7 Things to do in Las Vegas that AREN’T The US Poker Open

Photo credit: Rio Las Vegas — Penn & Teller 

The highly anticipated 2024 US Poker Open is currently in full swing, showcasing many of the best players duking it out for millions in prize money. From April 8 to April 17 at the Aria Resort and Casino, the sixth annual poker event has eight, no-limit hold ’em tournaments that will all be streamed live on the PokerGO platform. 

The US Poker Open is a must-see for poker enthusiasts who are visiting Vegas during April. However, if poker isn’t your thing or you just want to change it up a little, don’t worry; there are plenty of other attractions to soak up in Sin City...

Here’s our round up of 7 exciting things to do in Vegas that aren’t the US Poker Open.

Las Vegas Events to Get Excited About this April 

UFC 300

Photo credit: UFC.com — Alex Pereira & Jamahal Hill 

Why not take a break from poker and immerse yourself in the world of brutal combat sports? On April 13, the T Mobile Arena will host UFC 300, a thrilling event that promises to get your adrenaline pumping with top notch fighters taking each other on for prize money, glory, and even a few title belts. 

This big stack of premier fighters features former lightweight champion and submission specialist Charles Oliveira against Arman Tsarukyan. Also on the agenda are former champions Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje battling it out in a lightweight clash. 

The co-main event will see strawweight champion Zhang Weili defending her title against challenger Yan Xiaonan, while light heavyweight and current champion Alex Pereira aims to retain his title against Jamahal Hill. It's a night of intense action you won't want to miss.

Visit t-mobilearena.com for more details. 

NHRA Four-Wide Nationals

Photo credit: NHRA.com — Tony Stewart NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway 

Get ready for the biggest spectacle in drag racing! The NHRA Four Wide Nationals is back at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway from April 12 to April 14. This thrilling event features four 11,000 horsepower nitro burning vehicles tearing down a dragstrip simultaneously, a sight that's sure to leave you in awe. 

In addition to the usual events like the Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Top Alcohol Dragster, spectators also have the rare opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers. It's an experience you won't find anywhere else and well worth a look to break up the poker tournament action. 

Visit lvms.com for more details. 

Concerts

Photo credit: Caesars

April is a rockin' month in Las Vegas. German hard rock band Scorpions are back at Planet Hollywood, kicking off a new residency from April 11. Across town, the L.A.Guns and Cinderella's Tom Keifer will be performing at the Westgate, while the B-52s, and Smokey Robinson are set to return to the Venetian. 

Don’t miss punk rockers Social Distortion and Bad Religion tearing up the stage on April 13 at the Virgin. Dance it out to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, and Mariah Carey who are both performing at the Park MGM Las Vegas from April 17, and The Jersey Boys who’ll make an appearance at The Orleans Hotel, making for a month of incredible music.

More Poker

After watching all the pros having some fun at the tables, you might get the itch to play yourself. The good news is, pretty much every poker room in Las Vegas will have daily poker tournaments or casino games during April, offering big prizes that will not disappoint. 

There’s also the Wynn Signature Series hosted in the Wynn Casino Las Vegas from April 8 to April 24. According to the listing, there are 27 events, with at least two $500,000 guaranteed prizes. 

Shows and Attractions

Photo credit: Luxor Entertainment Group — Blue Man Group

Throughout April, you can expect to see some incredible shows and attractions all over Las Vegas. Canadian magician Shin Lim, known for elaborate close up card magic routines, card manipulation and sleight of hand, is spinning magic at the Mirage. Over at the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino, you can see Mystère Cirque du Soleil, offering all the entertainment the company is known for. Also, keep an eye out for Cirque du Soleil' KA, The Beatles LOVE and Michael Jackson One. 

The unique Blue Man Group is showing off its special brand of entertainment at the Luxor. Another legend of the magic scene, David Copperfield, will be at the MGM Grand. At the same time, Penn and Teller will be performing at the Rio. Rounding out the rest of the shows in Vegas is Postcard from Earth, an immersive show that will apparently have seat movements, flashing lights, and other visual stimulation. If this show doesn't live up to your expectations, the venue might. It's known as the Sphere, a music and entertainment arena to the east of the Strip. 

Comedy  

Photo credit: Caesar's Palace — Jerry Seinfeld Live

Poker can get very stressful sometimes, especially when you see some poor soul get absolutely crushed by a devastating bad beat. Comedy shows can be a great way to ease the tension and laugh it all off. Comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld will be at Caesars Palace from April 12 to April 13. Other venues, such as the Las Vegas Live Comedy Club, Laugh Factory, and Comedy Cellar, also have events with more lesser-known comedians throughout April. 

More Las Vegas Attractions

While waiting for the next hand of the US Poker Open, you can find an insane number of other attractions and events in Vegas not just in April, but year-round. You could shoot rifles or pistols at a shooting range, take a hot air balloon ride, drive a race car around the speedway, play paintball, take a horseback ride through the desert, and so much more. 

For adrenaline junkies, skydiving, helicopter rides, rollercoasters, and scuba diving are also available in the area. Craving some genuinely unique experiences? Destroy a car with a bulldozer, drive a dune buggy through the desert, or partake in a sky combat ace flight experience. The US Poker Open will be great, but why not check out some of the other events in Sin City while you’re there?