What are you doing for Dad this Father’s Day?
Young or old, every dad likes to get a little show of affection from their loved ones on June 20, just like moms enjoy on their special day. But we highly urge you to put down the “soap-on-a-rope,” back away from the ugly ties and forgo the sappy, sentimental cards this year. Spend some time with your dad, instead.
After all, you couldn’t really go anywhere or do much of anything in 2020, so this year has to be extra-special, right? We’ve got some ideas for you:
1. Go to a Grilling Class
Does your dad think of himself as the King of the Cookout? Does he just love grilling dinner for the family? Why not invest in a class that he’ll find equal parts entertaining and educational where he can hone his backyard barbecue skills to perfection?
Sully’s Grill, owned and operated by Sullivan Hardware & Garden, offers small-sized grilling classes that are designed for both participants and guests to enjoy, as absolutely everybody who attends will get dinner and dessert before they leave — and beer and wine are available.
Those who want to grill will get guidance from a master chef and learn how to operate “The Big Green Egg,” but the knowledge is transferable to pretty much any gas or charcoal grill. (If your dad really does love to cook outdoors, this might be the perfect time to surprise him with a brand new grill as a group gift.)
2. Take in Some Tunes Together
On Friday, June 18, the Actors Theatre of Indiana Drive-In at the Monon Square Shopping Center is offering a special presentation designed just for dads! Called “Our Father’s Favorites,” the show is a mix of musical styles, featuring toe-tapping Country music delights, Folk Rock and more.
What if your dad’s musical tastes are a little more specific? Or, maybe your dad just prefers to go someplace where he can get a little food and drink while he listens. Well, there are plenty of great bars in Indy, and many of them cater to folks who really enjoy a DJ or band.
Check out local favorites, like:
- Boozy Brunch with DJ Antwan Bailey or Post-Brunch Beats with DJ C-BUck at the Tin Roof
- State Street Pub’s soft re-opening, where you can find some of the best tacos and tenderloins along with Rock, Punk, Rap and Electronic style bands.
- Some upscale acts at Hi-Fi Indy and Hi-Fi Annex, located in the historic G.C. Murphy Building, like Justin Wells, SKB12: Arlo McKinley, Samantha Fish or Rachel Baiman.
If live music is your dad’s thing but none of these suit his style, just check nearby bars and venues to see what’s being offered. You’re bound to find something that (you and your) dad can enjoy.
3. Ask Dad to Go Axe Throwing
Axe throwing? Absolutely! Axe throwing is one of the hottest new trends in group entertainment, so this could be a perfect way to make Father’s Day particularly memorable.
Gather up your siblings, their spouses and (of course) your dad, and head over to one of the area’s premier spots for an adrenaline-filled adventure that none of you will forget. Local facilities include:
- Anarchy Axe Throwing: Allisonville Rd.
- Ragnarok: Castleton Corner Dr.
- Bad Axe Throwing: S. Meridian St.
Never touched an axe before, let alone thrown one? No worries! All three venues are supervised and offer training. Once you get a feel for the process, you and your dad can have a friendly contest to see who is better at it — or just forget about keeping score and have fun.
4. Be Indulgent: Go Beer Tasting
Hoosiers do have a reputation for loving a good beer or two — and why not? Indiana is home to some of the best small breweries in the nation!
Sitting around over a flight of beers, sharing a delicious plate of finger food and talking with your dad could be the best possible Father’s Day gift for you both. After 2020, we know it’s more important than ever to spend quality time with the people we love, and giving your dad your undivided attention for the afternoon will make him feel awesome.
So, where can you find a great taproom with some stellar beers and hard ciders on hand? Check out some of the following:
- Black Acre Brewing Company: Bonna Ave.
- 18th Street Brewery: Indy Taproom: E. 10th St.
- A Taproom: N. Delaware St.
- Bier Brewery & Tap Room: E. 65th St.
While you can find award-winning microbrews at any of these spots, there are plenty more scattered around the area. Ask your dad if he’s got a favorite watering hole to get an idea about the vibe he prefers and go from there!
5. Go Bowling and Have a Ball
Maybe you want to get the whole gang together, grandkids and all, to celebrate your dad’s special day. What’s better than finding a bowling alley (except maybe finding a bowling alley that also serves beer and has an arcade)?
Some potential spots include:
- Punch Bowl Social: They’ve got karaoke, Scrabble, ping pong, pool, foosball and (naturally) bowling — plus tons of food to munch on. Punch Bowl Social is a perfect spot to gather for a good time with your dad and the whole family. PLUS, on June 20th, dad gets 1 chance to bowl a strike and if he nails it, his entrée is free!
- Atomic Duckpin Bowling: Housed in the basement level of the historic Fountain Square Theatre Building, this original 1930’s era duckpin bowling alley will transport you back in time. Enjoy eight lanes of duckpin bowling, a vintage billiard table, and an extensive food and drink menu.
- Pinheads: Pinheads is a modern bowling alley. While children are certainly welcome, the place definitely caters more to adults, with DJ nights and live music, plus a bar and tiki hut. They’ve also got a luxury arcade, volleyball and more.
Ultimately, whatever you do, you know that your dad is going to love it — simply because you took the time to remember him and honor everything he’s done for you over the years.
