The Vegas Top Ten: The Most Memorable Concerts in Vegas

We have all witnessed the immense changes in Las Vegas over the years, from the once-blooming Mafia playground in the 40s and 50s to the gambling and entertainment hub in the 70s and 80s and to the ultimate symbol of luxurious, over-the-top enjoyment in the 90s and 2000s to what it is today: a combination of all things big, bold, bright, and beautiful. But ever since Elvis Presley graced the stage in Vegas and fulfilled his famous Vegas residency, Las Vegas has been home to entertainers of all kinds as well.

These magicians, dancers, comedy acts, and all sorts of performers (and, let’s not forget, lion-tamers) all love to put on a brilliant show in Sin City – but none more so than the musical artists that have truly made Las Vegas the place to be with their show-stopping concerts and musical extravaganzas. Need we say more? The experts report that you haven’t really spent proper time in Vegas if you haven’t seen at least one show, but there were some concerts that stole the spotlight once upon a time. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to watch a concert in Las Vegas, here’s your chance - and you certainly wouldn’t want to miss out. So let’s start by taking a trip down memory lane with a look at the top ten most memorable concerts in Vegas.

1. Elvis Presley at the International Hotel in 1969

No conversation about memorable Las Vegas concerts would be complete without mentioning the King of Rock 'n' Roll! It all began in July 1969 when Elvis Presley kicked off a four-week residency at the International Hotel (now Westgate Las Vegas). After a brief hiatus from live performances, this comeback concert was said to be monumental for his career. Presley’s outstanding residency set the tone for what would become a Vegas tradition of long-running headlining shows. His high-energy performances, where he was a sight to behold and he blended rock and roll with ballads, electrified the audience, leaving a legacy that still resonates in the halls and concert venues of Las Vegas today. He performed a total of 837 consecutive shows in Las Vegas – which were all, not surprisingly, sold out.

2. Celine Dion at Caesars Palace from 2003 to 2019

More recently, Celine Dion’s residency at Caesars Palace is one of the most successful in Las Vegas history. Her concert series, “A New Day,” which began in 2003, transformed the modern Vegas residency into a sought-after career move for many artists of different genres. The custom-built Colosseum at Caesars Palace became synonymous with her powerful voice and extravagant performances. Over the course of her 16-year (!) run, Dion performed more than 1,000 shows, drawing in millions of fans. Songs like "My Heart Will Go On" became emotional moments that left attendees breathless – and reduced some to tears.

3. The Beatles at the Las Vegas Convention Center in 1964

Long before Elvis dominated the Strip or Celine Dion became its queen, The Beatles made their mark on Las Vegas. Not many may be aware of it, but on the 20th of August, 1964, during the height of Beatlemania, the Fab Four performed two concerts at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Although the venue was supposed to hold only around 8,000 fans, the demand for tickets far exceeded its capacity! This concert was a part of their first US tour and remains one of the most important performances in Vegas music history. Their short setlist (including hits like "She Loves You" and "Twist and Shout"), was met with deafening screams from wild fans, embodying the frenzy of Beatlemania.

4. Frank Sinatra at The Sands in 1966

Frank Sinatra is another artist who is synonymous with Las Vegas, and his performances at The Sands in the ‘60s helped define the city's image as a hub for the world’s top entertainers. The 1966 concert is particularly memorable, not just for Sinatra’s smooth vocals and timeless style, but also because it was the height of the Rat Pack era. His performances, backed by a 41-piece orchestra, exuded glamour and class, giving the audience a quintessential Vegas experience. His rendition of "Fly Me to the Moon" and "My Way" set the tone for many years as the true sound of Vegas, earning him the unofficial title of "Chairman of the Board."

5. Prince at The Rio from 2006 to 2007

The Purple One’s residency at the Rio Hotel & Casino was nothing short of legendary. Prince performed at the 3121 club, named after his album "3121," from 2006 to 2007. But what made these concerts so unforgettable was the sheer unpredictability of the shows. Prince played guitar, piano, and sang his heart out, performing everything from his greatest hits like "Purple Rain" to rare B-sides. His concerts were intimate yet explosive, combining funk, soul, and rock in a way that only Prince could deliver. Fans often left wondering what would happen next, making each performance truly unique.

6. Lady Gaga at Park Theater from 2018 to the present

To contemporary fans, Lady Gaga’s Vegas residency, "Enigma + Jazz & Piano," which began in 2018, brought theatricality, music, and art to the Park Theater in a way only Gaga could. "Enigma" focused on her pop hits with an extravagant, futuristic set design, while "Jazz & Piano" highlighted her vocal prowess with stripped-down renditions of classic songs. Gaga’s creativity, vocal ability, and stage presence made these concerts a must-see. Her residency continues to be one of the most exciting shows on the Strip, blending pop culture with high art and earning rave reviews for its innovation.

7. Adele at The Colosseum from 2022 to the present

Adele’s Las Vegas residency, “Weekends with Adele,” was an immediate success when it launched in November 2022 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Known for her powerful vocals and emotional connection to her audience, Adele's performances are intimate and personal, despite the grandeur of the venue. Her raw, honest delivery of hits like "Someone Like You" and "Hello" captivates the audience, making every concert feel like an exclusive, heartrending experience. Her Vegas shows have added a new chapter to her already illustrious career, bringing heartfelt, stripped-back performances to the Strip.

8. Elton John at Caesars Palace from 2011 to 2018

Elton John’s "The Million Dollar Piano" residency at Caesars Palace was a visual and musical feast. Running from 2011 to 2018, the show featured a custom-made Yamaha piano, adorned with over 68 LED screens, as the centerpiece of the stage. John delivered spectacular performances of his classic hits like "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer," along with dazzling visuals. His flamboyant style and incredible showmanship made each concert a night to remember. John’s Vegas residency was not only a musical triumph but also an immersive spectacle of lights, costumes, and raw talent.

9. Britney Spears at Planet Hollywood from 2013 to 2017

When Britney Spears launched her "Piece of Me" residency at Planet Hollywood in 2013, she revitalized the concept of the Vegas residency for pop stars. Her high-energy shows featured elaborate choreography and a hit-filled setlist. Over four years, Britney performed for hundreds of thousands of fans, solidifying her as a pop icon. The concert series was one of the highest-grossing Vegas residencies, and Britney’s iconic performances of songs like "Toxic" and "Baby One More Time" left a lasting impact on pop music and the Vegas entertainment scene.

10. Queen + Adam Lambert at the MGM Grand in 2014

In 2014, legendary rock band Queen (our personal fave of all time!) teamed up with Adam Lambert for a one-night-only concert at the MGM Grand. This epic show brought together classic rock and modern glam, as Lambert filled the shoes of the late Freddie Mercury with ease. The band performed their greatest hits, including "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You," while Lambert paid homage to Mercury’s legacy with his unique flair. The concert was a perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh energy, to say the least, leaving both old and new fans enthralled.

Las Vegas has always had a reputation of being a city where anything can happen - and the concert stage is no exception. From rock and roll to pop, jazz, and everything in between, the most memorable concerts in Vegas have showcased legendary performers and their unforgettable music and even a bevy of iconic moments. Whether it's Elvis Presley making history at the International Hotel or Adele captivating audiences with her heartfelt performances, these concerts have defined Las Vegas as a global entertainment capital where music legends come to shine and be worshipped by millions of adoring fans.