Free drone show lands on Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas is famous for its residency shows, where popular artists like Adele and Celion Dion perform for a specified period of time. But how about a drone show residency? Over at Atomic Golf, there is one.

Atomic Golf, which is a golf entertainment venue that opened on March 22, 2024, is hosting free drone shows this summer into fall. The shows will run every Thursday between now through October 10, 2024.

Two shows will run every night (one at 9 p.m. and another again at 11 p.m.). That makes for 24 free drone shows on the Las Vegas Strip in total (the first set of shows debuted on Thursday, July 18.

And even if you’ve seen one show, you’ll need to come back. Much like other Las Vegas icons such as the Fountains of Bellagio or the Lake of Dreams interactive show at Wynn Las Vegas where the show is set to a different soundtrack with slightly different animations each time, the Atomic Golf drone show also varies.

Each show features slightly different designs. Some shows are on the smaller end, featuring just 200 light show drones. But the biggest, most epic shows will feature up to 1,000 drones.

Skyworx, which is based in Boise, Idaho, powers the drone shows. Considered one of the top three-largest drone companies in the U.S., SkyWorx uses another American drone company to supply their aircraft. Texas-based aircraft maker Verge Aero builds custom light show drones for SkyWorx (they’re basically modified versions of the Skyworx Aero-X1 and Aero-X7.

How to watch the Atomic Golf drone show for free

The Atomic Golf drone show is free to watch, as there’s no cover to get inside the venue. That said, you can reserve a bay for guaranteed seating.

The show happens at Atomic Golf, which sits next to The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower. Technically its address is 1850 S. Main Street, though it’s basically on the Las Vegas Strip, albeit at the far north end.

According to a company spokesperson, the best spot to watch the show is at a bay. Of course, it’ll cost you money to get that viewing spot. The walk-in pricing to play golf costs $60 per hour for up to 8 people. Though, reserving a bay is not required. Guests can also come watch the show, though it might be good form to support your local free drone shows by buying some food and drinks from the venue.

Then again — if you’d rather watch for free and not even go to Atomic Golf — the drone show is still visible from surrounding areas, including the Arts District. And since the hotel is located right next to the STRAT, it could be pretty epic to watch it from the observation tower. After all, it’s the tallest in the U.S. (I haven’t personally tried watching it there myself, though I’d love to.)

What is Atomic Golf?

Besides the site of a free drone show, Atomic Golf is primarily a venue for next-generation golf technology.”

There, you can play in an interactive, golf-inspired environment that spans four floors, including activities like a modernized putting game experience called “Putting District.” Meanwhile, a 212-yard range includes 103 hitting bays.

The drones take off just behind that playing field.

And that’s not all. You could easily spend a half-day (or more) here given the six full-service bars, the Tap Room and chef-curated food and beverage menus. Even if golf isn’t your thing, there’s other games to play including an ‘Astrocade,’ which is a sports and entertainment-viewing zone anchored by a 40-foot LED screen.

For what it’s worth, Atomic Golf is no stranger to putting on free (and epic) nighttime entertainment. It’s already hosted a nightly laser show. Consider them both items that you can add to your list of free things to do on the Las Vegas Strip.

“This is another evolution of our offerings to the public,” said Alex Christiansen, Creative Director at Atomic Golf. “A residency drone show perfectly complements our brand and enhances the Atomic Golf experience.”

Want to watch a drone show in 2024, albeit not in Vegas? Maybe you just want to catch this one and some others?! Dozens of other shows are happening around the country! Check out my guide to the best drone shows in 2024.

And maybe you’d curious about putting on your own drone light show. Whether your goal is to ultimately launch a drone business, or you’re just looking for an awesome hobby there are a couple great ways to learn. Kits make it easy to put together a show yourself. I recommend the Drone Light Show Course from Drone Dojo or the Drone Blocks light show drone kit.

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