Happy 2024! It looks like this year is as booming as the fireworks that welcomed it in, in terms of events and entertainment! While January is typically a slower month for tourism, it is a popular month for conventions. And I mean popular, as there are approximately 60-70 different conference/trade shows taking place through the month covering quite the array of vendors. We’re talking food to concrete, cosplay to adult entertainment.
While the majority of these events take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center and the World Market Place, several casino properties like Resorts World Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, The Venetian and Mandalay Bay also host conventions. As a result, those properties holding these events are going to be busier than those properties that are not hosting events. Conferences also mean an increase in public transportation like taxis, rideshare and the Monorail, as well as the closing of some venues for private events. If you’re coming to Vegas for a convention, have a great time! And if you’re not coming for a convention, we recommend doing some research on where you are planning to stay to avoid the convention chaos.
The weather in January is cold, as this is typically our coolest month of the year. The average temperature during the day in January is in the upper 50’s, with lows at night into the 40’s; however, it can get below freezing overnight. Your best bet is to pack layers to allow you to bundle up for the cold, but that you can remove one inside of the extra toasty casinos.
One great place to escape the cold is Fashion Show Las Vegas, the largest shopping mall in the entire state of Nevada. Fashion Show Las Vegas cannot be missed, with its unique design that stands out amongst the elaborate casinos that line the infamous Las Vegas Strip. Located near popular Strip properties like the Venetian, Wynn and Resorts World Las Vegas, Fashion Show Las Vegas is a convenient destination for Vegas visitors looking to shop, dine and experience uniquely Vegas attractions.
One attraction inside of Fashion Show Las Vegas that you’ll definitely want to add to your list is Shaq’s Fantasy Lab, and yes, THE Shaquelle O’Neil is the Chief Fantasy Officer of this totally Vegas experience. Shaq’s Fantasy Lab has its own entrance, but also can be accessed through the mall itself. Upon entering, one can be almost overwhelmed with all of the art located throughout the bar and dining area. You’ll certainly want to spend some time looking around to take in all of the décor.
Don’t forget those selfies, as there are so many great photo ops before you even get into the experience!
Speaking of experience, let’s get to it! Shaq’s Fantasy Lab is an immersive experience that takes guests through a series of art installations that certainly play on the senses. One of Fantasy Lab’s enthusiastic team members serves as a guide throughout the experience, sharing fun facts about each room along with ensuring that everyone in the group is safe throughout the journey.
Shaq’s Fantasy Lab consists of seven themed rooms that each tell their own story through both art, as well as cutting edge technology. These seven rooms, Labrynth, Circus, Stars, Nightmare, Kaleidoscope, Insomnia & Enlightenment, each have their own design and story, which evoke extraordinary emotional experiences and responses unique to each individual.
Fantasy Lab offers different experiences throughout the year and even has a 21 and older experience on Friday and Saturday evenings called Midnight Dreams. For more information on Shaq’s Fantasy Lab at Fashion Show Las Vegas, visit their website Fantasylablv.com
While the weather may be on the cool side, the entertainment in January is HOT! Now of course all of the regular Vegas shows are happening throughout the week, but here are some of the non-typical Vegas events happening this month:
Events:
- Disney on Ice: Frozen & Encanto, Thomas & Mack Center (1/4-7)
Music:
- Luke Bryan, Resorts World Las Vegas (1/3-6)
- Christina Aguilera, The Venetian (1/5-6)
- Ludacris, Zouk (1/6)
- Chicago, The Smith Center (1/10-11)
- Santana, House of Blues (1/12, 1/24, 1/26-28, 1/31)
- Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Westgate (1/12-14)
- Dru Hill & Ginuwine, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (1/14)
- Madonna, MGM Grand Garden Arena (1/18)
- Tony Orlando, South Point (1/19-21)
- Adele, Caesars Colosseum (1/19-27)
- Kylie Minogue, Voltaire at Venetian (1/19-20, 1/27)
- Collective Soul, The Palms (1/20)
- Righteous Brothers, South Point (1/23-24)
- Dia Nacional de la Banda, T-Mobile Arena (1/26)
- Aaron Lewis, Palms (1/27)
- U2, Sphere (1/26-27, 1/31)
- Styx, The Venetian (1/26-1/31)
Comedy:
- Impractical Jokers Live, Resorts World Las Vegas (1/13)
- Marlon Waynes, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (1/13)
- Mike Epps, The Venetian (1/13-14)
- Sebastian Maniscalco, Wynn (1/13-14)
- Atsuko Okatsuka, The Mirage (1/20)
- Chris Tucker, Encore at Wynn (1/19-20)
- Randy Rainbow, The Mirage (1/26)
Sports:
- Golden Boy Boxing Series: Ortiz Jr Vs Lawson, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (1/6)
- VGK at T-Mobile: vs Panthers 1/4, vs Islanders 1/6, vs Bruins 1/11, vs Flames 1/13, vs Predators 1/15, vs Rangers 1/18, vs Penguins 1/20
- Raiders at Allegiant Stadium: vs Denver (1/7)
- NBA G League’s Ignite at Dollar Loan Center: (1/5, 1/7, 1/9, 1/15, 1/17, 1/19, 1/29, 1/31)
- TNA Wrestling’s Hard To Kill, Palms (1/13)
- American Rodeo Contender Tournament, South Point (1/13)
- Desert Dogs (Lacrosse) at Michelob Ultra Arena: (1/27)
Now I know I say this every time, but I cannot stress it enough. Change is the constant here in Vegas…new shows are added, current ones canceled, so be sure to stay on top of any event that you plan on attending, as well as look into their policies on what can be brought into each venue. For the most up-to-date news on Vegas events, be sure to tune into our weekly live updates on our Ninth Island Connection YouTube Channel. We go live every Wednesday between 12pm-1pm PST.
Whether you’re a Las Vegas Local, or just visiting the Ninth Island, be sure to get out and explore this beautiful state! For more information on each of these destinations, check out this video, or tune into Ninth Island Connection on YouTube or YurView (Channel 14) Wednesdays @ 9 PM
