Here are our top 10 suggestions. They’re all excellent shows, so we ranked them roughly according to the age group they would appeal to most — youngest to oldest.

Gregory Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theater

No age restriction

Gregory Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theater is the cutest show on the Strip, hands down. Kitties and doggies (plus doves and other small critters) act out skits, pretending to be passengers waiting to board a train, students in a classroom or patients waiting to be seen by a doctor.

Popovich, a graduate of the Moscow Circus School and a fifth-generation circus performer, juggles, jumps rope and performs a host of other big top-style tricks.

With the cuddliest cast of any show, Gregory Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theater is a must-see for young animal lovers.

Circus acts at Circus Circus

No age restriction

Free shows begin daily at 11 a.m. and run every 30 to 45 minutes until midnight on the center stage at the Carnival Midway at Circus Circus. Children will be delighted with classic circus acts like jugglers, clowns, acrobats and flying trapeze artists. And, of course, there are clowns! In case painted faces aren’t enough thrill for your older travelers, the Carnival Midway is just a stone’s throw from Circus Circus’ indoor amusement park, the Adventuredome.

Tournament of Kings

No age restriction

Children under the age of  3 are admitted free of charge if they sit on a parent’s lap and share their meal. Any child 3 or older must occupy his or her own seat.

When you arrive at this dinner show inside the castle-shaped Excalibur, you’ll be seated in sections that represent a “country.”  Throughout the production, Merlin and a court jester will urge you to cheer for your native knight as he takes on rivals from other lands in challenges like jousting, sword fighting, racing and gladiator-style combat.

The evil Mordred tries to capture King Arthur’s kingdom, but the countries unite to fight against him.

At Tournament of Kings, you’ll eat Cornish hen, steamed veggies and biscuits, with sweet pastry for dessert. Just like lords and ladies did in the Middle Ages, you’ll have to eat with your hands. But it’s okay to slurp your first course, “dragon’s blood” (tomato soup). Juice and soda will be served, along with grown-up drinks.

Jeff Civillico: Comedy in Action

No age restriction

Jeff Civillico’s intractable enthusiasm endears him to children 8 to 80. A master juggler with a gift for comedy, he eagerly welcomes kids’ participation in his acts and is always ready with a one-liner to keep their folks laughing.

Appropriately branded “Comedy in Action,” Civillico’s show never stops moving. Children (and grownups with childlike senses of humor) will fall head over heels for his zany persona and laugh out loud when he pulls out signature moves like his high side kick followed by dramatic wedgie removal.

Mac King Comedy Magic Show

Ages 5+

Mac King can teach you how to scare your friends! He gives away his trick for eating “goldfish,” but all his other gimmicks are secret. King’s show features classic sleight of hand, and it’s perfect for a family with attentive, inquisitive kids. From rope and card tricks to disappearing animals and shadow puppets, Mac King’s got it all.

A little parent-friendly humor is couched in kid-friendly jokes, and when Mac makes his way into the audience, he’s just as likely to pick Junior to come on stage as he is to pick Dad or Mom. He pokes fun at his volunteers without ever embarrassing them. A father in real life and a kid at heart, Mac King is a master all-ages entertainer.

V — The Ultimate Variety Show

Ages 3+

You’ll see seven acts in this high-energy 75-minute revue. The performers rotate in and out, but you can bet on a treat no matter when you see the show.

The Crazy Gauchos’ drum routine is a favorite, and Tamara Yeroffyeva, a rhythmic gymnast, awes crowds with her grace and flexibility. Melinda, the only female magician to ever have her own show in Vegas, appears often, and the Skating Aratas wheel out amazing acrobatics at high speed.

Wally Eastwood, the host of “V” and a lightning-fast juggler, will amaze the oldest and delight the youngest in your group when he plays Beethoven on a floor piano by bouncing his juggling balls on the keys.

Illusions starring Jan Rouven

Ages 5+

The most amazing thing about Jan Rouven’s act at the Riviera is that there is no smoke, there are no mirrors, and there are zero special effects. Your jaw will drop when you see him switch places with his assistant in the blink of an eye, because you’ll KNOW that there was nowhere for them to go and no time for them to make the change. It’s no wonder he was named the best magician in Las Vegas!

This show is perfect for the almost-teen, who will laugh with good-natured jealousy when Jan introduces a young volunteer to the show’s four female dancers and asks him to pick a favorite. Young audience members are often chosen to participate in tricks by testing equipment to see that it’s real or guiding Jan through an act by listening to their “inner voice” and telling the magician which actions are “safe” or “dangerous.” And you’ll laugh out loud when Jan chooses a volunteer who he says in not quite old enough to go on stage.

Blue Man Group

Ages 3+

This show takes on big issues like brain function, groupthink and artificial intelligence, but the three silent stars, dressed in black and made up to be earless in alien blue, are childlike in their ignorance as well as their curiosity.

With a bright, colorful visual program and a hearty dose of toilet humor, Blue Man Group is a win, especially for boys. The characters stuff their mouths full of marshmallows, play with giant iPhones and crawl over the theater seats rooting through guests’ belongings. At the end of the production, enormous beach balls float through the theater, and audience members can’t help but punch and shove them in slow motion.

This show is noticeably loud. It’s full of dance-worthy original music (including a finale with lyrics that rattle off silly nicknames for your butt) featuring Blue Man Group’s signature invented instruments.

There’s no age limit on Blue Man Group’s free nightly procession, in which the stars parade through the Monte Carlo casino floor with their spectacle of kooky vehicles and instruments.

Mystère

No age restriction

If you’re looking to take in a high-end show with the whole family, think about Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère, which delivers the thrill of the circus with a touch of elegance. Displays of incredible strength, daring and agility will dazzle and delight kids of all ages. The ideas in the production center around the circle of life, but understanding the theme is not critical to enjoying the performances.

Among the acts is a team of two men who strike gravity-defying poses in a hand-to-hand balancing routine, an aerialist who twists and turns to create optical illusions with two suspended lengths of fabric, and a group of gymnasts who flip and climb around four vertical poles.

This show has no age restriction, but it is probably not a good choice for children who don’t like clowns. One who acts as an usher rounds out Mystère with good humor, and colorful, imaginative costumes add to the rainbow of spectacle in this classic Las Vegas spectacular.

Jabbawockeez

Ages 5+

Adults got to know this team of masked performers when it won the first season of “America’s Best Dance Crew.” With a new show based on color and light, Jabbawockeez is set to draw in a new crowd of fans. Teens who love music with a good beat will get into this production, but younger kids will love the dancers’ pantomimed storytelling, set to popular and original music and framed in bright primary colors.

Though there are funny segments meant to make grown-ups laugh, most of show is about two characters — one dressed in black and one in white — discovering balance and friendship by exploring the color spectrum.

This narrated tour of Las Vegas history rolls past hundreds of native plants, birds and animal species like peregrine falcons, snowy egrets and black-crowned night herons as well as a reconstructed cauldron pool depicting natural springs that once existed beneath the Las Vegas valley. Passengers learn all about the Preserve’s artesian springs, which provided sustenance to the area’s 19th-century explorers and pioneers.

In addition to riding the train, visitors can still hike or bike the Preserve’s 3.65 miles of trails.

“Railroads were instrumental in settling the West,” said Dawn Barraclough, a public relations representative for the Springs Preserve. “Train rides along our trails, accompanied by a narrated tour through the evolution of Las Vegas, are a natural addition to the historic offerings at the Springs Preserve.”

The propane-fueled trackless train is a 3/4-scale replica of trains from early 1900s, such as the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad line that stopped in the Las Vegas valley. Like trains of that era, it is painted in a vibrant green with black and gold-tone accents.

Railroad cottages representing the early settlement of Las Vegas are being restored on site and will eventually be part of the train route.

The train runs daily, including weekends and school holidays (schedule is subject to change). Cost is $5 per ride (with paid general admission).

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Those summertime festivals are the inspiration for Carnevale at Venetian and Palazzo, a three-month celebration of entertainment, art, fashion, music, games, food and wine.

Carnevale at Venetian and Palazzo premiered in 2012, and this year has expanded to feature 300 experiences throughout the summer.

Guests can enjoy special daily events like The Masquerade, a nightly show that features masked Carnevale characters.

Light of Venice – A 3D Light Projection Fantasy turns the façade of The Venetian into a canvas for a 3D light and music show, featuring state-of-the-art digital mapping technology. At The Neon Olympiad at the Bourbon Room each night you can indulge in an ’80s-inspired party.

During Carnevale, fashionistas can also enjoy showcases from some of the retailers in the Grand Canal Shoppes from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Palazzo’s waterfall atrium. On June 20, catch a show from Canyon Beachware. Bikini Bay is featured July 4; DVF on July 18; Banana Republic on August 1 and RYU on August 22.

Other special events scheduled throughout Carnevale include live music, art displays, guest speakers, celebrity appearances, games and contests.

And of course it wouldn’t be a celebration of Italy without food and wine, so there is a wide variety of special culinary weekends planned during Carnevale that will delight foodies. Upcoming events include:

• Tignanello Vertical Wine Tasting Dinner & Weekend (June 28)  This wine was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques (oak barrels), the first red wine to be blended with non-traditional varieties (like Cabernet) and one of the first Chianti reds not to use white grapes. Tignanello is made from a selection of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged in barriques for about 12 months and for a further 12 months in the bottles. ($200 per person)
• Passion for Cabernet Weekend  (July 25)  This special wine dinner offers the rare opportunity to dine with Marcus Notaro (winemaker Col Salare) and Glenn Salva (Estate Manager at Antica).  ($200 per person)
• Curtis Stone Up Close & Personal Weekend (July 26-27) Fans of this Australian chef (host of “Top Chef Masters”) will have an opportunity to taste recipes from his latest cookbook at this “pop up” Curtis Stone restaurant, featuring a five-course tasting menu with wine pairing.  The experience also includes a champagne reception, photo op and an autographed book.  ($200 per person)
• Giro D’Italia Wine and Food Walk (August 9) Celebrate “Tour de Italy” with a special wine and food-themed event held throughout Grand Canal Shoppes, featuring food and wine booths. ($29 plus tax)
• Cheer for Beer Festival (August 17) Spend the afternoon at Azure luxury pool at The Palazzo to celebrate everyone’s favorite cold summer drink — beer. (Tickets:  $29 per tax)

1.) Mandalay Beach
Where: Mandalay Bay
The scene: There’s nothing quite like this 11-acre, South Seas-themed aquatic playground. In addition to three large pools, a lazy river with a current that runs at 3 mph and 2,700 tons of white sand, it has a three-story, glass-enclosed building with a casino and a “toptional” pool club called Moorea Beach Club.
The “wow” factor: A 1.6-million-gallon wave pool surrounds the elevated Beach Stage. You can enjoy concerts here on hot summer nights while wading in its surf.

A swim-up blackjack table in the Garden of the Gods pool oasis at Caesars Palace

2.) Garden of the Gods
Where: Caesars Palace
The scene: This outdoor oasis boasts eight different pools (each one is named after a Greek god) – including Venus Pool Club, where European-style sunbathing is allowed. Scattered among the landscape are beautiful fountains and waterfalls as well as blue-cushioned lounge chairs and daybeds. Plus, there’s a snack bar called Snackus Maximus, swim-up blackjack tables and lavish bottle service provide by “goddesses.”
The “wow” factor: Towering Greek columns, classical statuary and a giant rotunda all add to the ambiance during the day – and they are stunningly lit at night!

3.) The Tank
Where: Golden Nugget
The scene: This $30 million outdoor complex has a lovely curved pool with two cascading waterfalls as well as a hot tub, the H2O Bar and several blackjack tables on its main floor. A child-free zone (guests must be at least 16 years old to enter) called The Hideout is located on the second floor with its own two-story infinity pool.
The “wow” factor: There’s a 200,000-gallon aquarium filled with several different species of sharks and other colorful creatures from the ocean – and a three-story water slide takes you right through the center of it!

4.) Beach Club Pool
Where: Flamingo
The scene: There’s nothing quite like this family-friendly pool area situated at the center of one of the Strip’s few remaining historic hotels. The setting is lush because it’s adjacent to the Wildlife Habitat, where a collection of feathered friends (like swans, ducks and, of course, flamingos) as well as koi and turtles make their home. The main pool is shaped like a big lagoon, while a maze of water slides winds through rocky caves into smaller terraced pools. There is also a special pool for adults – the GO Pool, which has more of a nightclub-like vibe. Snacks are available from the nearby Beach Club Café.
The “wow” factor: A large swim-in grotto beneath three gushing waterfalls makes for a fun escape from the sun on scorching days.

Soleil Pool at Paris Las Vegas

5.) Soleil Pool
Where: Paris Las Vegas
The scene: One giant octagon-shaped pool provides lots of room for swimmers on the resort’s two-acre rooftop deck. Located on the third floor, you’ll delight in views of replicated Paris landmarks as well as of the Fountains of Bellagio and several hotel frontages along the Strip. A secluded area bordered by rose bushes enfolds two big hot tubs.
The “wow” factor: Nothing compares to taking a dip and sunbathing in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, even if it is only a half-scale replica of the original.

6.) VooDoo Beach
Where: Rio
The scene: This sprawling tropical-themed deck has palm trees, several waterfalls and three Jacuzzis that are tucked away amid rock grottos. The four pools – a lagoon-style pool, a fish-shaped pool, a clam-shaped pool and the sand pool (it’s surrounded by a real white sand beach and even has a sand bottom) – all have a different vibe. The kids love the sand pool, which is near the entrance. At the back end of the pool deck is The Voo, a party hotspot for the 21 and older crowd.
The “wow” factor: Flair bartenders can be found at VooDoo Beach’s two full-service bars: the VooDoo Beach Bar and the Island Cruzan Bar. They mix up specialty cocktails (like the Rio ’Rita on the Rocks) while flipping bottles and twirling tins.

Breathe pool at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

7.) Beachlife
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
The scene: The word “Beachlife” not only represents a state of mind (i.e., a carefree mentality), but it’s also the name of the 200,000-square-foot complex packed with three pool regions at the resort. Paradise Beach is home to a variety of parties including Sunday’s rollicking Rehab, which is now in its 10th year. It features tropical scenery, sandy beaches, swim-up blackjack tables and food from the Palapa Bar & Grill. Nirvana is a more serene area located near the HRH Tower that has an expansive pool, a gaming lounge and a complete bar and grill. Breathe is perched above Nirvana and offers a small glass-bottomed pool in a sophisticated environment as well as a breathtaking view of the Strip.
The “wow” factor: Thanks to underwater speakers, rock music is pumped in and can be heard beneath the surfaces of the swimming pools.

8.) Boulevard Pool
Where: The Cosmopolitan
The scene: Situated on the resort’s east deck, this is a magnificent multilevel, open-air venue. There is one large pool with shallow areas so lounge chairs can be placed in the water. You can also relax in a huge hot tub, play games like table tennis and foosball in The Yard or grab a drink at one of three full-service bars. Many special events are held at the Boulevard Pool too – including Bubbles & Brunch at the Overlook Grill during the day and film screenings on the marquee or live musical performances on the poolside stage at night.
The “wow” factor: The Boulevard Pool, which is elevated on the third floor, looks out over the heart of the Las Vegas Strip providing panoramic views of the striking curved LED signage at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, the replicated landmarks at Paris Las Vegas and numerous hotel façades.

The Backyard at Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa

9.) The Backyard
Where: Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa
The scene: This three-acre aquatic complex is truly lavish. There’s one main circular pool called the Sandbar. Eight small wading pools and a couple of hot tubs dot the decks and cabana areas. It also has a café, two bars and poolside gaming. The Backyard is often used to host special events and concerts for up to 3,000 people.
The “wow” factor: There’s an exotic sunbathing island at the center of the Sandbar pool with an interactive fountain.

10.) Palms Pool
Where: Palms
The scene: This two-acre complex houses two grand pools on its ground level. The one situated near the entrance has a peninsula-like piece jutting out where four daybeds have been positioned. The pool in the back features ankle-deep shelves laden with lounge chairs and lilypads, and it’s also fronted by opulent two-story bungalows. Cocktails are poured from three incredible bars: the Entry Bar, the Glass Bar and the Waterfall Bar (which, as the name suggests, is nestled behind a 12-foot waterfall).
The “wow” factor: Between the two ground pools, you’ll spot a raised platform with a chic glass-bottomed pool and several lounge chairs. It gives guests an exclusive view of  the whole scene – which can get rowdy, especially during the weekly Ditch Friday and Ditch Saturday parties.

"Jubilee!" photo by Denise Truscello

1. “Jubilee!” Backstage Tour: ($17 or $12 with a purchase of a show ticket) Nothing says Vegas like showgirls and if you want an up close and personal look at the life of the famed Las Vegas dancer, you’ll want to take the backstage tour at “Jubilee!” at Bally’s. The tour is led by a cast member and takes you on an in-depth look at the show’s costumes, props, headdresses and more.
2. Eiffel Tower Experience: ($11.50 for adults during the day; $16.50 from 7:15 p.m. – close) The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas provides a spectacular view of the Strip, the Las Vegas valley and the Bellagio Fountains across the street from 460 feet up.
3. Welcome to Las Vegas Sign: (Free) This iconic symbol of Las Vegas has served as the backdrop for countless photos since its creation in 1959. The sign, located on the Strip just south of Russell Road, has a parking lot, which makes it easy to get to. During your visit, be sure to snap a photo at the famous spot, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
4. Bellagio Conservatory: (Free) Each year more than 5 million visitors stop by to see the beautiful flowers at the
   

   Bellagio Conservatory

   Conservatory. The stunning display of flowers, trees and plants changes five times a year with special themes for Chinese New Year, spring, summer, fall and winter.

5. Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay: ($18 for adults; $12 for children ages 5 – 12) The Shark Reef houses more than 1,200 species of marine life including sharks, sea turtles and exotic fish. Guests can also see reptiles and Komodo dragons or head to the touch pool where you can pet stingrays, eels and crabs.
6. Mr. Lucky’s $7.77 special: ($7.77 with player’s club card) The Gambler’s Special at Mr. Lucky’s in the Hard Rock Hotel includes steak, three grilled shrimp, a choice of potato or broccoli and a salad. It’s not on the menu — you’ll have to ask your server — and is available around the clock.
7. Prime rib night at Garden Court Buffet: ($14.99) Garden Court Buffet at Main Street Station downtown always has good food that doesn’t cost a fortune but on Saturday nights you can also enjoy prime rib from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Along with the prime rib, sample the buffet’s Italian, Mexican, Asian and dessert offerings.
8. The Chuck Jones Experience ($19.95 for adults; $14.95 for kids ages 5 – 17) The Chuck Jones Experience at Circus Circus introduces folks to the legendary artist, animator and director behind such favorite characters as the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote. With more than 250 pieces of original artwork from Chuck Jones including character sketches and paintings, interactive exhibits and digital films, the Chuck Jones Experience is packed with items to inspire anyone.
   

   Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden

9. Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden/Dolphin Habitat: ($19.95 for adults for both exhibits; $14.95 for children) The Secret Garden at The Mirage gives guests the opportunity to see some amazing wildlife on the Strip. The exhibits in the gardens showcase white tigers, lions and leopards. There is also a dolphin habitat where you can watch the cute creatures frolicking in their tank.
10. Roller Coaster at New York –New York:  ($14) This thrilling roller coaster ride features towering drops, multiple loops and amazing views of the Strip. You’ll travel 67 mph through two inversions including a heartline twist and dive.
11. Shrimp cocktail at Golden Gate: ($2.99) When the Golden Gate introduced the shrimp cocktail to its casino in 1959, it started a Las Vegas tradition that continues today. The shrimp cocktail is served at Du-Par’s restaurant in a tulip glass with secret cocktail sauce and fresh lemon.
12. Springs Preserve: ($18.95 for adults, $10.95 for children ages 5 – 17) The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre cultural and historic attraction about 15 minutes away from the Strip that offers state-of-the-art exhibits, galleries, hiking trails, live animal shows, a cafe and botanical gardens.
    

    Gondolas at Venetian

13. Gondola Ride: ($18.95) Pretend you’re in Venice with a peaceful gondola ride through the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. The ride lasts about 15 minutes and you’ll even be serenaded in Italian by your gondolier. Guests have a choice to ride indoors or outdoors along a lagoon in front of the hotel.
14. Stratosphere Tower observation deck: ($18 for adults; $10 for children) For a 360-view of Las Vegas, the Stratosphere Tower is the place to go. The 1,149-foot tower has an observation deck that is 869 feet high, offering views of the Strip, the mountains and the whole valley. For a truly impressive view, make sure to visit at sunset.
15. Auto Collections at The Quad: ($11.95 for adults; $8 for children 6 – 12) You don’t have to be a car aficionado to appreciate this collection of more than 300 automobiles including race cars, muscle cars, classic cars, military vehicles and exotic and luxury cars.
16. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art: ($16 for ages 13 and older; kids 12 and under are free) The gallery presents world-class exhibitions of art and objects drawn from internationally known museums and private collections. Exhibitions have included Monet masterworks, Andy Warhol’s celebrity portraits, Fabergé treasures from the Kremlin and Alexander Calder mobiles.
17. World’s Largest Permanent Circus: (Free) High above the casino floor, the acts of the World’s Largest Permanent Circus delight patrons by performing death-defying stunts every half-hour between 11 a.m. and midnight. Acts include jugglers, unicyclists, trapeze artists and acrobats, to name a few. Each lasts about 10 minutes.
    

    Marquee Dayclub

18. Sirens of TI: (Free) This 18-minute production, which takes place on the lagoon outside of Treasure Island each night, includes beautiful temptresses and swashbuckling pirates, high diving, dancing, sword fighting and pyrotechnics.
19. Pool clubs – ($10 – $20) Pool clubs are the place to party and cool off in Las Vegas during the summers and you don’t have to shell out a lot of money to get in. Bare Pool Lounge at The Mirage (Sunday – Thursday), Liquid at Aria (Sunday – Thursday) and Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan all charge  $10 for women and $20 for men. Head over to the Palms Pool where you can join in the fun for $15 for ladies or $20 for guys.
20. Riviera Comedy Club - ($19.99) A stomping ground for some of the nation’s hottest comedians, the Riviera Comedy Club also hosts bright up-and-comers at its 350-seat venue. The club’s roster alternates between a format of three comedians, in which one is a headliner, or one of four lesser-known comedians.

The Huntridge Revival team has released plans for a food and beverage outlet, a music education facility and a fully restored arts venue. Initial estimates say the project could cost upwards of $12 million, but the initial fundraising goal is $150,000.

The renovation is spearheaded by three giants of Downtown vision: Life is Beautiful festival founder Rehan Choudhry, First Friday Las Vegas managing partner Joey Vanas and Michael Cornthwaite, a champion of Las Vegas’ downtown revitalization.

The three are turning to Vegas locals to finance the first leg of the project.

“We’ve received a ton of excitement and momentum, but we’ve reached a point where we need this additional start-up capital required to move forward,” Vanas said. “Without local community buy-in it just won’t happen.”

Nighttime beach concerts bring out the best in Vegas, melding nightlife with live entertainment and crossing the beach club craze with the city’s surge in arts culture.

Three very distinct venues are offering unique poolside concert experiences all summer long.

The Cosmopolitan‘s rooftop Boulevard Pool, with its panoramic views of the Strip, is home to tons of summer music shows, including the indie-inspired Set Your Life to Music Concert Series on Thursday nights.

Fedor Banuchi, the Cosmo’s director of entertainment and nightlife operations, explained what makes concerts at the skyline venue spectacular.

Sunshine reggae stars Iration represent one facet of the Set Your Life to Music series' indie-driven sound.

“The Boulevard Pool is just as exciting for the bands playing as it is for our guests,” he said. “That really makes every show here unique. You can feel the energy in each performance.”

We saw alt-rockers Yellowcard at the Boulevard Pool on May 16 and were amazed at how the Cosmopolitan showed off the stars. Live video feed of show lit up the hotel’s Strip-side marquee as the band powered through new songs like “When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes” and old favorites like “Ocean Avenue.”

“The Set Your Life to Music bands are all indie-spirited and directed towards the ‘curious class,’” Banuchi said. “The series is driven by people who live and breathe music.”

The series will stretch into September with  Infected Mushroom (June 20), Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown (June 27), Twin Shadow (July 4), Makua Rothman (July 11),  Elan Atias (July 18), Theophilus London (July 25), Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (August 1), Gary Clark, Jr. (Aug. 8), Rebelution and Matisyahu (Aug. 22), Fitz and the Tantrums (September 5), Blink-182 and New Beat Fund (Sept.19) and The Naked and Famous (Oct. 24).

The Cosmo’s regular summer concert set has already brought hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar to the Strip. Still to come are acts from English-Irish boy band The Wanted (Aug. 9) to indie rock icons Cold War Kids (Aug. 16).

If you crave music imported from the islands, swim a little off the mainland to a find poolside concerts that sway to an island beat. Just off the Strip at the Hard Rock Hotel, the Soundwaves series is making a splash.

The shows are hosted at the Paradise Beach pool. By day (during weekends), the venue is home to pool parties, like Summer Camp Fridays, Nectar Saturdays and the infamous Sunday Rehab gathering. But at night, it transforms into a tropical dream.

Concertgoeers at the Hard Rock Hotel's Paradise Beach pool party to the smooth sounds of Pepper. Photo by Bill Hughes/ Erik Kabik Photography

Michael Goodwin, the Hard Rock Hotel’s vice president of nightlife and daylife, described the setting for the Soundwaves shows.

“You’ve got the sand beaches and the palm trees and the cabanas with the thatched huts,” he said. “It takes you out of the desert for the time that you’re there.”

Hawaiian rockers Pepper kicked off the series with island-inspired hits like “Give It Up” on June 8. Stephen and Damian Marley of reggae’s first family will play Paradise Beach June 28, and Dirty Heads, who took “Lay Me Down” to the top of the Billboard Alternative Chart, will perform Aug. 3.

Down on the Strip’s south end, Mandalay Bay Beach rounds out the summer concert scene with sand-side shows that range from reggae to alternative to retro rock.

We were part of an electric crowd when Lifehouse played last month, and on June 8, when the Beach Concert Series officially kicked off, we kicked off our sandals and waded into the water to watch Grace Potter and the Nocturnals make musical magic.

Easily the coolest thing about the Mandalay Bay Beach Concert Series is the dynamic setup that draws crowds right into the water to get close to the action on stage. Bands set up on a podium that looms above the water in the beach’s wave pool, and while groups of friends and even families lounge on blankets on the broad stretches of sand, die-hards take a dip to get up close to the artists.

Still to come at Mandalay Bay Beach is the Under the Sun tour (July 6), featuring ’90s greats Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Vertical Horizon and Fastball.

The throwbacks continue on Aug. 10, when A Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, Naked Eyes, Animotion and Bow Wow Wow top the list of bands on the Lost 80′s Live tour. And Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Soul Asylum, The Wailers and Matthew Sweet will each play a full album, when The LP Tour hits Vegas as part of the concert series (July 19).

Shows by alt-rock legends Sublime (Aug. 17) and Grammy Award- winning reggae star Ziggy Marley (Sept. 1) will wrap up the summer sets.

The show won the 2013 Tony Awards for “Best Musical” and “Best Score.” (It also won for its leading man, choreography, orchestration and sound design.)

A struggling family-owned English shoe factory is pulled out of a funk when Charlie the shoemaker forms a business partnership with Lola — a drag queen with an eye for fashion.

The stage production, based on a true story, is modeled after a 2005 British film, which took inspiration from Harvey Fierstein’s book.

The musical’s lyrics are the work of Cyndi Lauper. (When “Kinky Boots” scored “Best Score,” Lauper became the first woman to win the composing honor solo.)

The show’s 2014 swing through the states will be its first tour.

“We are so excited to take ‘Kinky Boots’ from coast to coast, so that the entire country can share in the joyousness that our audiences on Broadway experience every night,” said Producer Daryl Roth.

“And what a privilege it is to be the first Broadway show to launch a national tour at the beautiful new Smith Center,” added Producer Hal Luftig. “We look forward to an exciting opening night in Las Vegas next September.”

Dubbed an “ultra pool lounge,” this isn’t a decadent den dedicated to ancient practices. However, The Voo is a place where those who are 21 or older can see bewitchingly beautiful bikini-clad babes. It’s also a place where you can imbibe exotic cocktails and laze around on a lounge chair while listening to pounding beats and worshiping the sun. A mystical experience, to say the least!

The Voo adults-only pool club at Rio Las Vegas

To get to The Voo, you’ll have to head to the back end of VooDoo Beach, the resort’s sprawling outdoor deck with four swimming pools, waterfalls, a white sand beach, two full-service bars (VooDoo Beach Bar and Cruzan Island Bar) and the Rio Spa massage pavilion. You’ll spot the host of the pool club, Nicole, sitting by a podium under an umbrella near the entrance. After showing her a valid photo ID identifying your age, you’ll be allowed to walk in. That’s right, there’s no entrance fee to pay here – regardless of whether you’re a man or woman, visitor or local, non-hotel guest or hotel guest.

The Voo is surrounded by shrubbery for privacy. It looks deceptively small but can accommodate about 1,000 people. Three waterfalls flow down a large rock formation into an elegantly curved pool, which is encircled by sea blue-cushioned lounge chairs, daybeds, cabanas and umbrellas. Tucked behind the cascading waters are two large Jacuzzi-style tubs. Towering palm trees add to The Voo’s oasis-like feeling.

A live disc jockey – DJ Meko – is at a booth elevated above the crowd spinning a wickedly cool combo of EDM, Top 40, rap and R&B hits. On weekends, The Voo features go-go dancers. According to Nicole, booty-shaking contests and other pool games are also held whenever it’s busy.

The music and promotions enhance the vibrant nightclub-like atmosphere – as do the drinks. Although there’s no bar in The Voo, patrons are welcome to purchase beverages from the two bars in VooDoo Beach or from cocktail waitresses in sexy swimsuits who drift by regularly.

Among The Voo’s signature libations is the Vegas Cooler made with Ketel One Oranje vodka, peach schnapps, triple sec, Red Bull and a splash of pineapple juice. Frozen drinks are popular, along with margaritas served over ice – like the Rio ’Rita on the Rocks. Plus, there’s a large selection of bottled beers as well as a weekly draft special.

A view from a cabana at The Voo

In addition, The Voo’s food wins raves from pool party goers who can’t wait to get their hands on items like the chicken tenders, grilled hot dogs, Baja fish tacos, Angus sliders, nachos and Philly cheesesteaks. Those who are health conscious can order smoothies, juices, seasonal fresh fruits and a selection of salads, such as the soba noodle salad (a combination of cold Japanese noodles with green onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes and Asian dressing). Of course, there are treats – think frozen candy bars! – for those who aren’t counting calories.

The Voo’s nine daybeds and seven cabanas are also hot commodities. They start at $50 and $125 per person per day, respectively – which is an amazing value compared to pricing for similar seating options at pool clubs on the Strip. Each cabana is furnished with a flat-screen TV, a couch and chairs, a mini fridge and a ceiling fan.  It’s recommended you call at least 24 hours in advance (if not a few days) because there may be waiting lists for them on weekends. If you don’t reserve a daybed or cabana, the lounge chairs are free. There are about 150 of them – just try to arrive early as they are offered on a first-come basis.

The Voo often hosts bachelor and bachelorette parties. Celebrities have been known to drop by as well. Recently, top players from the World Series of Poker tournament, which runs through July 15, have been spotted by the pool during breaks from the action.

With these amazing sights, sounds, flavors and people, surely you’re ready to fall under The Voo’s spell! It’s open Thursday – Sunday and holidays from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. For more information or for daybed and cabana reservations, call (702) 777-6773.