Most people have no idea that Las Vegas features a dozen or more free shows that anyone can attend. If you’re visiting the city on a budget and have little money to spare for entertainment, there’s still an endless amount of attractions you can explore and discover without spending a single penny. Almost all of the hotels on the Strip provide some sort of free entertainment, and you do not have to be a guest at their establishment in order to enjoy them. It’s possible to spend a day walking from one end of the Strip to the other while stopping to watch all the free shows as you pass by. That’s exactly what we did, and we never ran out of free things to keep ourselves entertained. After experiencing it all, we can confidently say that the following top the list as the best 10 free shows in Las Vegas:

Free Shows in Las Vegas

1. Free Mermaid Show at the Silverton Hotel and Casino

Silverton Aquarium’s Free Mermaid Show marks the only entry on this list that’s located in a hotel not directly on the Las Vegas Strip. But at only five miles away (and a free shuttle ride straight from the Strip), it’s completely worth it. In fact, I booked a full weekend at the Silverton Hotel and Casino specifically because I was dying to see the mermaids. During the show, these mermaids pose for photos and swim around performing various tricks. If you’ve got kiddos, they’ll spend time interacting with them and blowing them kisses. There’s also a free, educational Stingray show that we loved as well.

Showtimes:

Stingray Feeding Show – Daily at 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM

Mermaid Swims – Thursday through Saturday at 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM; Sundays at 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM

You DO NOT need to stay at this hotel in order to watch the free shows, but if you would like to stay here, you can click here to find the lowest prices for your stay. It’s a budget-friendly hotel, and I loved my time spent there. I highly recommend this hotel.

2. Free Volcano Show at the Mirage Hotel

In front of the Mirage Hotel and nestled beside a tranquil lagoon, a volcano dominates the landscape, quietly slumbering. With the set of the sun each night, however, the fire goddess awakens and unleashes its fury upon the land, spewing water, steam, and glorious fireballs hundreds of feet into the sky. The free show currently runs three times a night and is set to a soundtrack from The Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart and Indian tabla sensation Zakir Hussain.

Showtimes: Daily at 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, & 9:00 PM

You DO NOT need to stay at this hotel in order to watch the free shows, but if you would like to stay here, you can click here to find the lowest prices for your stay. If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Vegas, however, this one probably isn’t your best option.

3. Free Fountains of Bellagio Show at the Bellagio Hotel

Spanning a 1,000-foot wide water-stage in front of the hotel, the free Bellagio Fountain Show dazzles passersby as they casually stroll past the Strip’s stunning replica of Lake Como in Bellagio, Italy, unaware of the magic that’s about to unfold. Over a thousand fountains suddenly dance and soar up to 460 feet into the air, all choreographed to music and lights. Shows play throughout the day, but each is choreographed to a different song than the last, so every performance remains completely unique. You can watch one show and then return a half hour later to view an entirely different experience.

Showtimes:

Monday through Friday – Every 30 minutes from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM and every 15 minutes from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Saturdays and Holidays – Every 30 minutes from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and every 15 minutes from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Sunday – Every 30 minutes from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and every 15 minutes from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM

You DO NOT need to stay at this hotel in order to watch the free shows, but if you would like to stay here, you can click here to find the lowest prices for your stay. This is a luxury hotel, however, so the prices reflect that. If you’re viewing this “Free Shows in Vegas” article because you are looking for budget travel to Las Vegas, then you’ll probably want to stay at one of the cheaper hotels that I list at the end of this guide instead. If money is not an issue for you, however, then the luxurious Bellagio Hotel is indeed a great place to stay.

4. Fall of Atlantis Free Show at the Forum Shops of Caesars Palace

The free Fall of Atlantis Show combines fountains, fireballs, animatronics, panoramic video screens, and special effects to recount the myth of Atlantis and the events leading to the lost city’s ultimate demise. Nine-foot tall, previously inanimate statues suddenly spring to life as siblings Gadrius and Alia fight to win favor from their father, King Atlas, in order to gain control of Atlantis. Blacksmith company Sword and Stone — best known for their work on Thor and Pirates of the Caribbean, in addition to 200 other feature films — designed all the props and costumes for the Atlantis Show, so you can trust that they’re impressive. We especially loved the 20-foot winged dragon and the flaming sword wielded by Gadrius.

Showtimes: At the top of every hour from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Sunday though Thursday and from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday

You DO NOT need to stay at this hotel in order to watch the free shows, but if you would like to stay here, you can click here to find the lowest rates for your stay. This hotel is absolutely breathtaking but not a good place to stay if you’re looking for cheap hotels, however. If you found this article because you’re interested in budget travel, check out my recommendations for budget hotels in Las Vegas at the end of this article.

5. Free Indoor Rainstorm Show at the Miracle Mile Shops of Planet Hollywood

This one’s not for everyone. If you’re a nerdy gal like me, you’ll probably love this unique show. I sure did. My boyfriend, however, left a bit underwhelmed. Because the indoor rainstorm only lasts around five minutes, I wouldn’t recommend taking a trip to Planet Hollywood just to see this performance, but if you’re already in the area or are strolling through the Miracle Mile Shops mall, it’s completely worth it to catch the next showtime as you’re passing by. Kids especially love the chance to get to see it rain indoors. The free show features thunder, lightning, fog clouds, and–of course–rain.

Showtimes:

Monday through Thursday – Every top of the hour from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Friday and Saturday – Every half hour from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

6. Free Circus Show at Circus Circus Hotel

At Circus Circus Hotel, you’ll find the world’s largest permanent circus, and all its shows are completely free to anyone and everyone who visits Las Vegas. Daily circus acts start at 11:30 AM and run every hour until late into the night. The best part is that hotel features a different performer or circus troupe each hour, so you can watch the circus multiple times without experiencing the same performance twice. Some shows feature acrobats and trapeze while others flaunt ladder stunts and unicycle tricks. You can view the current week’s schedule here.

Showtimes: Daily – Every hour from 11:30 AM until 11:30 PM with a final performance at 12:15 AM on weekdays or 12:30 AM on weekends. Saturdays often have an additional performance at 1:15 AM as well. You can view the complete circus show schedule here.

You DO NOT need to stay at this hotel in order to watch the free circus shows, but if you’re looking for budget hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, this is the absolute best and cheapest one that you can find. I stayed here for 4 nights on my first trip to Vegas and enjoyed every second it. During weekdays, prices often drop to just $20 a night. You can click here to compare prices and find the cheapest rates for this hotel.

7. Venetian Carnivale and Streetmosphere at the Grand Canal Shoppes of the Venetian Las Vegas Hotel

An international roster of classically trained singers, actors, and musicians forms the heart of what the Venetian Hotel has affectionately dubbed “Streetmosphere.” This free show is actually comprised of a series of free performances — Living Statues, Carnivale de Venezia, the Venetian Trio, and a Gondolier March. If you’ve ever had the desire to watch the famous carnival in Venice, you can’t get any closer to the real thing than this Vegas recreation. Carnivale de Venezia combines opera with choreographed dances and silly jesters who juggle and perform simple acrobatics, and it’s by far the best free attraction at the hotel.

Showtimes:

Living Statues – On display from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM in St. Mark’s Square and 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM near Ann Taylor

– On display from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM in St. Mark’s Square and 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM near Ann Taylor Carnivale de Venezia – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 6:00 PM in St. Mark’s Square

– 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 6:00 PM in St. Mark’s Square The Venetian Trio – An Evening of Musical Elegance – nightly performances in St Mark’s Square every half hour from 6:30 PM until 10:00 PM

– An Evening of Musical Elegance – nightly performances in St Mark’s Square every half hour from 6:30 PM until 10:00 PM Gondolier March – 9:50 AM and 4:20 PM

You DO NOT need to stay at this hotel in order to watch the free shows, but if you would like to stay here, you can click here to find the lowest rates for your stay. This is a luxury hotel, however, so if you’re looking for a budget hotel, you can check out one of my cheaper recommendations at the bottom of this page instead. If a luxury hotel IS what you’re looking for, though, then you should know that the Venetian Hotel is my absolute favorite hotel of all the hotels in Las Vegas. I absolutely adore this hotel.

8. Fremont Street Experience Free Viva Vision Light Show

On the second busiest street in Las Vegas (and just a couple blocks away from the Strip), you can experience the largest video screen in the world. The dazzling light show features popular music and plays on a 1,500-foot-long display that forms a tunnel where it’s suspended 90 feet above historic Fremont Street. Be on the lookout for zipliners zooming overhead as well!

Showtimes: The top of every hour from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM

9. Free Musical Performances at Le Cabaret Bar inside Paris Las Vegas Hotel

This open, garden-style Las Vegas lounge features live music and DJs who perform in front of a red velvet-curtained stage. Twinkling lights hang from trees, and silhouettes of Parisian citizens dominate the false city backdrop comprised of buildings with atmospheric windows set in a romantic, soft orange glow. You can find the cabaret towards the back of the main floor of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. Seats fill up quickly, but since the venue is open-air-style, you don’t actually need to enter the lounge to watch the free shows. You can stand in the back or even stroll around the hotel lobby while listening to the music from afar.

Showtimes:

Sunday through Thursday – 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM

Friday and Saturday – 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM

You DO NOT need to stay at this hotel in order to watch the free shows, but if you would like to stay here, you can click here to find the lowest rates for your stay.

10. The Lake of Dreams Free Show at the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel

This is the only entry on this itinerary that we had on our to-do list but never quite made it to watch, so unfortunately I don’t have any pictures of the show. From the photos and video clips I’ve seen floating around the internet, however, I’m still convinced it’s one of the best free shows in Vegas. We simply just didn’t have time to do it all. If you’d like to check out the Lake of Dreams, be prepared for a pretty but slightly eclectic free performance featuring over four thousand lights, holographics, and a 40-foot waterfall that transforms into an illuminated video screen overlooking the glowing lake.

Showtimes: Nightly – Every half hour from 8:00 PM until 12:30 AM

Cheapest Hotels in Las Vegas

If you’re reading an article about Las Vegas Free Shows, then there’s a good chance that you’re also looking for budget hotels or the cheapest accommodation you can possibly find, so let me do my best to help you out. There are 3 great choices for when you’re low on money. I’ve personally stayed at all of them and had amazing experiences, so I highly recommend any and every one of the following:

Cheapest Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip

Circus Circus Hotel Casino & Theme Park – This is the absolute cheapest hotel you can find on the Strip. On weekdays, you can even get rooms for around $20 a night. I stayed here for 4 nights on my first trip to Vegas ever, and I loved that I was able to walk to any of the other hotels or attractions on the Strip without needing a car. In addition to having free circus shows, this hotel also has a water park and an indoor theme park full of rides and roller coasters inside a big glass dome. Kids love this hotel, but it’s perfect for adults, too.

Stratosphere Hotel Casino & Tower – This is the second cheapest hotel on the Strip and often prices are comparable to the ones at Circus Circus. It’s located on the opposite end of the Strip from some of the more popular, luxury Vegas hotels, so you’ll have a little bit farther of a walk to reach some attractions, but it’s doable. I always walked down the Strip when I stayed here, but you can also hop on a free shuttle to take you down Las Vegas Blvd. The rooms here are also really spacious: we had a second sitting room with a table, chairs, and mini-fridge attached to our standard room. That was a nice surprise. And the higher floors offer stunning views of the mountains in the distance.

Favorite Off-Strip Budget Hotel in Las Vegas

On weekends, prices of all Strip hotels escalate, so if you’ll only being staying in Vegas on Friday through Sunday, you may want to consider an off-Strip hotel to get lower rates.

Silverton Hotel and Casino – There are a handful of budget hotels located a couple miles away from the Strip, but Silverton Hotel is my absolute favorite. The free mermaid shows won me over, but the food there is also delicious, the rooms are comfy, and the customer service is great. A huge advantage is that they also offer a free shuttle to and from the Strip as well as to and from the airport, so you can save money if you don’t want to rent a car or spend a fortune taking Uber back and forth.

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