I hope to retire to Vegas some day.....almost got a job there last spring....and I'm going out there 1-10 October.
Anyway, check out pollstar.com to find out who is playing in Vegas while you are there. House of Blues isn't a bad place to see a show...I saw Me First and the Gimme Gimmes and had a blast.
As far as the Cirque shows go, there are lot of them out there. Mystere (mentioned above) is good, O is good. I thought that La Reve is a good compromise between Mystere and O. Ka is good, but not as good as the previously mentioned ones. Zumanity is Cirque meets burlesque. The new one is Love, which is Cirque meets the Beatles and has been getting good reviews. If you have decided on a Cirque show (or any show for that matter), you should consider getting your tickets now; otherwise you will most likely have to wait in the last minute line for tickets as most shows sell out.
If he is in town, try to see Elton John, as he put on a really fun, greatest hits, show. If you like Celine (and remember, what goes on in Vegas stays in vegas) you should check out her show.
Make sure you hit the downtown area to see the "Fremont Street Experience" which is a cool laser light show that starts at dusk; it's above the steet with all the classic neon casino signage.
Check out the New York, New York rollercoaster; I've never been on the rides at the Stratosphere, but I heard they were okay as well.
Definitely cruise by Red Rock Canyon, it's close to the strip and a nice drive through.
Hard Rock Hotel is fun to see all the memerobilia; however, you should throw a few quarters at the "Pretty Vacant" slot machine (if it is still there). There is something about a Sex Pistol themed slot machine that put a smile on my face.
The Hoover Dam tour is not what it used to be. Now it is a movie, go down the elevator, walk to the balcony overlooking the turbines, and then back up the elevator. They also restrict what you can bring in with you (like no backpacks, etc.) so you wanna make sure, before you leave your car, what you can and cannot bring on the tour. Still it is quite an impressive site.
If you are taking a bus tour to the canyon, avoid any tours which include a trip to Laughlin. It would be a real waste of time.
The Liberace Museum is quite kitschy, and it smells like a funeral home, but it is neat to see...once.
I can personally recommend the buffet at the Bellagio (and don't forget to watch the fountains out front); it's pricey, but has lots of good, well prepared dishes. I also heard that the buffet at Wynn is good. The Rio Seafood Buffet is no longer what it was and I wouldn't waste my time going there. You should also consider making reservations for any of the finer restaurants as soon as you think you know you want to eat there.
That's about all I can think of now. Any ?s you can PM me....
