Top 10 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas 2024

They say it’s “Sin City,” that it boasts excellent nightlife, the most luxurious casino hotels, and an incredible variety of entertainment. But behind the neon, a cascade of free attractions allows both townsfolk and visitors to feel the charm of the city without parting with too much money. From artsy installations to museums, from outdoor performances to an array of free activities, the city of Las Vegas will make your stay an unforgettable one.

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Notable among the free attractions would be the Yayoi Kusama installation, housed in the Louis Vuitton shop. This immersive art installation is mesmerizing with its shifting colors of vibrancy, necessitating a booking to visit because it is so popular. One such example is the Neon Museum, where the history of a city is carefully chronicled through its collection of neon signs, thereby intriguing and educating visitors through a visual feast. On the other hand, the changing displays are flower-based and represent the seasons and all other special events, which attract visitors due to their pure beauty and creativity [3 ].

Outdoor recreationists can visit a natural oasis mere minutes from the city center. The area offers great sandstone cliffs, mile-long hiking trails, and scenic drives that reveal the dramatic desert landscape. Downtown Las Vegas offers a lively, pulsing urban adventure by way of its Viva Vision light shows, free live concerts, and street performances to boot—entertainment and cultural experience all packed into one.

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

The city also has many free cultural events that take place, such as the Arts District monthlies, to highlight local art, music, and food while giving back to the community [1] [7]. Right here, it is possible to view a performance, such as at Harrah’s Piano Bar, or see the legendary Las Vegas’ most recognizable landmarks [1]. It offers more than just casinos, with myriad free experiences that allow the visitor to come in and become part of the rich tapestry of culture.

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Overview

Top Free Things to Do in Las Vegas 2024

Las Vegas caters to both locals and visitors with its top casinos, vibrant nightlife, and amazing free attractions. From immersive art installations to culturally enriching museums, you can enjoy the city without breaking the bank.

One of the more peculiar attractions is Akhob, by James Turrell, which has its spot inside the Louis Vuitton shop. It’s an installation with a lot of very bright colors that keep changing and morphing into one another; it’s a pretty immersive thing. Due to limited slots of viewing, one has to book from before; however, installation is free and open to all [1 ].

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Another remarkable point of interest is the Neon Museum, which showcases the history of Las Vegas with its collection of neon signs. The sign of the Neon Museum says, “It is an Equal Opportunity Employer with values in Belonging, Scholarship, and Fun Engagement to ensure guests and team members have a memorable and inclusive experience.”.

Further to this is the cutting-edge immersive experience of the Illuminarium at Area 15. While this one does have a price tag, it gets mentioned here because it’s not far from many of the attractions listed above, and, besides the obvious Space: An Experience Beyond Earth and Wild: A Safari Experience, there is an unexpected coffee shop with excellent food [9 ].

Outdoor Activities

Along with the high-spirited nightclubs and overwhelming casinos, several free outdoor activities in Las Vegas are fun for every tourist, regardless of his or her age.

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Fremont Street Experience

The Fremont Street Experience is a pedestrian-only area that has five blocks of historic Downtown Las Vegas that contains carts, kiosks, and sound-and-light shows, and, therefore, it is one of the noisiest places for tourists. Viva Vision is the main free attraction. This LED display canopy runs from Main Street to Fourth Street. Every night, starting at dusk, this 1,375-foot-long by 90-foot-wide screen illuminates with audiovisual shows on brilliant computerized displays containing almost 50 million LED lights and a 600,000-watt sound system. Featuring music stars such as Shakira, Imagine Dragons, and The Killers, the shows run on the hour throughout the evening, with the last show at 1 a.m. [10 ]

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Downtown Container Park

Located at 707 Fremont St., Downtown Container Park is a playful, completely open-air place built largely out of sustainable metal shipping containers. Whether it’s to shop, grab a bite, or take in the entertainment, this spot is worth checking out. The park itself is accessible to the public for free and offers plenty of seating, including some shaded seating areas, a 30-foot slide for the little ones, and a water element located right in the middle. The fundamental highlight, despite that, is when the mantis is alive.

A giant sculpture that is set ablaze with a drum circle and fire show [5]. There are numerous free performances, outdoor movies, magic shows, and group experiences during the day and night [10].

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

People who long for a respite from the noisy city get an oasis of natural bliss when they step into the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which is located 30 minutes west of Las Vegas. Measuring more than 195,000 sections of land with towering ruddy sandstone cliffs, climbing trails, and all-encompassing perspectives. In the area, one does not miss a 13-mile scenic drive that exposes magnificent colors in desert formations. From easy strolls to challenging hikes for the more seasoned hiker, the conservation area offers different hiking options. It is an ideal outdoor activity for nature enthusiasts.

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

The Park Promenade

The Park Promenade is an outdoor space that hosts attractions, dining, and entertainment all combined in one lush setting. With its location near the Strip and adjacent to the T-Mobile Arena, the place is filled with hundreds of large shade trees, waterfalls, flowers, and shrubs, making it a great location to sit and even relax during warm weather periods. This nicely landscaped area offers outdoor relief and is a good spot for visiting a show or sporting event held in the adjacent arena.

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

From the busy, happening streets of Fremont to the serene, breathtaking locales of Red Rock Canyon, these free outdoor attractions will lend visitors moments to truly cherish during their stopover in Las Vegas without having to spend even a penny.

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Cultural and historical attractions

The Neon Museum

The Neon Museum is one of the most iconic cultural attractions in Las Vegas, founded in 1996. The museum is deliberately dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historical, artistic, and cultural enrichment. It was accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in 2021—a national award recognition for U.S. museums.

This restoration museum has garnered much acclaim and is listed among the “27 Best Museums in the United States” by Travel + Leisure and the “Best Pop Culture Museums in the United States” by USA Today. Some of the hundreds, if not thousands, of restorations by this company include the Caballero on a Palomino from the Hacienda Hotel, the Silver Slipper, and the Binion’s Horseshoe, among many others.

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

The Neon Historical Center also gives experiential imagination to the appearance “Brilliant!” through a marvelous varying media execution that employs projection mapping to light and restores 40 vintage signs. The show first graced the public in 2018 and has remained the most magnificent augmented reality of its kind [2 ].

Museums with no entrance fee

Many museums offer free admission on some days of the week or some days of the month, whereby tourists can access Las Vegas’ art and culture at no cost. To know more about this, one should check out the museums’ official websites and social media pages. Some museums issue added value, such as complimentary passes or an off-site discount for a local business or organization [12 ].

Museums often collaborate with local artists, businesses, and community organizations to design programs that reflect the diversity and interests of their beneficiaries. These may be performances, workshops offered by local artists, or even exhibitions selected by community members. Such kinds of programs allow visitors to interact with peers who share the same interests while expanding their horizons in their communities [12 ].

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Top 8 Insider Las Vegas Travel Tips

First Friday and Arts District

As such, culture abounds in the Arts District of Las Vegas, including the monthly First Friday arts festival that features local galleries, street artists, food trucks, entertainment, and so much more. Preview Thursday is a more low-key night when one can view the work of the featured artists without the crowds.

The district is also full of restaurants and bars, such as The Garden Las Vegas, infamous for craft cocktails, light bites, and random drag queen performances [13 ]. In addition, the places and other artwork are always shifting and changing, ensuring the Arts District remains alive and well in terms of the ever-active cultural tapestry that is Las Vegas [13 ].

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Free shows and entertainment

Las Vegas is alive at night, and indeed, casinos are all over; however, it also offers a variety of free shows aimed at both visitors and locals. These shows are perfect and offer tourists unforgettable experiences without having to spend their money; thus, they are very ideal for tourists on a budget.

Luxor Sky Beam

Perhaps the most notable of all the free attractions in Las Vegas is the Luxor Sky Beam on top of the Luxor Hotel. This powerful light beam, with the strength of 40 billion candles, shines hundreds of miles away and acts as a beacon to the heart of Las Vegas. It will show you something new each time, changing colors both day and night [8 ].

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Circus Circus Performances

In the Circus Circus Hotel, you can experience several free acts that are performed daily. Inside, performances begin at 11:30 a.m. on the weekends and 1:30 p.m. on weekdays. Each entertainment is different, and it repeats every hour until late at night. Being different each hour, the performers of each troupe or even individual make it different every time. Acts may consist of acrobats, trapeze handlers, jugglers, and magicians, thus making it a place that would easily attract families to the establishment.

Viva Vision Light Show

The Viva Vision Light Show is the main attraction on Fremont Street. The Fremont Light Show, better known to the people as the place with the world’s largest single digital screen at 1375 feet, covers over four street blocks. It runs six to eight minutes and features trending songs and headlining songs. A recent $32 million upgrade the beefier sound system and display are now more flamboyant [14].

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Downtown Rocks Free Concert Series

Fremont Street Experience has also set the Downtown Rocks Free Concert Series in motion. It’s an off-the-chain free concert series featuring chart-topping bands. It all kicks off on May 28.

The series features a show by “Smash Mouth, Toadies, and Marcy Playground”; it continues throughout the fall with acts like “The All-American Rejects, Taking Back Sunday, and Dashboard Confessional.” The music series brings a range of music for all eras and genres [15 ].

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

The Fall of Atlantis Show

Visitors can also enjoy The Fall of Atlantis Show at the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace. Fountains, fireballs, animatronics, panoramic video screens, and special effects all come together in this free attraction, telling the tale of the lost city of Atlantis. The performance takes place on a stage in the center of a large fountain decorated with nine-foot-tall statues that animate and act out an intense family drama as the people of Atlantis try to take control of the city. Every hour from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and until 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays [16 ] [17 ].

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

The Volcano at the Mirage

Another famous free attraction is the spring of gushing lava at the Mirage. Standing approximately 54 feet tall, this volcano shows off its eruptions from 7 PM to 11 PM every hour, mixing fire and water to the beat of music. It is themed as a volcano but with a twist characteristic of Las Vegas: it just explodes, leaving you with an experience never to be forgotten. This long-running show will, however, be closing its curtains soon, so viewers should make the most of it while here before it gets replaced with the Hard Rock guitar attraction [17 ].

Streetmosphere at Grand Canal Shoppes

Grand Canal Shoppes is situated in the Venetian Hotel and Casino and houses the Street-Mosphere, where free performances run daily between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Public Parks and Recreation Areas

Container Park

With over 50 unique retail shops, a variety of dining options, and live entertainment, Downtown Container Park is an eco-friendly shopping and entertainment venue created from recycled shipping containers. It also contains an area for kids to play, with a 30-foot slide and a central water area. The main jewel, however, must be the waking up of The Mantis, a giant sculpture brought to life by drum circles and fire shows [11 ][5 ].

Springs Preserve

The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre tribute to natural springs that gave life to Las Vegas; there are over two miles’ worth of trails. It features two museums, a nature center, a desert garden, and interactive exhibits that bring the local landscape alive. For those who won’t be up for hiking, an eight-minute historical journey goes by train to Boomtown 1905.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is home to beautiful landscapes and conducts land conservation activities. The area inspires visitors to spend time reflecting on the inherent value of America’s national parks and public lands through engagement and the opportunity to witness breathtaking views [4 ].

The Park

Located just west of the T-Mobile Arena is The Park, an irrigated oasis with hundreds of large shade trees, waterfalls, flowers, and shrubs. It provides a nice area for walking, especially during the hot summer evenings. To add to the attraction, there will be non-fine dining restaurants and bars, live bands, special events, and sculpture art that will line the area, making for a vibrant part of the Las Vegas experience [3].

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden

Situated in Henderson, you visit the 3-acre botanical garden found within the Ethel M Chocolate Factory. You can also take a look around the chocolate factory on a self-guided tour and observe how the chocolate is made. Enjoy free samples here [5 ].

All these public parks and recreation areas offer the aforementioned activities for free, thus providing the gratifying grounds necessary to shake up exposure to Las Vegas—beyond casinos and rooftops.

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Seasonal and special events

Las Vegas has numerous seasonal and special events going on throughout the year that create unique experiences for locals and visitors. Most of these special events offer an opportunity to experience the rich culture and entertainment scene of the city without having to break the bank. First Friday

One of the most popular monthly events in Las Vegas is the First Friday Festival. It happens on the first Friday of every month from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the 18B Arts District and other locations in Downtown Las Vegas [7 ]. The free art exhibits are showcased with live music, food, and a dynamic atmosphere that has everyone flocking to get a taste of local culture and creativity [1 ] [18 ].

Downtown Brew Festival

A world-class must-attend for beer and music lovers, the Downtown Brew Festival is set to take place on August 7th. In this festival, local breweries are represented in the craft beer category.

This festival features an ensemble of live musical performances coupled with a host of craft beers crafted by local breweries. Simply put, it means an evening of whispering libations and great music that brings out the best ambiance for the audience [19 ].

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

When We Were Young Festival

The end of October and the When We Were Youthful Celebration are the occasions for elective and indie-shake lovers. When the two-day festival takes place on October 21st and 22nd, it sees an epic reunion of some of the most iconic acts of past decades, allowing music lovers to remember the enchantment of their favorite groups in a once-in-a-lifetime live setting [19]. Holiday Celebrations

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

One thing Las Vegas is well known for is the wild holiday celebrations. One of the most anticipated events has to be New Year’s Eve, as the city comes alive with lights, music, and excitement. The official Sin City New Year’s Eve celebration is the Time of Your Life Festival on Fremont Street. The event features live entertainment from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. along the seven-block stretch. For 2023, the list of performances includes Third Eye Blind, Big Gigantic, and Blackstreet, among many others. This is a ticketed occasion due to the tall request, and participants must be at least 21 or older. The standard tickets are $50 [20 ].

The other huge occasion is the Fourth of July celebration. Fremont Street Experience throws an incredible party with live entertainment, pyrotechnics, and an electrifying EDM stage to surround partygoers with the experience [19 ].

Bellagio Fountain Shows

Bellagio Fountain shows can be viewed year-round. Fountains of Bellagio have a variety of different music that is played, everything from opera to pop music and even Broadway hits. Fountains of Bellagio have an assortment of diverse music that is played, everything from musical drama to pop music and indeed Broadway hits. A schedule is posted, but at times there will be a special show for weddings or any other event on the Strip [21 ].

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Another free show is the Big Elvis Show, hosted by Harrah’s Piano Bar. It stars the enormous Pete “Big Elvis” Vallee, who performs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons. The show is free, but all would-be supporters surely won’t resent throwing a few bucks back to ensure this awesome show stays in business.

These seasonal and special events highlight the huge variety of Las Vegas entertainment that can be experienced without leaving visitors bankrupt, creating special memories without the high costs of entertainment.

Free museums and galleries

Las Vegas has several free museums and galleries that make it possible for everyone to experience art and culture by offering opportunities according to everyone’s finances. These centers enrich and inspire visitors with rewarding experiences at no cost.

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Another highlight that’s also complimentary is that it relates to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Inspired just off the lobby, this 14,000-square-foot interior area of the Bellagio Las Vegas features stylish and whimsical floral exhibitions, rotated five times per year to coincide with the seasons or other holidays such as the Lunar New Year and Christmas. The Conservatory is open 24/7, maintained by a staff of 120 horticulturists, and welcomes crowds of tourists and photographers alike to this ever-shifting visual feast [11 ].

Exhibit Opportunities

Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Galleries

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District maintains galleries in 12 branches. What started as cultural and educational centers in 1973 now offers approximately 80 different exhibits every year, highlighting local, national, and international artists. They aim to engage local communities with visually and conceptually interesting work and related programs to increase the quality of the cultural experience for the region’s residents [22 ].

Not only do these free museums and galleries make art and culture accessible, but they also promote the arts, preserve cultural heritage, and educate the public with a vision of developing a lively and diverse community.

Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art

Located on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art is a free art museum devoted to the work of underrepresented artists and communities disregarded by the mainstream, as well as artists and members of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. It was once a museum featuring space exhibits in the late ’60s about travel through space and moon rocks and turned into a museum focused on art. It includes four gallery spaces, which can accommodate either artist-centric or themed changing exhibitions that rotate around the calendar date. This makes the museum experience quite dynamic and refreshing for those who visit.

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

The Barrick Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. It is closed on all state and federal holidays. Apart from exhibitions, the museum also offers free workshops and lectures; therefore, it is a great source of education within the community.

Arts Factory

Downtown Las Vegas Inside downtown Las Vegas lies the Arts District. Here, The Arts Factory provides a contemporary art experience for free. The space is made up of a collection of individual artists, galleries, and shops; the media used in their craft varies significantly and extends beyond paintings and sculptures.

Some Significant Public Art Installments

Las Vegas is home to several amazing public works of art that give people the opportunity to experience the city’s art communities without spending any money.

At the top of any art enthusiast’s itinerary is a series of fifteen oversized art installations, modern sculptures, and art canvases featuring cutting-edge work by major global artists. Notable pieces include a gigantic 84-foot reclaimed steel and Above the reception desk was a cast of the Colorado River, Tony Cragg’s towers made of stainless steel, and a large Jenny Holzer LED installation in the lobby [23]. Guests will also encounter works by Henry Moore, Claes Oldenburg, and Coosje van Bruggen, Tatsuo Miyajima, Nancy Rubins, and Isa Genzken. Brochures Information about the different installations can be obtained from the Aria concierge or downloaded [23].

Another impressive venue is within the Palazzo with luxurious shopping, but this also houses a diverse art assembly. Bauman Rare Books, in the Shoppes has a stock of rare, signed first editions and antiquarian books, so visitors would be able to embrace their history in literature [23].

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Another, the show plan at the City of Las Vegas Displays combines show the taking after with “Exhibition of the Showgirl” displayed by Give Philipo’s Las Vegas Showgirl Museum. On display through October 10, 2024, this fascinating exhibit looks at the careers of the headlining women and the costume designs, the majority of which were created by the legendary Pete Menefee, that remain an integral symbol of the city—fashion, entertainment, and cultural history all combined in one. Also, “Artistic Attack,” works of youth from after-school and gallery programs under the instruction of artist/instructor Jenny Baham, can be seen in the Historic Fifth Street School’s Mayor’s Gallery through August 15, 2024. [24 ]

The Charleston Heights Arts Center presents creative and thought-provoking works of art from June 10 to October 26, 2024. This exhibition, curated by Darren Johnson, enriches the public’s understanding of creative expression and strengthens community connections [25 ].

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

has also made valuable contributions to public art in Las Vegas. Around the downtown blocks of Fremont and Ogden, the walls are covered in large-scale international street art curated by Charlotte Dutoit: Zio Ziegler’s detailed chaos, Vhils portraits embedded in brick and mortar, and Alexis Diaz’s illustrative takes on critters. Indeed, the largest public art murals of the city, on the walls of the Plaza Hotel & Casino, were done by Shepard Fairey and D*Face, whose iconic pieces are added to the artistic scenery of the city [26 ].

All of these installed and exhibited works of art address Las Vegas’s dedication to promoting art in public places where the public, as well as out-of-towners, get to see various kinds of artistic expressions free of charge.

Famous street performances and cultural events

Not all of the street entertainment and cultural moments in Las Vegas bear a price tag. There is a great lineup of free events, which include the monthly First Friday Fair and the Fremont Street Experience, which is more of a street party.

First Friday Festival

This is a monthly street fair in the 18B Arts District and various other locations downtown. A cultural extravaganza, it takes place on the first Friday of every month from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., turning the streets into an eventful lap of art, music, food, and entertainment activities. Visitors can be part of free art exhibitions, live music, and yummy food, most of it by local vendors—altogether, it is an event that is simply full of energy.

Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

The festival is a forum for local artists, musicians, and creators to showcase their talent and features community and creativity [1 ]. It is more of a social experience than a cultural one, and the visitor can meet the artists, attend live painting, and experience various forms of art in action [27 ]. It shows the soul of the neighborhood craftsmanship community with a gigantic commitment to the social and financial development of the area [1 ].

Fremont Road Experience

Another major fascination in downtown Las Vegas is the Fremont Road Encounter, which has free concerts and road exhibitions. The area hosts several stages, but most of the concerts happen at the 3rd Street Stage, which is located between The D and Four Queens. Live performances include a plethora of entertainment features, such as band music concerts, rendering them the focal point for entertainment in the city.

Fremont Street also features a clever promenade with a capacity for holding larger crowds, which makes the experience so much better. Even though the parking is rather pricey for concerts, which use a model of dynamic pricing, the spectacle that is on display makes it worth every single dime [6 ].

Besides the live music, the Fremont Street Experience is known for its street performers, who animate the crowd with acts such as living statues, musicians, and dancers. It adds to the dynamic energy of the place, ensuring a view or experience that will always be a thrill [28 ].

Being at these popular street performances and cultural things happening around, one can get an idea of the well-rounded, diverse cultural space Las Vegas is, and most importantly, all of this is free of charge [7 ].

References

[1]: The Ultimate Guide Of Free Things To Do In Las Vegas (139+ Listed)

[2]: About the Neon Museum | The Neon Museum

[3]: 17 Best Museums in Las Vegas + Local Tips » Local Adventurer

[4]: The 26 Best Free Things to Do in Vegas (2024 Update) – 1OAK Las Vegas

[5]: 15 Best Free Things to Do in Las Vegas, NV | PlanetWare

[6]: 15 MUST-SEE Las Vegas Landmarks (Expert Guide + Photos)

[7]: 30 Best FREE Things to Do In Vegas 2024 (Free Attractions)

[8]: Free art museum in las vegas Top 10 – Hey Vegas

[9]: Las Vegas Art Museums, Arts District & Cultural Sites

[10]: Top 15 Free Shows in Las Vegas You Must Not Miss in 2024

[11]: Top 16 Best Free Shows in Las Vegas 2024 – Vegas Always