Set Your Sights on Sin City Sensations

LAS VEGAS — Following last year’s successful return of the NACS Show as an in-person event, many retailers are eager in 2022 to travel to the trade-show capital of the nation: Las Vegas. Vegas, Sin City, the City of Second Chances—call it what you will—is the host city of the NACS Show this year and home to a seemingly endless array of hotels, casinos, revues, concerts, exhibits and unique events that converge in early fall, just waiting to be discovered.

For convention attendees, the options range from family-safe activities or grown-up diversions in a town where the clock doesn’t matter.

This year, there’s plenty to explore in the Entertainment Capital of the World. CSP has combed through lengthy lists of possibilities and aggregated the latest and most acclaimed attractions that coincide with the NACS Show, Oct. 1–4.

Read on for recommendations across three categories: new for ’22, live and lavish, and fun freebies. (Events and dates subject to change; check with each venue for confirmation.)

Just as a rolling stone gathers no moss, Las Vegas consistently provides a fresh array of modern marvels and novel delights unmatched anywhere else. Investigate these new amusements that recently debuted.

• PRINCESS DIANA: A TRIBUTE EXHIBITION. This 10,000-square-foot exhibit, newly opened within the Shops at Crystals and presented by SBX Group and SEE Global Entertainment, features 12 themed rooms that contain personal goods, rare items, designer items and unforgettable artifacts gathered across 45-plus years. In fact, it’s billed as one of the planet’s biggest collections of British Royal memorabilia. (Ticket prices and times TBA; 702-590-9299; dianalasvegas.com)
• FLYOVER LAS VEGAS. Always dreamed of soaring across the most picturesque sites in the western United States? FlyOver Las Vegas is an interactive multisensory experience that employs a 52.5-foot spherical screen to recreate magical vistas above the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas Strip, Lake Tahoe and other nearby real-world attractions. You’ll also be treated to mind-blowing special effects such as mist, wind and location-distinctive aromas. (From $25; 886-498-2023; flyoverlasvegas.com)
• BAT OUT OF HELL: THE MUSICAL AT PARIS LAS VEGAS. Meat Loaf made one of the biggest-selling and most beloved albums in history with “Bat Out of Hell” in 1977. Sadly, the musician passed away earlier this year, but his memory and the legacy of this landmark album live on in this newest Vegas show, which will include Meat Loaf’s greatest hits. (Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 2 and 4 at 7 p.m.; from $52; 702-946-7000; caesars.com/paris-las-vegas/shows/bat-out-of-hell)
• MAD APPLE BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AT NEW YORK NEW YORK HOTEL & CASINO. Love the Big Apple as much as we do? Claim seats to this can’t-miss event, starring comedian Brad Williams, and prepare to be wowed by death-defying acrobatics, mystifying magic effects, comedy, dance and music that pay homage to the city that never sleeps. (Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2, 3 and 4 at 7 and 9:30 p.m.; from $59; 702-740-6969; cirquedusoleil.com/mad-apple)
• LIFTOFF AT AREA15. Yearning for some scenic thrills high above the ground? Reserve a ticket to Liftoff, a hot-air balloon-like ride that ascends 130 feet in the air and provides a 360-degree look across Vegas and its world-famous Strip. Fortunately for the queasy, it’s a slow-moving amusement that makes one complete revolution before returning to terra firma. ($18; 702-846-1900; area15.com/experiences/liftoff)
• ROUGE: THE SEXIEST SHOW IN VEGAS AT THE STRAT HOTEL CASINO & SKYPOD. Fess up: If you haven’t yet seen a topless revue in Sin City, you probably want to strike that off your bucket list. Here’s your chance to experience an erotic, sensual show unlike any other that showcases 18 gentlemen and ladies. Rouge blends sensuality with comedy, which means it will titillate as well as tickle your funny bone. (Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 2, 4 and 5 at 10 p.m.; from $49; 702-380-7777; thestrat.com/entertainment/featured/rouge)

Want to take in a live performance or sporting event? You’ve come to the right place. Vegas collectively hosts more pop stars, comedians, entertainers and athletes than anywhere else on the globe. Make plans to attend any of these highly applauded shows during your trip.

• ROGER WATERS AT T-MOBILE ARENA. The visionary guiding force behind Pink Floyd, Roger Waters has scaled the rock mountaintop and can lay claim to some of the most beloved creations in the classic rock pantheon, courtesy of his contributions to albums such as “The Dark Side of the Moon,” “Wish You Were Here” and “The Wall.” His current tour will be staged in the round for the first time, and you can fetch a coveted seat if you act fast. (Oct. 1 at 8 p.m., from $44; 702-692-1600; t-mobilearena.com/events/detail/roger-waters-1)
• DIANA ROSS AT WYNN LAS VEGAS. From her stellar span in The Supremes through her dazzling career as a solo artist and actress, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and living legend Diana Ross never disappoints in concert. Come hear her sing the hits, from “Stop! In the Name of Love” and “Someday We’ll Be Together” to “Mahogany” and “Missing You.” (Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m.; from $61; 702-770-7000; wynnlasvegas.com/entertainment/upcoming-shows/diana-ross)
• LAS VEGAS RAIDERS VS. DENVER BRONCOS AT ALLEGIANT STADIUM. Two of the AFC West’s toughest teams duke it out for bragging rights (and, with a win, a better chance to make the playoffs) in this Sunday afternoon showdown. Watch newly traded Denver QB Russell Wilson duel against the Raiders’ Derek Carr in what promises to be a gripping gridiron event. (Oct. 2 at 1:25 p.m.; from $275; tinyurl.com/allegiant22)
• KÀ BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AT MGM GRAND HOTEL & CASINO. Its name is synonymous with thrills, mystique, fantasy and enchantment. Now, this world-famous acrobatic troupe lifts the veil on its most astounding live presentation yet: KÀ combines martial arts, puppetry, awe-inspiring stunts, high-tech effects and 80 performers from across the planet to relay an adventurous narrative about royal fraternal twins. (Oct. 1, 2, 3 and 7 at 9:30 p.m.; from $56; cirquedusoleil.com/ka)
• EDDIE GRIFFIN EXPERIENCE AT SAHARA LAS VEGAS. He’s appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including “John Q,” “Scary Movie 3” and “Undercover Brother.” And he’s been electrifying the comedy circuit for decades, attracting a loyal following thanks to his hilarious bits and distinctive delivery. There’s no better time than the present to witness Eddie’s comedic genius. (Oct. 3, 4 and 5 at 8 p.m.; from $75; 702-761-7000; saharalasvegas.com/entertainment/eddie-griffin)
• JOE JACKSON AT THE SMITH CENTER. Melding a melodic blend of pop, new wave, jazz, and soft rock, Joe Jackson has long captivated fans with his distinctive voice and ivory-tickling talents on the piano. Thankfully, he’s in town to entertain you on key nights of the NACS Show. As Joe famously sings, “you can’t get what you want till you know what you want,” but trust us: What you want is a night steppin’ out with Mr. Jackson. (Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m.; from $35; 702-749-2000; thesmithcenter.com/tickets/2122/joe-jackson)
• KATY PERRY AT RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS. She’s got the eye of the tiger and the moves, pipes and allure of a master showstopper. One of the 21st century’s most famous pop divas, Katy Perry can flat out enthrall with her colorful costumes, jaw-dropping set pieces and tuneful repertoire of hits. See what all the fuss is about. (Oct. 5 at 8 p.m.; from $55; 702-676-7000; rwlasvegas.com/entertainment/katy-perry)
• LOS ANGELES LAKERS VS. PHOENIX SUNS AT T-MOBILE ARENA. The NBA’s Western Conference is dominated by a plethora of talented squads, including the LeBron James-led Lakers and the Chris Paul-captained Suns—two teams slated to square off early in the preseason, right here in Vegas. (Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.; from $37; 702-692-1616; t-mobilearena.com/events/detail/lakers-vs-suns)

Want to save cash and enjoy gratis entertainment offerings in Sin City? All of the following attractions are popular destinations with no charge involved.

• HOOVER DAM. This engineering wonder near the Arizona-Nevada state line is well worth the trip to see Lake Mead on one side and the massive concrete wall on the other, offering plenty of opportunities for eye-catching selfies. There’s no cost to visit Hoover Dam, although guided or self-guided tours are available for purchase for $10 to $30 on-site. (702-494-2517; usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam)
• FALL OF ATLANTIS AT THE FORUM SHOPS AT CAESARS PALACE. This is one of the most talked-about free attractions on the Strip, and for good reason: Fantasy comes to life with the aid of Hollywood-level audiovisual effects and state-of-the-art animatronics. Learn the legend behind this lost city of underwater dreams and marvel at the man-made magic. Shows daily on the hour from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (866-983-4279; tinyurl.com/atlantisvegas)
• LAKE OF DREAMS SHOW AT WYNN HOTEL. This brand-new multimedia extravaganza combines cutting-edge lighting and sound with memorable puppetry and unforgettable music to satiate your senses. Among the highlights of this 3-acre must-see amenity are 5,500 LED lights, 1,500 pine trees and a 90-foot performance waterfall. Shows run every half hour starting at dusk. (702-770-7000; wynnlasvegas.com/entertainment/lake-of-dreams)
• SUNSET STAMPEDE AT SAM’S TOWN. This futuristic fountain and laser light show within Mystic Falls Park, recently updated, boasts fresh laser effects, enhanced theatrical lighting, clearer projections and a wider range of hues. Show runs daily between 2 and 10 p.m. (866-983-4279; vegas.com/attractions/off-the-strip/sunset-stampede)
• AQUARIUM MERMAID SHOW. Fish tanks can be downright hypnotic with their aquatic beauty, particularly unexpected in the 117,000-gallon aquarium at the Silverton Hotel are the mermaids swimming, posing and performing three times a day. While there, check out the triggerfish, unicorn tangs, emperor angelfish, leopard sharks and parrotfish on display at the Silverton. (702-263-7777; tinyurl.com/mermaidsvegas)
• RAINSTORM & FOUNTAIN AT MIRACLE MILE SHOPS. Sensing a trend here? (Vegas loves its water attractions, evidenced by the endless fascination with the Bellagio Fountains.) There’s no spectacle on earth quite like an indoor rainstorm that appears mysteriously every hour. While you won’t get soaked, you might get damp from the overhead mist as you watch colorful fog gather and hear thunder crackle. Shows Monday–Thursday top of each hour, Friday–Sunday every half hour, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (702-866-0703; miraclemileshopslv.com/entertainment/rainstorm-show-free)
• STREETMOSPHERE AT THE VENETIAN’S GRAND CANAL SHOPPES. Think of Streetmosphere as a kinetic carnival, where stilt walkers, musicians, jugglers, human statues and other performers weave throughout the crowd and cobbled streets. But beware: Some of these entertainers are so riveting that you might not get much shopping done. Performances daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (702-414-4525; venetian.com/shops/grand-canal-shoppes.html)
• MIRAGE VOLCANO. This classic is not to be ignored, nor is it possible if you walk past The Mirage most nights at the top of the hour. Simulating the eruption of a real volcano, this Vegas staple never fails to amaze with its pyrotechnics, massive scale and ground-quaking sound design. Shows nightly on the hour from 8 to 11 p.m. (866-983-4279; mirage.mgmresorts.com/en/amenities/volcano.html)