The NACS Show returns to Las Vegas in 2026 for the third time this decade. | Shutterstock
The NACS Show returns to Las Vegas in 2026 for the third time this decade.
Las Vegas, which welcomed 38.5 million visitors in 2025, registered a visitor decrease (7.5%) compared to 2024, due to factors like shifting travel dynamics and economic uncertainty, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
This drop won’t deter NACS conference-goers from cherry-picking the array of social and recreational outlets available to them.
“Las Vegas remains a category of one,” says Steve Hill, CEO and president of LVCVA. “Our focus will continue to be providing value to our visitors and delivering experiences that elevate our place as the leading leisure and business destination.”
Read ahead for a listing of local Las Vegas-area events and destination spots—along the Strip and beyond the urban metro area.
A great ex-‘Sphere’-ience
The Las Vegas Sphere
The Las Vegas Sphere, officially known as the Sphere at The Venetian Resort, opened in September 2023 and is considered the world’s largest spherical building, measuring more than 500 feet across and featuring the largest screen ever created. The venue offers immersive experiences and state-of-the-art technology, making it a popular entertainment destination. (255 Sands Ave., 725-258-0001, thesphere.com)
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere. The Wizard of Oz at Sphere debuted in August 2025 and has surpassed 2 million tickets sold. The experience makes audiences feel like they’ve stepped inside the film and are traveling down the Yellow Brick Road. The experience fills Sphere’s 160,000-square-foot interior display plane, which wraps up, over and around the audience to create a fully immersive visual environment. Multisensory 4D elements have been combined and leveraged for maximum impact to make audiences feel like they’re in the experience alongside the characters. (72 shows throughout October)
Metallica at Sphere. Heavy metal rock icons Metallica will debut its “Life Burns Faster” residency at the Sphere this fall. The eight-show run will continue the band’s “No Repeat Weekend” tradition, with no songs repeated on each Thursday and Saturday throughout the course of the run. (Residency from Oct. 1 to mid-March 2027)
Sweet sounds
All Shook Up Elvis Tribute Show. All Shook Up is a tribute to the king of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis Presley. This show is backed by a live band, so be ready to cut a rug. “The King” will only be playing the hits, such as “Heartbreak Hotel and “Suspicious Minds.” (6 p.m. Oct. 5, Athena Showlounge at Alexis Park, 866-983-4279)
The Australian Bee Gees. Reviving the music of the famous Gibb brothers, The Australian Bee Gees Show has performed to more than 1 million people in sold-out theaters and concert halls in more than 40 countries. The group’s resemblance to the Bee Gees and their ability to emulate the Bee Gees’ legendary sound has helped garner international attention from media and showgoers alike throughout their 22 years of experience. (6 p.m. Oct. 6, Thunderland Showroom at Excalibur Hotel & Casino)
Carpenters Legacy in Las Vegas. Travel to the 1970s for the lone authentic tribute show that celebrates the music and legacy of the famed brother-sister duo, Karen and Richard Carpenter. This live performance is a re-creation of the Carpenters’ legendary live performances, including top hits like “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Yesterday Once More,” “Superstar” and more. (5 p.m. Oct. 7, V3 V Theater-Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, 866-983-4279)
Donny Osmond in Las Vegas. Donny Osmond has been a Vegas staple for over a decade, but this solo show at Harrah’s is a version of Donny fans have never seen before. Donny Osmond was a musical legend long before he hit the neon city. His musical career has earned him 33 gold records, and he has sold more than 100 million records through his six decades in show business. Tickets begin at $96. (Throughout October, Harrah’s Showroom at Harrah’s Las Vegas, 866-983-4279)
Josh Groban in Las Vegas. One of the leading classical crossover artists of his generation, Josh Groban—although classically trained—is no stranger to exploring other styles of music, such as opera, bluegrass, folk and even his own melodic pop compositions. Get ready to hear his legendary hits such as “Believe,” “You Raise Me Up,” “To Where You Are” and others. (8 p.m. Oct. 7, The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, 866-983-4279)
Soul of Motown in Las Vegas. A high-energy concert-style tribute show honoring Motown legends, Soul of Motown is rated the No. 1 show of its kind for nearly a decade. The show reintroduces audiences to The Temptations, The Platters, The Drifters, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Sam Cooke, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, and other favorites. Tickets start at $59. (5:30 p.m. Oct. 7 and 8, Westgate Cabaret/Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, 866-983-4279)
Comedy tonight
Comedy Cellar at Rio Las Vegas. The Comedy Cellar has brought big acts to the stage in New York City for more than three decades, and now visitors have a chance to catch some of the greatest comedians of all time during these 90-minute performances. Located at Rio, stars such as John Stewart, Amy Schumer, Ray Romano and Chris Rock got their start at the Comedy Cellar. (Oct. 6, Rio Showroom at Rio Las Vegas, 702-777-7777, riolasvegas.com)
Rich Little in Las Vegas. A master mimic known for his spot-on impersonations of Hollywood stars and U.S. presidents, including Ronald Reagan, Frank Sinatra and Richard Nixon, the Rich Little show is a one-man performance that blends comedy, storytelling and classic impressions—all while offering audiences a nostalgic trip through his decades-long career. (6:30 p.m. Oct. 6, Laugh Factory at Horseshoe Las Vegas)
Blue Man Group. The Blue Man Group has performed the world over, highlighted by its elaborate stage show that features a host of interesting musical and nonmusical instruments. The choreography of each portion of the show is spectacular, with new background drops that contain various videos, lasers and lights. (5 p.m. Oct. 8, Blue Man Theater at The Luxor Hotel, luxor.com)
Tours and more
Las Vegas: Fremont Street Walking Tour. Explore Downtown Las Vegas and its Fremont Street Experience on a two-hour walking tour. Stroll past famous casinos, wedding chapels and themed bars. Walk from the past to the present and hear stories of how the city got its start and how Fremont Street became one of the most storied and pictured thoroughfares in the world. (Daily at 11 a.m. or 2:30 p.m., getyourguide.com/las-vegas-l58/downtown-las-vegas-fremont-st-walking-tour-t58358)
Hoover Dam Ultimate VIP Tour with Lunch. Join this fully guided VIP tour and experience the “Walk on the Top,” tour the Nevada Power Plant and Generator room, enjoy a freshly cooked lunch at the Omelet House on the outskirts of Las Vegas and visit the Hoover Dam bypass bridge for photos and panoramic views of the dam. (5.5-hour tour starts at 8 a.m., cost $109.99 per person, getyourguide.com/las-vegas-l58/las-vegas-hoover-dam-ultimate-vip-tour-with-lunch-t5307)
Mount Charleston/Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Vegas is more than the Strip. Make the relatively short trek to Mount Charleston/Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, about 40 miles from Vegas proper. From a cool escape in the summer to a snowy wonderland in the winter, the Spring Mountains offer a distinct change in seasons not normally found in the Mojave Desert. Spreading over 90 acres, the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway offers a visitor center, education building, group picnic areas, two amphitheaters, trailheads and expansive areas with benches to take in the views of Kyle Canyon and Charleston Peak. (2525 Kyle Canyon Road, Mount Charleston, 702-872-5486)
Pledge Allegiant
Allegiant Stadium. Allegiant Stadium is located adjacent to the Las Vegas Strip, directly west of Interstate 15 and is home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, as well as major events of all kinds. (3333 Al Davis Way, allegiantstadium.com)
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs. For those arriving early, the Raiders host Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs for a classic AFC West rivalry game. (1 p.m. Oct. 4)
Allegiant Stadium Tours. Led by expert hosts, this immersive, behind-the-scenes experience will take guests through ultra-exclusive areas, such as private suites and clubs, the broadcast booth, press conference room and locker rooms. (Throughout October but slots can be limited, allegiantstadium.com/tours)
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