The Backstreet Boys are breaking Sphere records, Def Leppard's taking over Caesars, and Sunday belongs entirely to the Super Bowl. Here's your guide to Las Vegas this weekend, with enough options to drain your wallet or keep it happily intact.
Let's be honest: Vegas in early February is basically two cities. There's the usual 24/7 sensory overload of residency shows, neon-drenched nightlife, and casinos that have no concept of time. And then there's Super Bowl Sunday, when the entire town pivots to football watch parties ranging from FREE outdoor blowouts to $400-a-head VIP experiences with bottle service.
This particular weekend delivers an unusually stacked lineup. The Backstreet Boys are wrapping up their record-breaking Sphere residency, Def Leppard kicks into their Colosseum run, and Daniel Tosh brings his "farewell" tour to the Strip. Meanwhile, First Friday offers a rare free cultural experience in the Arts District, and the UFC quietly stages a fight card at the APEX. Whether you're here for the Big Game or trying to avoid it entirely, there's something for you.
These events were hand-picked from venue calendars, verified for accuracy, and organized by what's actually worth your attention. You can save any of these on AllEvents to get reminders before showtime.
How this list works: Events are organized by impact and urgency. Each listing covers what it is, why it matters, who it's for, and the practical details you need. Some of these run nightly (Vegas residencies gonna Vegas residency), while others are genuinely one-time-only opportunities.
What: The boy band phenomenon continues their groundbreaking Sphere residency, utilizing the venue's 160,000-square-foot LED interior to wrap audiences in a multimedia experience that's unlike anything they've done before.
Why go: This is genuinely historic. The Backstreet Boys became the first pop act to headline Sphere, and the production has been drawing rave reviews from fans and critics alike. The show transforms their catalog into an immersive journey through different eras, with visuals that simply couldn't exist anywhere else. If you grew up with "I Want It That Way" or "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)," this is the definitive way to experience it.
Who it's for: Millennial nostalgia seekers, anyone curious about what Sphere can actually do beyond U2 and Eagles, and pop music fans who want to see a legacy act at the peak of their powers.
When: Thursday Feb 5, Friday Feb 6, and Saturday Feb 7 at 8 PM
Need to know: Sphere at The Venetian. Tickets from $150+. The Feb 7 show is likely the last of this run, so expect a charged atmosphere. Arrive early to explore the venue's exterior light show.
What: The British rock legends launch their new Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum, performing their 1978 album Pieces of Eight in its entirety alongside decades of hits.
Why go: This is the first time Def Leppard has done a dedicated Vegas residency in this format, and The Colosseum provides a far more intimate setting than their usual stadium tours. Expect "Pour Some Sugar on Me," "Photograph," "Hysteria," and the deep cuts that hardcore fans live for. The Colosseum sound system is also legitimately excellent.
Who it's for: Classic rock devotees, anyone who grew up with '80s arena rock, and fans who want a setlist that goes beyond the greatest hits.
When: Saturday Feb 7 at 8 PM (also Feb 3 and 5 earlier in the week)
Need to know: The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Tickets from $89. Residency runs through February 28 with dates scattered throughout the month.
What: The Downtown Las Vegas Events Center transforms into a massive outdoor watch party with screens everywhere, food trucks, drink specials, and thousands of fellow football fans.
Why go: Look, if you're in Vegas for Super Bowl Sunday, you have options ranging from "free and rowdy" to "obscenely expensive and exclusive." The DLVEC party falls firmly in the first category, which is exactly what makes it appealing. No pretense, no $300 minimum spend, just a giant outdoor party downtown.
Who it's for: Budget-conscious football fans, groups who want flexibility, and anyone who'd rather spend their money on actual bets.
When: Sunday Feb 8, doors at 2 PM, kickoff around 3:30 PM PST
Need to know: Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, 200 S 3rd St. FREE entry. Must be 21+. Food and drinks available for purchase. Alternative premium options include Circa's Stadium Swim ($200+), Wynn's Allegro viewing party ($325 per person), and countless sportsbook setups across the Strip.
What: The annual R&B throwback concert returns with a stacked lineup: Blackstreet, Ginuwine, Baby Bash, MC Magic, Frankie J, GQ, Rose Royce, and Peaches & Herb.
Why go: Honestly, this lineup is absurd. You're getting "No Diggity," "Pony," "Suga Suga," and a dozen other songs that defined an era, all in one night. The Orleans Arena isn't fancy, but for this kind of nostalgic time-warp, the vibe usually delivers.
Who it's for: Anyone who came of age in the '90s or early 2000s, couples looking for a date night with a soundtrack, and R&B heads who've been waiting for this exact lineup.
When: Saturday Feb 7 at 7:30 PM
Need to know: Orleans Arena, 4500 W Tropicana Ave. Tickets from $50+. Presented by Pacific Concert Group. This is off-Strip, so plan your transportation accordingly.
What: The monthly arts and culture block party takes over the Arts District with local artists, live music, food trucks, and community vibes that feel nothing like the Strip.
Why go: First Friday is genuinely the best free event in Las Vegas. It's a window into local culture that most tourists never see: galleries opening their doors, street performers, murals being painted live, and a crowd that's actually from here. February's event tends to draw solid attendance since the weather's finally tolerable.
Who it's for: Art lovers, locals and visitors who want something different, families (it's all-ages until things wind down), and anyone tired of casino carpet.
When: Friday Feb 6, 5-11 PM (most activity 6-10 PM)
Need to know: Arts District, centered around Main Street and Charleston Boulevard. FREE. Street parking is limited; rideshare is your friend. Some galleries host separate ticketed events.
What: The former Tosh.0 host brings his touring show to The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan, continuing his "farewell" tour that's been selling out venues nationwide.
Why go: Tosh has always been polarizing, which is exactly why his fans are devoted. His stand-up is sharper and more personal than his TV work, with the kind of observations that hit different in a live setting. The Chelsea is also one of the better mid-size venues on the Strip.
Who it's for: Tosh.0 fans, comedy enthusiasts who appreciate darker humor, and anyone who wants to see if he actually addresses the "farewell" in the title.
When: Saturday Feb 7 at 8 PM
Need to know: The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan. Tickets from $50+. 18+. Show runs approximately 90 minutes.
What: The explosive comedian joins MGM Grand's legendary Aces of Comedy series for a one-night-only headlining set.
Why go: Distefano has been on a tear lately, selling out theaters across the country with his high-energy, relatable storytelling. He's also become a podcast staple and recently appeared in Netflix's Tires. The David Copperfield Theater is intimate enough that even the back rows feel connected.
Who it's for: Podcast comedy fans, anyone who caught him on Tires or Hey Babe, and people who want to laugh hard on a Friday night.
When: Friday Feb 6 at 10 PM
Need to know: David Copperfield Theater at MGM Grand. Tickets from $45. Note the late start time; plan your dinner accordingly.
What: A 13-fight card headlines with bantamweight contender Mario Bautista facing Vinicius Oliveira at the newly renamed Meta APEX facility.
Why go: This isn't a major PPV, but APEX cards have a raw, intense energy that's different from the arena shows. You're essentially watching a live broadcast unfold in a studio environment, which means the action feels incredibly close. Tickets are also significantly cheaper than major UFC events.
Who it's for: MMA diehards who want to see rising talent, fight fans visiting Vegas who want to catch some live action without arena prices.
When: Saturday Feb 7, prelims at 3 PM, main card at 6 PM
Need to know: Meta APEX, 6650 S El Camino Rd, Enterprise (15 minutes from the Strip). Tickets from $50. The APEX is small, so any seat gives you a good view.
What: Mountain West Conference basketball as UNLV hosts the Grand Canyon Antelopes at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Why go: College basketball atmospheres are genuinely fun, and UNLV games tend to draw engaged crowds. Grand Canyon has built a competitive program, so this should be a solid game. It's also a different kind of Vegas experience than most tourists get.
Who it's for: College hoops fans, families looking for afternoon entertainment, and anyone who wants to experience something local.
When: Saturday Feb 7 at 1:30 PM (Pacific)
Need to know: Thomas & Mack Center, 4505 S Maryland Pkwy. Tickets from $15. The arena is on the UNLV campus, about 10 minutes from the Strip.
What: The longest-running headlining show in Vegas history continues at the Rio, blending magic, comedy, and a healthy dose of skepticism.
Why go: Penn & Teller have been doing this for over 50 years, and somehow the show still feels fresh. Their approach treats magic as entertainment rather than mysticism, with tricks designed to make you think as much as wonder. The meet-and-greet after every show is also genuinely charming.
Who it's for: Magic fans, comedy lovers, skeptics who appreciate the duo's debunking sensibility, and anyone who wants a quintessential Vegas show.
When: Thursday Feb 5, Friday Feb 6, and Saturday Feb 7 at 8 PM
Need to know: Penn & Teller Theater at Rio Las Vegas, 3700 W Flamingo Rd. Tickets from $80. The Rio is off-Strip but offers free shuttle service. After the show, both Penn and Teller meet fans in the lobby.
What: The two-time America's Got Talent winner performs his signature sleight-of-hand magic at the intimate Palazzo Theatre.
Why go: Shin Lim's close-up card work is genuinely mind-bending. The Palazzo Theatre setting allows for an immersive experience where you're watching his hands closely, trying to figure out how any of it is possible. If you've only seen him on TV, the live show hits differently.
Who it's for: Magic enthusiasts, anyone who was mesmerized by his AGT performances, and couples looking for a classy date night.
When: Saturday Feb 7 at 7:30 PM (also Wednesday-Sunday weekly)
Need to know: Palazzo Theatre at The Venetian Resort. Tickets from $70. All ages welcome. Show runs approximately 75 minutes.
What: The most commercially successful magician in history continues his long-running residency at the theater that bears his name.
Why go: Love him or roll your eyes at the spectacle, Copperfield remains the gold standard for large-scale illusion magic. The production values are massive, the illusions are updated regularly, and he's been doing this long enough that the show is impeccably polished.
Who it's for: Tourists seeking a classic Vegas experience, families (all ages welcome), and anyone who grew up watching his TV specials.
When: Friday Feb 6 at 7 PM and 9:30 PM; Saturday Feb 7 at 4 PM, 7 PM, and 9:30 PM
Need to know: David Copperfield Theater at MGM Grand. Tickets from $85. Multiple showtimes daily. The 4 PM Saturday show works well for families.
What: The raunchy, R-rated circus show that's been packing its Spiegeltent outside Caesars Palace since 2011, featuring acrobatics, burlesque, and a gleefully vulgar host.
Why go: Absinthe is consistently rated one of the best shows in Vegas because it genuinely delivers on its promise: jaw-dropping acrobatics performed inches from your face, wrapped in comedy that pushes every boundary. It's not for everyone, but if you're in, you're IN.
Who it's for: Adults who don't mind crude humor, circus fans, and anyone looking for a show that feels genuinely dangerous and intimate.
When: Friday Feb 6 and Saturday Feb 7 at 7 PM and 9 PM; Sunday Feb 8 at 5 PM and 8 PM
Need to know: The Spiegeltent at Caesars Palace (outdoor tent in front of the hotel). Tickets from $149. Strictly 18+. The tent is small and the seats are close, which is part of the appeal.
What: The original aquatic Cirque du Soleil spectacular, performing in a custom-built theater at Bellagio with a 1.5-million-gallon pool that serves as the stage.
Why go: After 25+ years, "O" remains the most technically ambitious show on the Strip. Swimmers, synchronized divers, and acrobats perform in, above, and around water in ways that still feel impossible. It's the show that convinced Las Vegas that Cirque du Soleil belonged here.
Who it's for: First-time Vegas visitors who want the essential experience, Cirque fans, and anyone who appreciates stagecraft at its absolute peak.
When: Friday Feb 6 at 6:30 PM and 9 PM; Saturday Feb 7 at 6:30 PM and 9 PM (dark Sunday Feb 8)
Need to know: "O" Theatre at Bellagio. Tickets from $125. The theater was purpose-built for this show. No late seating.
What: The newest major production show in Vegas, combining acrobatics, illusion, projection mapping, and aerial work in a purpose-built theater.
Why go: Awakening won "Best Production Show" from the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association, which means the people who see every show in town think this one stands out. The technology is cutting-edge, and the narrative format gives it a different feel from traditional Cirque-style productions.
Who it's for: Families (all ages welcome), anyone staying at Wynn or Encore, and production show enthusiasts who want to see what's new.
When: Friday Feb 6 at 6:30 PM and 9 PM; Saturday Feb 7 at 4 PM, 6:30 PM, and 9 PM; Sunday Feb 8 at 4 PM, 6:30 PM, and 9 PM
Need to know: Awakening Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. Tickets from $90. The 4 PM shows work well for families with younger kids.
Mystère by Cirque du Soleil (Treasure Island): The original Vegas Cirque show, still delivering high-energy acrobatics. Feb 6 and 7 at 6 PM and 8:30 PM (dark Sunday). From $80.
Michael Jackson ONE (Mandalay Bay): Cirque's tribute to the King of Pop. Feb 7 and 8 at 6:30 PM and 9 PM. From $85.
Blue Man Group (Luxor): The drumming, paint-splattered sensory experience. Feb 6 and 7 at 5 PM and 8 PM (dark Feb 8). From $60.
Omega Mart at AREA15: Meow Wolf's immersive art installation disguised as a surreal supermarket. Open daily. $43 general admission; $33 for Nevada residents.
Gasolina Reggaetón Bowl (Brooklyn Bowl): If you want to dance to reggaeton instead of watching football. Friday Feb 6 at 9 PM.
Q: What's the best free thing to do this weekend? A: First Friday on February 6 or the Big Game Bash on February 8. Both are legitimately great free experiences, just very different vibes.
Q: Best date night options? A: Shin Lim for classy and intimate, Absinthe for wild and unforgettable, or "O" for sheer spectacle.
Q: Best family activity? A: Awakening at Wynn or David Copperfield at MGM Grand. Both are all-ages and genuinely entertaining for kids and adults.
Q: What's selling out fastest? A: Backstreet Boys at Sphere (especially the Feb 7 show) and Daniel Tosh. Both have been drawing strong ticket sales.
Q: Should I bet on the Super Bowl? A: That's between you and your bank account. But yes, every sportsbook on the Strip will be packed Sunday. Get your bets in early if you have strong opinions.
Q: Anything I should skip? A: If you're not actively into MMA, the UFC Fight Night might feel underwhelming compared to the big PPV events. It's still solid, but manage expectations.
Super Bowl Sunday dominates the cultural calendar, but this weekend offers enough variety to either lean into the football madness or escape it entirely. Check AllEvents for last-minute additions, grab your tickets before the best seats disappear, and remember: in Vegas, "this weekend" is really just a state of mind.
