Free Things to Do in Vegas: Music, Dancing, Shows and More

Las Vegas is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world, and the retailers and casino owners know it! You'll often pay premium rates for entertainment, lodging and food just because everything Vegas is in high demand.

But if you think that a Las Vegas vacation is going to cost you an arm and a leg, you may be surprised to find out that there are many things you can do in the city that are completely free.

Downtown Las Vegas has plenty to offer in the way of free shows and historical sites. Fremont Street downtown has free shows such as daredevil acts, live concerts and other entertainment events.

The Hawaiian Island Performers perform on Las Vegas Boulevard everyday from 11 am to 10:30 pm at the top of each hour. They display traditional dancing, music and performances in the midst of Hawaiian themed shops. Best of all, watching the exotic acts doesn't cost a dime.

The Bellagio hotel has an exciting light and water show each weekday from 3 pm to midnight, and each weekend from noon to midnight. Enjoy the choreographed fountains and music with hundreds of other Vegas visitors.

The Bellagio isn't the only hotel that offers exciting free events. The MGM Grand Hotel and Flamingo Hotel both have wildlife exhibits that rival any zoo. The MGM features adult lions and cubs each day from 11 am to 10 pm. The Flamingo is home to a Wildlife Habitat that contains birds, turtles, fish and penguins. The penguin feedings at 8:30 am and 6 pm are always a popular sight to see.

The TI (formerly Treasure Island) hotel and the Rio Hotel both have live events that shouldn't be missed. The "Sirens of TI" is a live battle show between pirates and sultry sirens. Catch this show nightly at 7 pm, 8:30 pm, 10 pm and 11:30 pm.

The Rio Hotel is the home of the Masquerade Show in the Sky. It is a Mardi Gras parade and party complete with floats and beads. It's free to watch the show, and, for a small fee, you can wear a costume and ride along on the floats. You can catch the parade at 3 pm, 4pm, 5 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm.

Of course, all of the shows and showtimes listed above are subject to change, so make sure to look up the showtimes or simply check with your hotel concierge before you venture out each day, so you can schedule your other Vegas activities around them.

These events just scratch the surface of what Las Vegas has to offer for free. Whether you're into music, wildlife or just a fun party atmosphere, you can find it all in Vegas. Don't be afraid of exploring all that the city has to offer.