Everyone comes to Las Vegas for the fun and the fabulous Las Vegas attractions and shows.
With its towering casinos and headline-worthy performances, there is no shortage of ways to spend or lose money in Las Vegas.
But Las Vegas is about much more than gambling. It is filled with first-rate restaurants, interesting museums, and a plethora of unique sights such as the Strip, the Mob Museum, the high roller Stratosphere, or a day trip to Hoover Dam.
In addition, Vegas has some of the most luxurious and also some very reasonably priced hotels in the country. With its great weather, it is a year-round delight for both adults and children.
While it is tempting to splurge on everything the city has to offer, there are many amazing Las Vegas attractions and shows for everyone that won't affect the wallet. Let's take a look at the best free shows in Las Vegas.
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Among all the glitz of Las Vegas, the Luxor Sky Beam is a phenomenal daily free show.
Shining from the top of Luxor Hotel’s Egyptian-themed hotel, it is one of the most powerful lights in the world with the power of 40 billion candles, and it is a tourist magnet.
It can be seen hundreds of miles away and is a homing beacon for Downtown Las Vegas and constitutes the city’s own major lighting show.
For an unforgettable view of this once-in-lifetime free Las Vegas show, a nighttime helicopter ride over the city will leave visitors breathless.
The light shines different colors at different times of the day: from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., it is blue. It changes to red and green until 11:45 p.m. and shines shades of red and yellow from midnight to 12:15 a.m. After that, it lights up in different shades of blue until 7:00 a.m.
Address: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
There are famous fountains throughout the world, but few can match the glitz and dance of one of Las Vegas free shows and attractions, the famed Bellagio Hotel’s Dancing Fountains.
A complex system of more than 1000 fountains provides daily shows that have tourists and residents stopping in their tracks.
It is a supreme aquatic ballet and a joyous feast for the eyes as water soars 460 feet into the Vegas air.
Of course, every ballet needs music, and the Dancing Fountains are accompanied by favorite songs such as Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance, Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars, or the Beatle’s Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.
While curbside by the Fountain offers the best view, a favorite spot for seeing this water dance is from the Las Vegas Eiffel Tower across the street while enjoying a scrumptious meal.
Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
The Circus Circus Hotel has amazing free kid-friendly Las Vegas shows within its gambling facility, as well as a child-friendly indoor adventure theme park.
Its daily circus acts have been called the “World’s Largest Permanent Circus” and are located on the hotel’s second level.
The free show includes clowns, juggling, and exciting trapeze acts. The show includes one specific act for each performance.
From Mondays through Thursdays, the hourly shows begin at 1:30 p.m. and last until 8:30 p.m. On Fridays through Saturdays, the circus shows begin at 11:30 a.m., with the last show starting at 11:30 p.m.
Address: 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd
Welcome to Las Vegas’ own chocolatey delight – the four-story M&M World.
Far more than a sweet eatery, it is another one of the free shows in Vegas that is not only child-friendly but child-obsessed. Who knew Sin City has so many Las Vegas child-friendly attractions?
M&M World is open from 9:00 a.m. to midnight every day of the week.
The show begins with a large window display filled with sweet temptations. Upon entering, you will be embraced by colors, music, and plenty of M&M's memorabilia.
The first floor has an array of M&M-related merchandise, from mugs to key chains and other chocolatey souvenirs.
Walk up one flight to encounter 22 various colors of M&M – from lime to purple to pink. Up yet another floor, you can personalize your M&M experience with your name or any other message.
On the same floor, watch the M&M story in the building's theater and watch Red and Yellow battle it out for dominance. All movies are 10 minutes long.
With adults in mind, the fourth floor offers NASCAR-themed M&M goodies, as well as shower curtains, robes, shot glasses, an M&M monopoly game, and more.
This is a chocolate dream show designed with all ages in mind.
Address: The Showcase Mall at 3785 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Every city as it – that part of town that’s just a step beyond edgy. In Las Vegas, that translates into Fremont Street, located just off the Strip.
Six long blocks of Fremont Street rock with free concerts held on three stages along with free light displays for must-see nightly shows, all framed by glitzy neon signs.
Famously known as the Viva Vision Light Show, it is one of Las Vegas free shows that should not be missed. Following the free concerts, there are plenty of restaurants and bars to visit.
While Fremont Street comes alive every evening between 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. with sounds and sights, it rocks 24 hours a day.
Address: Fremont Street, Las Vegas
Also Read: Amazing Things to Do On Fremont Street
Next to Ethel M Chocolates (definitely also worth a sweet visit), visitors can find the Botanical Cactus Garden, which has one of the world's largest collections of cacti and succulents.
This garden show includes 300 different types of desert plants that are native to the area, as well as desert flora from around the world.
The display is a rare sh
Address: 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, NV
Anything is possible in Las Vegas, including an erupting volcano. Visitors eagerly flock to the grounds of the Mirage Hotel each evening for this iconic explosive, and free Las Vegas show.
During the day, the volcano is an innocent-looking statue built from rocks with peaceful waterfalls.
After the sun sets, it erupts into a breathtaking fire display bursting 12 feet into the air. Those fortunate to be close enough can feel the actual heat of the eruption.
The entire event is a marvelous choreography of explosions, spraying waters, and a special musical composition by The Grateful Dead’s drummer Mickey Hart.
The volcano explodes nightly every hour between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. For the best view, it is advisable to arrive early.
TIP: If staying at the Mirage Hotel, book a “volcano view room” for an incredible private view of the activities.
The volcano is quite close to the Bellagio Dancing Fountains, so an entire evening can be scheduled around these free shows on the Las Vegas strip.
Address: 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas
The mermaids show at the Silverton Aquarium has been named the “Best Free Attraction in Las Vegas.”
The aquarium is filled with 117,000 gallons of water and thousands of colorful fish, including stingrays and sharks, and is one of the kid-friendly Las Vegas shows that brings underwater fantasies to life.
After the show, step to the Mermaid Lounge, sip a cocktail and marvel at the lit-up jellyfish aquarium.
The mermaids’ graceful synchronized dance and interactions with the sea creatures are pure magic.
For the ultimate experience, both adults and children can attend the hotel’s Mermaid School and swim along with the mermaids.
It is an Instagram tale like no other, with you becoming a part of the show. They’ll never believe it back home.
The Mermaids entertain Thursdays through Saturdays at noon, 1:15 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. On Sundays, they can be seen at 10:30 a.m., 12.45 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:45 p.m.
Looking for the ultimate Mermaid experience? Vegas is the marriage capital of the country, but that small white Elvis-themed chapel can be a huge yawn.
Instead, the Silverton Casino offers a mermaid-themed wedding package that allows couples to get married underwater with mermaids in attendance.
Address: 3333 Blue Diamond Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89139
The Grand Canal Shoppes is a shopper’s paradise that includes 160 luxury stores. The walkway is Venice-themed with painted ceilings and cobblestones.
Following this exquisite retail therapy, take a quarter-mile gondola ride and visit some of Las Vegas’ finest restaurants along the walkway.
In addition to the best shopping, the Streetmosphere continues its Venetian-themed free Las Vegas show at the hotel’s St. Mark’s Square with opera singers, a variety of performers, jugglers, medieval-costumed living statues, and even a stilt walker. A bit of Venice in the middle of Las Vegas.
For a front-row seat, arrive approximately 20 minutes before the show. These free Las Vegas shows take place every half hour from noon to 6:00 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from noon to 7:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
Address: 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Not only is this one of the free Las Vegas show that is not to be missed, but it will also provide you with the opportunity and ultimate power to judge future television shows and what the rest of us will be watching.
Every television show goes through plenty of research forums before it reaches the air. At the CBS Television City Research Centre, your opinion about what people watch is requested.
You will sit through several prospective television shows (without commercials!); some may become Emmy winners, and others will face doom. Either way, you become a part of it.
Simply pick up your ticket and get in line to watch the latest shows planned by CBS, Nickelodeon, and Viacom.
Free hour-long shows will last 45 minutes (we repeat, no commercials!), then viewers will be given the opportunity to record their opinion on a touch screen.
Even if you are stuck with a dud, high-level television executives will be looking for your opinion and schedule their shows accordingly.
Children above the age of ten, accompanied by a parent, can make their voices heard. While you enjoy the free shows, MGM will offer you free snacks and drinks.
Shows are aired Mondays through Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Before leaving Television City, pick up souvenirs at their shop.
Address: 3799 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace comprise more luxury shopping therapy with 160 shops in the grand Caesar’s Palace.
The casino includes another free show on the Las Vegas Strip, namely the Fall of Atlantis Show. The casino is huge, so just look for the large crowd waiting by the Cheesecake Factory.
The Fall of Atlantis at Caesars Palace Forum Shops is not just a show; it is a free symbolic history lesson about sibling rivalry, with King Atlas’ offspring vying for power as the population ultimately gets tired of the infighting.
The story represents World War II and the destruction of European nations and is presented with animatronic sculptures breathing fire and a huge fire-breathing dragon.
The drama represents the evil that ensues from political turmoil and war. The costumed play is fascinating for adults and an excellent lesson for children.
The Fall of Atlantis can be seen Sundays through Thursdays on the hour from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: 3500 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas
Also Read: What's so Special about Las Vegas?
This is another one of those free Las Vegas attractions involving water that everyone loves. Water is a huge thing amid the desert.
The Lake of Dream unites lighting and sounds for a visual water spectacle with a 90-foot waterfall surrounded by 1,500 pine trees, a desert oasis where you’d least expect to find one.
In addition, it is one of the most exciting kid-friendly Las Vegas shows.
During the day, the Lake is a soothing oasis set among the Vegas glitz on the casino property.
In the evening, it turns into a magical show featuring tropical birds carousing on top of a 45-foot waterfall to the tune of Patti Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade” and Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.”
And you can finish your cocktail with Frank Sinatra's “New York New York” and a charming rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” It’s a blend of free music that caters to a broad range of tastes.
For a great view of the show, you can visit two lakeside restaurants for dinner and a song. Or, relax in the lakeside lounge.
Children will sing along to Sonny and Cher and go mad for the computer-generated starbursts.
The shows run every evening for half an hour starting at sundown.
Address: 3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas
Perhaps it is Las Vegas’ desert environment that makes it obsessed with watery entertainment.
Along Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops, locals and visitors can indulge in one of Las Vegas free attractions, namely a rain, thunder, and lightning show.
It all happens indoors, so everyone stays dry. Children love sitting on rocks and watching the thunder and fog roll in. Just for fun and added drama, the rains are accompanied by the occasional burst of loud colors. Leave them gapping on Instagram with posts of an out-of-control Vegas storm. Try and convince them it was real.
The storms happen Monday through Thursday every hour from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m., with shows every half hour every weekend.
Address: 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109
This isn’t one of Anna Wintour’s elite and stuffy annual fashion shows. The two-million-square-foot area of high-end shops at the Fashion Show Mall is massive, and if you want to take it all in, your feet will be begging for mercy.
Fortunately, there is a runway where models put on a free Las Vegas show every weekend from noon to 5:00 p.m., and you can buy real merchandise for sale.
The merchandise being presented features luxury items, but there are also affordable items from Forever 21 and Kenneth Cole, as well as from Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus – all clothes that you will want to purchase and wear.
It’s like having a Vogue Magazine come to life while you sip a Starbucks coffee. Want to experience Milan in Vegas? Come to the Fashion Show Mall. No one leaves here empty-handed.
Regular Las Vegas visitors and devotees of fashion can join The Club, which provides exclusive deals on merchandise and notices of upcoming events. It also entitles members to discounts at some of the Mall’s restaurants.
Address: 3200 Las Vegas Blvd S Ste. 600, Las Vegas
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Nevada
The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel and Resort lets you get up close and personal with its lovely collection of beautiful flamingos, swans, pheasants, and other lovely water birds.
This is a lovely free show on the Las Vegas Strip amidst the even wilder life of the city. It is a spot to get away from the glitter and enjoy some rejuvenation of the soul.
The stars of this show are the flamingos, who seem to make their way into most Las Vegas selfies.
There is enough greenery, trees, brooks, and grassland to make you forget you are in the desert. The pond is home to koi, catfish, and turtles. This wildlife show is one of Vegas’ treasures.
The habit is open Mondays through Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Address: 3555 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Interestingly, the majority of free shows in Sin City are very family-friendly. The only exception would be the wild Fremont Street Experience. And there is a chance that children may become bored at the Fashion Mall fashion show.
For the most part, free shows in Las Vegas come alive at night with lights, drama, and music. Las Vegas is a city that doesn't come awake until the sun sets. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat would be an exception. And the Dancing Fountains at the Bellagio Hotel are on display the entire day.
With its clown and juggling acts, the free circus acts at Circus Circus are likely to provide the city's best free laughter. Certain shows at the CBS Television City Research Centre are likely to be comedies and strive for laughs, as well.
Most free shows in Vegas are fine and fun for the entire family. The top choices would be the acts at Circus Circus and the Aquarium Mermaid Show At Silverton Casino, where both adults and children can turn into mermaids and swim with the fish.
Las Vegas is known for many things, especially for being a city where visitors and their money are soon parted.
However, there is a different side to Vegas, where free Vegas shows rule daily and can be more entertaining than some of the expensive casino shows.
Enjoy amazing natural phenomena such as volcanos and memorable light and song shows well into the night while never reaching for your wallet.
Check out the best free shows in Las Vegas and leave a winner. The best part of Las Vegas is that it has something for everyone and never, absolutely never disappoints.