Award-winning magician and Las Vegas Strip headliner Mat Franco was honored with the Key to the City by Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley during the 23rd Annual “Best in Show” fundraising event for The Animal Foundation, held Sunday, April 26 at the Thomas & Mack Center. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the recap.
Franco and Mayor Berkley served as celebrity judges for the beloved annual event, which celebrates the community’s commitment to animal welfare and supports the lifesaving work of The Animal Foundation. In a surprise moment during the program, Mayor Berkley presented Franco with the Key to the City in recognition of his ongoing philanthropic efforts and his impact on the Las Vegas community. Mayor Berkley also proclaimed April 26, 2026, as “Mat Franco Day” in Las Vegas, further honoring his contributions both on and off the Strip.
The honor also commemorated a major milestone for Franco, who is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his award-winning residency, Mat Franco – Magic. Reinvented. Nightly., at The LINQ Hotel. Since opening in 2015, the show has become one of the Strip’s most successful and enduring productions, earning critical acclaim for its unique blend of interactive magic, humor, and heartfelt storytelling.
“I’m incredibly grateful and honestly a bit speechless,” said Franco. “Las Vegas has been my home for the past ten years, and to be recognized in this way, especially at an event that supports such an important cause, means the world to me. This city has given me so much, and I’m proud to give back however I can.”
Franco continues to headline nightly at The LINQ Hotel, where he remains a standout figure in Las Vegas entertainment and a passionate advocate for community causes. He recently signed a five-year extension with Caesars Entertainment and will remain in residency at The LINQ Hotel through 2030.
The annual “Best in Show” event drew animal lovers and supporters from across the valley, raising vital funds for The Animal Foundation’s programs and services.
Magic means something different to everyone. For history-making magician Mat Franco, it’s uncharted territory meant to be explored with respect and reverence. The Rhode Island -born and Las Vegas-based phenomenon has rooted his world-renowned Las Vegas show in a spirit of exploration as no two evenings are the same. Obsessed with magic as a kid, he has performed since grade school. Attending University of Rhode Island, he studied marketing and business to support the magic in addition to gigs at libraries, offices, restaurants, and colleges across the country. He spent four years in the college circuit before deciding to audition for America’s Got Talent in order “to get video content in order to land more gigs.” However, he made history as “the first magician to emerge in the winner’s circle of America’s Got Talent” in 2014. A year later, he produced and starred in the popular NBC special, Mat Franco’s Got Magic. Meanwhile, Las Vegas came calling. Mat Franco – Magic Reinvented Nightly was born at The LINQ Hotel inside of the Mat Franco Theater in 2015. Performing to 600 people for 90 minutes per gig, the show morphs and transforms in real-time as a living and breathing experience. You’ll experience world-famous signature tricks, yet he leaves enough room for improvisation and surprises, making each night singular and special. Logging thousands of shows, he stretches the boundaries of what magic can be and leaves guests in a state of wonder.
It’s no surprise Las Vegas Review-Journal honored Mat Franco – Magic Reinvented Nightly with “Gold Winner for Best Magic Show,” “Gold Winner for Best Production Show,” and “Best Showroom / Live Venue.” Not to mention, it stands out as a 4x-time winner of “Best Headliner” from SNHCA (Southern Nevada Hotel & Concierge Association). KNPR’s Desert Companion Magazine christened it “Best Strip Show.” Clark County declared July 10, 2017, to be “Mat Franco Day” on the Las Vegas Strip and across the County, while he received the coveted “Key to the Strip.” Outside of Las Vegas, millions have watched in awe as Mat reinvented magic on TODAY, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Sherri, Live with Kelly and Ryan, on the final season of Ellen, and at the NFL Draft in addition to returning to America’s Got Talent. Scan YouTube, and you’ll find him wowing the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Heidi Klum, Rob Gronkowski, Nicole Scherzinger, Howie Mandel, and more in clips viewed millions of times.
Simultaneously, he gives back at any chance possible. He remains passionate about animals and has supported Nevada’s The Animal Foundation by hosting crucial supply drives and raising funds on an annual basis. He notably donated $20,000 in winnings from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire to the NSPCA. Indicative of his commitment to philanthropy, he immediately took to Facebook at the start of the Global Pandemic to continue performing for fans as “one of the first entertainers to livestream shows.” He also honored first responders and essential workers with a dedicated show upon the reopening of Las Vegas. Ultimately, Mat never stops exploring, and it’s why his magic will last forever.
Mat Franco performs nightly (dark Wednesdays) at 7 pm, at The Mat Franco Theater inside The LINQ Hotel. Tickets range from $65-$190 (+ taxes and fees) and can be purchased by calling 855-234-7469 or by visiting www.MatFranco.com or Ticketmaster.com.
To learn more about Mat Franco, check out his official website and follow him on Instagram.
