Let’s face it, Las Vegas has definitely become a primo and expensive destination to visit.
I mean it is the land of flashing lights, questionable life choices, and buffets that would make your grandma blush (and possibly faint). You've seen it in the movies: clinking casino chips, oceans of perfume, and enough Elvis impersonators to fill a stadium. But what if I told you there's a whole other side to Vegas, a side that doesn't involve questionable bets and questionable tans?
That's right, we're talking about FREE Vegas. Because let's be honest, who wants to blow their entire vacation fund on a single spin of the roulette wheel, only to end up with a blinking plastic souvenir that says "Congratulations, you played!" (Spoiler alert: everyone else did too). If you’re really feeling like making it a total saving kind of day you enjoy some amazing Las Vegas Cheap Eats that we really enjoy.
We hope you enjoy our in depth Free and Cheap Things to do here in Vegas and the surrounding areas.
Hit the Free Shows!
Free Adult Comedy at South Point
Catch a late-night laugh with "The Dirty," a free adult comedy show happening Friday night’s at 12:30 am at South Point. This show is for ages 21 and over, so be sure to bring your ID. Shows can get crowded, so arrive early to secure a good seat.
Bonus South Point Activity: While you're at South Point, check to see whether there's a free equestrian show happening during your visit. The South Point Arena offers free entry to show jumping, barrel racing, and other fun equestrian events on a regular basis.
Free Cabaret Shows at Le Cabaret Lounge inside Paris
Le Cabaret Lounge at Paris has recently started offering free cabaret shows every Friday and Saturday nights. There are two shows:
La Femme, which starts at 9pm and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and the The Red Show at 10pm and midnight provide a Moulin Rouge vibe.
Free Country Music Performances at Blake Shelton's Ole Red
New Blake Shelton's Ole Red located right outside the Horseshoe Casino offers cover free live country music performances throughout the day. We think Ole Red is a welcome addition to the Center Strip scene. This place has been very busy since it’s opening however so we recommend arriving early.
Free Dueling Pianos and Big Elvis Shows at Harrah's Piano Bar
You can watch talented pianists go head-to-head in a musical battle, taking requests and creating a high-energy atmosphere at the Piano Bar. Or, if you prefer something more classic, you can catch "Big Elvis" perform all your favorite Elvis Presley hits. A little pro tip as well, you don't even need to enter the bar if you don’t want to – you can watch the show from the edge of the casino floor and dance along with the onlookers – we’ve done it!
Free Performances at Carnaval Court outside Harrah's
Carnaval Court, located just outside Harrah's Casino, provides cover free live bands and DJ’s regularly. You can regularly hear the bands cranking away from the stahe while you’re strolling down the Strip between Harrah’s and LINQ.
[Keep in mind that while all these shows themselves are free, any drinks or food you order will be extra. And, you can expect the typical pricier fare associated with Center Strip establishments.]
Watching The Sphere Light Up the Night
This massive new entertainment venue boasts an incredible exterior covered in high-resolution LED panels. It’s fun to watch the exterior show and crazy displays on the Sphere, which of course is free. Now, if one of your favorite artists is performing at The Sphere, we recommend checking out the show, because live shows inside the Sphere are incredible and well worth it in our opinion. If you do go to The Sphere, we just caution that the Sphere can generate quite a bit of traffic so if you are driving be prepared to add extra time.
Lake of Dreams at the Wynn
The Lake of Dreams show at the Wynn Las Vegas goes on every half hour after sunset until 11:30PM. The 20,000-square-foot lake transforms into a magical stage with giant puppets, robots, and a colossal 23-foot head that emerges from the water, all synchronized to a light and water show directed by Kenny Ortega. The best part? You can enjoy the show completely free from a walkway overlooking the lake – no need to purchase food or drinks at the surrounding restaurants.
While you're at the Wynn, you should also explore the stunning Wynn Botanical Gardens, featuring seasonal floral displays and tranquil walking paths.
The Mirage Volcano Show
Witness the fiery heart of Las Vegas erupt every hour from 8pm to 11pm at The Mirage Volcano. This iconic free attraction features a synchronized display of fire, music, and water effects that we always love to catch. Just be aware that sadly the volcano show will be leaving us. While the exact end date has not been announced it could happen sometime in 2024 with the impending construction of the new Hard Rock Hotel. So, if you are in Vegas, and the volcano show is still operating, don’t miss this iconic Las Vegas attraction!
The Free Circus Show at Circus Circus
You can experience the world’s largest permanent circus for free at Circus Circus Las Vegas. The performances are daily at the Carnival Midway starting at 1:30pm Monday - Thursday and 11:30am Friday - Sunday.
The Fall of Atlantis Show and Aquarium at the Forum Shops
Now this next one, does admittedly feel a bit dated, but it is still fun and totally free to check out. The Fall of Atlantis is an animatronic show deep inside the Forum Shops that depicts the downfall of Atlantis, complete with special effects and storytelling. The show runs Thursday - Monday on the hour, beginning at noon through 8:00pm.
While you're there, you can also explore the real-life underwater world at the Forum Shops aquarium, featuring a variety of marine life.
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat: You can see Pink Flamingo’s Center Strip for free. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is a 15-acre sanctuary that is home to a variety of exotic birds, including pink flamingos, pelicans, and swans. You can also spot turtles, koi fish, and even desert tortoises. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is free to enter and open daily from 7am to 8pm.
Bellagio Fountains
We can’t compile a list of fun free things to do in Las Vegas without including the iconic Bellagio Fountain Show. This famous attraction features a synchronized performance of water jets, music, and lights, creating a truly magical spectacle that is well worth checking out.
The Bellagio Fountain Show runs daily.
Monday to Friday, The Fountain show runs every 30 minutes from 3:00pm to 7:30pm and every 15 minutes 8pm to midnight.
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays, The Fountain show starts at noon and runs every 30 minutes to 7:30pm. Then, again, every 15 minutes 8pm to midnight.
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Another iconic Las Vegas can’t miss free attraction is the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. This breathtaking free attraction showcases stunning seasonal displays, featuring intricate sculptures and a kaleidoscope of colorful flowers. The Bellagio Conservatory is open 24 hours, daily, and is of course completely free.
Pinball Hall of Fame
You can travel back in time for free to the golden age of arcades at the Pinball Hall of Fame located just south of Mandalay Bay on the south end of the Strip. This unique museum houses an incredible collection of classic pinball machines from different eras. While admission to the museum is free, playing the pinball machines requires 25 cent tokens which can be purchased on-site. The Pinball Hall of Fame is open Sunday through Thursday from 10:00am to 9:00pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
Get Dazzled for Free in Downtown Las Vegas!
Step Back in Time at Main Street Station
You can take a walk through history at Main Street Station, a casino themed after a turn-of-the-century town square. Explore its collection of unique antiques and historical artifacts, including a fascinating (and slightly quirky) piece of the Berlin Wall that's actually incorporated into the men's restroom!
The new Carousel Bar at the Plaza
The new Carousel Bar at the entranc to the Plaza is an open-air bar featuring a stunning rotating carousel as its centerpiece. We really do like this new addition to Plaza. It creates a fun retro vibe in front of the historical Plaza casino. While it’s free to sit down in the bar, obviously the drinks are not.
The Fremont Street Experience
The Fremont Street Experience offers a incredible sensory overload, all for free! The canopy, or the Viva Vision, is the World’s Largest LED Canopy Screen and provides shows nightly at the top of the hour starting at 6pm through 2am.
While you are there, be sure to take some time to appreciate the talented street performers who showcase their skills along the pedestrian mall.
Free Downtown Rock Concerts at Fremont Street Experience
Downtown Rocks at the Fremont Street Experience offers free live concerts on the weekend beginning in May and running through October. Check the Fremont Street Experience website for the latest performance schedule.
Million Dollar Display at Binion's
Take a photo with a historical display of a million dollars in cash at Binion's Gambling Hall. It's a fun, free, and iconic Vegas snapshot opportunity!
Tour the Las Vegas Street Murals
Explore the vibrant street art scene with a self-guided walking tour. Downtown Las Vegas boasts a collection of impressive murals scattered around 7th Street and the Arts District. They’re scattered throughout Downtown and the Arts District.
Downtown Fire & Fury
The Praying Mantis sculpture outside the Downtown Container Park provides a nightly fire-throwing display of art and technology. It’s a fun quick and free show to check out if you are in the area starting at Sundown and running to 11:00pm Sunday to Thursday and to 1:00am Friday and Saturday.
And for some quick acts on The Mantis. She is 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide and throws giant fire flames reaching six stories high. She also includes a built in 4,000 watt surround sound system. She can speak more than 20 different languages and is operated by a team of trained, licensed professionals. Don’t be surprised if she seemingly starts talking to you!
Fun free things to do Off-Strip and Beyond
Cool Off in Style at Topgolf's Hideaway Pool
At TopGolf, you can enjoy their Hideaway Pool for free during pool season. Just be aware that it is for 21+ only and it is closed during the winter months.
Art Displays at the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art
The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art located on the UNLV campus showcases a diverse collection of contemporary and historical works, with exhibitions changing throughout the year, and it is free. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm, but check the website to make sure that the museum isn’t temporarily closed while they install new art exhibits, which happens occasionally.
Historic Shelby’s at the Shelby Heritage Center
This one is especially for classic car enthusiasts. The Shelby Heritage Center offers a free museum experience dedicated to the legacy of Carroll Shelby and his iconic automobiles. You can explore the history of Shelby Mustangs and Cobras, and witness these legendary vehicles up close. Heritage Center Hours are Monday - Saturday 9:30am to 5:00pm, and Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden and Chocolate Factory Tour
The Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden is a free garden with a stunning desert landscape with over 300 varieties of cacti and succulents. It’s well worth a visit and, afterward, you can check out the chocolate factory which is right next door.
The Silverton Aquarium and Mermaid Show
The Silverton Casino Aquarium is massive holding more than 117,000 gallons of water, and it’s home to thousands of tropical fish and sharks. You can also catch one of the free daily mermaid shows, which is especially fun for the kids. The aquarium is free and is open 24/7. The mermaid swims are Monday – Wednesday 4:00pm – 8:00pm, Thursday – Saturday noon to 8:00pm, and Sunday 10:30am - 6:30pm. The mermaids swim every half hour during those times, except during scheduled stingray feedings.
Escape to Mount Charleston
One of our favorite locations to beat the desert summer heat is Mount Charleston. This mountain range offers a cooler climate, perfect for hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoying a breath of fresh air amidst breathtaking mountain views. And, if you go during the winter months, you can enjoy snow! Best of all, it’s free.
Visit the Hoover Dam and Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
You can also visit the Hoover Dam for free. While guided dam tours require a fee, you can still marvel at this architectural marvel and stroll across the scenic Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for breathtaking views
Take advantage of Free Table Game Lessons
Many of the Las Vegas casinos offer free table game lessons. The casinos are more than happy to teach you the essentials of blackjack, craps, or other table games. Just know that the free classes can fill up fast, so get there early to secure your spot.
Explore Nevada's Newest State Park: The Ice Age Fossils State Park
While not entirely free, there is a small $3 entrance fee for individuals over 12 years old, the brand new Ice Age Fossils State Park sounds like may be well worth checking out. It is only 30 minutes outside of Downtown Las Vegas and covers 315-acres where fossils for mammoths, American lions, camels, dire wolves and other Ice Age creatures have been discovered. We will let you know our experience at the park once we have a chance to explore it. The park is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
