You think you know what a Las Vegas residency looks like. You’re probably picturing $40 million LED screens, backup dancers in sequins, and a pop star descending from the rafters on a golden bird. But then there’s Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. When they hit the stage at the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay, the vibe is less "Celine Dion" and more "CBGB in the desert." Honestly, it’s a bit of a shock to the system.
The Godmother of Punk doesn't do "Vegas-y."
She does rock and roll. Period. For anyone heading to the Strip in February 2026, catching one of her five scheduled dates is basically a rite of passage for anyone who still owns a leather jacket they can’t quite zip up anymore.
The 2026 Residency: Dates and Details
Let’s get the logistics out of the way before we dive into why these shows actually matter. Jett is returning to the House of Blues Las Vegas for a short, sharp burst of dates in February 2026. This isn't one of those 50-show-a-year marathons that burns an artist out. It’s a sprint.
The confirmed dates for the 2026 run are:
- Friday, February 13
- Saturday, February 14 (Valentine's Day with Joan Jett? Yes, please.)
- Wednesday, February 18
- Friday, February 20
- Saturday, February 21
Doors typically open at 7:30 PM, and the show starts around 8:30 PM. Tickets have been hovering in the $75 to $150 range, though "Platinum" seats and VIP packages can obviously spike much higher if you want to be close enough to see the sweat on her Gibson Melody Maker.
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Why the House of Blues is the Perfect Fit
Most people think "residency" and think of the Colosseum at Caesars or the Sphere. But Joan Jett Las Vegas belongs in a dark, slightly grimy (in a good way) room like the House of Blues. It’s intimate. There are only about 2,000 people in there. That matters because Jett’s music isn't meant to be consumed through a telescope from the back of an arena.
The House of Blues has that weird, folk-art-covered interior that feels like a Southern juke joint. When the Blackhearts start the opening chords of "Bad Reputation," the floor—which is mostly standing room—actually vibrates. You’ve got the smell of stale beer, the heat of the crowd, and a 67-year-old woman (as of 2026) who still has more energy than most people in their twenties.
The Setlist: More Than Just the Hits
Look, everyone wants to hear "I Love Rock 'n Roll." If she didn't play it, there would probably be a riot in the Mandalay Bay lobby. But what makes these Vegas shows interesting is the deep-cut territory.
Lately, she’s been leaning into the Mindsets EP material, which has a surprisingly fresh punk snarl. But the real highlights? It’s when she reaches back into The Runaways catalog. Hearing "Cherry Bomb" or "You Drive Me Wild" live in 2026 feels like a middle finger to time itself.
Common tracks you’ll likely hear:
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- (Make the Music Go) Boom
- Cherry Bomb
- Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)
- Crimson and Clover
- I Hate Myself for Loving You
- Everyday People (The Sly & The Family Stone cover)
She also usually throws in an acoustic segment. In 2022, she released Changeup, an entire album of acoustic reimaginings. Seeing her strip down "Fake Friends" in the middle of a loud rock show is a total mood shift. It’s quiet. It’s raw. Then the Blackhearts plug back in and blow the roof off again.
The "Vegas Factor" vs. Real Rock
A lot of people worry that when an icon goes to Vegas, they lose their edge. We've seen it happen. Performers start going through the motions. They tell the same canned jokes every night.
Joan Jett doesn't seem to have that "off" switch.
The Blackhearts—especially long-time manager and collaborator Kenny Laguna—keep the show grounded. Laguna often steps out to tell stories about the early days, like when 23 labels rejected "I Love Rock 'n Roll" before they decided to release it on their own label out of the trunk of a car. It’s those moments that remind you Jett isn't a "legacy act." She's a survivor.
Pro Tips for the Mandalay Bay Experience
If you're going to see Joan Jett Las Vegas, don't just show up at 8:00 PM and expect a front-row spot. The House of Blues is notorious for its sightlines. If you're on the floor and you're under 5'8", you might spend the night looking at the back of someone's head.
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The "Pass the Line" Trick:
Basically, if you spend a certain amount at the House of Blues restaurant or gear shop before the show, you can get into a separate line that enters before the general public. It’s a total game-changer if you want to be right against the barricade.
Where to Stay:
Staying at Mandalay Bay or Delano is the obvious choice. You can literally take an elevator down, walk through the casino, and you’re at the venue. No Ubers, no traffic. If you want something cheaper, Luxor is right next door and connected by a walkway.
Is It Worth It?
Honestly, yeah. There are fewer and fewer opportunities to see 1970s and 80s icons who haven't tuned down their guitars three steps to hit the high notes. Jett’s voice is still gravelly and powerful. She doesn't use backing tracks. She doesn't have a 12-piece orchestra to hide behind.
It’s just four or five people on stage playing loud, fast, and occasionally messy rock music. In a city built on artifice and illusions, that kind of honesty is worth the ticket price.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check Availability: February 2026 tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster and the House of Blues website.
- Book Accommodations: If you're staying at Mandalay Bay, use their rewards program (MGM Rewards) to see if you can snag a room discount during the midweek show (Feb 18).
- Know the Bag Policy: House of Blues is strict. Only small clutches or clear bags are allowed. Don't be the person sent back to their car or hotel room five minutes before the set starts.
- Listen to 'Mindsets': Familiarize yourself with the newer material so you aren't just standing there waiting for the 1982 hits. It makes the concert much more engaging.