Visiting AREA15? Here are the best things to do!
AREA 15 is one of the newer attractions in Las Vegas. It opened on September 17, 2020, and for a while, we heard rumors of how it was a new type of experience that mashes up art, food, and shopping.
Since we’ve been quarantining, we didn’t make it out when it first opened, but last week we were finally able to see what all the hype was about. We can’t wait to see all the art installations and events that will come through in the future.
Check back to see the latest updates.
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Last Updated: December 11, 2024
What is Area 15?
It’s hard to describe the AREA15 experience, but to put it simply, it’s a futuristic shopping center. As you enter, you come into a large open space where there are different vendors mixed in with art installations. To the left and right of you, there are spaces filled with museums, interactive exhibits, and shops.
It’s not only contained within the massive warehouse, there are also outside spaces that are used to house art from Burning Man plus other murals and art installations. It has also expanded to multiple buildings making it a full campus of attractions.
Local Tip: When you first enter, you walk through a spaceship airlock, which sets the mood for the rest of your experience. You don’t get much time in it when there’s a line.
See More: 101 Things to Do in Las Vegas Bucket List
Area 15 Las Vegas Tickets
Here’s what you need to know about what tickets to buy before arriving.
General Admission into AREA15 is free during the day, but they currently require you to reserve a ticket to help control capacity (you only need one entry pass per group). An entry pass isn’t required if you have tickets to an AREA15 experience or event. Once you arrive inside, you can purchase tickets for different attractions or walk around the browse the shops and restaurants.
They recently restructured their tickets to the following types of tickets. To see which attractions you get access to, see the chart here.
Access Level 1 ($49): One Day Pass with Access to 6 Attractions and Experiences
Access Level 2 ($99): One Day Pass with Access to 11 Attractions and Experiences
Access Level 3 ($124): Two Day Pass with Access to 12 Attractions and Experiences + Omega Mart
Access Level 4 ($250): Two Day Pass with Access to All of AREA15 + More
If you prefer, you can purchase tickets to individual attractions as well!
Area15 Current Hours:
Sunday to Wednesday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Thursday to Saturday: 11 AM – 12 AM (must be 18+ after 8 PM)
See More: 15 Unique Bucket List Worthy Experiences in Las Vegas
How to Get to Area15
AREA15 Address
3215 S Rancho Dr
Las Vegas, NV 89102 (map)
Getting to AREA15 is easy. It’s off the north end of the strip and they have a dedicated flow for ridesharing. If you’re driving, they have plenty of parking all around the building.
9 Things You Can’t Miss at Area 15 Las Vegas
We haven’t checked out everything in Area15 (some exhibits are still opening) but will eventually go and update you with our thoughts. In the meantime, check out our favorites below to help you plan your visit.
1. Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart →
Tickets: $59 for Adults, $50 for Children, $39 for NV Residents
Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart is the anchor experience at AREA15. It’s a huge space and hard to describe. It feels like you’re in another dimension, and you can either walk through and interact with the art on your own or follow the narrative.
Even though this exhibit is pricier, it’s still the best bang for your buck if you consider its size and on average how long people stay for the experience.
More: Meow Wolf Las Vegas – What You Need to Know Before You Go
2. Wink World
Tickets: $20 for Adults, $16 for Kids (Local Pricing Available on Site)
If you’ve ever been to a Blue Man Group and love the show, you will love Wink World.
Chris Wink, one of the three co-founders and Chief Creative Officer of Blue Man Group, created Wink World, which is a psychedelic art house. It gives you a small taste of his genius. You start out walking through a narrow hallway checking out art pieces that he’s curated.
Afterward, you enter six infinity mirror rooms. What’s different about these infinity rooms is it takes out the “self” and beautifully integrates sound, light, color, and motion. Our absolute favorite was the breathe room!
Local Tip: You’ll want to purchase the Chromadepth glasses before checking out the Aliume 3-D Psychedelic Art Gallery (and the main piece outside). I dabble in painting, but it’s mind-blowing how the artist, Alex Aliume, uses different colors to create different depths.
More: Blue Man Group Las Vegas – What to Expect at the Show
3. Illuminarium →
Tickets: Starting at $35
This immersive experience brings tech, music, and visuals together to create a stunning experience.
There are currently three different exhibits: Space, Wild, and Lite Brite. When we visited, we saw O’Keeffe. You can also get upgrades to your experience including After Dark, which combines the experience with drinks.
Local Tip: There is also a cafe on site with good food and plenty of seating.
4. Dopeameme
Tickets: $35
Brought to you by Superplastic, Dopameme is AREA15’s newest attraction where you become the test subject. The 30 minute reality-bending experience is packed with amazing visuals and challenges designed to hit that dopamine sweet spot.
After your trippy experience, you get your test results and downloadable photos. Then you can peruse the shop and pick up one of their iconic vinyl toys.
Local Tip: Guests must be 16 or older to enter Dopeameme. After 9 PM, you have to be 18+ and some of the interactions feature added adult humor.
5. Liftoff →
Tickets: Starts at $20 for Guests 13+
LIFTOFF is one of the newer AREA15 attractions (opened Feb 2022), offering panoramic skyline views of Vegas.
It’s hard to miss the giant balloon and spiral structure located just outside the main entrance, and it’s the first of its kind built in the US.
When you board, you are all facing inwards with a seatbelt securing you into your seat. It looks like an inverted version of Big Shot at the Strat, except it’s more of a leisure ride for the views than a thrill ride.
The balloon then ascends to the 130-foot summit and spins around so you can enjoy the 360-degree view of the strip and surrounding area.
There’s a lounge area where you can hang out as you wait and a bar to grab a drink for your ride (there are cupholders!).
PS. Don’t look down at your dangling feet if you’re afraid of heights. You can see a reel of our ride here.
Local Tip: They provide a phone case for you that you wear around your neck.
More: 25 Fun Indoor Activities in Las Vegas
6. Museum Fiasco | “Cluster” by Playmodes Studio
Tickets: $20 for Adults, $16 for Children
Museum Fiasco is a fully immersive installation that uses light and sound to explore the relationship between space, time, and perception.
I know that sounds abstract but the exhibit is abstract! Imagine an infinity room filled with columns and mirrors. Then mix in intense sounds with lights on the columns that go along with it. The concrete floor is semi-reflective too creating an even more open space.
While you’re inside, you’re free to wander around, but I definitely recommend standing in one spot to take in the experience. The overall show last around 12 minutes.
We thought it was pricey for the one exhibit, but the exhibits will continue to rotate and this one is only here for a limited time.
Local Tip: For $1 more, you can purchase an all-day pass if you want to go in and out as you please.
More: 15 Best Museums in Las Vegas + Local Tips
7. Army of the Dead VR
Tickets: $30 for Adults, $25 for Children
Did you watch Army of the Dead on Netflix or do you love zombies? Army of the Dead is a VR experience located in one of the adjacent buildings on the AREA 15 campus. Unlike the free-roaming VR experiences we’ve been to in Vegas, you are stationary on a tactical taco truck on this one. What makes this experience unique is that the truck moves and bumps as you shoot your way through zombie-filled streets, so it feels like you’re in a moving vehicle.
Local Tip: Photos and video are not allowed during the VR experience but there are photo ops as you get ready and a taco truck sitting outside the building.
8. The Lab
Tickets: Varies
The Lab is a gaming hub with various tech-driven games and experiences. You can purchase tickets to individual attractions or get the Level 2 Experience Pass, which includes four passes for the price of two. Here is what you’ll find at The Lab:
- AR Dodgeball – augmented reality dodgeball
- Birdly – VR flying
- Bot Breach – fight off a robot using a blaster
- Grand Prix Racing Sims (just outside of The Lab) – experience the sensation of driving an F1 car
- Laser Maze – test your agility and strategy through a amaze filled with lasers
- OZ Ride – VR seated ride with a sensory-enhancing chair
9. Get a Drink Under Oddwood’s Maple Tree
Tickets: No admission. Purchase drinks.
This is our favorite piece in the whole place that is free to view. It’s so mesmerizing; I could watch it all day.
The 23-foot-high Japanese maple tree is located at the center of Area 15 and is made of over 5,000 twinkling LED lights that change color. Order a beer or cocktail and enjoy a drink under the branches.
Local Tip: The view of the tree is nicer from the second floor.
Past Experiences: Van GOgh the Immersive Experience at Area15 →
Dates: April 6 – September 30, 2022
If you love Van Gogh’s art, this 30-minute immersive art show is a great way to see his work come to life. They also have a guided painting experience (Sunflowers & Rose) happening 7/29, 8/12, and 8/26. Although they no longer have it in Las Vegas, you can still see it in a lot of other cities. Check our full guide below.
More: Van Gogh Immersive Experience – Everything You Need to Know
Take a Tour and See the show at Lost Spirits Distillery (Closed) →
Tickets: Starts at $59 (Locals $49)
This is another amazing experience that is nothing like we’ve seen before. Lost Spirits is a self guided tour where you can taste rums, see performers, and walk through a labyrinth of art. It’s a great way to spend the evening at your own pace giving you a sense of exploration and making each visit unique.
Check out our full guide below!
Local Tip: They also have a pre-fixe dining experience if you want to upgrade!
More: Lost Spirits Distillery Tour – Everything You Need to Know
Upcoming and Ongoing Events
AREA15 hosts a ton of different events throughout the year. We will continue to update this list with upcoming events.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT:
Friday, Dec. 13: Party Iconic presents The Charli Parti in The Wall at 9 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Monday, Dec. 16: System Reset Experience by NOA/AON and Pavel Stuchlik in The Portal 5 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Friday, Dec. 20: Yoi Toki in The Portal at 9 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Saturday, Dec. 21: Bear Grillz in The Portal at 8:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Saturday, Dec. 21: Polar Bears Winter Laserland in The Wall at 9 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Saturday, Dec. 28: The Red Pears in The Portal at 6 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Sunday, Dec. 29: Buckethead in The Portal at 7 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Immersive Viewing of “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
Dates and Times: Select dates and times from Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Thursday, Jan. 2.
Location: The Portal.
Cost: Adult tickets for guests 13 and older will be available for $40. Children’s tickets for guests under 13 will also be available for $20. Each adult ticket purchase includes one specialty cocktail inspired by memorable scenes in the movie for guests 21 or older or one specialty non-alcoholic beverage for guests ages 13 to 20. To be notified when tickets and more information are available, click here.
Description: “The Nightmare Before Christmas” immersive viewing experience returns to AREA15 for the fourth consecutive year. Guests can enjoy Tim Burton’s timeless holiday classic enhanced with choreographed light and sound elements synced to the cult classic movie inside the 360-degree, projection-mapped Portal. Attendees can also look forward to surprise and delight treats throughout the screening.
HOLIDAZE: A Country Xmas Music Experience at Museum Fiasco
Dates and Times: Thursday, Dec. 5 through Tuesday, Dec. 31
Times: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Location: Museum Fiasco
Cost: The immersive light and sound experience will be FREE to enter for the entire month of December.
Description: In conjunction with the kickoff of the National Finals Rodeo events taking over Las Vegas, AREA15 announces HOLIDAZE: A Country Xmas Music Experience with genre-leader Universal Music Group Nashville. Located inside Museum Fiasco, HOLIDAZE presents a curated list of holiday hits inside an immersive audio and light experience that puts audiences in the pulse of music from artists such as Alan Jackson, Brenda Lee, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, Mickey Guyton and more. Country music fans can also enjoy a pop-up merch shop located just outside of Museum Fiasco. Ideal for holiday gifting or collectors, the shop will offer signed vinyl, CD box sets and special edition Christmas records from artists such as Luke Bryan, Toby Keith, Parker McCollum, Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire, Sam Hunt, Terri Clark and more. Clothing, including long sleeve tops, t-shirts and Shania Twain’s iconic sequin leopard bomber jacket, will also be available.
NYE 2025 Masquerade
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31
Location: General admission includes five ballroom parties throughout AREA15 plus LIFTOFF Bar and Ride, Asylum Bar + Arcade, Oddwood Bar and the entire ground floor. VIP and VVIP admission includes access to even more ballrooms and exclusive experiences.
Cost: General admission starts at $34.95 and VIP and VVIP tickets are also available. Guests must be 21 or older. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Description:AREA15 will transform into a series of interconnected, themed ballrooms – each offering a distinctive blend of music and mystery – for a can’t-miss New Year’s Eve masquerade experience. Guests will explore and experience distinct vibes, pulsating dance floors, roaming performers and sonic beats of all genres, including EDM, hip hop, R&B, Top 40, ambient, house and more. Attendees can uncover hidden lounges, one-of-a-kind cocktail bars and intimate sanctuaries full of surprises and mingling cloaked in secrecy. At the stroke of midnight, the unmasking will reveal a fresh start to the new year.
Tuesday $10s for NV Locals
Dates: Every Tuesday
Times: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Locations: AREA15
Cost: Costs vary, based on location/offer
Description: Every Tuesday at AREA15, locals can enjoy specialty discounts such as $10 off Experience Pass tiers, pizzas at The Beast and purchases of $50+ at Wild Muse or the AREA15 Depot. Locals will also be able to purchase a two-scoop cup or cones at Dreamweaver and boozy slushies at Asylum Bar + Arcade for $10. Offers can be stacked with regular NV locals discount by showing NV I.D. at purchase.
Ecstatic Dance Las Vegas
Date: Wednesday, Dec 11
Time: 6:45 p.m.
Location: The Portal
Cost: General admission begins at $25. Kids under 12 are $12.50 and children under three are free. To purchase tickets, click here.
Description: All ages are welcome toEcstatic Dance Las Vegas by Marissa Romero inside AREA15’s projection-mapped Portal. Each session includes a 30-minute guided movement warm up and opening featuring different movement artists followed by a two-hour live ecstatic dance DJ set with additional artists. The event will conclude with a 15-minute sound healing and closing circle.
Ascendant Breathwork
Date: Sunday, Dec 29
Times: 5:45 p.m.
Location: The Portal
Cost: $35 per person. Click here for more information.
Description: Guests are invited to a guided conscious breathwork experience by Ascendant Breathwork inside The Portal, AREA15’s 3D projection-mapped room. Attendees can immerse themselves in this deep psychedelic experience through the power and safety of their own oxygen supply. While practicing breathwork, guests will be surrounded by transporting visuals projected throughout the room which heighten the effect of the experience.
More: 15 Best Festivals in the US to Add to Your Bucket List
Best Places to Eat at Area 15 Las Vegas
There aren’t a ton of options for food in AREA15 yet but plenty of chances for snacks or drinks while you check out the other attractions. If you plan to spend all day at AREA15 or want to try different foods, check out the Bytes & Beyond Food Tour (more details below) where you get to eat at different spots.
- Conduit Cafe – Grab coffee and bite-sized grab-and-go food.
- Dream Weaver Milk & Boba Bar – Soft serve and Boba.
- Kaia Handroll – Tasty handrolls with countertop seating to watch everything being made.
- Lumin Cafe at Illuminarium – Great menu with items like Korean Chicken Sliders, Burger with Truffle Fries, and Poutine Tator Tots.
- Oddwood – Serves a wide variety of beers and cocktails.
- Rocket Fizz – It’s a chain, but if you’ve never been in one, think of a modern-day, old-fashioned soda and candy shop.
- The Beast by Todd English – Todd English is a renowned chef and four-time James Beard Award winner and has curated a menu of mouthwatering food. We enjoyed their BBQ, but I wasn’t a huge fan of their Korean fusion items.
Food Specials at Area 15
BYTES & BEYOND FOOD TOUR
Dates: Available Daily
Location: LIFTOFF Bar and Ride, Kaia, The Beast and Dream Weaver Milk & Boba Bar
Time: Redeem between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Cost: Available for $69 per person, plus tax and gratuity. To purchase, click here.
Description: Guests are invited to embark on an adventure for their tastebuds with the BYTES & BEYOND FOOD TOUR. This self-guided four-stop foodie tour takes visitors on a culinary adventure through one of the most vibrant spaces in Vegas. Guests can prepare their palate at Kaia, an Asian eclectic eatery, where they’ll enjoy an appetizer of two delectable handrolls assembled on order. Then, dive into a mouthwatering sandwich or burger at The Beast, known for its bold flavors. As they continue their journey, they can refresh themselves with a whimsical Fantasy Float from Dream Weaver. Pick from four flavors of a delicious soft-serve and boba dessert drink. To cap off the tour, they can take in a bird’s eye view of the Strip on LIFTOFF— an observation ride paired with a specialty drink that perfectly complements their aerial adventure.
More Area 15 Attractions
If you have the time, here are some more things to check out at Area 15.
- A-Lot – Outdoor art space featuring large-scale and desert-festival inspired pieces.
- Asylum Bar + Arcade (Free) – Next level arcade bar + event venue.
- Birdly ($13.50) – A VR experience that mimics every aspect of the avian experience.
- Brainstorm ($5) – Reads your expressions and responds by giving you a unique experience every time.
- Dueling Axes (starts at $35) – Axe throwing! 20% off for locals.
- Five Iron Golf (starts at $35) – Indoor golf experience featuring industry-leading golf simulators, pro teachers, and a bar.
- Grand Prix Racing Sim ($13.50) – State-of-the-art fully immersive driving experience.
- Haley’s Comet ($18) – Hang glide + free falling on the first indoor, electric dual-track suspension ride in the US.
- Murals – There are massive murals on the backside of the building worth checking out.
- OZ Experience (starts at $30) – They have two VR experiences. We only did the seated one (which is skippable), but we definitely want to try the immersive one!
- Particle Quest ($8) – Interactive AR experience that takes you throughout the space.
- Portal – 360-degree 3D projection-mapped walls. While we were there it was a sports bar with TVs all around.
- Sanctuary – Giant volcano-shaped, airy dome built from natural materials. Great spot to take a break and grab a drink.
- Virtualis VR – Free Roam VR!
- Wild Muse Boutique – A unique shop with one-of-a-kind, handcrafted apparel, accessories, and art.
Essential Tips
- To avoid the largest crowds, arrive early. We got there 10 minutes before it opened, and there were already 20+ people in front of us.
- They offer bundled experiences with their packages, but you can also buy tickets to each individual attraction.
- Some of the experiences offer local discounts. You will need to check with each spot to verify what that is.
- Most attractions do not take cash so be sure you have your credit card.
- AREA15 was built for special events. Check this page for the latest events.
- Masks are required at all times.
- DSLRs are not allowed inside AREA15 and you will be asked to leave them in the car.
Best Places to Stay
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on Las Vegas hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a Las Vegas travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
- Save money on attractions with Go City.
Have you been to AREA15? What did you think? What were your favorite exhibits?
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Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.