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There are few cities that can compete with the array of shows and performances that Las Vegas offers. Magic shows and Las Vegas go hand-in-hand, with audiences packing out theaters across the city to see their favorite magicians perform amazing illusions.
Over the years, Vegas has become the home for world-class magicians to showcase their talents on stage, so there is no better place to see a spectacular magic show than Sin City. Booking tickets to see a Las Vegas magic show is a must, and the great news is many of the best magicians in Las Vegas will be taking to the stage over the coming months. Take a look at where you can see the very best magic shows in Las Vegas during your trip!
Best Magic Acts
David Copperfield
Magician extraordinaire David Copperfield is synonymous with epic illusions and widely regarded as one of the best magicians of the modern era. Copperfield has entertained audiences across the globe for decades with his daring shows and is best known as the magician that made the Statue of Liberty disappear. Notwithstanding recent controversies, Copperfield made his Las Vegas debut back in 1996 and has remained one of the city’s most popular entertainers ever since.
David Copperfield performs his illusions at The David Copperfield Theater most weeks with two shows nightly Sunday – Friday and three shows on Saturday. You can also book a Meet & Greet with the man himself to make your visit to Vegas even more memorable. Find out show dates and buy your tickets to see David Copperfield at the MGM Grand, which start at $71 plus taxes/fees, here.
Piff the Magic Dragon
Piff the Magic Dragon, aka UK-born magician John van der Put, first caught the nation’s attention when he appeared on America’s Got Talent back in 2015. Piff has performed his family-friendly show in Las Vegas since that same year, bringing his unique brand of entertainment to the Flamingo Showroom. With Mr. Piffles, the costumed performing chihuahua, Piff blends comedy and magic Saturday – Wednesday at 7 p.m..
The show is critically acclaimed and full of incredible tricks. Piff always keeps things light-hearted, and this show is great if you like dogs too. It will leave your stomach in stitches.
You can buy tickets to the show, starting at $42 plus taxes/fees, here.
Penn & Teller
Penn & Teller are arguably the most famous magic and comedy team working today. This iconic duo has appeared in countless TV shows over the past few decades, from The West Wing to The Simpsons to Fool Us. Penn & Teller will be celebrating their 50th anniversary performing together in 2025 so there will be even more excitement in the coming months. But anniversary or not, this magical duo’s unique style keeps their performances exciting and audiences coming back for more.
After first performing in Las Vegas in 1993, the pair have performed at the Rio, which is currently undergoing a transformation, for more than 20 years. The duo take the stage Thursday – Sunday at 8 p.m. To ensure you don’t miss out on seeing the award-winning and family-friendly Penn & Teller, get your tickets here, which start at $76 plus taxes/fees, and prepare to be amazed.
Mat Franco
Mat Franco may have been the first magician to win America’s Got Talent, but his star was already rising before appearing on the NBC show. Franco made his Las Vegas debut at the tender age of 15 when he performed at the Riviera Hotel & Casino at a Society of American Magicians show. Franco’s first headline show in Vegas started in 2015 at LINQ Hotel & Experience. Soon after the show began, the awards started pouring in with Franco’s performance named ‘Best Magic Show in Las Vegas’ in 2016.
Mind-blowing illusions are Mat Franco’s bread and butter. The theater projects a live close-up view of Mat performing tricks, ensuring you will want to take advantage of all the card tricks he has up his sleeve. By blending illusions with crowd interactions and a compelling storyline, Mat adds another layer of intrigue to the show, making it a must-see performance in Las Vegas. Expect more than an hour of your time to fly by as Mat’s mastery of magic is technically sound, all while being fun to watch.
Mat is on the more personable side. He talks about his family and his journey to be where he is right now, and it’s hard not to root for the guy. The theater he performs in is on the smaller side, which he takes advantage of by bringing his audience into his acts numerous times, which feels more intimate.
We love a good old-fashioned card trick, so if you are a fan of card tricks, Mat does not come up short with the number of ways he will mess with your brain.
PREMIER TIP: The LINQ Hotel + Experience is an excellent place to keep families busy. From virtual reality adventures to ziplining down the LINQ Promenade to riding one of the world’s most enormous Ferris wheels, there is something for every age and appetite.
In 2020, Franco’s residency at LINQ was extended by a further five years. You can get tickets here, which start at $49 plus taxes/fees, to see Mat Franco – Magic Reinvented Nightly in Las Vegas and see his astonishing illusions in person! His shows take place Friday – Wednesday.
Criss Angel
Criss Angel is a magician known for taking illusions to a whole new level. With his rock-star presence and daring performances, Angel takes his audiences way beyond the usual realms of magic shows. After all, this is the magician that spent 24-hours shackled and submerged in a water torture cell.
Angel’s first stage show in Las Vegas was a collaboration with Cirque du Soliel at the Luxor, which started in 2008. Criss Angel’s current show in Las Vegas is MINDFREAK, at the Criss Angel Theater at Planet Hollywood. This stunning show is a truly immersive experience with interactive features and state-of-the-art effects. Performing impossible-to-believe tricks, Angel is a fantastic and charismatic performer who will keep you entertained.
The popularity of Angel’s Vegas show has waned over the years with good seats usually not hard to come by. You can get your tickets here to see Criss Angel’s MINDFREAK’, which start at $79 plus taxes/fees. MINDFREAK is dark Monday and Tuesday.
Final Note: Shin Lim, who had a fairly successful run at The Mirage will be taking his ‘close-up’ magic show to The Palazzo Theater beginning October 10, 2024. Tickets, which start at $49.99 plus taxes/fees can be found here.
