SHOWS
Shows We’re Looking Forward To In 2021 (Including Our Favorite Gay Las Vegas Shows)
Tons of Las Vegas shows are scheduled to reopen in 2021.
A live entertainment comeback in Las Vegas is just months away. That’s right, after more than ten months of empty seats and dark stages, Sin City shows are closer to reopening than ever before. 2021 promises huge new acts and old standbys guaranteed to help us all forget about the 2020 blues.
Read on to find out which Las Vegas shows are planned for 2021.
Cirque Du Soleil
Various Locations
The company so famous it needs no introduction, Cirque du Soleil has big stuff in the works for 2021. In December 2020, company president and CEO Daniel Lammarre announced that “O” would likely be the first to reopen on the Vegas Strip in 2021. Lamarre is confident that reopening with the company’s signature show will send a clear message to the world that Cirque du Soleil is back in a major way.
What’s more, the company announced contract extensions for five of its other Las Vegas shows including “The Beatles LOVE” at the Mirage, “KÁ” at MGM Grand, “Michael Jackson ONE” at Mandalay Bay and “Mystère” at Treasure Island.
Music Residencies
No other city welcomes as many top headliners as Las Vegas does. And even though the COVID-19 pandemic has put a pause on concerts, stage productions, and other live entertainment, residency artists are ready to hit the stage once business returns to Vegas. Here are headliners slated to return to the city of sin in 2021.
Sting: My Songs
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
Sting’s “My Songs” residency at the Caesars Palace Colosseum was originally planned for 2020, but the 17-time Grammy award winning singer-songwriter is getting another chance in 2021. Shows are planned for October and November. The artist promises a technically advanced show featuring a comprehensive overview of his four-decade long career.
Sting is recognized for his unique brand of rock blending pop, jazz, and reggae. As the frontman of The Police, he popularized hits like “Every Breath You Take,” “Roxanne,” and “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” He’s been equally successful as a solo act, with hits like “Fields of Gold,” “Desert Rose,” and “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You.”
Usher: The Las Vegas Residency
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
As the first new Strip residency announced for 2021, experts are looking at Usher’s new show with optimism. They believe that having such a popular generation-crossing performer shows that the live entertainment industry, and Vegas itself, will start making a big comeback by mid-2021.
The hip-hop and R&B megastar is scheduled to perform at the 4,300-seat Colosseum inside Caesars Palace starting in July, with dates scheduled until at least New Year’s Day 2022. Usher hopes to create a “fully immersive” audience experience during his residency.
Usher first hit the charts in the early 90s before skyrocketing to fame with his 1997 breakout hit “You Make Me Wanna.” He’s also known for dance club favorites like “Yeah!” and “OMG,” as well as for soulful ballads like “Burn” and “U Got It Bad.”
David Lee Roth: ROCKS VEGAS
House of Blues
The House of Blues will soon be rocking hard thanks to a residency by former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth. The show was slated to start in March, but has been postponed for the time being. We’ll be keeping our eyes out for tickets, though.
“Diamond Dave” promises a rock-heavy show packed with hits like “Jump,” “You Really Got Me,” and “Panama.”
Magic Shows
Thanks to residencies by the who’s who of magic, Las Vegas has earned a reputation for being one of the best places in the world to see incredible illusions and death-defying stunts. Check out our picks to see which magic shows we’re looking forward to in 2021.
David Copperfield
MGM Grand
The legendary showman described as “the greatest illusionist of our time” is scheduled to return to the MGM Grand’s Hollywood Theater on February 15th. Copperfield is loved for his friendly and personable demeanor that puts audience members from ages five to 99 at ease. The 90-minute show promises unbelievable illusions, quirky stories, and a touch of self-deprecating humor from the Vegas veteran.
Criss Angel MINDFREAK
Planet Hollywood
Angel has dominated the world of magic for almost a decade thanks to his mind-bending illusions, critically-acclaimed television program, and technically advanced shows. MINDFREAK is a 90-minute, fully immersive show that features more than 75 signature illusions, including many that are being performed live for the first time. That list includes his revolutionary new levitation, something his peers call “the greatest illusion of all time.” Tickets are on sale for shows starting on February 24th.
LGBTQ-Friendly Shows
Chippendales: The Show
Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino
Ah, the Chippendales. It’s impossible to talk about gay Las Vegas shows without bringing up this hunky bunch of bow-tie-wearing performers. This long-running male revue is packed with 75 minutes of muscly men flexing their pecs, thrusting their hips, and singing to the delight of screaming audience members. The gorgeous guys haven’t announced a reopening date yet, but when they do we’ll be the first in line to book tickets.
Fantasy
Luxor Atrium Showroom
While a lot of gay Las Vegas show lists forget about the ladies, we’re not one of them. Fantasy is a dynamic topless revue featuring some of the Strip’s sexiest ladies. Throughout the show, dancers invite audience members to let loose and explore their most secret desires. Expect sultry costumes and 15 high-energy dance routines ranging from solo pole dancing acts to steamy burlesque group routines. Tickets are on sale now and the girls plan to return on February 15th.
Magic Mike Live
SAHARA Las Vegas
Uber-hottie and “Magic Mike” star Channing Tatum is the producer behind this modern strip show. USA Today called it “the most buzzed-about new production” in Vegas, while Glamour UK referred to it as a “show that has everything you could ever want.”
Look for sexy and daring dance and strip performances punctuated by one-of-a-kind acts from a diverse cast. Plus, we hear ziplines may or may not make an appearance during the show.
Magic Mike used to run at the now-closed Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, but it’s making a new home for itself at the SAHARA’s new two-level theater starting in March 2021.
Las Vegas Shows Are Back In 2021
So, if you’re looking to shake off the 2020 blues with a trip to Vegas, why not check out some of our recommendations? From out-of-this-world circus acts to chart-topping music legends, and finishing with some (very) sexy adult entertainment, Las Vegas shows have something to offer every visitor.
And while we recognize that this year is still full of unknowns for the entertainment industry, one thing is for sure—2021 will be a much better year than 2020. Shows are scheduled to reopen in the coming months, and we’re confident that more dates will be finalized soon.
Also, keep in mind that many shows are offering flexible cancellation and rescheduling policies for the time being. That means you can feel confident booking this year. Just be sure to check each venue’s cancellation policies before booking.
