If you have ever been to a circus show, you already know the feeling: aerialists flying above the stage, acrobats catching each other in midair, contortionists bending in impossible ways, and performers trusting one another with perfect timing.
Now imagine that classic circus feeling transformed into a full Las Vegas production with custom theaters, original music, water stages, martial arts, comedy, dance, projections, costumes, lighting, and world-class athletes. That is the appeal of Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas.
Cirque du Soleil is not a traditional circus with animals. It is a modern theatrical circus built around human performance, storytelling, music, design, and spectacle. Each Las Vegas show has its own personality, so the best choice depends on what you want: classic acrobatics, Michael Jackson music, water, martial arts, or an adult New York-style variety show.
There are currently five main Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas: Mystère at Treasure Island, Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay, “O” at Bellagio, KÀ at MGM Grand, and Mad Apple at New York-New York.
Schedules, dark dates, ticket prices, and age rules can change, so always check the official ticket page before booking.
Cirque du Soleil Shows Now Performing in Las Vegas
Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas is known for spectacular permanent productions that mix acrobatics, music, theater, comedy, technology, and custom-built venues.
Each show has a distinct theme. Some are more family-friendly, while others are better for adults. Some rely heavily on story, while others are more abstract and visual. Some are best for music fans, while others are best if you want pure Cirque-style acrobatics.
Below are the current Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas and what each one is best for.
1. Mystère
- Location: Treasure Island Hotel & Casino
- Show Times: Usually Friday to Tuesday, with two shows per night; current 2026 schedule changes from 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM to 6:30 PM & 9:00 PM after May 22, 2026
- Show Length: About 90 minutes, no intermission
- Rating: Family-friendly, all ages
- Ticket: Usually starts around $69 plus fees, depending on date and seat
- Best For: First-time Cirque visitors, families, classic acrobatics, traditional Cirque style
Mystère is the original Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show and one of the longest-running productions on the Strip. It opened at Treasure Island in 1993 and remains the best choice if you want classic Cirque without needing a famous music catalog, celebrity theme, or adult comedy setup.
The show is colorful, physical, strange, funny, and full of high-energy acrobatics. It combines aerial acts, hand-to-hand balancing, Chinese poles, trampoline-style movement, comedy, live music, dance, and surreal characters.
Mystère does not have a simple plot in the way a movie does. Instead, it is more about wonder, birth, childhood, mystery, strength, humor, and the strange beauty of the human body in motion.
Live music plays a major role. The score uses Taïko drums, world music, percussion, chanting, and dramatic rhythms to give the show its signature energy.
Mystère is also one of the safest recommendations for families because it is listed as an all-ages show. That said, young children may still be sensitive to loud music, strange characters, bright lights, and sudden sounds.
Arrive early if you want to enjoy the pre-show entertainment. Treasure Island’s current show information recommends arriving about 30 minutes early.
2. Michael Jackson ONE
- Location: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
- Show Times: Usually Thursday to Monday; check current schedule for exact times
- Show Length: About 90 minutes, no intermission
- Rating: Ages 5+; children under 5 are not permitted, and guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
- Ticket: Usually starts around $69 plus fees, depending on date and seat
- Best For: Michael Jackson fans, music lovers, dance, visuals, surround sound
Michael Jackson ONE is Cirque du Soleil’s tribute to the King of Pop. If you love Michael Jackson’s music, this is the easiest Cirque show in Las Vegas to choose.
The production blends Michael Jackson’s greatest hits with acrobatics, urban dance, aerial performance, martial arts-style movement, cinematic visuals, drones, LED panels, and state-of-the-art surround sound.
Unlike Mystère, this show has a very clear musical identity. The emotion comes from the music, the choreography, the costumes, and the way Cirque reimagines the world of Michael Jackson on stage.
The show follows characters who are guided by Michael’s music and symbolic items from his legacy. The glove, hat, shoes, and other iconic references help connect the performance to his visual identity.
Michael Jackson ONE is best if you want a Cirque show with familiar songs, strong dance, and a concert-like feeling. It is less abstract than Mystère and more music-driven than KÀ or “O.”
Even if you are not a hardcore Michael Jackson fan, the sound design and visuals make this one of the most accessible Cirque shows in Las Vegas.
3. “O” by Cirque du Soleil
- Location: Bellagio Hotel & Casino
- Show Times: Usually Wednesday to Sunday at 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM, with dark dates throughout the year
- Show Length: About 90 minutes, no intermission
- Rating: Ages 5+; guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Ticket: Usually starts around $79 plus fees, depending on date and seat
- Best For: First-time luxury Vegas show, water stage, romance, visual spectacle, special occasions
If you want the most visually beautiful Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas, “O” at Bellagio is the one most people think of first.
The name “O” is a play on the French word eau, meaning water. The entire production is built around a massive aquatic stage that can transform from a pool into a solid-looking stage and back again. Performers appear in, on, and above the water throughout the show.
The show features synchronized swimmers, high divers, aerialists, acrobats, clowns, characters, fire, floating effects, and surreal theatrical scenes. Divers leap from high platforms into the water while other performers move above the pool on suspended structures.
“O” is more elegant and dreamlike than some of the other Cirque shows. It is less about a simple story and more about atmosphere, beauty, movement, water, and theatrical imagination.
Because the show is inside Bellagio, it pairs well with a romantic dinner, the Bellagio Conservatory, the Fountains of Bellagio, or a special-occasion night on the Strip.
Some front-row seats are considered “wet seats,” so choose carefully if you do not want to be splashed. Seats too far to the side may also offer a less complete view of the aquatic stage.
Related Read: Best Las Vegas Water Shows
4. KÀ by Cirque du Soleil
- Location: MGM Grand
- Show Times: Monday to Wednesday at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM; Saturday and Sunday at 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM
- Show Length: About 90 minutes, no intermission
- Rating: Ages 3+; guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Ticket: Usually starts around $69 plus fees, depending on date and seat
- Best For: Martial arts, action, stage technology, cinematic storytelling, older kids
KÀ is one of the most technically impressive Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas. It tells an epic story of twins on a dangerous journey, blending acrobatics, martial arts, puppetry, pyrotechnics, projection, aerial work, and cinematic staging.
The biggest star of KÀ may be the theater itself. The show uses a massive moving stage that tilts, rotates, rises, drops, and becomes a battlefield, cliff, wall, ship, and other environments. At times, performers fight, climb, and fall across a near-vertical stage.
This makes KÀ feel more like an action movie brought to life than a traditional circus show. It has clearer storytelling than “O” or Mystère, with characters, conflict, danger, and a journey.
The show includes martial arts-inspired choreography, aerial battles, fire effects, arrows, spears, acrobatics, and large-scale scenic design.
KÀ is a strong choice for families with older kids, teens, action fans, and visitors who want to see one of the most unusual stages in Las Vegas. Younger children may still enjoy the spectacle, but the darker scenes, loud sounds, and battle-style action may be intense for some.
5. Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil
- Location: New York-New York Hotel & Casino
- Show Times: Usually Thursday to Monday; check current schedule for exact times
- Show Length: About 80 to 90 minutes, no intermission
- Rating: 18+ only; guests under 18 are not permitted
- Ticket: Usually starts around $49 plus fees, depending on date and seat
- Best For: Adults, comedy, live music, acrobatics, nightlife energy, New York theme
Mad Apple is the most adult-oriented Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas. It premiered at New York-New York in 2022 and brings a nightclub-style New York City energy to the Cirque format.
The show mixes acrobatics, music, comedy, dance, magic, variety acts, and a stage bar. Instead of feeling like a classic abstract Cirque production, Mad Apple feels more like a wild night out in New York City.
The pre-show starts about 30 minutes before the main performance, and guests can enjoy drinks, photo moments, cast interaction, and the stage bar before the show begins.
Mad Apple includes high-flying acrobatics, comedy, live music, dance, magic, and rotating acts. One of the biggest differences from other Cirque shows is the stand-up comedy element. The comedy can include adult language and adult themes, which is why the show is now listed as 18+.
This is not the show to choose if you are traveling with kids. For families, Mystère, “O,” KÀ, or Michael Jackson ONE are better options depending on age.
Mad Apple is best for adults who want a looser, louder, funnier, more party-like Cirque experience. It is also a good fit if you are already staying at New York-New York, Park MGM, MGM Grand, ARIA, or Excalibur.
Tip: For Mad Apple, center sections with a clear view of the stage work best. Arrive early if you want to enjoy the stage bar and pre-show atmosphere.
Which Cirque du Soleil Show Should You Pick?
If this is your first Cirque du Soleil show and you want the classic experience, choose Mystère.
If you want the most beautiful and luxurious show, choose “O” at Bellagio.
If you love Michael Jackson’s music, choose Michael Jackson ONE.
If you want action, martial arts, and one of the most impressive stages in Las Vegas, choose KÀ.
If you want an adult night out with comedy, live music, and acrobatics, choose Mad Apple.
For families with young children, Mystère is the easiest pick. For families with older kids, KÀ, “O”, and Michael Jackson ONE can also work well. For adults only, Mad Apple is the clear choice.
Former Cirque du Soleil Shows in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil lineups have changed over the years. If you are reading older guides, you may still see shows that are no longer running.
The most important recent example is The Beatles LOVE. The Beatles LOVE at The Mirage ended its Las Vegas run in July 2024 as The Mirage began its transformation into Hard Rock Las Vegas. It should not be included as a current Cirque du Soleil show.
Other former Las Vegas Cirque productions have included Zumanity at New York-New York and R.U.N at Luxor, but those are no longer current options.
Is Cirque du Soleil Worth the Money?
For many Las Vegas visitors, yes. Cirque du Soleil shows are expensive, but they are also some of the most polished productions on the Strip. You are paying for custom theaters, world-class performers, music, costumes, lighting, sound, stage engineering, and years of performance refinement.
You do not always need the most expensive seats to enjoy the show. For most Cirque productions, center seating with a full view of the stage is more important than sitting as close as possible.
For “O,” avoid extreme side angles if you want the best view of the water stage. For KÀ, a slightly wider view can help you appreciate the moving stage. For Mad Apple, closer seats can feel more interactive, but the adult comedy and stage bar atmosphere matter as much as the acrobatics.
The best value usually comes from choosing the show that matches your taste, not simply buying the most famous or most expensive one.
Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas FAQs
How many Cirque du Soleil shows are currently in Las Vegas?
There are currently five main Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas: Mystère, Michael Jackson ONE, “O,” KÀ, and Mad Apple.
Which Cirque du Soleil show is best for first-timers?
Mystère is the best first Cirque show if you want the classic acrobatic style. “O” is the best first show if you want the most beautiful and luxurious production.
Which Cirque du Soleil show is best for kids?
Mystère is the easiest family-friendly pick because it is listed as all ages. KÀ is listed for ages 3+, while “O” and Michael Jackson ONE are listed for ages 5+. Mad Apple is adults-only and is not appropriate for kids.
Which Cirque du Soleil show is adults-only?
Mad Apple is the adults-only Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas. Guests under 18 are not permitted because the show includes adult language and themes in the comedy segments.
Which Cirque du Soleil show has water?
“O” at Bellagio is the aquatic Cirque du Soleil show. It features a massive water stage with synchronized swimmers, divers, acrobats, aerialists, and performers moving in, on, and above the water.
Which Cirque du Soleil show has Michael Jackson music?
Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay is the Cirque du Soleil show built around Michael Jackson’s music, choreography, visual identity, and message of unity.
Is The Beatles LOVE still playing in Las Vegas?
No. The Beatles LOVE ended its Las Vegas run in July 2024 and is no longer a current Cirque du Soleil show.
Conclusion
Cirque du Soleil remains one of the signature entertainment experiences in Las Vegas. The current lineup gives visitors five very different choices: Mystère for classic Cirque, Michael Jackson ONE for music fans, “O” for water and beauty, KÀ for action and stage technology, and Mad Apple for adults who want comedy and nightlife energy.
If you are traveling with kids, start with Mystère, KÀ, “O,” or Michael Jackson ONE. If you are planning a date night or special occasion, “O” is the most romantic choice. If you want something louder and more adult, Mad Apple is the better fit.
Whichever show you choose, check the current schedule, age rules, dark dates, and ticket prices before booking. Las Vegas show calendars change often, and the best seat or date depends on your trip.