Visiting AREA 15? 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: May 2, 2023
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.
There is a cover charge on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 10 pm. It’s $15 at the door or $10 in advance.
There are also CIP Group packages for groups of 6-18 people. This will give you expedited entry, a VIP host to escort you through the night, a reserved table inside The Sanctuary, entry into Museum Fiasco and Wink World, two drinks per person, family-style dinner at The Beast, and a swag bag. The package is $150pp.
Keep in mind that the General Admission ticket only allows you to get inside. Then you can do some window shopping to see if you want to purchase tickets to any of the exhibits or attractions. If you want to see something specific, it’s always a good idea to buy your ticket online ahead of time.
Area15 Current Hours:
Monday: 12 pm – 1 am
Tuesday to Thursday: 12 pm – 12 am
Friday: 12 pm – 2 am
Saturday: 10 am – 2 am
Sunday: 10 pm – 12 am
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.
7 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.
Local Tip: You can easily get around the Grand Canyon Village with the free shuttle bus.
More: Meow Wolf Las Vegas – What You Need to Know Before You Go
2. Take a Tour and See the show at Lost Spirits Distillery →
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
3. Wink World
Tickets: $18 for Adults, $14 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
4. Illuminarium →
Tickets: Starting at $35
This immersive experience brings tech, music, and visuals together to create a stunning experience.
There are currently two different exhibits: Space and Wild. 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.
5. Liftoff →
Tickets: Starts at $10 for Guests 13+
LIFTOFF is the newest attraction at AREA15 (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: $18 for Adults, $12 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. 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
Upcoming and Ongoing Events
AREA15 hosts a ton of different events throughout the year. We will continue to update this list with upcoming events.
Smokus Pocus: A 420 Magic Show
Dates: Every Wednesday through Monday
Times: Showtimes at 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Showtimes at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday. Doors open 30 minutes before the show.
Location: The Rift
Cost: General admission tickets are $30 and VIP tickets are $45. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Description: Smokus Pocus is the dopest show in Las Vegas. Guests can witness a higher kind of magic at AREA15 in an experience packed with tricks so trippy they’ll be asking, “what the f—?!” Caricatures come to life, objects vanish and reappear in impossible places, minds are read, and more.
Psychedelic Sundays: A Better Trip with Shane Mauss
Date: Sunday, May 7; Monday, May 15; Sunday, May 21; and Sunday, May 28
Time: Doors at 7 p.m.
Location: The Wall
Cost: Tickets start at $32.95. To purchase tickets, click here.
Description: Journey into the mind of a psychedelic astronaut with a consciousness-expanding comedy show exploring some of the most intriguing substances on Earth. At the intersection of science and psychedelics comes “A Better Trip,” the latest work from Shane Mauss. Grab your seats and get comfortable as Mauss takes the crowd through a kaleidoscopic, comedic journey of science on select dates in 2023.
Avenged Sevenfold: Life Is But A Dream… 360º Immersive Album Experience
Date: Thursday, May 11 to Sunday, May 14
Time: Show times vary
Location: The Portal and The Wall
Cost: $35
Description: Embark on an existential journey with Avenged Sevenfold’s Life Is But A Dream… 360º Immersive Album Experience at AREA15 from May 11 to May 14. Dive into 11 new songs from the multi-platinum headliners and famed heavy metal rock band with grand, immersive visuals and an exclusive curated merch pop-up shop celebrating their genre-bending new album set to release on June 2, 2023. Experience Avenged Sevenfold’s first full-length album in more than seven years, three weeks before its official release, exclusively at this once-in-a-lifetime event. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT:
Thursday, May 4: Darius live in The Wall at 7:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Friday, May 5: Signal Lounge: Buhoo B2B Chris Garcia in The Wall. For more information or to RSVP, click here.
Friday, May 5: Gareth Emery Presents INVASION360 Las Vegas in the Portal at 9 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Saturday, May 6: Thiccfreqness Record Label Showcase with Dyce, Fantom Freq, SHAPESHFTR, TYPE3 and Uknew in The Wall. For more information or to RSVP, click here.
Saturday, May 6: Hops & Horses Beer Festival in the A-Lot and Portal at 2 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Thursday, May 11 to Sunday, May 14: Avenged Sevenfold: Life Is But A Dream… 360º Immersive Album Experience in the Portal. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Friday, May 12: Little Miss Nasty Rock and Metal Burlesque in the Portal at 7 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Saturday, May 13: AREA15 and Sick New World present 100 Gecs (DJ Set) and support by DJ Chaotic Ugly (Machine Girl) in the A-Lot at 9:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Thursday, May 18: AREA15 and Dreamstate Las Vegas present EDC Las Vegas preparty in the Portal and A-Lot at 10 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Friday, May 19: Golden Dawn Arkestra live in The Wall at 8 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Saturday, May 20: Martin Dupont live in The Wall at 8 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Saturday, May 27: Neon Dream Massive at select venues throughout AREA15 at 8:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Yoga and Wellness with Dray
Date: May 7
Time: Classes begin at 11 AM
Location: The Portal
Cost: $25 per person. Click here to purchase tickets.
Description: Tap into a higher version of yourself with an immersive yoga class taught by Dray Gardner in The Portal. Build strength, create awareness, and bring your mind and body connection to a new level. Enjoy a class experience surrounded by state-of-the-art sound and 360-degree projections that will envelop participants during the session. Participants are required to bring mats.
Frequency Breathwork
Date: May 8, May 22, May 28, June 25
Time: Class starts at 7 PM on weekdays and 6 PM on weekends
Location: The Portal
Cost: $35 per person. Click here to purchase tickets.
Description: Guests are invited to a guided conscious breathwork experience by Frequency 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 immersive visuals wrapping around the space to round out the experience.
The Sacred Lounge – A Conscious Community Experience
Date: May 20 and June 17
Time: Sessions begin at 11 AM
Location: The Portal
Cost: $35 per person. Click here to purchase tickets.
Description: Attendees are invited to open their creative pathways and dive deeper into mind, body and spiritual health with Merriliz Monzon and Krystian Eklund. The Sacred Lounge encompasses a series of one-hour guided classes in AREA15’s projection-mapped Portal incorporating movement, meditation, journaling and sound bath healing experiences to empower and awaken the community. Guests will be guided through an experiential process of calming the mind, opening the body’s creative channels and learning techniques to elevate their consciousness for the fulfillment of their purpose. Following each session, attendees are invited to a Connection + Community hour in Sanctuary Lounge.
Entheo Presented by Rooted Lounge and Rewyld Collective
Date: May 23, June 20
Time: Sessions begin at 7 PM
Location: The Portal
Cost: $35 per person. Click here to purchase tickets.
Description: Guests are invited to Entheo – a soulful sensory journey into their own psychedelic space. This one-hour-long, multi-sensory immersion, ceremony, and sound bath includes themed visual projections, alchemical soundscapes, guided meditation, intention practice, moving mantras, breathwork, elemental rituals, live DJ, sound healing orchestra, spoken word, storytelling, and more.
Neon Dream
Date: Saturday, May 27
Location: AREA 15
Cost: TBA. Click here for details.
Description: Guests can illuminate their Memorial Day weekend at Neon Dream on Saturday, May 27. The Massive will feature a glowing spectacle of psychedelic light shows, out-of-this-world drinks, vibrant roaming performers, Instagram-worthy photo ops, eye-catching art installations, festival-style vendors and craft makers. Visitors can glow wild and don their most vibrant neon and LED-lit gear.
Secret Garden
Date: Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1
Location: AREA 15
Cost: TBA. Click here for details.
Description: Visitors are invited to dance and frolic through a magical forest at Secret Garden on Saturday, April 29. Upon entering, guests will be transported to an opulent realm filled with lavish soundscapes, mysterious and enticing performers, bewildering art installations, delectable cocktails, festival-style vendors, craft makers and more. From enticing fairies and lush forest sprites to enchanting woodland creatures, guests can embrace the natural beauty of the deep woods and come dressed in their most ethereal looks.
Happy Camper
Date: Saturday, July 22
Location: AREA 15
Cost: TBA. Click here for details.
Description: Visitors can unleash their inner child at Happy Camper, the ultimate summer camp party. Attendees will relive their favorite camp memories and escape the heat dancing around AREA15’s extraordinary venues, playing old-school games, creating trippy arts and crafts, connecting with friends new and old, and more. In addition to multiple stages and entertainers, guests can enjoy goofy and eccentric performers, characters, and camp counselors. The adult summer camp invites guests to dress as campers or counselors and embrace the summertime vibes.
Odyssium
Date: Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29
Location: AREA 15
Cost: TBA. Click here for details.
Description: Attendees can spend Halloween weekend at scAREA15 for Odyssium on Saturday, Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 29. Odyssium unlocks a full-venue Massive filled with alluring music, adventure, seductive sirens, treasure, delights, and, of course, some frights. Guests can start their journey at LIFTOFF Tavern before finding their treasure in the Sanctuary Cave, discovering the Siren’s Cove Portal, and ending their quest at the A-Lot shipwreck party. Visitors can let their inner pirate, siren, mermaid (or merman), sea creature, or bohemian wanderer come to life at Odyssium.
Galactic Zoo
Date: Sunday, December 31
Location: AREA 15
Cost: TBA. Click here for details.
Description: This New Year’s Eve, guests can explore the out-of-this-world wanderland at AREA15’s Galactic Zoo on Sunday, Dec. 31. Earthlings are invited to unleash their inner space animal at this full-venue Massive featuring cosmic delights, multiple stages of music, performers, festival-style vendors, craft makers and more. Celestial voyagers are invited to dress the part and embrace their inner space animal. Guests can don tinfoil hats or defy gravity in their best star-studded attire.
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.
- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea at Lost Spirits – An immersive 16-course tasting dining experience with only 12 seats
- Dream Weaver Milk & Boba Bar – Soft serve and Boba.
- Lumin Cafe at Illuminarium – Great menu with items like Korean Chicken Sliders, Burger with Truffle Fries, and Poutine Tator Tots.
- Makers & Finders – A local favorite now located at AREA 15.
- 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
“Beast Sized” Hurricane Cocktails
Location: The Beast by Todd English
Description: For $30 guests can now order large 26-ounce “Beast sized” cocktails served in a branded hurricane souvenir glass to take home. Cocktails can be refilled for $20.
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.
- 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.
- Emporium (free, reservation required) – Next level arcade bar + event venue. Every Monday and Tuesday from 4pm-12am, locals get free game tokens.
- Five Iron Golf (starts at $35) – Indoor golf experience featuring industry-leading golf simulators, pro teachers, and a bar.
- Gallerie 360 ($20) – A fully immersive audio and visual experience inside The Portal.
- 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.
- 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 packaged deals throughout the year, so be sure to check their site if you want to buy a bundle of experiences.
- 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 a Go City Pass.
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 along on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.