Las Vegas just got a little more interesting. After 16 years away from the city, Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce is reopening at Mandalay Bay tonight, just in time to ring in 2026 with some old-school Vegas glamour.

The Quick Hit

• What happened: Legendary burlesque club Forty Deuce returns to Las Vegas
• The damage: Opening night is New Year's Eve at Mandalay Bay
• Why you should care: It's the kind of classic Vegas entertainment that's been missing
• The move: Get a reservation if you want to see what the fuss is about

A Brief History of Forty Deuce

For those who don't remember, Forty Deuce was the burlesque club that defined a certain kind of Vegas cool. Ivan Kane opened the original in Hollywood before bringing it to the Mandalay Bay in the mid-2000s. It was sophisticated, sexy, and felt like a throwback to a Vegas that existed before corporate hospitality groups took over everything.

The shows featured classic burlesque performances, live music, and an atmosphere that made you feel like you'd stepped into a 1940s speakeasy. It wasn't just another nightclub with bottle service and EDM. It was an experience.

Then it closed. Vegas moved on to mega-clubs and dayclub pool parties. The city forgot what it was like to have entertainment that didn't involve a DJ booth and $50 vodka sodas.

The Return

Sixteen years is a long time. The Vegas that Forty Deuce left is very different from the Vegas it's returning to. Fontainebleau opened. The Palms changed hands. Circa built an adult playground downtown. The city has more options than ever for nightlife.

But nothing quite fills the niche that Forty Deuce occupied. Burlesque has had a renaissance in recent years, and Vegas has been surprisingly light on dedicated venues for it. A few shows here and there, but no real home for the art form.

Kane clearly sees an opportunity. Opening on New Year's Eve is a statement. It says "we're back, and we're not messing around." The timing puts Forty Deuce immediately into the conversation about where to spend the biggest party night of the year.

What to Expect

If the new Forty Deuce follows the original formula, expect:

Live Performances: Classic burlesque acts with professional dancers who actually know what they're doing. This isn't a random club with go-go dancers. These are trained performers.

The Atmosphere: Dark, intimate, with vintage touches that transport you somewhere else. The opposite of the sterile, LED-heavy clubs that dominate the Strip.

Cocktails: Strong drinks with actual craft behind them. Speakeasy vibes mean speakeasy drinks.

Music: Live bands or curated playlists that match the era. Not top 40, not EDM. Something with actual style.

Why This Matters

Vegas has been losing its edge. The big clubs are fine, but they're interchangeable. XS and Marquee and Hakkasan all kind of blur together after a while. The city needs venues with personality, with a point of view, with something to say beyond "loud music and expensive bottles."

Forty Deuce returning is a sign that maybe some operators are listening. Not everyone wants the same nightclub experience. Some of us want something with a little more soul.

Whether it succeeds in 2026 depends on execution. The nostalgia factor will get people in the door, but the experience has to deliver. Vegas is littered with concepts that traded on name recognition but couldn't back it up.

Opening Night Details

Forty Deuce opens tonight at Mandalay Bay for New Year's Eve. Expect it to be packed. Expect there to be a wait. If you're interested, try to get a reservation or show up early.

The club will likely continue with regular programming into the new year. Showtimes, cover charges, and reservation details should be available through Mandalay Bay or the Forty Deuce website.

The Bottom Line

After 16 years away, Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce is back in Las Vegas. Opening on New Year's Eve at Mandalay Bay is a bold move that puts the legendary burlesque club right back in the spotlight. Whether you're looking for an alternative to the standard club scene or just curious about a piece of Vegas history, tonight's the night to check it out. Welcome back, Forty Deuce. Vegas missed you.