This year just keeps getting better and better. Las Vegas is hosting larger crowds every week, and come June 1 the city is expected to reopen 100%. That means all the venues, restaurants and experiences you’ve come to know and love as part of the Vegas experience are likely to return as well, and that includes live music, one of the last holdouts of the pandemic shutdown. We don’t know about any of you, but live music is one of the things we miss the most—there’s just no substitute for being in a huge gathering and enjoying one of your favorite musical artists play your favorite songs. Here’s a list of the artists and events we’re most looking forward to again.
Life is Beautiful (Downtown Las Vegas) This festival had to take a break last year, but it’s returning this year stronger than ever—in fact, this may be the festival’s strongest lineup yet. In addition to of-the-moment-hot acts like Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion and Tame Impala, this year’s downtown festival from Sept. 17-19 includes audience favorites like Modest Mouse, Haim, ASAP Rocky and Ludacris—and that’s just scraping the surface. It might be hard to snag a ticket for this one, but oh boy, will it be worth it.
Barry Manilow (Westgate Las Vegas) His residency was one of the funnest tickets in town, and will likely remain so when he resumes performing on Sept. 16. It’s not just his ridiculous number of unforgettable, singable hits like “Mandy” and “Can’t Smile Without You.” It’s the energy, charm and good humor he brings to every performance.
Donny Osmond (Harrah’s) Osmond, who performed here for years with his sister in a hit residency at Flamingo, had planned on beginning his own residency here in 2020. Best laid plans … But he’ll be back as of Aug. 31, and odds are his fans are already buying their tickets as we speak. He really is the ultimate Vegas act—he sings, he dances, and he appeals to all age groups. Oh, and he’s really, REALLY funny!
Chicago (The Venetian) For years, this legendary ensemble made sure to include Vegas on its nationwide schedule, and Chicago returns to the Venetian Theatre on Sept. 15. Some music truly never ages, and we can’t wait to hear “Saturday in the Park” and “25 or 6 to 4” once again.
Usher (Caesars Palace) One thing you can count on when live entertainment fully returns: There will always be a high-powered act performing at the Colosseum. It’s been home to residencies by Celine Dion, Elton John, Mariah Carey and more, and come July 16, the A-list continues with arrival of Usher’s residency. From his hit albums to his dancing skills to his judging stints on The Voice, Usher is the complete package, and we have little doubt he’ll pack the House That Celine Built.
Billy Idol (The Cosmopolitan) Sometimes it’s as much about the attitude as it is about the music itself. Idol has endeared himself to Vegas audiences over the years with successful mini-residencies at the House of Blues, and he’ll begin a new Vegas chapter on Oct. 16 when he begins a series of dates at The Chelsea. We can’t wait to chant “More, more, more!”
Morrissey (Caesars Palace) Like most of you, we’re huge fans of both The Smiths and frontman Morrissey’s solo career—his legendary catalog can be heard practically everywhere these days, from commercials to movie soundtracks. He’s planning on multiple dates at The Colosseum starting on Aug. 28, and we plan on being front and center when he croons “Every Day is Like Sunday.”
Michael Bublé (T-Mobile Arena) If you’ve not yet seen a live show at the magnificent T-Mobile Arena, you are really missing out. It allows for some spectacular experiences, not to mention some of the best acoustics to be found on the Las Vegas Strip. And if there’s ever a performer who suited Vegas better, it’s crooner Bublé, who is sure to pack the house on Sept. 24.
ZZ Top (The Venetian) As you’d expect from their legendary videos, ZZ Top delivers a perfectly calibrated show. There are few acts that get audiences in a better party mood than the band that created “Legs,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Tush.” Their Las Vegas runs were extremely successful, and they’ll continue that streak when they return to the Venetian Theatre on Oct. 8.
Enrique Iglesias (MGM Grand) There are no-brainer Las Vegas acts and then there’s Enrique Iglesias. He’s traditionally made a Sin City appearance every Mexican Independence Day for the last several years, and every single year he’s sold out. It’s not hard to wonder why—he’s one of the most successful acts in Latin pop in history. When he returns Sept. 25 to the MGM Garden Arena, expect the usual fireworks—and maybe a few additional ones, since he’s been away so long.
Bruno Mars (Park MGM) For those who doubt he’s the hottest act at the moment, consider this: When Mars announced he would be performing six dates in Las Vegas at the Park Theater starting July 3, his shows sold out in minutes. For those of you who didn’t snag tickets, here’s hoping that Mars adds more dates when he’s able. And we’ve still got our fingers crossed for a residency …
Carlos Santana (House of Blues) For years, Santana had one of the best residencies in Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay, and he’s finally returning on Aug. 25. If you haven’t yet seen this show, shame on you! It’s not every day you get to see one of the best guitarists in rock history scroll through his greatest hits, from “Evil Ways” and “Oye Como Va” to “Smooth.” Got goose bumps yet?
Styx (The Venetian) This legendary band had to add a third Las Vegas date to meet demand. It’s not hard to see why—they really bring it when they perform. Oh, and they also bring a set list with four decades of unforgettable hits, including “Come Sail Away,” “Blue Collar Man,” “Crystal Ball” and so many others. Be sure to try to catch them when they arrive on Sept. 25.
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