Rock fans from around the globe are heading to Las Vegas to see Metallica perform its highly anticipated residency at the Sphere.

The group — which ranks as the bestselling music act in Bay Area history — kicks off the lengthy run with concerts on Oct. 1 and 3 and then has shows intermittently scheduled into March.

The expected synergy of Metallica’s emotionally rich and hard-hitting music with those incomparable Sphere visual effects — shown on a strikingly vivid and clear 16K-resolution wraparound LED screen that dominates the interior of this 366-foot-tall building — has made this one of the hottest concert events of recent years.

Not surprisingly, all of Metallica‘s Sphere shows are completely sold out. And most rockers are expecting (hoping?) that the band will add even more dates.

Those fortunate enough to have scored tickets, however, are certainly counting down the days until their big Vegas adventure.

Yet, the Metallica shows can only take up so much of fans’ time. Assuming that most concertgoers will take in both nights — the setlists completely differ from Night 1 to Night 2 of each weekly stand — that still leaves rockers with plenty of opportunities to explore this neon-bright city.

With that in mind, we have some tips and recommendations for cool things that Metallica fans might want to do before, after and in between their heavy metal heroes’ shows.

It’s our own Metalheads’ Guide to Las Vegas. So read on and get ready to have some epic weekends with the guys in Metallica.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

The Punk Rock Museum

This is a must-visit not just for punk rock aficionados, but also for anybody who appreciates and wants to more thoroughly understand pop culture and music history of the last 50-plus years. This museum tells a captivating story of the game-changing genre via artifacts, exhibits and a collection of more than 1,000 items donated by artists. You can bet that the Metallica guys (especially Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo) will want to visit while they are in town.

Details: thepunkrockmuseum.com

Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas

Can’t narrow down exactly what you want to do while in Vegas? Well, you won’t really have to if you visit this huge space, which boasts three levels that collectively span over 80,000 square feet and offer so many different delights. We’re guessing that you can tell by the name that this place offers bowling — and, indeed, there are 32 lanes for that. But there are also six bars, plenty of comfort food (including its famed fried chicken, which is known to viewers of Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”) and a concert venue.

Details: brooklynbowl.com

The Mob Museum

Judging by the seemingly never-ending stream of mob movies turned out by Hollywood, it’s pretty clear that the American populace remains absolutely fascinated with organized crime. If you count yourself among the captivated, then you’ll absolutely want to visit this nonprofit organization with the stated mission of advancing “the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society.” It does so by exploring these subjects via hundreds of artifacts as well as immersive exhibits.

Details: themobmuseum.org

Universal Horror Unleashed

This is a dream destination for gore hounds and jump-scare junkies who wish that Halloween was celebrated during all 12 months of the year, because that’s exactly what happens at this fright zone — a year-round attraction that comes courtesy of the same folks behind the ghastly successful Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. This immersive complex features four themed houses — Universal Monsters (Frankenstein, the Mummy, etc.); Scarecrow: The Reaping (for our money, the scariest of the bunch); The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer — filled with very convincing axe murders, monsters and other menaces who all share the goal of making you scream.

Details: universalhorrorunleashed.com

Red Cross x Metallica Blood Donation Experience

Building upon a partnership that began in 2025, Metallica and the American Red Cross are offering an all-new experience for kind-hearted metalheads in Las Vegas. The Red Cross x Metallica Blood Donation Experience is a pop-up blood donation center where fans can help save lives while also stepping into “the world behind the scenes of a Metallica concert,” according to a news release. The immersive experience, designed to give metalheads a sense of what it’s like backstage at a Metallica concert, is located at the Fashion Show Las Vegas shopping center.

Details: Make an appointment to give blood at RedCrossBlood.org/Metallica or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

ROCK STAR COCKTAILS

On the Record (Park MGM)

Only those “in the know” will be able to find this cool speakeasy club, which one visits by using a hidden door located behind a record store found off the main casino floor. Once inside, however, you’ll get to experience three rooms, featuring indoor and outdoor spaces, where people can dance, drink and otherwise socialize. The space was reportedly inspired by “the joy of hanging out in a record store.”

Details: parkmgm.mgmresorts.com

Vinyl Room (Mandalay Bay)

This is a true destination for vinyl junkies, a music-themed spot where one can tip back cocktails inspired by iconic songs, enjoy grand views of the Strip, nosh on Asian-inspired cuisine and listen to vinyl DJ sets. It’s Vegas’ take on the Japanese high-fidelity listening lounges.

Details: vinylroomlasvegas.com

Caspian’s (Caesars Palace)

Tucked away behind a picturesque caviar bar, Caspian’s is nothing short of a hidden gem for rock fans. It features bites big and small (including caviar), a wide variety of drinks (reportedly including a top-notch Old Fashioned) and a nightly live music schedule that definitely rocks.

Details: caesars.com

Allē Lounge on 66 (Resorts World Las Vegas)

A wonderfully posh spot, offering up one of the most stunning 360-degree views to be found anywhere in Vegas, Allē Lounge sits 66 floors above the Strip and features an extensive collection of rare spirits, handcrafted cocktails, tasty bites and acoustic jazz/R&B/more performances beginning at 9 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays.

Details: rwlasvegas.com

WHAT TO EAT

All the places mentioned above serve food, but here are a few other dining options that we wholeheartedly recommend.

Bacchanal Buffet (Caesars Palace)

Time to go big? Well, there are few places better to do so than at Bacchanal, which reportedly ranks as Vegas’ largest buffet. The restaurant spans more than 25,000 square feet and has 10 kitchens, nine chef-attended stations and more than 250 dishes — ranging from Impossible meatballs stroganoff to Singaporean blue crab to made-to-order Crepes.

Details: caesars.com

Kusa Nori (Resorts World Las Vegas)

If we only have time for one top-flight meal in Vegas then we pick Kusa Nori. It’s a decidedly modern Japanese restaurant that mixes classic and innovative cuisine styles in such exciting (and delicious) ways. Make sure to order the wagyu gyoza (wagyu beef with Okinawa potato purée, sweet soy and roasted garlic ponzu).

Details: rwlasvegas.com

Ramsay’s Kitchen (Harrah’s)

It’s always fun to visit at least one restaurant run by a Michelin-starred TV celebrity chef during a Vegas swing. So, let’s go with the loudest chef of the bunch — the one and only Gordon Ramsay. You have a number of different options for Ramsay restaurants in Vegas, but we suggest that you visit this chic spot at Harrah’s and get a big dish of the chef’s signature Beef Wellington.

Details: caesars.com

Pinkbox Doughnuts

Pinkbox got its start in Vegas in 2012, and soon people were lining up around the corner to taste its wild, wacky and absolutely delicious creations. It now boasts more than a dozen locations — some of which are open quite late at night, so fans can grab a dozen or two after a Sphere gig. It’s also the official doughnut of the Las Vegas Raiders (with a location inside Allegiant Stadium). And, as we all we know, the Raiders have long been the unofficial team of Metallica nation.

Details: pinkboxdoughnuts.com

WHERE TO STAY

Most fans have probably booked their rooms for the Metallica shows in October. Those still looking to secure lodging for dates later on in the run, however, should check out the rates at these LV favorites.

Venetian Resort Las Vegas

This is the closest hotel to the Sphere, allowing fans to enter the venue without ever actually having to leave the resort’s air-conditioned confines and venture outdoors — a hugely important consideration if Metallica ends up adding summer shows. Not coincidentally, the Venetian is absolutely buzzing with people and excitement on show nights. It’s the place to stay if you want to be in the middle of all the action and enjoy a variety of world-class restaurants helmed by such famed chefs as Simon Kim and José Andrés, as well as the popular Tao Nightclub and other attractions.

Details: venetianlasvegas.com

Resorts World Las Vegas

This is a relatively new $4.5 billion megaresort, consisting of three upscale Hilton properties — Las Vegas Hilton, Conrad Las Vegas and Crockfords Las Vegas — as well as a giant pool area, a popular spa, a nightclub (Zouk), a well-stocked gym and a tasty selection of both high-end and quick-bite dining options. It’s a world unto itself, perfect for those who want a bit of distance from the craziness of the rest of The Strip.

Details: rwlasvegas.com

Flamingo Las Vegas

You won’t go wrong with the Flamingo, which boasts a great central location, a lively casino, plenty of good food options (including a Gordon Ramsay Burger, in case the Beef Wellington mentioned above doesn’t fill you up) and, as the oldest continually operating resort on The Strip, a sense of old-school Vegas history that just can’t be beat.

Details: caesars.com

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