Las Vegas in May 2025: The Ultimate Calendar Guide to Pool Parties, Comedy Clubs, and Must-See Las Vegas Shows
May is the heartbeat of the Las Vegas Strip—where pool parties sizzle, world-famous performers light up the stage, and every day is filled with jaw-dropping feats, music festivals, magic, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether your crew wants Cirque du Soleil show stunners, comedy club favorites, Memorial Day weekend action, or the immersive energy of Electric Daisy Carnival, this guide gives you the best dates, acts, tips, and ticket price advice for a trip of a lifetime.
Why May is the Best Show in Town
The Strip in May brings longer days, perfect pool weather, and a parade of Las Vegas shows and special events. Crowd energy rises for Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day weekend, and headline residencies from the king of pop to punk rock icons. What makes this month unforgettable? A jam-packed schedule, world-class sound quality, and a blend of legendary acts and family fun you only find in the entertainment capital of the world.
Week-by-Week Calendar of Las Vegas May 2025 Highlights
May 1-5: Early Laughs, Magic, and Cinco de Mayo Fiestas
Comedy Clubs and Residency Openers
Kick off May with can’t-miss comedy shows and Las Vegas residency icons:
- Jerry Seinfeld delivers a hilarious 70-minute show at Caesars Palace Colosseum (May 2-3), with top-tier sound quality and classic Vegas magic.
- Jim Gaffigan brings his unique style to several standup sets, joining a busy lineup of comedy club acts at Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Rio Hotel & Casino.
- For families craving jaw-dropping acrobatics, Potted Potter at Horseshoe Las Vegas – Imagine Showroom adapts every Harry Potter book, and Tape Face delivers quirky late night antics at the aptly named Magic Attic.
Cinco de Mayo: The Strip’s Brightest Night
On May 5, the Las Vegas Strip becomes a parade of colors, music, and parties. Pool parties at Encore Beach Club and Caesars Palace explode with live music, mariachi, mouth-watering tacos, and immersive experiences for kids and adults.
- Miracle Mile Shops feature special events and pop-up Harry Potter book shops.
- Many resorts—like the LINQ Hotel and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas—offer themed brunches and drink specials.
- Double-check each pool’s terms of use and privacy policy for family hours and entry requirements.
May 6–15: Residency Stars, Magic, and Vegas Golden Knights
Residency Highlights and Immersive Show Experiences
Mid-May brings big names and spectacular absinthe throughout the Strip:
- Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley anchor Las Vegas residency shows at Resorts World Theatre. Think epic special effects, jaw-dropping feats, and hit songs parents and teens love—check the independent show guide for VIP experiences and ticket prices, including limited time offers and spring fling savings.
- Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay – Mandalay Bay Theatre is a tribute to the king of pop, combining Cirque du Soleil show acrobatics, spectacular sound quality, and the dancer’s hits for a show that’s number one for both new fans and nostalgia seekers.
- Punk rock shows pop up around Downtown Las Vegas Events Center with student member promos, and live music spills out at Treasure Island and Wynn Las Vegas – Encore Theater.
Sports and Family Fun
- The Vegas Golden Knights wrap up their regular season at T-Mobile Arena—a perfect “late night” family or friends outing.
- Experience the ultimate variety show at Planet Hollywood – V Theater, and check for matinee times today for risk-free family tickets.
- Take a break outdoors at Red Rock Canyon or plan a quick trip to the Grand Canyon—ideal for unwinding between show nights.
May 16–18: Electric Daisy Carnival & Music Festival Madness
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)
May’s main event is EDC, produced by Insomniac Holdings, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
- May 16–18: Up to 140,000 fans per night. Eight massive stages, world-famous DJs, immersive experience art cars, carnival rides, and the most colorful crowd in North America.
- Shuttles from the Strip make transit easy.
- Tickets, resale tickets, and VIP experiences can be found through official and third party sources—but always review the privacy policy and terms of use when purchasing.
More Music Festivals and Comedy Hits
- Punk Rock Bowling Festival at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (May 24–26) offers punk rock legends and a wild, unforgettable blend of cabaret, bowling, and concerts.
- David Spade & Nikki Glaser headline at Venetian Resort Las Vegas – Voltaire on May 16–17.
- Throughout the Strip, find pop-up shows at Rio Hotel & Casino, special magic at Experience – Mat Franco Theater, and immersive cabaret at MGM Grand – David Copperfield Theatre and Mad Apple.
May 19–26: Themed Parties, Sports, and Memorial Day Mayhem
Concerts, Sports, and Pool Party Central
- Katy Perry performs at T-Mobile Arena (May 17), bringing spectacular effects and late night energy.
- Kenny Chesney opens a Las Vegas residency at The Sphere (May 22), joining Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley on the residency circuit.
- Sports fans can see the Las Vegas Aces WNBA opener (May 23 at Michelob Ultra Arena).
- Pool parties at Encore Beach Club, Caesars Palace, and Wynn Las Vegas pack in live DJs, immersive effects, and special events—expect ticket prices to soar for Memorial Day weekend (May 23–26).
- Memorial Day weekend is prime time for VIP experiences, show ticket packages, and special events throughout the valley.
All Month: Cirque du Soleil Show Legends & Hidden Gems
Cirque du Soleil Classics
Experience jaw-dropping feats, special effects, and unforgettable family memories:
- Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay – Mandalay Bay Theatre
- Mystère at Treasure Island
- O at Bellagio
For a more risqué production, see the spectacular Absinthe or the Strip’s sexiest tease at Caesars Palace, both known for their circular stage and immersive acts (check age guidelines).
Magic and Variety for Every Age
- Criss Angel’s Las Vegas stuns visitors with angel’s most jaw-dropping illusions—limited time offer packages available at select dates.
- The Ultimate Variety Show keeps things fresh with rotating acts, magic, student member stunts, and snap-worthy special effects.
- Try Mat Franco’s Experience – Mat Franco Theater for audience-driven magic; check independent show guide for ticket prices and availability.
Late Night & Immersive Shows
Night owls flock to Potted Potter or Magic Attic, or join punk rock aficionados at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center for late night sets.
For something offbeat, experience Tape Face—a hilarious blend of mime and immersive comedy perfect for all ages.
Looking for unique? Seek out Tournament of Kings for dinner and a show, or a Vegas history walk guided by local storytellers (often student members or guides with tales of the Rat Pack and Vegas spectaculars).
VIP Planning, Ticket Prices, and Terms of Use
Booking Las Vegas shows and pool party tickets in May can require strategy:
- Use an independent show guide or venue website to compare ticket prices, check best show times today, and avoid resale ticket markups.
- Always read terms of use and privacy policy for third party sites. Some companies list hotel reservations, show tickets, and VIP experiences as final sale on resale tickets.
- Seek out limited time offer bundles for Las Vegas residency shows—especially during Memorial Day weekend and EDC.
- For families, check customer service details for show ticket age restrictions, pool entry hours, student member deals, and entertainment guides.
Family Fun Beyond the Strip
May is the season for exploring both on and off the Strip:
- Adventure at Red Rock Canyon or the Grand Canyon is a must for families (or anyone needing a break from the heat).
- Miracle Mile Shops and LINQ Hotel have free attractions, Harry Potter book nooks, and surprise music activations.
- For young kids, try Discovery Children’s Museum or water play areas at select hotels.
- Dig deeper into Vegas history on a Mob Museum tour, ICSC members-only events, or vintage neon sign walks.
- Offbeat experiences like scavenger hunts themed after Sorcerer’s Stone or street food fests at Planet Hollywood – V Theater deliver quirky Vegas fun.
Check out our article on things you can do for free in Las Vegas here.
Quick-Reference: Las Vegas in May 2025 Events Calendar
| Date Range | Event/Show | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2–3 | Jerry Seinfeld Comedy Show | Caesars Palace, Colosseum | Book early, hilarious 70-min show |
| May 2–3, 6+ dates | Jim Gaffigan Standup, Tape Face | Multiple comedy clubs; Magic Attic | Family & late night |
| May 3 | Post Malone + Jelly Roll Concert | Allegiant Stadium | High demand |
| May 5 | Cinco de Mayo Pool Parties | Encore Beach Club, Caesars Palace, Strip | Live music, street tacos |
| May 16–18 | Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) | Las Vegas Motor Speedway | Immersive EDM festival |
| May 16–17 | David Spade, Nikki Glaser Comedy Shows | Venetian Resort Las Vegas – Voltaire | Comedy club night out |
| May 17 | Katy Perry Concert | T-Mobile Arena | Special effects & spectacle |
| May 22+ | Kenny Chesney Las Vegas Residency | The Sphere | Residency kickoff |
| May 23 | Las Vegas Aces Home Opener | Michelob Ultra Arena | WNBA season |
| May 23–26 | Memorial Day Pool Parties & Punk Rock Bowling | Strip pools; Downtown Las Vegas | VIP experiences peak |
| All Month | Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Michael Jackson, Cirque du Soleil shows | Resorts World Theatre, Mandalay Bay, Treasure Island, Bellagio | Residency, acrobatics, variety |
Expert Tips for the Best Show (and Trip!)
- Book Early: Pool parties, big-name shows, and VIP experiences sell out fast, especially for major weekends.
- Mix it Up: Balance high-energy days (Electric Daisy Carnival, punk rock, pool hopping) with chill mornings at Red Rock Canyon or the spa.
- Stay Flexible: Download the independent show guide app for real-time updates on Las Vegas shows, late night events, and show ticket drops.
- Family Advantage: Look for student member deals, matinee rates, and ‘kids free’ pool hours at Caesars Palace and the LINQ Hotel.
- Stay Safe: Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and set meeting spots—especially around Encore Beach Club and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway during festival nights.
Las Vegas in May offers an unforgettable blend of live music, Memorial Day weekend showdowns, comedy club headliners, and immersive experience venues from the Strip to downtown. Catch the king of pop’s best show, enjoy the number one greatest show at Mandalay Bay, marvel at jaw-dropping acrobatics at Cirque du Soleil or late night magic by Criss Angel, and discover why this city is truly the entertainment capital of the world.
No matter which unmissable journey you choose—poolside, stage-side, or under the stars at Las Vegas Motor Speedway—May in Las Vegas gives you more than a vacation. It’s a series of memories that prove every moment here is a headline act.
Ready to plan, reserve, and jump into the best May yet?
Bookmark this calendar, join our mailing list for VIP and limited time offers, and check back for privacy policy updates, ticket prices, and third party event news—so your Las Vegas residency is as smooth as the Strip at sunset.
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