“I’m incredibly grateful and honestly a bit speechless,” said Franco. “This city has given me so much, and I’m proud to give back however I can.”
Main photo: Savannah Franco (Mat’s niece), Mat Franco, Mayor Shelley Berkley and Chloe Koast. | Jess Rodriguez, Pet Project by Jess
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” fundraiser for The Animal Foundation on Sunday, April 26, at the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV.
Franco and Mayor Berkley served as celebrity judges for the annual event, which celebrates the community’s commitment to animal welfare and supports The Animal Foundation. “Best in Show” drew animal lovers and supporters from across the Las Vegas Valley raising funds for programs and services.
In a surprise moment, Mayor Berkley presented Franco with the Key to the City in recognition of his philanthropic efforts and impact on the Las Vegas community. Mayor Berkley proclaimed April 26, 2026, as “Mat Franco Day” in Las Vegas, further honoring his contributions both on and off the Strip.
The honor also marked a milestone for “America’s Got Talent” champion Franco, who is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his award-winning residency “Mat Franco – Magic Reinvented Nightly” at The Linq Hotel on the Strip.
Since opening in 2015, the family-friendly show has become one of the Strip’s most successful and enduring productions, earning critical acclaim for its mix 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 10 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 headlines 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.
