September 2025

We had an absolutely amazing time in Las Vegas this weekend! Our adventure started with a lively Oktoberfest celebration at Hofbräuhaus on Paradise Road, the only exact replica of the original Hofbräuhaus in Munich, Germany.

We sat in the vibrant Bier Hall, which was complete with beautifully painted ceilings, long family style wooden tables, and live music that set the perfect atmosphere. The food was just as impressive as the setting too. Kurt kicked things off with a giant Bavarian beer served in a traditional giant stein, imported directly from Munich. For our appetizer, we shared the Riesenbrezen combo, a giant Bavarian pretzel served with Obatzda cheese, sweet mustard, and hot mustard. For the main course, we went all out with the sausage tower featuring six different sausages (pork, chicken, veal bratwurst, Krainer, grilled Weisswurst, and a Frankfurter), served with mashed potatoes, German potato salad, and sauerkraut. The whole experience was dinner and a show rolled into one.

We finally checked something off our Vegas bucket list this trip, The Sphere. We’ve been staying at Hilton World Resorts for a few years now and over the last few months had been watching The Sphere light up with Wizard of Oz scenes, so this time we decided to go.

We chose seats in Section 306, Row 13 (seats 13 & 14) with the Good Witch VIP package, and it was worth every penny. Not only were we perfectly centered for the show, but the package also gave us a private entrance (no line!), a $15 credit each for drinks, snacks, or souvenirs, and the best vantage point for catching the special effects like blowing leaves and falling apples – I was lucky enough to snag both!

We also pre purchased parking in Lot A and it was so worth it. We only had a short 5–7 minute walk to the VIP entrance and along the way you pass right by the giant ruby slippers for a fun photo op. I do recommend taking the picture on your way infor better lighting.

Once inside, there’s plenty to explore before the show, including a mini Sphere that plays classic scenes. A quick tip: if you’re sitting in Section 306, head to the 6th floor for souvenirs, drinks, and snacks as the lines are much shorter up there. Be sure to get to your seat at least 10 minutes before showtime though, because the sections and rows can be tricky to see, and the stairs are pretty steep.

Now for the show itself: even if you’ve seen The Wizard of Oza dozen times, you have never seen it like this. The immersive visuals, the surprises (like the swirling leaves during the tornado and the apples falling in the forest), and the sheer scale of The Sphere made it unforgettable. I usually get motion sick, so I researched seats carefully before going, and I happy to report I didn’t feel sick at all in our section, though I can definitely see how it might affect others depending on where they sit.

I do not want to spoil any of the other surprises for you, so all I’ll say is we give The Wizard of Oz at The Sphere a 15/10. If you’re in Vegas, don’t miss it!

If you’re thinking about planning your own trip to Vegas, I’d love to share more tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit!

Check out the posts on social media below to see more on our adventure to Vegas for Octoberfest and The Wizard of OZ at the Sphere. Be sure to follow and like us on social media for more travel inspiration!

Octoberfest

The Wizard of OZ at the Sphere