Las Vegas nightlife bounces back with big names in residency

RuPaul’s DragRace Live (Photos by Denise Truscello)

When Adele announced her Las Vegas residency, gays around the world let out a collective gasp. Tickets were immediately scooped up and resold at astronomical prices. Then, just days before her “Weekends with Adele” show was set to debut, the “Easy on Me” singer took to Twitter and tearfully broke our hearts saying, “I’m so sorry, but my show ain’t ready. I’m gutted.” 

But let’s not count out Adele quite yet. It’s possible her Caesars Palace residency will be ready this fall, around the same time we’re hearing Celine Dion could take the stage at her new home at Resorts World. And if these two legends do hit the Las Vegas stage, 2022 will be epic. 

After two years of restrictions, Vegas is experiencing a bounce back. Big-name headliners are filling theaters and arenas (K-pop superstars BTS sold out four stadium concerts in minutes), Cirque shows have returned and drag brunches are just as fabulous as ever. Here are a few artists and shows we’ve got our eye on this year.  

RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE!

RuPaul’s DragRace Live (Photos by Denise Truscello)

Four, fashionable new queens recently joined the fierce cast of  RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE! Fans of the television show will surely recognize the new Vegas showgirls–Eureka O’Hara, Jaida Essence Hall, Plastique Tiara, and Trinity K Bonetwill. They join the rest of the sassy cast (Asia O’Hara, Derrick Barry, Kameron Michaels, Naomi Smalls, and Vanessa “Vanjie” Mateo) in a show as catty and competitive as the TV version.   

Katy Perry

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry)

Check reality at the door and take a trip down the rabbit hole. Katy Perry’s larger-than-life “Play” residency is whimsical, silly, and, at times, cheesy. The “Waking Up in Vegas” singer transports fans to a dream-like, colorful world with oversized, singing furniture and set pieces. Perry’s Playland will be on display all summer with show dates from May through August.  

RELATED: First look inside Martha Stewart’s new ‘fully-immersive’ Las Vegas restaurant

ABSINTHE

(photo credit: Erik Kabik Photography)

One of GayCities’ favorites, ABSINTHE is the one show you’ll walk out talking about. Hosted by a greasy Gazillionaire, filled with filthy jokes and risque humor, it combines jaw-dropping comedy, acrobats, and burlesque for an evening of world-class entertainment. You’ll leave shocked. One way or another.   

Mad Apple 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mad Apple (@madapplelv)

The city’s most anticipated show opening this year is a new Cirque du Soleil cocktail that moves away from their standard acrobatic circus. Instead, the Quebecois troupe mixes together elements of dance, comedy, and magic. We’re intrigued and ready to take a bite of the Mad Apple. It opens in May at New York-New York.

NEXT PAGE: Lady Gaga, Magic Mike LIVE, drag brunches, and more!

Magic Mike Live

(photo credit: Peter Brew-Bevan and Jerry Metellus)

There are plenty of male revues in Las Vegas. However, we like this one best because MML’s chiseled dancers give ample table time to the fellas, as well as the ladies. Plus, there’s a chance Channing Tatum may show up.  

Lady Gaga

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga)

For the sophisticated, Lady Gaga’s Jazz & Piano show at Park MGM celebrates “her love of the Great American Songbook.” Expect glitz, glamor, and elegant gowns at this Gaga gala, running April 14-May 1. While she’ll perform versions of some of her hits, the tempo is toned down and the outlandish outfits are absent. No meat dresses here, honey.

Silk Sonic

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Silk Sonic (@silksonic)

Don’t expect video evidence of attending Silk Sonic. That’s because the dynamic duo (Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak) will be bagging your phones upon entry. The show is full of funk, disco, and R&B, and if you’ve never seen Bruno live…just go. You can catch them throughout May at Park MGM. 

RELATED: Get a taste for the top 5 sexiest Las Vegas date night restaurants

Drag Brunches

(photo via Facebook)

How about some tea with the queens? Las Vegas has two fabulous drag brunches. Every Friday through Sunday, Drag Race stars Shannel, Kahanna Montrese and Yara Sofia run the show at Senor Frog’s in Treasure Island, while The Garden has a super high-energy weekend Bottomless Drag Brunch in downtown’s Art District. 

Discover more gay-friendly spaces in our Las Vegas City Guide.

Don't forget to share:

Your support makes our travel guides possible

We believe that LGBTQ+ people deserve safe vacations that allow them to be their authentic selves. That's why our City Guides aren't locked behind a paywall. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated