Father’s Day Guide: Seven things to do with dad

FILE/Tom Donoghue/SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Free mechanical bull rides at PBR Rock Bar is just one of many events going on in Las Vegas this Father’s Day weekend.

Thursday, June 16, 2011 | 1:15 p.m.

Event Guide: Father’s Day specials, events and meals in Las Vegas

Forget the tired ties and gadgets that get dropped in a drawer. This Father’s Day, do something different with Dad.

Sip craft beers. Ride a mechanical bull. See a show, or pretend you’re a crime scene investigator. Las Vegas is rolling out the red carpet for the special man in your life with an array of unique events and some great deals.

A few of our favorites:

The Great Vegas Festival of Beer at Tivoli Village

What’s the perfect gift for a beer-loving dad? How about a ticket to the Great Vegas Festival of Beer, the first event of its kind put on by local duo Motley Brews. Sample more than 100 beers from 25 top breweries, then grab a snack from some of the city’s tastiest food trucks and vendors.
Photo by Tom Donoghue/www.donoghuephotography.com
'The Lion King’ at Mandalay Bay

Catch "The Lion King" before it leaves Las Vegas. Based on the 1994 Disney animated film, the musical is one of the longest-running, most-popular stage shows of all time. And it’s perfect for Father’s Day. One of its central themes is the relationship between King Mufasa and his son Simba.
Photo by Steve Marcus
Take Dad out to eat

They say the key to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so why not treat Dad to a special Father’s Day meal? Dozens of restaurants are offering father-friendly menus (think bacon and beer) with prices that won’t bust wallets.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar opens early for brunch and features one of the best deals in the valley. Buy the $32.95 brunch, and Dad receives a complimentary $25 dining card for use at a later date. Texas de Brazil will showcase custom motorcycles and exotic cars for dads to view while they eat. And if your pop is more of a liquid lunch guy, visit Cabo Wabo Cantina, where he can enjoy a free Waborita margarita. There will be live music, too. Click here for more information.
/Erik Kabik/Special to the Sun
'CSI: The Experience’ at MGM Grand

Let Dad play lead investigator -- free -- at MGM Grand’s “CSI: The Experience.” Based on the TV show, the interactive experience casts visitors as crime scene investigators tasked with solving murders. Examine bullet casings, match DNA samples and test hair strands to narrow a field of 15 suspects.
Ravella at Lake Las Vegas

Pamper Dad with a day at the spa or spoil him with a weekend of golf.

For $199 a night, Dad can enjoy an unlimited day of golf, with transportation to and from the course. For $189, he can relax with a 50-minute massage, pedicure and espresso foot scrub and hair cut. Click here for more information.
/Mikey McNulty/Special to the Sun
PBR Rock Bar & Grill

Ride ’em cowboy! PBR, the Strip’s country/rock bar and restaurant, will feature free mechanical bull rides Sunday for all fathers and grandfathers. (Warning: You will fall off.) Children also eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.
Photo by Sam Morris
Rhumbar at the Mirage

Salute Dad with a cocktail and cigar for only $20. Famed cigar maker Litto Gomez of La Flor Dominicana blends a smooth, creamy house selection with hints of leather and spice. Combine that with a “Latin Manhattan” or “The Old Cuban” (Champagne and rum), and Dad is sure to feel a bit of island bliss.