las Vegas as the “Entertainment Capital of the World”.
With elaborate costumes, booming musical numbers, and a classic Vegas vibe, this show is a nostalgic tribute to the city’s rich entertainment history.
- Type of Show: Variety, Musical
- Where: Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood
- Show Length: 75 minutes
- Age Restriction: No age restriction
Atomic Saloon Show
Get ready for a wild and raunchy ride at the Atomic Saloon Show in Vegas, where Madam Boozy Skunkton and her crew host a nightly boozy-doozy of circus, variety, and comedy mayhem.
Set in a real-life bar, the show unfolds amidst the hazy ambiance of multiple bars serving an array of adult beverages. Expect the unexpected as you navigate through the lively atmosphere and indulge in themed cocktails while enjoying jaw-dropping performances, comedy, dancing, circus sideshow acts, and acrobatics.
From the creators of Absinthe, this immersive adults-only experience at The Venetian promises an unforgettable night of bold humor and outrageous entertainment.
- Type of Show: Variety, Adults Only
- Where: The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
- Show Length: 75 minutes
- Age Restriction: For audiences 18 years and older
DiscoShow
Get ready to party like it’s 1977. Step back in time to the groovy era of the 1970s with DiscoShow, a dance party celebration of disco music and culture. Inspired by David Mancuso’s legendary loft parties in New York City, this immersive experience invites you to dance the night away in the Glitterloft alongside iconic characters from the disco era.
- Type of Show: Dance, Immersive, Adults Only
- Where: The LINQ Hotel + Experience
- Show Length: 70 minutes – No intermission
- Age Restriction: Must be 18 years of age or older
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