Most people think of Vegas as the gambling capital of the world. The city boasts hotels, nightclubs, stores and nightclub acts, all dedicated to encouraging visitors to play games for money.
If you don't want to hang out at the gaming machine or visit the tables you don't have to stay in your hotel room playing free online slots. Enjoy your visit to Las Vegas and take advantage of everything that Las Vegas has to offer this month.
Nathan Burton Magic Show
Nathan Burton offers one of the country's top magic shows which he performs on a regular basis at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. The Nathan Burton Magic Show features one of America's most popular magicians as he delivers a performance that's suitable for all ages.
Burton's magic show is said to be one of the most entertaining shows on the Vegas strip. He combines comedy, illusions, showgirls and a sparkling personality that enthralls and mystifies children and adults alike.
The family-friendly show takes place at the Saxe Theatre in the Miracle Mile Shops in the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino. Tickets can be booked ahead of time. Showtimes are Tuesday – Sunday at 4:00 p.m.
Rent - the Broadway Show
Rent is one of those Broadway shows that almost everyone has heard about. The show, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and four Tony Awards, uses a rocking, pulsating score to follow the struggles and challenges of a group of New Yorkers who have been diagnosed with HIV. The frantic pace of the musical score brings the portrait of the lives and loves of these characters to life and displays their zest for life in the face of adversity.
The play was written by Jonathan Larson who died unexpectedly just hours before the show's Off-Broadway premiere. Larson's heartfelt portrayal of his AIDS community has ensured him a place in theatrical history. Variety called it "the best show in years, if not decades". many of the original Broadway cast, including Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp and Taye Diggs reprised their roles when Rent was adapted for the screen in 2005.
Rent's anniversary will be celebrated with Las Vegas performances at Reynolds Hall in the Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Show dates are January 30 – February 4 2018. Ticket prices are $36 - $127. There are on-site bars and louges where you can enjoy champagne, beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks and snacks before the show or during intermission. These include the Reynolds Hall and Mezzine Lounge and the Myron's Cabaret Jazz bar.
Musical Nostalgia
The Moody Blues have been a favorite of pop, rhythm & blues and classical/rock fusion for over forty years, The Moody Blues may be best-known for their haunting "Nights in White Satin" but they enjoyed phenomenal success with other genres including symphonic sound and progressive rock.
The MBs are one of the longest-surviving bands. Their concerts are packed and DJs give them significant airtime on the radio in almost every country in the world. Today their sound fuses rock and roll, blues and classical elements. They will be inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
The MBs are scheduled to play at the Encore Theatre in Las Vegas on January 26th, January 30th and January 31st. Shows are at 8:00 p.m. and ticket prices start at $230.
Cirque du Soleil
It's almost a crime to go to Las Vegas and not see a Cirque du Soleil performance. Cirque du Soleil shows explore fanciful worlds through extreme acrobatics that invigorate the imagination.
Each Cirque du Soleil show has its own theme and storyline. The shows synthesize circus styles from around the world through continuous live music. Performers rather than stagehands change the props in-between death-defying acts on an ever-changing stage.
Some of the upcoming Cirque du Soleil shows include KA, Michael Jackson One, Mystere, O, The Beatles One, Zumanity, Criss Angel Mindfreak Live, Amaluna, Crystal, Joya, Kooza, LUZIA, Corteo Parade, Ovo, Kurios Cabinet of Curiosities, Sept7imo Dia, Serie Hommage Les Colocs, Toruk, Totum, Volta and Diva.
Cirque du Soleil performs at the MGM Grand. The shows are suitable for all family members. Prices vary, according to the show.
Mob Museum
Las Vegas enjoys a reputation as a "mafia city." It's unfortunately true that Vegas wouldn't be the world-class gambling metropolis that it is today if it weren't for mob bigwigs like Bugsy Siegel. The mob museum is a great family excursion with multi-media presentations and artifacts that describe how Vegas developed as law enforcement and mobsters battled it out.
The Mob Museum: National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement is located in downtown Las Vegas near Fremont Street. As visitors walk amongst the exhibits they'll hear true stories about how mobsters and legitimate businessmen collaborated to build the entertainment center in the middle of the desert.
The museum is a 21st century venue where visitors hear real stories that are brought to life through multi-sensory exhibits and engaging insights from old-timers. People on all sides of the battle, from law enforcement to the underworld, describe the events that shaped the creation of the desert's economic wonder.
The Mob Museum is located in a 3-story building at 300 Stewart Avenue. Tickets can be bought on-site.
Wet 'n Wild
The Wet 'n Wild Theme Park is, you guessed it, a Las Vegas water theme park, located at 7055 South Fort Apache Road, just 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. The park is open during the summer and offers water-based activities including swimming pools and a variety of slides.
The slides are the park's highlight. There are children's slides such as the Royal Flush and the Constrictor and numerous slides for adults including the Tornado, the Desert Racers amd the Canyon Cliffs.
The Wed 'n Wild Theme Park is a great way to enjoy a hot day in the Las Vegas summer sun.
There's lots to do for visitors of any age or interest in Las Vegas.