Las Vegas Show Guide
Las Vegas Residency Shows
May–June 2026
Cirque du Soleil, magic, comedy, and circus spectacle — ten permanent residency shows running through May and June 2026. Schedules, prices, and how to get discounted tickets.
Las Vegas Show Scene May–June 2026
Las Vegas operates the largest permanent concentration of theatrical residency productions anywhere in the world. Ten major shows run continuously through May and June 2026 — four Cirque du Soleil productions, three magic shows, two comedy acts, and one adult circus spectacular — each requiring dedicated purpose-built infrastructure that could not exist at general-purpose touring venues.
May and June are peak performance season for Las Vegas shows. Every production runs its full weekly schedule, and EDC Week (May 13–19) brings an additional 400,000 attendees who fill the city's entertainment venues alongside the regular visitor base. June transitions into full summer operation with consistent convention traffic and leisure travel that keeps all shows running at or near capacity on Friday and Saturday nights.
The shows span the full price spectrum: from Blue Man Group at Luxor ($79 starting) to Absinthe at Caesars Palace ($189 for premium). Cirque du Soleil productions at Bellagio, MGM Grand, Treasure Island, and Mandalay Bay occupy the $85–$225 mid-to-premium range.
Las Vegas shows pair naturally with the city's nightlife calendar. A 6:30 PM show ends before nightclubs open at 10:30 PM — leaving time for dinner at any hotel restaurant and a full nightclub night after. A 9:00 PM show ends at approximately 11:00 PM, putting you at the nightclub during its peak energy window. Submit your nightclub guest list before the show and you arrive at the club with guaranteed entry.
Shows during EDC Week (May 13–19) require no EDC festival ticket and run their standard schedules. You can attend Cirque KA at MGM Grand at 6:00 PM and then Hakkasan for the EDC Week special lineup on the same night. Memorial Day Weekend (May 22–25) is the highest-demand window for both shows and nightclubs — book both in advance.
Cirque du Soleil
Four Cirque du Soleil Shows Running May–June 2026
Las Vegas hosts more permanent Cirque du Soleil productions than any other city on earth. Each show occupies a custom-built theater with infrastructure specific to its performance requirements — none could tour or perform elsewhere without dismantling permanent stage systems that took years to construct.
Cirque du Soleil: “O”
Bellagio — Wed–Sun, 6:30 PM & 9:00 PM
$125–$225
Cirque / Aquatic
Cirque du Soleil's aquatic masterpiece at Bellagio has run continuously since 1998 and remains the single most technically ambitious permanent stage production in the United States. The 1.5-million-gallon custom-built pool — hidden beneath the stage and revealed mid-show — allows performers to transition seamlessly between diving, synchronized swimming, aerial harness work, and acrobatic performance above the water surface. Over 80 performers from around the world appear in each performance.
The theater itself was designed and built specifically for this production. The stage mechanism that raises, lowers, and reconfigures the pool surface is unique in the world. No comparable production could stage at any other venue without years of construction. “O” is the definitive Las Vegas show benchmark — the production against which all other Las Vegas entertainment is measured.
After the show: Bellagio nightlife · OMNIA Nightclub · Marquee Nightclub
Cirque du Soleil: KÀ
MGM Grand — Mon–Wed & Sat–Sun, 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM
$95–$185
Cirque / Theatrical
KÀ at MGM Grand tells the story of twin siblings separated and reunited through extraordinary environments. The production's signature is its 75-ton tilting stage platform that rotates from horizontal to vertical mid-show — sending performers running, flying, and battling across what becomes a 90-degree wall. Martial arts sequences performed mid-air, large-scale projections, and a 130-foot pit below the stage create genuinely dangerous-looking performance conditions that distinguish KÀ from every other Las Vegas production.
The KÀ Theatre at MGM Grand was constructed specifically for this production at a reported cost of over $165 million. The automated stage system has no parallel in the world. For visitors who want the most technically dramatic single stage moment in Las Vegas — the moment when the platform rotates vertical — KÀ delivers it definitively.
After the show: Hakkasan Nightclub (inside MGM Grand) · MGM Nightlife Guide
Cirque du Soleil: Mystère
Treasure Island — Fri–Tue, 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM
$85–$150
Cirque / Classic
Mystère at Treasure Island is the first permanent Cirque du Soleil show ever built in Las Vegas, having run continuously since 1993. It is the most traditional of the four Las Vegas Cirque productions — focusing on pure acrobatic achievement, comedic clown sequences, and visual spectacle without the narrative complexity of KÀ or the technical infrastructure of O. For visitors who want a first experience with Cirque du Soleil without the premium price of Bellagio or MGM Grand, Mystère delivers everything that made the company's reputation. Family-friendly and accessible, with no age restriction.
Treasure Island's central Strip location — directly across from The Venetian — makes Mystère one of the most convenient shows for visitors staying in the mid-to-north Strip corridor. The walk from Wynn or The Venetian is under 10 minutes.
After the show: XS Nightclub · TAO Nightclub · Wynn Nightlife
Michael Jackson ONE
Mandalay Bay — Thu–Mon, 6:30 PM & 9:00 PM
$90–$165
Cirque / Music
Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay integrates Michael Jackson's music catalog with Cirque du Soleil's production infrastructure, creating a tribute performance that no other format could match. The show uses state-of-the-art surround sound technology to recreate the spatial audio presence of Jackson's recordings throughout the theater — some sequences are performed to isolated tracks that reveal the arrangement complexity behind the familiar songs.
The dance sequences in Michael Jackson ONE are choreographed by performers who worked with Jackson directly, and include aerial work that Cirque's technical team layers into the performance. For MJ fans, the show provides an audiovisual tribute at a scale and quality level that no touring tribute act could approach. The south Strip location at Mandalay Bay positions the show near the Luxor corridor — easy access to south Strip nightlife after the performance ends.
After the show: Mandalay Bay Nightlife · Hakkasan (15-min rideshare)
Magic Shows
Magic Residencies: Penn & Teller, David Copperfield, Mat Franco
Las Vegas hosts three major permanent magic residencies in May–June 2026, each with a distinct approach: deconstructive skepticism (Penn & Teller), large-scale illusion (David Copperfield), and interactive close-up magic at scale (Mat Franco).
Penn & Teller
Rio All-Suites Hotel — Thu–Sun, 9:00 PM
$85–$120
Magic / Comedy
Penn & Teller have performed at the Penn & Teller Theater at Rio since 2001, making their residency the longest by any single headline act in Las Vegas history. The duo — Penn Jillette (the tall, verbal half) and Teller (the silent half) — perform classic stage illusions alongside sequences that deconstruct the mechanics of magic in real time. Their approach is openly skeptical: they frequently explain how illusions work, then perform them anyway, demonstrating that knowing the method doesn't diminish the effect.
The post-show meet-and-greet in the lobby — where Penn and Teller stay until every audience member has had the opportunity for a photo and conversation — is included with every ticket. Penn Jillette, at 6'6", is among the most physically imposing performers in Las Vegas; Teller has never spoken publicly in performance context in over 40 years of professional magic.
Rio is located off-Strip on West Flamingo Road, approximately 1.5 miles from the Bellagio corridor. The 10-minute rideshare to the Strip after the show opens access to OMNIA, XS Nightclub, and Hakkasan, all running until 4 AM.
David Copperfield
MGM Grand — Multiple weekly showtimes
$95–$195
Magic / Illusion
David Copperfield performs at a purpose-built theater inside MGM Grand with custom-constructed infrastructure for his specific productions. His large-scale illusions — the Statue of Liberty disappearance, the Great Wall of China walk-through, on-stage flight sequences — are adapted for the intimate theater setting, giving audiences front-row proximity to effects that most viewers have only seen on television. The theater holds approximately 1,000 guests, a scale that creates the feeling of a private performance despite the technically massive productions.
MGM Grand's central Strip location makes post-show nightlife straightforward. Hakkasan Nightclub is a 10-minute walk inside the same casino complex. The MGM-Mandalay Bay tram connects to the south Strip in minutes.
Mat Franco
The LINQ Hotel — Select weekly dates
$59–$99
Magic / Interactive
America's Got Talent Season 9 winner Mat Franco performs interactive magic at his dedicated theater at The LINQ Hotel. His approach combines close-up sleight-of-hand techniques with audience participation at theater scale — bringing individual audience members into the show throughout the performance. The LINQ's central Strip location puts Franco a 5-minute walk from Marquee Nightclub and 10 minutes from OMNIA.
Comedy & Specialty Shows
Absinthe, Blue Man Group, and Carrot Top
Beyond Cirque and magic, Las Vegas runs three specialty entertainment residencies in May–June 2026 that deliver experiences unavailable in any other city.
Absinthe (Adults Only — 18+)
Caesars Palace forecourt — Wed–Sun, multiple showtimes
$129–$189
Adults-Only Circus
Absinthe performs in a 600-seat vintage Belgian Spiegeltent on the Caesars Palace forecourt — a round, intimate format where every seat has excellent sightlines to the circular performance space at the tent's center. The show blends genuinely dangerous acrobatic sequences (roller skaters on a 10-inch circular platform at speed, aerial artists performing without visible safety apparatus) with comedy from the Gazillionaire host that is deliberately explicit and irreverent.
Absinthe has won Best Show awards from the Las Vegas Review-Journal reader poll for multiple consecutive years and holds a near-perfect audience rating on every major review platform. The combination of world-class circus technique and explicit comedy creates an experience that consistently outperforms audience expectations.
The Caesars Palace location makes Absinthe exceptionally convenient for nightlife pairing. OMNIA Nightclub is inside the same casino complex — a 5-minute walk from the Spiegeltent. OMNIA Dayclub, which opened May 15, 2026, is also on-property. The evening Absinthe + OMNIA combination is among the most convenient show-plus-nightclub pairings in Las Vegas.
No one under 18 admitted. Photo ID required at entry. No exceptions.
Blue Man Group
Luxor Hotel — Daily, multiple showtimes
$79–$115
Performance Art / Comedy
Blue Man Group at Luxor is now presented by Cirque du Soleil following their acquisition of the production. Three silent blue-painted performers create a show combining percussive music, technology-driven visual art, and audience-participation comedy — with no dialogue that could be lost on non-English-speaking visitors.
The non-verbal format is unique among major Las Vegas residencies and makes Blue Man Group the most accessible production for international visitors and families with children ages five and older. The Luxor Theater holds approximately 1,200 guests, and daily performance scheduling makes this one of the easiest shows to fit into a flexible Las Vegas itinerary.
The south Strip location at Luxor connects to Mandalay Bay via a covered walkway. After the show, Hakkasan is a 15-minute walk north or a 5-minute rideshare from Luxor.
Carrot Top
Luxor Hotel — Mon–Wed & Fri–Sat, 8:00 PM
$65–$89
Stand-Up Comedy
Carrot Top (Scott Thompson) has performed at Luxor for nearly two decades, making him one of the most durable comedy residencies in Las Vegas. His prop comedy format — built around a cart of inventive custom props updated with current topical material each season — creates a physical, visual comedy style that differs fundamentally from traditional stand-up verbal comedy. Consistently positive audience reviews and competitive ticket prices make Carrot Top one of the highest-value comedy options on the Strip for groups and adults looking for a laid-back evening before heading to the nightclubs.
Full Schedule Grid — May–June 2026
| Show | Hotel | Days | Times | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cirque 'O' | Bellagio | Wed–Sun | 6:30 PM & 9:00 PM | $125–$225 |
| Cirque KA | MGM Grand | Mon–Wed & Sat–Sun | 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM | $95–$185 |
| Cirque Mystere | Treasure Island | Fri–Tue | 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM | $85–$150 |
| MJ ONE | Mandalay Bay | Thu–Mon | 6:30 PM & 9:00 PM | $90–$165 |
| Penn & Teller | Rio | Thu–Sun | 9:00 PM | $85–$120 |
| Absinthe | Caesars Palace | Wed–Sun | Multiple | $129–$189 |
| David Copperfield | MGM Grand | Select nights | Multiple | $95–$195 |
| Blue Man Group | Luxor | Daily | Multiple | $79–$115 |
| Carrot Top | Luxor | Mon–Wed, Fri–Sat | 8:00 PM | $65–$89 |
| Mat Franco | The LINQ | Select dates | Multiple | $59–$99 |
Ticket Strategy
How to Get Discounted Las Vegas Show Tickets
May and June are peak season — deep discounts are rarer than January, but meaningful savings are available through the right channels.
Tix4Tonight
Best for same-day spontaneous bookings at 40–50% off
Day-of and next-day tickets at 40–50% off face value. Multiple Strip kiosk locations including Fashion Show Mall, Hawaiian Marketplace, and several hotel lobbies. Best selection at 10 AM when kiosks open — popular Cirque du Soleil shows sell out by early afternoon during peak season. No advance booking; purchase in person on the day. Cash and card accepted.
Official Show Websites
Best for no service fees and promotional code access
Official sites (cirquedusoleil.com, pennandteller.com, theabsinthe.com) carry no third-party service fees. Promotional codes and mid-week discounts are occasionally posted directly on official pages — check Tuesday through Wednesday for best mid-week offers. Cirque.com also offers occasional package deals bundling multiple shows.
Box Office Walk-Up
Best for avoiding service fees on advance and same-day purchases
Walk up to the theater box office (not the online ticketing portal). Box office rates often run 10–15% lower than online with no service fees. Available for same-day and advance purchases at most residency shows. The Bellagio box office for “O” and the Penn & Teller box office at Rio are consistently recommended by repeat Las Vegas visitors as the lowest no-markup option for those specific shows.
Hotel Loyalty Programs
Best for MGM Rewards and Caesars Rewards high-tier members
Guests staying at MGM Grand (KÀ, David Copperfield) or Caesars Palace (Absinthe, OMNIA nightlife) with high-tier loyalty status can access show comp tickets, discounts, or priority seating through the concierge desk. MGM Rewards and Caesars Rewards both include entertainment benefits at Pearl, Noir, and higher tier levels. Worth asking at check-in even if benefits aren't prominently advertised.
EDC Week Note (May 13–19)
During EDC Week (May 13–19), all Las Vegas shows run their standard schedules and do not require an EDC festival ticket. Tix4Tonight selection during EDC Week is typically strong because festival-only attendees who don't prioritize theater shows leave inventory available. Combine a Cirque du Soleil show earlier in the evening with the EDC Week nightclub lineups at OMNIA, XS, or Hakkasan after.
Combining Shows & Nightlife
Best Show + Nightclub Combinations for May–June 2026
Las Vegas nightclubs open at 10:30 PM and peak at midnight. Most 6:30 PM shows end by 8:45 PM — leaving time for dinner and a full nightclub night. Submit your nightclub guest list before the show so entry is waiting when you arrive. All nightclub guest list submissions are free and take under 2 minutes.
Absinthe → OMNIA Nightclub
The most convenient pairing in Las Vegas. Absinthe performs at the Caesars forecourt; OMNIA Nightclub is inside the same casino — a 5-minute walk. The show ends around 10:30–11:00 PM, OMNIA's peak is 11 PM to 2 AM.
Also on-property: OMNIA Dayclub
KÀ → Hakkasan Nightclub
Both are inside MGM Grand. Hakkasan is a 10-minute walk from the KÀ Theatre. The 6:00 PM KÀ ends at 7:30 PM — time for dinner at MGM before Hakkasan opens.
Guide: MGM Nightlife
“O” at Bellagio → Marquee Nightclub
Bellagio and Marquee at Cosmopolitan are a 5-minute walk apart. The 6:30 PM O show ends at 8:45 PM — a natural transition to dinner at Bellagio and Marquee by 10:30 PM.
Also nearby: Marquee Dayclub
Penn & Teller → XS Nightclub
Penn & Teller at Rio ends at approximately 10:30 PM. A 10-minute rideshare to Wynn puts you at XS Nightclub right as it opens. XS runs until 4 AM on weekends.
Guide: Wynn Nightlife
More Nightlife Resources
Free Nightclub Entry After Your Show
Submit your guest list before the show — arrive at the nightclub after and walk straight in. Free for women all night. Free or reduced for men before midnight.
FAQ
Las Vegas Shows FAQ — May & June 2026
Which Cirque du Soleil show is best in Las Vegas in 2026?
All four Cirque du Soleil productions running in May-June 2026 are exceptional, but they serve different tastes. 'O' at Bellagio is the most iconic and technically ambitious — the 1.5-million-gallon pool stage and synchronized aquatic artistry make it the benchmark Las Vegas show experience. KA at MGM Grand is the most cinematic, with a rotating vertical stage and martial arts sequences that no other production can match. Mystere at Treasure Island is the most traditional Cirque show and best for first-timers or families wanting pure acrobatics without a narrative overlay. Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay is the best option for MJ fans — the music integration and tribute choreography are extraordinary. For a first-time Las Vegas visitor, 'O' is the default recommendation; it has no equal anywhere in the world.
How much do Las Vegas shows cost in May and June 2026?
Las Vegas show ticket prices vary widely by production and seat category. Cirque du Soleil 'O' at Bellagio ranges from approximately $125 to $225 for premium seats. KA at MGM Grand runs $95 to $185. Mystere at Treasure Island starts around $85. MJ ONE at Mandalay Bay starts around $90. Penn & Teller at Rio typically runs $85 to $120. Absinthe at Caesars Palace is $129 to $189. Blue Man Group at Luxor starts around $79. David Copperfield at MGM Grand runs $95 to $195 depending on seat. The best discounts come from Tix4Tonight (half-price day-of and next-day tickets), box office walk-up rates (sometimes 10-15% lower than online), and official show websites that occasionally post promotional codes during slower mid-week periods. May and June are peak season — expect fewer deep discounts than January or February.
Can I see a Las Vegas show and go out to a nightclub in the same night?
Absolutely — combining a show and a nightclub in one night is one of the best Las Vegas evening formats. The key is managing timing. Most evening shows have two time slots (6:30 PM and 9:00 PM, or 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM). The first show typically ends by 8:30-8:45 PM, which gives you time for dinner before the nightclubs get going at 10:30 PM to midnight. The 9:00 PM or 8:30 PM show ends around 11:00-11:30 PM — you can head straight to the nightclub for the peak 11 PM to 2 AM window. Absinthe is particularly convenient for this: the Caesars Palace forecourt show is steps from OMNIA Nightclub. KA at MGM Grand puts you a 10-minute walk from Hakkasan. 'O' at Bellagio is 15 minutes from OMNIA, Marquee, or XS by rideshare. Submit your guest list before the show and you will have seamless entry when you arrive.
Is Penn & Teller still performing in Las Vegas in 2026?
Yes — Penn & Teller continue their residency at the Penn & Teller Theater at Rio All-Suites Hotel in 2026, performing Thursday through Sunday at 9:00 PM. Their run at Rio makes it the longest-running headline residency by a single act in Las Vegas history. The show runs approximately 90 minutes and ends with a post-show meet-and-greet in the lobby where Penn and Teller personally meet every audience member. This meet-and-greet is free and included with any ticket purchase — Penn Jillette (the tall, verbal half) and Teller (the silent half) stay until every guest has had the opportunity for a photo and conversation. Tickets run approximately $85 to $120 through Ticketmaster, the Rio box office, or Vegas.com. Senior and AAA discounts are sometimes available at the box office.
What is Absinthe and is it appropriate for all ages?
Absinthe is an adults-only circus spectacular performed in an outdoor Belgian Spiegeltent on the Caesars Palace forecourt. The show features extraordinary acrobatic acts — roller skating on a 10-inch circular platform at the center of the tent, aerial silks performers, contortion acts, and pole work — all hosted by the crude and hilarious Gazillionaire character and his sidekick Penny Pibbets. The comedy is explicit, politically incorrect, and irreverent. The acrobatics are world-class and genuinely dangerous-looking. Absinthe runs Wednesday through Sunday at various showtimes, with tickets typically $129 to $189. No one under 18 is admitted. The intimate round Spiegeltent format puts every seat close to the action — the venue holds only 600 guests, making sightlines excellent from anywhere in the tent. It has consistently won Best Show awards from Las Vegas Review-Journal readers for multiple years running.
How do I get discounted Las Vegas show tickets in May and June 2026?
The three best discount channels are Tix4Tonight, box office walk-ups, and official show promotional codes. Tix4Tonight operates kiosks at multiple Strip locations (Fashion Show Mall, Hawaiian Marketplace, several hotel lobbies) and sells day-of and next-day tickets at 40-50% off face value for shows with available inventory. In peak season (May-June), popular shows sell out at Tix4Tonight early in the day — arrive at kiosks when they open at 10 AM for best selection. Box office walk-up rates at the venue (not online) often undercut third-party sites by 10-15% with no service fees. Official show websites occasionally post promotional codes during slower mid-week periods — checking the official Cirque du Soleil, Penn & Teller, Absinthe, and MGM Resorts entertainment pages on Tuesday or Wednesday often surfaces mid-week offers. Las Vegas hotel loyalty programs (Caesars Rewards, MGM Rewards) occasionally include show comps or discounts for high-tier members.
What is the Blue Man Group show in Las Vegas in 2026?
Blue Man Group performs at the Luxor Hotel and Casino and is now presented by Cirque du Soleil following their acquisition of the production. The show features three silent blue performers who interact with the audience through music, comedy, technology art, and paint-splatter percussion — creating a high-energy, sensory-stimulating experience that works for nearly all ages, though children under three are discouraged due to volume levels. The Luxor Theater holds approximately 1,200 guests. Shows run daily with multiple weekly performance times. Tickets start around $79 for general admission and increase to $115 for premium floor seats. Blue Man Group is particularly suited for mixed-age groups, families with children older than five, and anyone who wants a show without language barriers — the performance is entirely non-verbal, making it accessible to international visitors regardless of English fluency.