The 2026 Bucket List: 26 Must-See Openings in Las Vegas

The Cromwell is transforming into Vanderpump Hotel as we speak.

If you thought Las Vegas was already at its peak, 2026 is here to prove you wrong. From the highly anticipated transformation of a Strip icon to a permanent home for horror, the city is doubling down on "new."

To celebrate #America250, we’ve rounded up the 26 most exciting attractions, restaurants, and residencies making their debut this year.

The Headliners: New Attractions & Hotels

1. The Vanderpump Hotel: Opening in May 2026, The Cromwell officially completes its transformation into this 188-room boutique masterpiece.

   • The Buzz: Every inch is designed by Lisa Vanderpump herself—expect the most "Instagrammable" bathrooms on the Strip and a lobby that smells like fresh-cut roses and success.

2. Universal Horror Unleashed: A permanent, year-round horror experience at AREA15.

   • The Buzz: This isn't just a seasonal haunt; it’s a high-production immersive land where the scares change based on your choices. It’s basically living inside a horror movie.

3. OMNIA Dayclub & Skybar (Caesars Palace): Opening in Summer 2026, this is the most anticipated pool-season debut in years.

   • The Buzz: It will be connected to the iconic OMNIA Nightclub by a dedicated bridge, creating a seamless 120,000-square-foot "day-to-night" party complex with dramatic views of the Strip.

4. The Sphere: Wizard of Oz Experience: A new immersive film and sensory experience designed for the Sphere's interior.

   • The Buzz: Think "4D" on a massive scale. When the tornado hits, the entire theater will simulate the wind and debris, making you feel like you’ve actually left Kansas.

5. Netflix House: A permanent entertainment destination at the Galleria at Sunset.

   • The Buzz: Fans can walk through the Bridgerton ballroom or the Stranger Things Upside Down. The best part? The sets rotate, so there’s always something new for your grid.

6. The Venetian’s New "Via Via" Food Hall: A fresh take on the food hall concept featuring L.A. and NYC icons.

   • The Buzz: This is moving away from "fast food" and toward "fast-fine." It’s where you’ll find that legendary NYC pizza without the two-hour flight.

The Hottest New Tables

7. Gymkhana (MGM Grand): The legendary two-Michelin-star Indian restaurant from London.

   • The Buzz: Known as the hardest reservation to get in London, the Vegas outpost features a high-stakes "Soma" lounge inspired by Indian social clubs.

8. Maroon (Sahara): Chef Kwame Onwuachi brings his celebrated Afro-Caribbean flavors to the North Strip.

   • The Buzz: This is the centerpiece of the Sahara's culinary comeback—expect the Oxtail and Fufu to be the most talked-about dish of the summer.

9. Cantina Contramar (Fontainebleau): Gabriela Cámara’s world-renowned Mexican seafood destination.

   • The Buzz: Famous for the "split-sauce" grilled fish, this brings the sophisticated energy of Mexico City directly to the Fontainebleau’s sparkling waterfront vibe.

10. Zero Bond (Wynn): The ultra-exclusive NYC private members' club.

    • The Buzz: While the club is private, the dining room is expected to be a magnet for A-list celebrities and the "who’s who" of the Vegas tech scene.

11. Sartiano’s Italian Steakhouse (Wynn): A blend of classic steakhouse vibes and modern Italian flair.

    • The Buzz: It’s taking over a prime space with a focus on "Vegas scale" table-side presentations—think 40-ounce porterhouses carved with theatrical flair.

12. The Corner Store (The Cosmopolitan): A high-end, "secret" Strip location dining concept.

    • The Buzz: True to the Cosmo’s "hidden" brand, this spot is tucked away with no signage—find the right door, and you’ll enter a world of high-end snacks and vintage spirits.

13. Stanton Social Italian (Caesars Palace): Chef Chris Santos evolves his famous brand.

    • The Buzz: The "French Onion Soup Dumplings" are back, but the buzz is all about the multi-course Sunday Supper designed for big groups.

14. Carbone Riviera (Bellagio): A new restaurant transforms the waterfront.

    • The Buzz: It takes the classic Carbone glamour and adds a lighter, Mediterranean "Riviera" twist, overlooking the Bellagio fountains.

15. Doberman Drawing Room: A stylish new Arts District lounge.

    • The Buzz: It’s the "cool kid" of the Arts District. Forget bottle service; here it’s all about high-end tinned fish, rare caviars, and "tom kha fizzes."

16. Cote (The Venetian): The celebrated Korean Steakhouse debut.

    • The Buzz: Part Korean BBQ, part American Steakhouse, Cote is bringing a "Butcher’s Feast" that is already being called the best value for high-end dining on the Strip.

2026 Residency Rewind

17. No Doubt (The Sphere): Gwen Stefani and the band reunite.

    • The Buzz: This isn't just a concert; the Sphere's screens will turn into a 360-degree journey through the band’s 90s ska roots and pop peaks. (Tickets here)

18. Cyndi Lauper (Colosseum): A high-energy celebration of her greatest hits.

    • The Buzz: Cyndi is known for her costumes and storytelling, and word is she’s bringing out "special guests" from the 80s for select weekend shows. (Tickets here)

19. Blake Shelton (Colosseum): The country superstar returns to Caesars.

    • The Buzz: He’s reportedly designing the show to feel like a high-end "honky tonk," complete with a stage-side bar where a few lucky fans can watch the show. (Tickets here)

20. Backstreet Boys (The Sphere): The boys are back in town this summer.

    • The Buzz: Expect "Larger Than Life" to literally take over the entire Exosphere. It’s the first boy-band residency designed for the Sphere’s immersive tech. (Tickets here)

21. Kelly Clarkson (Planet Hollywood): Continuing her powerhouse residency.

    • The Buzz: Her "Kellyoke" segments have become the highlight—she’s been taking fan requests via social media for her Vegas dates. (Tickets here)

22. Zayn (Park MGM): A new residency at the intimate Dolby Live theater.

    • The Buzz: This is his first major solo residency, and the setlist is a deep dive into his soulful R&B catalog—very moody, very high-production. (Tickets here)

23. John Fogerty (Encore Theater): The rock legend returns.

    • The Buzz: After finally winning back the rights to his songs, Fogerty’s 2026 shows are a massive, emotional "victory lap" of CCR hits.

Hidden Gems & Expansions

24. The Neon Museum North Gallery Expansion: New interactive displays for #America250.

    • The Buzz: They’ve added a "digital restoration" feature where you can use your phone to see what the broken signs looked like in their 1950s prime.

25. The Walkable "New York" Skyline: A refreshed pedestrian experience at NY-NY.

    • The Buzz: New glass-bottom sections of the pedestrian bridges give you a dizzying (and free) view of the Strip traffic below.

26. Hard Rock Guitar Tower Progress: The 700-foot tower tops off.

    • The Buzz: Once the final beam is in place, the "Exosphere" won't be the only thing lighting up the sky—the tower’s LED "strings" will be visible from 30 miles away.

LAS Discounts Insider Tip

If you’re planning to visit, book your mid-week stay early! Many of these openings are clustered around the #America250 summer celebrations. Also, remember that many of the new restaurants on this list offer "Social Hour" menus, which are a great way to sample world-class cuisine without the full dinner price tag.

Which 2026 opening is at the top of your list?