Not all dads are into sports, barbecue and beer, but we’d venture to say that many are. This Father’s Day weekend, entice Dad out of his man cave with a slew of dude-friendly events. Plus, the local museums, attractions and zoo are offering free admission.
Sports in Tampa Bay: Through the Eyes of Lamar Sparkman: See memorabilia of teams and players from Tampa’s past and present along with spring training stars, Super Bowl champions and college standouts at the Tampa Bay History Center. In addition to the Bucs Vince Lombardi trophy and the Rays’ ALCS trophy, the exhibit also includes Lou Piniella’s World Series trophy, Tino Martinez’s Silver Slugger award, and lineup cards from the Rays’ 2008 World Series run. Pictured here is one of Lamar Sparkman’s cartoons, on display in the exhibit. The center’s Sparkman exhibit focuses partly on his career as a sports cartoonist for the Trib and creator of the Bucco Bruce Bucs logo. June 18- Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the History Center’s Wayne Thomas Gallery, 801 Old Water St., Tampa, $7-$12, tampabayhistorycenter.org, 813-228-0097.
Hoptomic Bitter Beer and Festival: Head to the Straz on Sat., June 18, to celebrate some of the most aromatic and flavorful beers that Florida has to offer. At the Hoptomic Bitter Beer and Festival you and Pops can enjoy hoppy craft brews, 5 ounces at a time, with with bottles, cans and drafts, or sip from firkins of pilsners, saisons, ales, IPAs and barleywines. If you like your beer bitter, the fest showcases the usage of hops that are more than 35 IBUs. More than just a liquid affair, the event the opportunity to sample food from Ella's Folk Art Café, the Independent Bar and Café and Mr. Dunderbak's. Hooker Tea contribute their leafy blends, and local band the Lambasters (featuring Ernie Locke of Nervous Turkey) adds to the sudsy mix. Admission includes a 5-ounce tasting class and the net proceeds benefit the Straz Center of the Performing Arts. Sat., June 18, 2-6 p.m. at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa, $58.50, strazcenter.org. (Text by Jasmine Carter.)
Comedians Pablo Francisco and Andrew Dice Clay: Get some yuks courtesy of the MadTV performer famous for impressions and the one and only Dice Man himself. Francisco is known for his impersonation of the movie voiceover guy, Don Lafontaine. Back in his heyday, Clay got attention for his nasty limericks and sold out arenas. His ostensible comeback includes a stint on Entourage. Francisco performs various times Thurs.-Sun. at the Improv, Centro Ybor. $20. improvtampa.com. Clay can be seen at Side Splitter Comedy Club, June 17-18, 8 and 10:30 p.m. $48-$98.
Free admission for Dad: In honor of Father’s Day, dads will receive free admission all weekend (with paid son or daughter general admission) to five Tampa Bay attractions: the Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, the Tampa Bay History Center, Museum of Science and Industry and Dinosaur World. For info on each facility, visit lowryparkzoo.com, tampabayhistorycenter.org, flaquarium.org, mosi.org and dinosaurworld.com.
Beam Blues, Beach & BBQ The swanky beachside event includes lip-smackin’ gourmet ‘cue, signature cocktails by Beam, Cruzan, Red Stag and Effen, smoky hand rolled cigars, and the raw, sultry sounds of six-piece blues band Major Milage. Sun., June 18, 7-10 p.m. $75 — buy-one-get-one discount at CLDeals.com. Don CeSar Beach Resort, 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, savor-events.com.
Sports Memorabilia Expo The cornucopia for sports enthusiasts offers signed football helmets, sports jerseys and framed autographed photos for sale. June 18-19, 10 a.m. Tyrone Square Mall, 6901 22nd Ave. N., 727-586-4432.
This article appears in Jun 9-15, 2011.