Vegas hotel rooms are known for their posh appointments, attractive décor and sumptuously comfortable beds. Too bad you won’t be getting better acquainted with these luxuries—you’ll undoubtedly be too busy indulging in games of chance, treating yourself to exclusive concerts and shows, and exploring the various natural and man-made wonders found throughout Sin City and the surrounding area during your downtime at the 2015 NACS Show.
After all, life is short, sleep can wait and it’s not every day that you find yourself in the pleasure capital of the world.
It’s no coincidence that NACS books its annual show in Las Vegas more often than any other city: It’s a built-in crowd-pleaser of a convention site. The town was recently named the No. 1 trade-show destination for the 21st consecutive year, according to the Trade Show News Network. Consider these remarkable facts about Vegas, sourced from the Las Vegas Visitor Profile Study 2014:
- A record 41.1 million people visited Las Vegas last year.
- It hosted 22,103 meetings, conventions or trade shows in 2014.
- On average, Vegas fills more rooms per night than any other destination in North America; average citywide occupancy rose to 86.8% for 2014, more than 22 percentage points higher than the national average of 64.1%.
- Tourism infuses more than $45 billion into the local economy and supports 376,000 area jobs.
- Seventy-one percent of visitors in 2014 partook in gambling; Clark County achieved $9.6 billion in gross gaming revenue last year.
- Sixty-five percent of visitors attended shows last year: Seventy-seven percent saw a lounge act, 17% enjoyed a big-name headliner, 10% took in a comedy show and 19% attended other paid attractions in Vegas.
The statistics are impressive, but even more awe-inspiring are the real sights, attractions and events waiting to be discovered in and around Las Vegas.
To help narrow down your choices, CSP has assembled this handy guide of particularly noteworthy, rare and worthwhile events and destinations, with available dates that coincide with your NACS Show stay. So clear your calendar for mid-October and prepare to have some fun.
Table of Contents
New and In Mint Condition
Applause-O-Meter Must-Sees
Gratis Glitz
Complete List in Digital Edition
New and in Mint Condition
Here’s a roundup of some of the freshest fare and most exciting recent openings on the Strip or close to it.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art Presents “Picasso—Creatures and Creativity”
Want to get up front and personal with works from arguably the 20th century’s most important artist? Don’t miss this limited engagement exhibition at the Bellagio, featuring 43 Picasso pieces from 1938 and 1971 and themed around the human figure, including 19 lithographs, eight paintings, 13 linocuts and three precious plates, each shedding light into the unique genius, unquenchable inquisitiveness and creative insights of a true master. (3600 Las Vegas Freeway, 702-693-7871; daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; $16 and up)
Graceland Presents “Elvis: The Exhibition—The Show—The Experience”
Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has returned to the building—the same site, in fact, where he staged more than 600 record-breaking concerts back in the day. This is your one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness hundreds of artifacts never before shown to the public beyond Graceland, such as personal possessions from Presley’s upbringing in Tupelo, Miss., and Memphis, Tenn.; memorabilia from Elvis’ breakout year in 1956; and relics from his Army days, Hollywood career, time at Graceland, car collection and much more. See firsthand how the king of rock ’n’ roll lived, worked and played by attending this exhibition, spanning 25,000 square feet of space in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. (3000 Paradise Road; 702-732-5111; daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; $25.95)
Blue Man Group: Behind the Blue
You may think you know what makes the men in blue tick, tap, thump, stomp and romp after seeing one of their performances, but you really don’t have a blue clue what happens behind the scenes—until now, that is. This event at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino provides a 90-minute backstage pass through the colorful universe of Blue Man Group, giving you a privileged view of the props, instruments and people involved with this toe-tapping, timeless show. Learn about the history of the production, meet crew members and get to walk on stage. (3770 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 877-459-0268; Oct. 9-13, 15-18, 7 p.m. or 9:30 p.m.; $55 plus cost of show ticket)
Bally’s Grand Bazaar Shops
Gambling and taking in shows aren’t the only favorite pastimes among Vegas patrons. They also enjoy shopping, especially at the city’s newest major retail mecca, the Grand Bazaar Shops in front of Bally’s Las Vegas, boasting more than 150 stores, among them Swatch, Superdry, Honolulu Cookie Co., Nazar Turkish Ice Cream, Jimmy’s Seaside Fries, Lush, Alex & Ani and the Swarovski store, home of the eye-catching Crystal Starburst—composed of 924 custom-cut crystal spheres and more than 1,800 points of light that sparkle every night at midnight during a light, music and video celebration. (3635 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 702-736-4988; daily 9:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m.)
Steve Wynn’s ShowStoppers
This musical extravaganza, voted “best new show” in Las Vegas, showcases 66 singers, dancers, unforgettable costumes and scenery, a full orchestra and a reinvented array of songs and dance numbers by masters such as Stephen Sondheim and Cole Porter. Make your way to the Encore Theater at the Wynn Las Vegas to claim your seats, which tend to go fast. (3131 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 702-770-9966; Oct. 9-10, 12-17, various times; from $100)
SlotZilla Zip Line
Until human beings grow wings (or invent personal jet packs), the best way to get a thrilling bird’s-eye view of Vegas is to get strapped to a zip line that allows you to swoop over and around the casinos. The area’s latest zip-line attraction is SlotZilla, located in the Fremont Street Experience, which begins from a 12-story tower that resembles a gargantuan slot machine. Choose from a 77-foot-high zip line, which glides you in a sitting position 850 lateral feet to a platform on the other side of the mall, or a zoom line 114 feet up and 1,700 feet across that you will experience in a horizontal superhero position. Air-sickness bags not included. (425 Fremont St., No. 160; 702-678-5780; daily 1 p.m.-1 a.m.; from $20)
Downtown Summerlin
If you’re looking for premier shops, boutiques and restaurants, Downtown Summerlin is the defiinitive destination. This new open-air shopping center, which made its debut in late 2014, has more than 125 retailers and eateries, from Macy’s and Nordstrom Rack to Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill and Crave American Kitchen & Sushi Bar. Also enjoy a sporting goods store, movie theater and other distinctive venues. (1980 Festival Plaza Drive; 702-832-1000; daily 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m.-7 p.m.)
Cowabunga Bay Water Park
Autumn may bring cooler temperatures elsewhere, but in Las Vegas it can still get downright hot in October. That’s when a water park comes in handy. Experience the area’s newest H2O-friendly fun spot at Cowabunga Bay, which aesthetically riffs on a ’60s surf theme. Brave the Zooma Zooma, which drops you 73 feet; take a ride on the Wild Surf, a four-person raft attraction on which you’ll plummet 60 feet through an enclosed flume before confronting a giant man-made wave; or try Point Panic, an enclosed water slide that’s completely dark inside. (900 Galleria Drive, Henderson, Nev.; 702-850-9000; call for fall hours/dates; from $10)
CONTINUED: Applause-O-Meter Must-Sees
Applause-O-Meter Must-Sees
Some of the planet’s best platforms for prime performers can be found right here in Sin City, where it’s showtime all the time and top-notch talents and legendary artists converge to entertain enthralled audiences. Consider this impressive lineup of concerts and shows slated for October.
Elton John: The Million-Dollar Piano
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace is hosting this bigger-than-life persona, recipient of 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, 29 consecutive top 40 hits, and the largest-selling single in history, “Candle in the Wind.” Elton is sure to entertain with his ostentatious costumes, unforgettable stage props, rock-solid band and Yamaha piano—outfitted with more than 60 LED video screens. Blink and the Rocket Man will be gone, so act fast. (3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 888-929-7849; Oct. 13, 14, 16, 17, 7:30 p.m.; from $55)
Janet Jackson: Unbreakable World Tour
Ask not, “What have you done for me lately?” Instead, ask, “When have I seen Janet lately?” Here’s your chance, compliments of the Axis Theater at Planet Hollywood, where Michael’s famous sister will trot out the bling and belt out the sing. This won’t be a predictable greatest hits mashup; Janet will also be supporting her forthcoming new album, ready to take the world by storm yet again—160 million albums sales into her amazing career. (3667 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 702-777-6737; Oct. 9-10, 9 p.m.; from $57.50)
Celine Dion
The queen of song is back in residency at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum, ready to wow you with her unforgettable oeuvre of hits and a special collection of covers from other artists, such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Joel. She’ll be backed by a dazzling light and video display, as well as an acclaimed band and orchestra. Don’t look for the cliché array of glamorous dancers on the side: This show is all Celine, minus any onstage entourage. (3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 866-574-3851; Oct. 9-10, 7:30 p.m.; from $55)
Tim Allen
Tim Allen brings his superb shtick to the Mirage Hotel & Casino for a rare night of standup comedy that you can’t afford to miss. From “Home Improvement” to “Toy Story,” Allen’s rèsumè is as impressive as his jokes are side-splitting. No safety goggles or work gloves required. (3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 702-792-7777; Oct. 10, 10 p.m.; from $60)
L.A. Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings
Here’s a novel concept: Catch an NBA basketball preseason game during your visit to the Strip. Kobe, CP3, Blake Griffin and other hoops heroes will be in the house to battle for L.A. bragging rights, taking place at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino’s Garden Arena. (3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 877-880-0880; Oct. 13, 7 p.m.; from $25)
Smokey Robinson presents Human Nature: The Motown Show
You wouldn’t think that four white Australian dudes could do Motown justice, but this quartet—consisting of members of Human Nature—was hand-picked by Smokey himself. At the Sands Showroom in The Venetian, you’ll hear them lend honeyed harmonies to classics by The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Supremes and other Motown legends, including “Reach Out,” “Stop in the Name of Love” and “My Girl.” (3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 866-641-7469; Oct. 9-10, 13-17, 7 p.m.; from $50)
50 Shades! The Parody
The book and film adaptation were all the rage this past year, inciting strong reactions with its naughty subject matter. Now it’s time to incite controversy of the comedic kind, running at Bally’s Windows theater. This show depicts a group of girlfriends who gather to read the steamy novel at a book-club event, resulting in satirical musical numbers and sexy vignettes. (3645 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 702-777-2782; Oct. 9-11, 13-18, 7:30 p.m.; from $50)
Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival
If medieval imagery, garishly costumed knights, wenches and jesters, jousting tournaments and decoratively festooned horses whet your appetite for truly retro entertainment, then this festival at Sunset Park is right up your drawbridge. Eat, drink and be merry, surrounded by minstrels, magicians and mirthful monarchs. (2601 E. Sunset Road; 702-455-8200; Oct. 9-11, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; from $8)
Russian Grand Ballet Presents Swan Lake
Tchaikovsky in the land of jumpsuits and roulette tables? There’s room for all the arts in Vegas, as evidenced by the exquisite performances at Henderson Pavilion, including this outing by the Russian Grand Ballet. Come for the choreography and costumes, stay for a generous slice of culture. (200 South Green Valley Parkway, Henderson, Nev.; 702-267-4849; Oct. 10, 7 p.m.; from $10)
CONTINUED: Gratis Glitz
Gratis Glitz
Craps table wipe you out? There’s plenty to do in Sin City for no charge. Check out these amusements, compliments of the house:
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Soak in the majestic magnificence of the painted desert, in all its geologically chromatic splendor, by taking a trek to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. You’re bound to be awestruck by Mother Nature’s built-in beauty. (3205 State Route 159; 702-515-5350; 6 a.m.-7 p.m.)
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Yes, there are the fountains. And the inimitable Fiori di Como chandelier and glass-blossom-bedecked ceiling in the lobby. But the Bellagio also provides another free treat for appreciative tastes: an atrium featuring rotating seasonal oral displays that have to be seen to be believed. (3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 702-693-7111; open 24/7)
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
At the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the walls of virtually every public space are replete with historical treasures and trinkets from rock’s past. View a drum set from Def Leppard, a Prince outfit, hand-written lyrics penned by Jim Morrison, a bustier worn by Madonna … you get the picture. (4455 Paradise Road; 702-693-5000; open 24/7)
CityCenter Fine Art Collection
A free peek at fine art in the land of neon? Absolutely, if you make a detour to CityCenter, where you can view Vegas’ first permanent public space art collection, composed of paintings, sculptures and large-scale installations, from Maya Lin’s 84-foot-long “Silver River” to Henry Moore’s “Reclining Connected Forms” wrought of roman travertine marble. (3730 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 702-590-7111; open 24/7)
Streetmosphere at the Grand Canal Shoppes
After you take that gondola ride around the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, stick around for the Streetmosphere performances by classically trained musicians, singers, actors, stilt walkers, dancers, jugglers and living statues who entertain daily in St. Mark’s Square. (3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 702-414-4500; daily—call for times)
Lake of Dreams at Wynn Las Vegas
Admit it: You’re a sucker for a good water and light show. Experience one of the newest and best at The Lake of Dreams at the Wynn, featuring a 40-foot waterfall and a dense forest backdrop. (3131 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 702-770-7000; daily from dusk-12:30 a.m. every 30 minutes)
Ethel M Chocolates & Cactus Garden
At this gourmet chocolate factory, take a guided tour, indulge in complimentary chocolate samples and explore the adjacent Botanical Cactus Garden, with 4 acres of drought-tolerant cacti, ornamentals and other plants. (2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, Nev.; 702-435-2655; daily 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
No visit to the gambling capital of the world would be complete without checking out one of Vegas’ most famous landmarks, which practically begs to be a selfie backdrop. Thanks to improved traffic signals for pedestrians and an expanded parking lot nearby, the sign is now safer and more convenient to see. (5100 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; open 24/7).
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.