The NACS Show returns to Las Vegas in October for the second time this decade, the last being in 2022. The convenience-store industry’s preeminent event was in Atlanta in 2023.
To NACS participants, Las Vegas delivers not only an iconic Western-U.S. experience but also many local attractions and recreational options. There’s gambling, eye-catching architecture, alluring day trips and live entertainment—from music and comedy to magic and performance art. CSP Offers this guide of events, education, trends and things to do while in The Entertainment Capital of the World.
Show Details
When: October 7-10
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center
Recreational Hot Spots
The sights and sensory experiences in Las Vegas and the Nevada desert are unlike just about anywhere else—and attendees at the 2024 NACS Show are certain to fill their schedules with a nice mix of business by day and entertainment options by evening. The following local events and destinations are separated into categories of: Play On, Funny & Intriguing and Getting Out & About. Read on for many options to unwind after a full day at the convention and expo:
Lionel Richie. The smooth-voiced singer-songwriter brings his love songs to the stage during this 90-minute show. Since his early days with the blockbuster group the Commodores, Richie has developed a popular solo act packed with classic tunes. (Encore Theater with the Wynn, Oct. 9-12, Wynn Las Vegas, www.wynnlasvegas.com)
Garth Brooks. The country-music star brings his talents to the stage accompanied by a large ensemble of musicians and dancers as part of his long-awaited Vegas residency. Fans can look forward to such hits as “She’s Every Woman,” “Ain’t Going Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up),” “To Make You Feel My Love” and “The Beaches of Cheyenne.” (Colosseum within Caesars Palace, Oct. 3-13, www.caesars.com)
Michael Jackson One by Cirque du Soleil. The ultimate extravaganza for die-hard Michael Jackson fans, this show takes the audience on a wild ride through the King of Pop’s life and career, while showcasing the jaw-dropping acrobatic feats and spectacular choreography that has made Cirque du Soleil famous. The show is the ultimate celebration of Michael Jackson’s music, artistry and legacy. (Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, performances run throughout October on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. with Sunday shows 4:30 and 7:00 p.m., www.mandalaybay.com)
All Shook Up. The popular Las Vegas Elvis show has moved to the Alexis Park Resort. The premise is simple: an Elvis Presley impersonator from a talented rotating cast, backed by a live band, performs the King’s biggest hits. Whether you’re a fan or just a devotee of rock n’ roll, a fun evening with an old-Vegas twist is guaranteed. (Pegasus Showroom, Alexis Park All Suite Resort, modernvegas.com or 702-483-8056)
Maroon 5. Performing at the Dolby Live Theater at Park MGM, the popular band hits the stage for a concert filled with early 2000s nostalgia. The three-time Grammy Award-winning group will play their smash hits, from “Don't Wanna Know” to “Won’t Go Home Without You.” (Oct. 2-12 at the Dolby Live-Park MGM, www.parkmgm.com or 844-600-7275)
Neil Diamond: The Tribute. The beloved artist, who retired from the stage in 2018, “returns” thanks to the skillful Rob Garrett, a Diamond fan for nearly a half century. By perfecting Diamond’s classic style, looks and voice, Garrett’s impersonation of the legend has made him Diamond’s most-renowned tribute act. (Ongoing in 2024 at Pegasus Showroom within the Alexis Park All-Suite Resort, www.modernvegas.com or 702-483-8056)
David Copperfield. Spend an evening entering the amazing world of magic and illusions of David Copperfield. Copperfield is famous for his many television appearances that have included mystical magic tricks, escape acts and intriguing illusions. Copperfield wows crowds with tricks such as walking through a sheet of metal, slicing a woman in half and making his body fit in a small box. (Shows are scheduled throughout October. The theater is located within the MGM Grand Hotel and features two nightly shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m., with an additional Saturday show at 4 p.m., www.mgmgrand.com)
The Sphere Experience. Located next to the Venetian, the 360-foot-tall Sphere features 580,000 square feet of awe-inspiring, programmable LED lights. Take a family-friendly tour led by humanoid robotics and go on a trip around the world in a single sitting. (Tours offered multiple times each day, www.thesphere.com)
Walking Food Tour of Las Vegas Strip—Taste Buzz. This tour is one of the best ways to experience Vegas and learn about the culture as well as iconic local cuisine. On this 2.5-hour tour, participants first meet a guide at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and begin the excursion of dining and sightseeing. The 1.5-mile walk showcases memorable sites, such as live flamingos and the world’s largest chocolate fountains. The tour highlights various restaurants (they can change daily), so be prepared to try all of the great bites that Las Vegas has to offer. (Held all through October and beyond, www.lasvegas-entertainment-guide.com/las-vegas-food-tours.html#walking)
Comedy Cellar. Since 1981, The Comedy Cellar has brought the country’s top stand-up comics to the stage in New York City. The Las Vegas outpost of the Comedy Cellar, located at Rio Las Vegas, gives Vegas residents and visitors a chance to get their funny on with 90-minute shows from hot touring comics. (Rio Las Vegas, Thursday through Sunday, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., 702-777-7777, www.riolasvegas.com)
Penn and Teller Las Vegas. The magic duo of Penn and Teller has wowed audiences for decades with unconventional and surprising bits. Their Vegas show includes a fire-eating showgirl, disappearing cows and more. As their performance progresses, the two magicians attempt to explain some of their magic to an awe-struck crowd. (Shows scheduled throughout October, Rio Las Vegas, www.riolasvegas.com, 702-777-7777)
Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club. Looking for top-notch comedians unleashing new material? This is your venue. Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club brings the best talent to the stage. The 8,000-square-foot venue offers great sightlines and a superb stage setup that allows comedians to roam freely. Kimmel started his career as a stand-up comedian in Las Vegas. (The LINQ Promenade; Tuesday, Thursday through Sunday at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., www.caesars.com, 702-322-0543)
Blue Man Group. Blue Man Group has performed the world over, delighting crowds with an elaborate stage show that features the mischievous, child-like Blue Men interacting with a host of interesting musical and non-musical instruments. The choreography of each portion of the show is spectacular, with new background drops that contain various videos, lasers and lights. (The Luxor Theater, www.luxor.com)
NHL Hockey: Las Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalanche. The convention coincides with the season opener for Vegas’ National Hockey League entry—the Golden Knights—who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Located in the heart of the Strip, T-Mobile Arena and the Golden Knights set a new standard for entertainment. Lovingly dubbed “The Fortress,” T-Mobile Arena was voted as the toughest arena for visiting teams. (Gametime 7 p.m. Oct. 9, T-Mobile Arena, www.nhl.com/goldenknights.com)
Day-Trippin’
Mt. Charleston/Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Vegas is more than the neon lights and never-sleep vibe of the Strip. Want to balance that with a Zen-like experience not far away? Make the trek to Mt. Charleston/Spring Mountains National Recreation Area about 40 miles away. From a cool escape in the summer to a snowy wonderland in the winter, the Spring Mountains offer a distinct change in seasons not normally found in the Mojave Desert. Fall colors and spring wildflowers are on display in these quieter seasons. Spreading over 90 acres, the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway offers a visitor center, education building, group picnic areas, two amphitheaters, trailheads and expansive areas with benches to take in the views of Kyle Canyon and Charleston Peak. (2525 Kyle Canyon Road, Mt. Charleston, Nevada, 702-872-5486. Open 24 hours, www.gomtcharleston.com)
The Hoover Dam. Originally known as the Boulder Dam, the Hoover Dam is located on the Arizona-Nevada border on Highway 93 and about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas (about a 45-minute drive from the Strip). The attraction draws nearly 1 million visitors every year. Park in one of the free parking areas and walk across the dam, where visitors will find plenty of great photo opportunities and interesting information posted along the way. There’s a gift shop on the lower floor of the parking garage and a food concession at the dam. Set the GPS to the Hoover Dam Visitors Center. (Hoover Dam Access Rd, Boulder City, Nevada, www.usbr.gov, 702-494-2517)
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Tours. Papillon is the world’s oldest-running air tour company, transporting more than 600,000 guests from around the world from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and beyond. Visit the Grand Canyon on a helicopter tour in an afternoon’s time. The service also operates helicopter tours over the Las Vegas Strip, offering a new vantage point to experience all the neon lights and sights. (www.papillon.com, 702-638-3296)
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.