In fact, most bars and clubs don't even get going until close to midnight. That's because it's only around then that all the restaurant workers and people connected with the shows get off the clock and can go out and play themselves. You might well conclude it's dead. But you also won't lack for things to do before 11pm. There are shows all over town, ranging from traditional magic shows to cutting-edge acts like Mysthre.
Every hotel has at least one lounge, usually offering live music.
Most of what remains is homogeneous and bland, and serves best as a brief respite or background noise. On the other hand, finding the most awful lounge act in town can be rewarding on its own. Vegas still does attract some dazzling headliner entertainment in its showrooms and arenas. Bette Midler did an HBO special from the MGM Grand in early 1997, U2 started its PopArt tour at UNLV's stadium, the Rolling Stones played both the MGM Grand and the Hard Rock Hotel's Joint, Pavarotti inaugurated Mandalay Bay's Arena, with Bob Dylan doing the same for the House of Blues, and Cher opened up the Venetian with a rare live performance. Barbara Streisand will be doing perhaps her last U.S. show ever at the MGM Grand, while Rod Stewart will be headlining the Rio, and Harry Connick Jr. will be playing the Mirage.