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Get Into the Groove

Jennifer McKee

Think Las Vegas is full of only over-the-top music venues? Not so. While bigger is sometimes better, we’ve culled down our list to include intimate venues as well—here’s our love letter to the best of both worlds.

Brooklyn Bowl

With three levels that encompass more than 80,000 square feet, this restaurant/bowling alley/bar/music venue is one of America’s largest. Guests can enjoy the nation’s hottest bands from the comfort of the adjacent bowling lanes at Brooklyn Bowl at The LINQ Promenade, the general admission floor or a private lounge overlooking it all. Before you leave, don’t miss out on the fried chicken celebrated on Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”—you can enjoy it anywhere on property.

(Courtesy Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas)
(Courtesy Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas)

Boulevard Pool

Feel in the middle of the action at this social rooftop pool atop the Strip. As you’re watching, concerts at Boulevard Pool are streamed live on The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’s gigantic marquee. Enjoy it from the pool, a grassy area adjacent, in a cabana or at the bar. Whatever you decide, the sight lines are great.

MGM Grand Garden Arena

This powerhouse venue, with more than 16,000 seats, has played host to the most recognizable names on the planet—Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and Katy Perry are but a few of the sell-out names who have recently performed here. As far as the large halls go, the MGM Grand Garden Arena at MGM Las Vegas is one of the best; if you don’t want to shell out for floor seats but still want to be close, try to corners nearest the stage on the upper levels.

MGM Grand Garden Arena (Courtesy MGM Resorts International)
MGM Grand Garden Arena (Courtesy MGM Resorts International)

Hard Rock Cafe Strip

Surprising as it sounds, it can be easy to overlook this mid-Strip venue, but it can’t be beat for amazing sound, performers who are this close and great food and drinks while you rock out. With space for 1,200 concert-goers, you’ll get up-close and personal like never before at Hard Rock Cafe on the Las Vegas Strip.

House of Blues

From its glorious Sunday Gospel Brunch to performances by Carlos Santana and music stars across all genres, the comfortable House of Blues is a Las Vegas mainstay. The main floor is flanked by tables around each level—or spring for balcony seats for an amazing view from the top. There’s a bar nearby no matter which level you choose.

The Pearl

At The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort, there’s literally no bad seat in the house—even the balcony seats have amazing sight lines. The stage is just four feet from the floor, and the farthest seating area is a mere 120 feet from the stage. In addition, the Pearl offers 18 private and semi-private boxes with private bars, lounges and restaurants—a great splurge for your next group! It’s a marvel of modern technology, using the best sound and video quality available today.

The Pearl (Courtesy Palms Casino Resort)
The Pearl (Courtesy Palms Casino Resort)