Thunderstorm at the Planet Hollywood
A computer generated thunderstorm hits the hallways of the Miracle Mile shopping mall. The rain pours the thunder booms and the lightning cracks. The show mimics a thunderstorm overtaking a North African seaport.
When:
Monday through Thursday - every hour on the hour
Friday through Sunday - every half hour
Where:
Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino
Miracle Mile Shopping Mall
3667 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Fountains at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino
A spectacular outdoor show created from fountains, lights and sound. A quarter mile long man-made lake stretches between the Bellagio Hotel and Casino and the strip and contains 1200 nozzles and 4500 lights. Every day and night spectators line the sidewalks to "ooh" and "ahh" at the fountains shooting water up to 240 feet into the air. The waters dance in time to music that fills the air. This is probably the most popular free attraction in Las Vegas. It is a must see on your trip to Las Vegas
When:
Monday to Friday 3:00 p.m. to midnight
Saturday to Sunday 12:00 p.m. to midnight
every 30 minutes until 7:00 p.m., every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to midnight
Shows are subject to cancellation due to high winds.
Where:
Bellagio Hotel and Casino
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Circus Acts at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino
The largest permanent circus in the world. One of the oldest and most loved free shows in Las Vegas, this show features aerialists, jugglers, trapeze artists and clowns. The show is performed in the big-top at the midway, which is one level up from the casino. Each show last about 10 minutes. There are a limited number of seats available, and people typically start filling them about 15 minutes before the show, but if you can't get a seat, there is plenty of standing room as well.
When:
Daily 11 a.m. to midnight, every half hour
Where:
Circus Circus Casino and Hotel
2880 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Fremont Street Experience
A 90 foot high, four block long electronic canopy that presents spectacular sight and sound shows. This pedestrian promenade was built to attract visitors to the Downtown area of Las Vegas. It is surrounded by 10 casino/hotels. Every night at dusk the shows begin and continue throughout the night until midnight.
The Light and Sound show features over 2 million lights and a 28 speaker, 540,000 watt sound system.
When:
Nightly at dusk
Where:
Downtown Las Vegas
Fremont Street at Main Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Rock and Roll Memorabilia at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has collectible from all of your favorite rock and roll stars.
They have many displays featuring lots for rock and roll fans from Beatles collectibles to Madonna's underwear, motorcycles from Guns N Roses' Matt Sorum and Motley Crue's Nikki Six, autographed guitars and drum sets from many bands and leather jackets from the Ramones and Aerosmith.
When:
24 hours and day, seven days a week
Where:
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
4455 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109
CBS Television City the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino
Watch and rate new television shows. To do research for their new shows, CBS and Viacom have set up a research center to gauge audience reactions. Shows from CBS, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, UPN, Showtime, TNN and CMT are screened in small theaters. Audience members use touch-screen computers to record their responses. Some participants are also selected for longer focus group discussions.
The research center is located by the pool, and free tickets can be picked up at the research center or at the entrance of the MGM Grand parking lot. The screening run from about 45 to 90 minutes.
When:
Daily 10 am to 10 p.m.
Where:
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino
3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Aquarium at the Mirage Hotel and Casino
The Mirage Hotel and Casino has a 20,000-gallon saltwater aquarium in its hotel lobby. This is another one of the Mirage's attraction that adds to its tropical theme. You can watch a shark swimming through a coral reef wile you check into the hotel.
The aquarium has over 1,000 coral reef animals including angelfish, puffer fish, tangs, sharks and other exotic sea creatures. The tank is 53 feet long, eight feet from top to bottom, and six feet from front to back.
When:
24 hours a day 7 days a week
Where:
The Mirage Hotel and Casino
3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
The Volcano at the Mirage Hotel and Casino
A man made volcano erupts every night right on the strip. Flames and smoke shoot from the top of this 54 foot volcano while molten lava flows down its sides. You can feel the heat from the flames on your face as you stand on the sidewalk.
This is the original free attraction along the Vegas Strip, first opened in 1989, but it has been recently redone by legendary Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart, Indian tabla sensation Zakir Hussain and Fountains of Bellagio design firm WET. Although it has stood in place for fifteen years it never fails to awe spectators every night.
The show may be cancelled due to high winds or bad weather.
When:
Every 15 minutes from 7:00 p.m. to midnight
Where:
The Mirage Hotel and Casino
3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Sunset Stampede at Sam's Town Hotel and Casino
An animatronics, laser light and water show with a western pioneer theme. The show takes place in Mystic Falls Park, an indoor forest with a glass ceiling ten stories high. The lasers and fountains are choreographed to a symphonic score which is heard from over 100 hidden speakers.
The show lasts about 8 minutes.
Sam's town is located about 6 miles east of the Strip.
When:
Daily at 2:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Where:
Sam's Town Hotel and Casino
5111 Boulder Hwy.
Las Vegas, NV 89122
Sirens of TI at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino
The Treasure Island Hotel and Casino describes its Sirens of TI show as a "modern musical-meets-action-movie spectacular". The shows features music, dancing, swordplay, acrobatics, pyrotechnics and even a full size ship sinking. The show is about 15 minutes long and features a group of scantily clad women fighting a band of pirates. What used to be the Treasure Islands Pirates Battle was replaced by the Sirens of TI show as they try to get a sexier image for the hotel and casino. You might want to arrive early to get a good spot close to the action so there are no problems seeing over the crowds’ heads.
When:
Every night at 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Where:
Treasure Island Hotel and Casino
3300 South Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Free Casino Lounges
Most casinos have lounges to keep patrons entertained. Many of these lounges are completely free to sit in and enjoy. They have no cover charge and no drink minimums. Just walk in sit down and enjoy the music. The lounges offer a variety of musical styles and have either live bands or DJs. Usually the lounges are right inside or adjacent to the casino, so if you want, you can enjoy the music while gambling if you sit close enough.
Bellagio Hotel and Casino
Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino
Excalibur Hotel and Casino
Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino
Sam's Town Hotel and Casino
Treasure Island Hotel and Casino
Tropicana Hotel and Casino
Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino
An indoor garden with a spectacular floral display. The 50 foot high glass roof provides a sunny place for great photo opportunities. The displays are changed each season and for major holidays. The setting is a wonderful, peaceful break from the bright lights of the strip and the bustle of the casino. The garden is located inside of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, walk through the lobby (and be sure to look up at the ceiling to view some beautiful art as you do) to get there. The garden has over 13,500 square feet and has 1,200 bins of exotic plants.
When:
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Where:
Bellagio Hotel and Casino
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Atlantis Water Show in the Forum Shops at Caesars Hotel and Casino
This show features animatronic statues acting out the story of the fall of Atlantis. Fountains, lasers, fire, steam and sound effects add to the excitement of the action. This high tech production is one of the most popular free shows in Las Vegas. There is also a 50,000-gallon salt water aquarium located here that features tropical puffers, flounder and sharks. Daily feeding take place at 3:15 and 7:15 p.m. daily. The show takes place next to the Cheesecake Factory in the Roman Great Hall
When:
Every hour on the hour
Sunday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to midnight
Where:
The Forum Shops at Caesars Hotel and Casino
3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
City Center Fine Art Collection
City Center has a large collection of publicly viewable art. This permanent collection boasts 17 pieces from acclaimed artists such as Maya Lin, Henry Moore, Richard Long and Nancy Rubins. The art is a combination of pre-existing work and site specific installations. The pieces are spread through City Center, both outdoors and in the various hotels, including Aria, Vdara and Mandarin Oriental. Taking a tour of these painting and statues is a great way to familiarize you with City Center itself. A map of all the art is available at the Aria Concierge desk.
When:
The art is viewable 24-hours a day.
Where:
City Center
3730 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino
Past the hotel lobby and casino you will find a collection of birds and other animals living on an island surrounded by streams and waterfalls. Over 300 birds are featured including, of course, a flock of pink flamingos. You'll also see penguins, swans and ducks. Living in the stream are koi and turtles. The area also includes plants imported from around the world to make the animals feel more at home. Heat lamps keep these exotic birds warm during cold Vegas winter nights. For an added bonus you can see the penguins as they are fed daily at 8:25 a.m. and 2:55 p.m.
When:
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Where:
Flamingo Hotel and Casino
3555 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Hawaiian Marketplace Performers
A troupe of Polynesian born performers put on free shows every day at the Hawaiian Marketplace Shopping Mall. Team Aloha will sing, dance, tell stories and demonstrate crafts from the Polynesian islands through the day. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday there are longer shows that include fire knife dancers, Samoan singers, Tahitian dancers and a live bird show. There is also the Enchanted Forest in the mall that has animitronic birds singing original songs in a five minute act that happens every hour.
When:
7 days a week during the days and in the evening.
Where:
Hawaiian Marketplace
3743 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino
See lions playing, sleeping, lounging and interacting with the handlers. This 5,000 square foot glass enclosed habitat has a simulated jungle with a waterfall. The lions are not trained to perform tricks, but do like playing with bowling balls thrown to them, and are directed only by voice and hand commands from the handlers. This very popular attraction can be found inside of the MGM Grand's main casino. The lions never spend more than six hours a day in this habitat, they actually live on a ranch just outside of Las Vegas and are trucked in for their appearances.
Also available for an additional $20.00 are pictures of you with lion cubs.
When:
Daily 11 am to 10 p.m.
Where:
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino
3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Tropical Rainforest at the Mirage Hotel and CasinoRainforest
The Mirage Hotel and Casino has an indoor rainforest just inside the front entrance. A 100 foot high dome houses a waterfall, lagoons and a large variety of plant life. This attraction adds to the Mirage's tropical theme which includes the Volcano on the strip and the White Tiger Habitat. Over 300 orchids and 1000 bromeliads are tended to by four full time gardeners. Bird of Paradise trees and 60 foot tall palm trees are also included in the rainforest.
When:
24 hours a day 7 days a week
Where:
The Mirage Hotel and Casino
3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Masquerade Village Show in the Sky at the Rio Hotel and Casino
This Carnival-themed show features fantastic floats that ride on tracks above the casino floor. Energetic dancers in exotic masks and costumes throw beads into the crowd. Clowns and acrobats help boost the energy. There is also a multi-level main stage on the casino floor with a live band to provide the music for the show. The show was renovated in 2008 to be sexier - with new costumes sets and choreography. The costumes are from DKNY and Victoria's Secret.
The show is about 20 minutes long. Try going to the upper level for a good view of the action.
You can also get in on the action yourself. For $9.95 you can get into costume and ride the floats. There is a three-foot height requirement. Tickets are available at the Rio Box Office and there is a limit of 21 riders per show.
On Monday to Wednesday there is no Show in the Sky, but a Latin band performs on the Masquerade Village Stage.
When:
Hourly from 7pm to Midnight, Thursday - Sunday.
Where:
Rio Hotel and Casino
3700 West Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89103
Carroll Shelby Museum and Factory Tours
Shelby American is open for tours of its museum and production facilities. Shelby has been producing custom muscle cars since the sixties and continues to do so at its Las Vegas facilities. The museum features a changing line up of cars such as the first Cobra CSX2000 to prototypes of the Series 1, Shelby GT-H, Terlingua, GT500KR, and others.
When:
The museum is open 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday
Tours of the production facilities are at 10:30am.
Where:
Shelby American
6755 Speedway Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89115
Phone 702)942-7325
Free Drinks
As long as the cocktail waitress thinks you are gambling, you can get free drinks. Cocktail waitresses prowl the floors of all the major casinos, giving out free drinks. Place you order and the next time the waitress makes her round she will bring you the drink of your choice. If you leave a tip they'll come back again to take another order. Although this is technically free, you really are expected to be actively gambling and leave tips to take advantage of it. It is easy enough; however, to hang out on a slot machine chair or in a sports book and still be able to receive the drinks. People usually leave about a dollar tip per drink unless they are doing well at the tables or getting drunk.
When:
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Where:
Various Casinos
Free Casino Gaming Lessons
Most casinos offer free lessons for most of the table games in the casino. Why would the casinos want to teach you to play for free? So you'll gamble more, of course. These lessons are good for beginners or for more experienced players who want to brush up on the rules. Casinos offer instruction in blackjack, craps, roulette, pai gow, pai gow poker, mini-baccarat and poker.
Not only do the lessons teach you the rules of the game, but they also tell you about the etiquette and jargon that is associated with each game. Taking a lesson can give you the confidence you need to play a game and enjoy yourself without worrying that you are doing something wrong.
Checking directly with the casinos is the best way to find out what gaming lessons are offered and at what time. Casinos are constantly changing the times of their lessons.
When:
Depends on Casino
Where:
Various Casinos
RIO LAS VEGAS BEVERTAINERS
Energy, excitement and entertainment. It's called "BevErtainment", a new concept
that combines Las Vegas' most recognizable icons, the cocktail server and the
entertainer.
Glamorous entertainers traverse the casino floor not only taking drink orders, but