Las Vegas is known for its superstar residencies, in which big-name headliners pack theaters on the Strip night after night. The club scene is an entirely different animal altogether.
It’s an even more intimate experience with crowded dance floors, a high-energy atmosphere and late-night performances. Read on to learn more about the top headliners who keep the party going all night long in Vegas.
Swedish House Mafia
Swedish House Mafia finally has a home in Las Vegas. The electronic dance music trio signed their first-ever North American nightclub residency with Wynn Resorts with appearances scheduled for at least two years. Sebastian Ingrosso, Steve Angello and Axel “Axwell” Hedfors have played raves, arenas and even stadiums over the years, but now you have a chance to see them more intimate venues like XS Nightclub and Encore Beach Club. Swedish House Mafia’s latest album. “Paradise Again” was released in April 2022 and immediately went to #1 on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Album Chart.
Calvin Harris
Photo: Aaron Garcia
It’s hard to find a DJ more in demand than Calvin Harris. The Scot has worked with Dua Lipa, Katy Perry, Rihanna and others in scoring radio hits in recent years. Harris formerly performed regularly at Omnia on Friday nights, but has been relatively reclusive of late. He recently agreed to a one-off appearance at Wynn’s XS Nightclub (Sept. 17) to support his new album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2. Will we see more of the DJ at the Wynn going forward? Only time will tell.
The Chainsmokers
The duo of Alex Pall and Drew Taggart seems to score one hit after another, making them a great headliner for drawing a casual mainstream audience to XS and Encore Beach Club at the Wynn. The Chainsmokers have been playing those venues since 2017 and recently extended their residency. It’s a highly lucrative deal that’s so exclusive, they’ve agreed to not play any other clubs in the United States. So if you want to hear hits like “Paris” and “Closer,” you’ve got to come to Vegas.
Meek Mill
Drai’s is building a reputation for hosting residencies by top DJs as well as rap and R&B acts. Meek Mill has been playing the rooftop nightclub and beach club on an exclusive basis for years, performing full sets as fans enjoy views of the Strip from the top of the Cromwell resort. The hip-hop star and founder of Dream Chasers Records is bigger than ever, not only as an artist but as an advocate for criminal justice reform.
Steve Aoki
Photo: Tony Tran
Steve Aoki has done so well in Vegas, he actually lives here now. The DJ has been a familiar face at Hakkasan, Jewel and Omnia. His high-energy style also carries over well to dayclubs like Wet Republic. His signature move: tossing a cake into the crowd. Be ready.
DJ Diesel (Shaquille O'Neal)
Photo: Larson/Kabik
You know a party is off the hook if Shaq is behind the turntables. The basketball star and media icon is also a DJ. Under the alias of DJ Diesel, the seven-foot- tall star is hard to miss and makes for a good photo opportunity for anyone on the dancefloor. But club goers agree: Shaq has legit skills. See for yourself when he plays Encore Beach Club at the Wynn.
Zedd
Photo: Joe Janet
The European DJ and producer may have a baby face, but Zedd has been dominating the charts ever since “Clarity” became an iconic crossover EDM smash in 2012. Since then, he’s become famous for radio-friendly collaborations with Ariana Grande and Alessia Cara. Most notably, “The Middle” with Maren Morris became one of the most recognizable songs of 2018. Catch Zedd at Resorts World (performing at Zouk Nightclub and AYU Dayclub) and you’ll hear one hit after another.
Tiesto
A groundbreaking force in the electronic dance music scene, Tiesto was one of the first to prove that DJs can be worth millions of dollars with nightclub residencies. Formerly a top draw for the Hakkasan Group, you can now catch the Dutch musician performing sets at Zouk Nightclub and AYU Dayclub inside Resorts World. Tiesto recently scored new hits with “Jackie Chan” and “The Business.”
DJ Pauly D
Fans of the “Jersey Shore” are already familiar with DJ Pauly D, one of the cast members who helped popularize the “gym, tan, laundry” lifestyle. With his distinctive rock-hard hair in place, DJ Pauly D is as recognizable as ever, especially while leading the party at Drai’s, where he plays so often, it’s almost like he’s the house DJ. Just know — Pauly D was working turntables in clubs long before his reality TV days, making him one of the most experienced DJs on the Strip.
