How long will it take for concerts to resume in 2021? Dr. Anthony Fauci recently made headlines by saying entertainment venues could reopen by fall if 70-85% of the American population receives a coronavirus vaccine. That’s great news for Las Vegas, where much of the local economy depends on tourists eager to spend dollars on shows and concerts.

Some small-scale stage productions have already resumed with audience capacity restrictions in place, including Piff the Magic Dragon, Tape Face and topless revues X Burlesque and X Country. Comedy clubs have gradually been reopening doors and you may see a DJ or live musician performing in the corner of a random bar or lounge.

But what about the big-name residencies we’ve come to love in Las Vegas? So far, the Colosseum at Caesars Palace is showing the most optimism with tickets on sale for new 2021 residencies by Sting, Usher and Morrisey. Donny Osmond announced a new solo gig at Harrah’s and Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood is promoting a limited engagement by the Scorpions & Queensryche. The annual Electric Daisy Carnival is hoping to resume in May at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway after being postponed last year.

Otherwise, it may not be until late 2021 when we finally see the return of familiar headliners like Lady Gaga at the Park Theater, Shania Twain at Zappos Theater, Rod Stewart at the Colosseum or Santana at the House of Blues. No word yet on the Planet Hollywood residency by Kelly Clarkson, which had yet to play a single show in 2020 before COVID-19 postponements went into effect. Resorts World remains a mystery. The new hotel is on track to open by summer with a theater for A-list residencies. Despite rumors flying, no official announcements have been made.

As always, be flexible with your plans. Just because you see shows advertised, doesn’t guarantee they will actually happen. Tickets should be purchased with caution, although any cancelled shows will be refunded.