Note: The Mirage has permanently closed on July 17th 2024, laying off all employees, and will reopen as Hard Rock Seminole in spring 2027, with the Mirage Volcano having been demolished to make way for a guitar-shaped hotel tower.
Are you in need of a free show in Las Vegas? Worry not; the Mirage Volcano Show is one of your best picks. This show is visually appealing and mesmerizing due to its incorporation of upbeat music and eclectic volcanic sounds that will leave you wanting more. The show is open to people of all ages, and kids are the most excited to see the beautiful explosions.
Its location at the Strip makes this show one of the most packed, especially during the weekends. Finding the best viewing place for you and your family or friends is key to enjoying this amazing show. The heat and noise from the Volcano radiate a choreographed scenery that lights up the night sky of Sin City.
We will take a look at the idea behind this beautiful spectacle and let you know of all the times you can visit the destination. There are a few helpful tips to help you find your way to the show and where the best views can be seen.
What is the Mirage Volcano Show?
Mirage Volcano Details:
- Address: 3400 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Website: mgmresorts.com
- Telephone number: (702) 791-7111
The Mirage Volcano Show, also known as The Volcano, is an artificial volcanic eruption show outside the Las Vegas Boulevard Main Entrance. It has long been one of Las Vegas’ free tourist attractions that are famed worldwide.
Other free Las Vegas attractions that rival the Mirage Volcano include; the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, Fountains of Bellagio, the Circus Circus Act, Fremont Street Experience, the Silverton Hotel Aquarium, Streetmosphere at Grand Canal Shoppes, Lake of Dreams, and the Ethel M Chocolate Factory tour.
However, the Volcano is unique due to its mesmerizing eruptions that mimic an actual volcano. Moreover, it is short and sweet, as most enjoyable things. The Volcano is nestled beside a tranquil lagoon in front of one of the majestic MGM Resorts- the Mirage Hotel.
The Mirage Volcano not only has red hot eruptions spewing out of the depths of the earth but also incorporates spewing water, lots of steam, and fireballs that are shot 12 feet into the sky.
You will hear music that accompanies the volcanic eruptions that soothe you in the midst of this imitation of a violent act of nature. The choreographed music piece at the moment is from the Grateful Dead’s drummer, Mickey Hart. The musical piece is set alongside the Indian composer Zakir Hussain’s rhythmic Indian music that adds to the tribal vibe of the entire sound.
Do not be alarmed; the sounds of the eruptions do not come from real eruptions but rather recordings of actual eruptions. All of this is coordinated by a state-of-the-art high-tech system that can bring together incredible visuals and sounds to create a volcanic rumble.
The show hasn’t always had the same look as it does today. It had gone through a lot of changes since 1989, when it was first incorporated into the Mirage Resort by Steve Wynn’s vision. The Water Entertainment Technologies (WET), the same designers of The Fountain at Bellagio, took the project and designed the entire set.
The fireballs come from 150 fire shooters placed inside the volcano pith and the lagoon surrounding it. The system has two volcano systems and features waterfalls and smoke effects. All of this makes for a great show with noticeable heat from the fire and ground-shaking music and eruptions.
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Mirage Volcano Show Times, Schedule
The Mirage Volcano Show Times are scheduled from Monday to Sunday from 7 pm to 11 pm every night. The show does not last the entire time from 7 pm to 11 pm. Instead, it fires up on the hour at 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm, 10 pm, and 11 pm.
The show lasts for about 5 minutes from the beginning of each hour and ends after that until the next hour. The busiest shows are in the early hours and the late hours tend to be scarcely populated if you want better viewing spots. Ensure to get there early, at least 10 minutes, since the best places to view the spectacle are from the front areas.
Directions to get to the Mirage Volcano
There are two ways to get to the Mirage Volcano Show if you are going on foot:
- Using the Strip Entrance: This direction is from the main Valet at the Mirage. As you walk from the main Valet, look to your right; you will notice the big lagoon and the fiery show on your right as you face the Las Vegas Boulevard.
- As you come from the Mirage Hotel self-parking: You will first have to go into the Casino and turn to the left; this is past the desk at the front. Proceed outside using the main entrance and go all the way towards Las Vegas Boulevard. You will notice the Volcano show on your right.
Top 4 Places to View the Volcano in Las Vegas
So, where can you see the Mirage Volcano in Las Vegas? There are a few options, and we will give you a few tips to help you get the best vantage point.
- From Across the Strip: There is a steakhouse, Outback Steakhouse, across the Strip from which you can see the show. The venue provides window seats when dining for those who would like to watch the show. This is a great option for those who want to kill two birds with one stone, but beware it is not the best viewing place.
- Main Valet at the Mirage Hotel: If you get at the Valet about 15 minutes before the show, you will be able to have a close enough view of the Volcano. It is close enough to the scene and less crowded.
- From a room at the Mirage Hotel: The Mirage does offer rooms in the hotel that have a view of the Volcano. It will cost you about $10 more, but it is so worth it to have such a scenic view from the comfort of your own residence. Another perk of this option –no crowds, and you can watch all the shows at night.
- In front of the Mirage and the strip Sidewalk: You will want to be here if you want to be close to feel the heat. These spots are usually jammed with people, so you want to be there as early as half an hour before the show. It is worth the wait since you will have the best view.