Las Vegas Events & Things to Do: Shows, the Strip, Sphere, Sports & Day Trips

Quick answer: The best things to do in Las Vegas include seeing a show at the Sphere or a Cirque du Soleil production, catching the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium or the Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena, watching the free Fountains of Bellagio, exploring Fremont Street, and taking day trips to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. Coming up soon: the Golden Knights home opener (September 29) and the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix (November 19–21, 2026).

Looking for things to do in Las Vegas today, this weekend, or with kids? The Las Vegas Strip has Cirque du Soleil shows, headliner residencies, and immersive concerts at the Sphere, plus free sights like the Bellagio fountains. Sports fans can see the Raiders, Golden Knights, and Aces, and day trips reach Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon.

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Upcoming Las Vegas Events in 2026 and 2027

• Golden Knights home opener: "Season X" starts vs. the Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
• Raiders home games: NFL football at Allegiant Stadium on select dates September through December.
• Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix: The night race on the Strip runs November 19–21, 2026.
• Sphere shows: Concerts and immersive experiences run year-round. See the Sphere schedule.

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What Are the Best Shows in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has more headline entertainment than almost anywhere on earth:

• Sphere: The giant LED-covered venue near the Strip hosts concerts and immersive films unlike anything else.
• Cirque du Soleil: Shows like "O" at Bellagio are Vegas classics.
• Residencies and concerts: Major artists play long-running residencies at Strip resorts.
• Comedy, magic, and production shows: From headline comics to magicians and Broadway-style shows.

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Las Vegas Sports Events & Game Day

Las Vegas has become a major sports city:

• Las Vegas Raiders: NFL football at Allegiant Stadium, just off the Strip.
• Vegas Golden Knights: NHL hockey at T-Mobile Arena, known for its famous pregame shows.
• Las Vegas Aces: WNBA basketball at Michelob Ultra Arena.
• Big events: The Formula 1 Grand Prix, championship boxing and UFC fights, and college bowl games.

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What Are the Best Free Things to Do in Las Vegas?

• Fountains of Bellagio: The famous choreographed water show is completely free.
• Bellagio Conservatory: Seasonal floral displays that change throughout the year.
• Fremont Street Experience: Downtown's five-block entertainment district with free concerts and a giant LED canopy.
• The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign: The city's most famous photo op.

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Day Trips From Las Vegas

• Hoover Dam: About 36 miles southeast on the Nevada-Arizona border.
• Grand Canyon West Rim and Skywalk: A popular full-day trip. For the South Rim, Sedona, and more, see our Arizona guide.
• Red Rock Canyon: Scenic drives and hikes just west of the city.
• Valley of Fire State Park: Blazing red sandstone about an hour away.
• Helicopter tours: See the Strip or the Grand Canyon from above.

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Las Vegas Food & Nightlife

Las Vegas is a world-class dining city, with celebrity chef restaurants, famous buffets, late-night eats, and cocktail bars. The nightlife scene includes some of the biggest clubs and dayclubs in the world, plus rooftop bars with Strip views.

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Things to Do in Las Vegas With Kids

Traveling with kids? Las Vegas has more family-friendly attractions than you might expect, including the Bellagio fountains and conservatory, the Shark Reef Aquarium, the High Roller observation wheel, the Neon Museum, Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, and family-friendly production shows.

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Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

• Fountains of Bellagio: Water shows set to music every 15 to 30 minutes.
• Bellagio Conservatory: Seasonal floral displays that change several times a year.
• Fremont Street Experience: Light shows and live music downtown.
• Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign: The classic photo stop on the south Strip.

Things to Do in Las Vegas for Adults & Couples

• Cirque du Soleil and residencies: O, Mystère, and headliners across the Strip.
• Sphere: Concerts and immersive shows in the giant LED venue.
• High Roller at sunset: A 30-minute observation wheel ride with drinks.
• Golden Knights or Raiders game: Big-event energy at T-Mobile Arena or Allegiant Stadium.

Things to Do in Las Vegas This Weekend & Today

Vegas weekends book up fast, so reserve shows and dinner early and expect higher hotel rates on Fridays and Saturdays. For a break from the Strip, drive to Red Rock Canyon in the morning.

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Popular Las Vegas Questions

What are the best free things to do in Las Vegas?

Free favorites in Las Vegas include Fountains of Bellagio, Bellagio Conservatory, Fremont Street Experience, and Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. See the free things to do section above for details.

What are the best things to do in Las Vegas for adults and couples?

Popular picks for adults and couples in Las Vegas include Cirque du Soleil and residencies, Sphere, High Roller at sunset, and Golden Knights or Raiders game.

When is the Las Vegas Grand Prix 2026?

The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix is November 19–21, 2026.

When is the Golden Knights home opener?

The Golden Knights open the 2026–27 season at home vs. the Blackhawks on September 29, 2026.

Are the Bellagio fountains free?

Yes. The Fountains of Bellagio are free to watch, with shows throughout the afternoon and evening.

How far is the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas?

The Grand Canyon West Rim is the closest section, a popular full-day trip from Las Vegas. The South Rim is farther and is often visited on longer tours or as part of an Arizona trip.

How far is Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?

Hoover Dam is about 36 miles southeast of Las Vegas, usually a 45-minute drive.

When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?

March to May and September to November bring the most comfortable weather. Summers are extremely hot, while winter is mild and busy with events and holiday shows.

What is there to do in Las Vegas this weekend?

Browse Las Vegas tours and activities for Grand Canyon trips, helicopter rides, and experiences you can book for your dates.

Plan Your Las Vegas Trip

See a show at the Sphere, cheer on the Raiders and Golden Knights, watch the Bellagio fountains, explore Fremont Street, catch the Grand Prix, or escape to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam.

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