What’s New in Vegas: Attractions, Shows, Nightlife, and Entertainment Values

Globally recognized as “The Entertainment Capital of the World,” Las Vegas is home to large-scale production shows, intimate cabarets, adult entertainment and attractions that cater to a wide demographic swath. There’s something for everybody in Vegas, and these are some of the latest captivating experiences to debut in Sin City. 

Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce (Mandalay Bay) 

After a hiatus of almost two decades, savvy nightclub impresario Ivan Kane is back in Vegas with an updated iteration of his burlesque concept: Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce. Situated in its original location at Mandalay Bay, the intimate space now features state-of-the-art production values that enhance the fast-paced, high-energy, rock n’ roll burlesque shows that are a product of Kane’s unique vision. Using a technique that Kane pioneered years ago, the shows feature a live, three-piece band to accompany the songs’ original, recorded vocals, creating an exciting ambiance. But the dancers, of course, are the centerpiece of the experience. Six go-go girls whip through synchronized, sexy choreography, before giving way to the featured burlesque artists, who perform at a speed – and athletic intensity – that completely eclipses what their predecessors did during the golden age of burlesque. But thankfully, the dance is still ultimately a tease, leaving some things to the imagination. 

With the production values of an EDM nightclub, but the intimacy of a lounge, Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce is a unique, out-of-the-box concept. Best described as modern burlesque, or perhaps burlesque for the 21st century, it’s loud, edgy and sexy, and there’s nothing else like it in Las Vegas right now.  The club operates Thur. – Sun. nights from 10:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. with a modest cover charge. 

Ikons of Rock (Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas)  

While the popularity of Vegas’ single-act tribute shows is undeniable (Elvis and Michael Jackson are certainly well represented here), there really hasn’t been a multi-act tribute production on the Strip since the long-running Legends in Concert departed the now-demolished Tropicana in late 2022. But a new show that honors multiple, legendary Rock ‘n Roll acts has landed – appropriately – at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip. And the beauty of this new residency is that it expertly downsizes a large rock arena experience into an intimate showroom without losing any of its energy or authenticity. Impressive stagecraft enhances the experience, while the musical talent delivers spot-on renditions of Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne and others in their respective primes.

Three talented tribute artists, led by show creator Darren Moore, pay homage to the “big-hair” bands of the ‘80s, including Heart, Def Leppard, Journey, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Alice Cooper and Mötley Crüe, in addition to the other stars noted above. 

Aided by a tight house band that expertly backs up the artists, the production also features costuming and accompanying visuals that resonate with the time, place and zeitgeist of the era. And as the blaring, greatest-hits parade rocks the room, the fans respond in kind to the throwback concert atmosphere, which resonates clearly – even through earplugs.  

F1 Arcade (Forum Shops at Caesars Palace) 

As Formula 1 racing gains popularity in the U.S., the organization behind the race aims to tap into that burgeoning interest with its first hospitality brand. Located inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the massive, new F1 Arcade spans 21,000 square feet over two floors with 87 full-motion racing simulators spread out in small groups. Guests can participate in Team Racing (groups of 4 or more) or go Head-to-Head with up to 3 drivers.

The custom-built SIMS provide an incredibly realistic experience with a full-motion platform that vibrates, tilts and shimmies – just as the actual car would; proprietary software that projects a series of actual race circuits around the world; and an adaptive-difficulty setting that ranges from Beginner to Elite, making the experience perfect for newbies or experienced drivers. 

In essence, it’s the closest thing to a true F1 driving experience that we mere mortals could hope to experience. And the food and beverage options are pretty nice, too, with the Perigord Wagyu Burger delivering a luxe bite and the Pit Lane Perk, a specialty cocktail mixing Vodka, Nitro Cold Brew and Blueberry Cacao Nibs that – appropriately for the venue – supercharges the classic espresso martini.    

Caesars Entertainment’s 3 for $149 Show Package 

The ethos driving the hospitality value promotions deployed to counter last summer’s visitation drop in Las Vegas continues to spawn other products, including those in the entertainment/attraction niche. The “3 for $149 Caesars Show Package” gives guests the chance to mix and match three different shows of their choice – across three Caesars Entertainment properties – for $149, including tax and fees. The Las Vegas shows participating in the package include: 

Horseshoe Las Vegas: Laugh Factory (excluding the 6:30 p.m. show), Paranormal, Sin City Stones, X Rocks, BattleBots 
Flamingo Las Vegas: RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!, Piff the Magic Dragon, Wayne Newton 
Harrah’s Las Vegas: Donny Osmond, X Country, Colin Cloud Mastermind, MJ Live, Menopause the Musical 

MGM Resorts 2 for $55 Attraction Bundle  

Not to be outdone by their major Strip competitor, MGM Resorts is also offering an attractive value proposition via the “2 for $55 Bundle,” which aims to entice guests to purchase two attractions at Luxor, Excalibur, Mandalay Bay or New York, New York starting at $55, plus tax. Options include: 

Luxor: Play Playground, Bodies, Discovering King Tut’s Tomb 
Excalibur: Max Flight Simulator, Ultimate 4D Experience 
New York, New York: The Big Apple Coaster 
Mandalay Bay: Shark Reef 

Tickets are available for purchase at any MGM Resorts Box Office.