7 fun events to take dad to this Father’s Day

For this Father's Day weekend, we've rounded up eight great events to show dad a fun time, whether he wants to take a ride in a classic hot rod, go on a nature hike, or salute Captain Kirk.

Wizard World Comic Con

June 17-19
This third annual comic book gathering at the Sacramento Convention Center is the perfect opportunity for dad to geek out on rare comics and new releases from indie graphic novel producers and powerhouses like Marvel and DC. Catch photo ops with celebrities like actors Sebastian Stan (Bucky from Captain America), Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Walking Dead), Billy Boyd (Lord of the Rings) and Dean Cain (The Adventures of Lois & Clark), as well as former Yankees star Reggie Jackson (aka Mr. October) and Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner. $45-$80 in advance; $55-$90 at the door. Hours vary by day. Sacramento Convention Center. 1400 J St. wizardworld.com

The Beach Boys with Chubby Checker

June 18
Led by founding member Mike Love, the Beach Boys will bring summertime songs about surfing, girls and cars to Lincoln this Father's Day weekend, including classics like “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations” and “Surfin’ U.S.A.”. Also on the bill is Chubby Checker, who will get dad on his feet with classic dance songs like “Pony Time” and “The Twist,” which ranks among Rolling Stone’s 500 greatest songs of all time. $39.75-$179.75. 7 p.m. Thunder Valley’s Outdoor Amphitheater. 1200 Athens Ave. Lincoln. 408-7777. thundervalleyresort.com

Dad’s Day at Denio’s

June 18
This year marks the fifth annual Dad’s Day at Denio's Farmers Market & Swap Meet. It's a Saturday full of craft beers, hot rods and live music, so grab dad a cold one from Sierra Nevada or Speakeasy Ales & Lagers and one of Denio's famous hand-dipped corn dogs, then cruise by 75 street rods, trucks and custom cars belonging to members of The Cappuccino Cruisers Car Club of Folsom. Simply Grilled will be serving up gourmet burgers and teriyaki bowls, and Just Musik will be blasting out original soul, blues, and rock tunes from a portable stage. Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Denio’s Market. 1551 Vineyard Rd. Roseville. 782-2704. deniosmarket.com

Fathers and Frogs

June 19
Dads with little ones can get outdoors and commune with nature along the American River Parkway at this family-friendly event at Carmichael’s Effie Yeaw Nature Center, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this month. A naturalist will lead an exploration of the nature center’s pond, where dads and their tadpoles can catch and release water insects and frogs while learning about the region’s flora and fauna. Afterward, take a self-guided stroll on one of the many hiking trails that lead down to the river. $5 park entrance fee. 1:30 p.m. 2850 San Larenzo Way. Carmichael. 489-4918. sacnaturecenter.com

Father’s Day at the California Automobile Museum

June 19
If dad’s into hot rods and hot food, the California Automobile Museum is serving up both during its Father’s Day event. Browse its fleet of classic cars, like a 1931 Ford Model A, a 1965 Mercedes, and a ’66 Mustang and take dad on a cruise to the nearby marina and back in his automobile of choice. Upon your return, sample food truck offerings, such as a Philly cheesesteak from Street Eatz, or Mexican fare from North Border Taco. Both fathers and grandfathers are granted free admission to the event. $8 (free for fathers and kids under 5). 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2200 Front St. 442-6802. calautomuseum.org 

Gregory Porter

June 19
If dad’s a jazz aficionado, he'll love vocalist Gregory Porter, who The New York Times describes as “a clear, powerful” baritone. Porter's third studio album, Liquid Spirit, won a Grammy in 2014 for best jazz vocal album. The Sacramento native will be stopping by the Harris Center in Folsom on a national tour promoting his new release, Take Me to the Alley. As a special treat, every audience member will receive a digital download of the album. Expect to hear songs from the recent LP, like the silky ballad “Holding On” and the rousing blues track “Don’t Lose Your Steam.” $38-$78. 8 p.m. Harris Center for the performing arts. 10 College Pkwy. Folsom. 608-6888. harriscenter.net

Nevada City Classic

June 19
Nevada City may be known for rich Gold Rush history and beautiful Victorian architecture, but since 1961 the town has also gained a reputation as a hub for cycling. This Father’s Day, the town will host the 56th annual Nevada City Classic, one of the nation’s oldest, largest and most competitive cycling events (past participants include Lance Armstrong and Alexi Grewal, the first cyclist to win the Olympic Gold medal for the U.S. in 1984.). Racers will start on Broad Street in downtown Nevada City and pedal around challenging 90-degree turns, reaching speeds of over 50 mph as they try to lap each other on the 1.1-mile course. Grab an ice cream cone at Treats and settle on the corner of Broad and South Pine streets to watch the racers speed downhill toward the finish line. Free. Races begin at 1 p.m. at Broad St. and S. Pine St. Nevada City. (530) 265-2692. nevadacityclassic.com

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