Free Stuff in Las Vegas Baby

NASCAR champion Tony Stewart will meet with fans at the Palazzo Sportsbook Bar & Grill for one hour starting at 5 pm.

Take a free ride on the iRacing.com racing simulator at the Stratosphere , 6 pm-9 pm. Attraction is located outside the front entrance of the casino.

Another racing simulator will be set up in front of The Orleans main entrance on Tropicana from 4:30 pm-8:00 pm. Take a free ride and the first 100 riders get a voucher for a free beer at any casino bar.

Check out the No. 12 Verizon Wireless show car display at the Green Valley Wireless Store (1351 W. Sunset Rd.) in Henderson from noon to 5 pm.

The Gospel Fest continues at the Black Mountain Recreation Center with an all day affair from 10 am-5 pm. There will be free musical performances by Kenny Young, Mountaintop Faith Ministries Choir and Ebenezer Church of God and Christ.

The Sin City Sinners perform with Jimmy Crespo (formerly of Aerosmith) at Ovation Lounge inside Green Valley Ranch . Doors open at 10 pm and admission is free.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Town Center celebrates February’s Book of the Month selection with a book signing by Trish Garon. The author of “Beyond the Glimmering Lights: The Pride and Perseverance of African Americans in Las Vegas” will be on hand to sign and discuss her book from noon to 2 pm.

Loungin’ Around:

Aliante Station – Access Showroom – Steel Panther (80s glam metal parody band) - 10 pm
Aliante Station – ETA Lounge – live DJ – 10 pm-2 am
Arizona Charlie’s Boulder - Palace Grand Lounge - 3-D, 4 pm-7 pm
Arizona Charlie’s Boulder - Palace Grand Lounge - Greg Peterson, 9 pm-2:30 am
Arizona Charlie’s Decatur – Naughty Ladies Saloon, Daemine, 9 pm-2:30 am
Bellagio – Petrossian – Marta, 10 am-2:45 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian – Norman Vito, 3 pm-7:45 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian – David Osbourne, 8 pm-12:45 am
Boulder Station – Kixx Bar – Van de Guzman (hits of yesterday and today) – 7 pm-midnight
Boulder Station – The Railhead – Yellow Brick Road (classic rock tribute band) – 11 pm-2 am
Excalibur – Octane Lounge – Bert Lynch, 9:30 pm-1:30 am
Excalibur – The Lounge - Klique, 9:30 pm-2:30 am
Fiesta Henderson – Cerveza Cantina – Blackjacks – 9 pm-1 am
Fiesta Rancho – Cabo Lounge – Wolf Creek – 7 pm-11 pm
Green Valley Ranch – Ovation Lounge – Dr. Zhivegas (classic hits of disco, funk, soul and R&B) – DY Dynamixx provides music between sets - 6:30 pm-9:30 pm
Green Valley Ranch – Ovation Lounge – Sin City Sinners (hard rock) – 11 pm-2 am
Green Valley Ranch – Quinn’s Irish Pub – Darby O’Gill & The Little People – 10 pm-1 am
Las Vegas Hilton – Shimmer Cabaret – Sin City Heat, 11:30 pm-1:30 am
Las Vegas Hilton – Tempo Lounge – More & Gendel, 8 pm-midnight
Mandalay Bay – J-Pop Lounge – Mr. & Mrs. Smith, 10 pm-2 am
The Orleans – Bourbon Street Lounge – Chyna – 9 pm
The Orleans – Brendan’s Irish Pub – Pete Contino Band – 9 pm
Palace Station – Jack’s Pub – Third Town (southern rock) – 9 pm-1 am
Red Rock Resort – Luck Bar – DJ Tony T – 9 pm-2 am
Red Rock Resort – Rocks Lounge – Zowie Bowie – (current dance hits, best of disco, rock, hip-hop and R&B) – Doors open at 10 pm
Sam’s Town – Roxy’s – Desert Outlaws – 5:30 pm
Sam’s Town – Roxy’s – Brazo River Band, 10:30 pm
Suncoast – Showroom – San Fernando Band – 10 pm
Sunset Station – Club Madrid – Envy (contemporary hits and hip-hop) – 11 pm-2 am
Texas Station – A-Bar – Darrin Michaels (jazz) – 7 pm-11 pm

The Coors Light show car will be on display in the Sahara casino pit in front of the entrance to the NASCAR Café. Bar specials include a 23-oz souvenir cup filled with double Jack & Cola for $9, Single Barrel shots for $6, Gentleman’s Jack shots for $5 and $4 for Jack shots. Coors models will be in the house to keep the fans captivated.

Casey Mears and the Jack Daniels girls will take over at the Sahara from 8 pm-9:30 pm with autographs and merchandise giveaways.

See tricked out Fords on display in the Hard Rock parking lot from 11 am-5 pm. The custom designed Ford Fusion and Ford F-150 truck with the gear head/gadget geek in mind with the latest in video gaming systems, state-of-the-art tunes, DVD players and flat screen TVs.

NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose will sign autographs at the Monte Carlo Brew Pub at 7:30 pm. Admission is free.

The Fiesta Henderson Race and Sports Book is offering the chance to win a ride on the No. 24 Dupont Chevrolet racing simulator between 10:30 am-4:30 pm.

Several NASCAR drivers will stop by the Stratosphere for an autograph session from 7-8:30 pm. Scheduled to appear are Casey Atwood, Dexter Bean, Dave Blaney, Todd Bodine, Terry Cook, David Green, Jeff Green, Kenny Hendrick, Eric McClure, Scott Riggs, Hermie Sadler, Kirk Shelmerdine, Regan Smith and Scott Wimmer. Session will be held in front of Rudy’s on the casino floor. Admission is free.

Meet Steve Wallace and Brendan Gaughan at the South Point at 6 pm. There will be prize giveaways including the chance to win a Fantasy Five Prize Pack with the chance to attend the Nationwide Series race drivers’ meeting, a ride in the pace car, driver meet and greet admission, pit passes and suite tickets for the race. Special appearance by former Cup Series champion Rusty Wallace. Admission is free.

David Reutimann will share some appearance love with his sponsor Aaron’s Sales. The location on W. Craig Rd. will host Reutimann and Ken Butler, III from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm. Admission is free.

Race Jam takes the green flag at the Fremont Street Experience with free entertainment in various locations from 8-11 pm and NASCAR merchandise booths. Here’s the lineup:

1st Street Stage: Southern Stue
3rd Street Stage: Tony Marques
Main Street Entertainment: TJ Weaver

Coco Montoya performs during this week’s Friday Night Blues Series at South Padre inside Texas Station . Doors open at 8 pm and admission is free.

The Rock Tribute Series continues at Santa Fe Station’s Chrome Showroom. Hangar 18 takes to the stage at 10 pm for their simulated version of a Megadeath concert. No cover charge.

The City of Henderson celebrates Black History Month with this weekend’s Gospel Fest. They’ll kick off the festivities this evening at Black Mountain Recreation Center on Greenway Road with an original poetry reading by Kweisis Gharreau at 7 pm. Admission is free.

The Bank at Bellagio is giving away a $5,000 C Level shopping spree.

McFadden’s throws a Naughty & Nice party with cash and prizes for the sexiest and nerdiest costumes.

Better late than never…Steel Panther throws a Mardi Gras party at Ovation Lounge at Green Valley Ranch with complimentary beads, Hurricane drink specials and $1 Jell-o shots. Doors open at 11 pm and admission is free. [Drink specials also availabe at O’Quinns and Drop Bar.]

Loungin’ Around:

Aliante Station – ETA Lounge – live DJ – 10 pm-2 am
Aliante Station – Access Showroom – Yellow Brick Road – 11 pm-2 am
Arizona Charlie’s Boulder - Palace Grand Lounge - 3-D, 4 pm-7pm
Arizona Charlie’s Boulder - Palace Grand Lounge - Greg Peterson, 9 pm-2:30 am
Arizona Charlie’s Decatur – The Naughty Ladies Saloon – Jerry Tiffe (swing) – 4 pm-7 pm
Bellagio – Fontana Lounge – Fuse, 6 pm-9:30 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian – Marta, 10 am-2:45 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian – Whitney Phoenix, 3 pm-7:45 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian – David Osbourne, 8 pm-12:45 am
Boulder Station – Kixx Bar – Shooting Stars Karaoke – 6 pm-2 am
Boulder Station – The Railhead – Spazmatics (80’s music with a geeky twist) – 11 pm-2 am
Excalibur – Octane Lounge – Bert Lynch, 9:30 pm-1:30 am
Excalibur – The Lounge - Klique, 9:30 pm-2:30 am
Fiesta Rancho – Cabo Lounge – Evenflow – 7 pm-11 pm
Gold Coast – Showroom – Las Vegas Classic Jazz Band – 1 pm
Green Valley Ranch – Ovation Lounge – The Michael Grimm Band (12 piece band, rock & soul) – 6:30 pm-9:30 pm
Green Valley Ranch – Ovation Lounge – Steel Panther (glam metal parody band) – 11 pm-2 am
Green Valley Ranch – Quinn’s Irish Pub – Darby O’Gill & The Little People – 10 pm-1 am
Las Vegas Hilton – Shimmer Cabaret – Sin City Heat, 11:30 pm-1:30 am
Las Vegas Hilton – Tempo Lounge – More & Gendel, 8 pm-midnight
Mandalay Bay – J-Pop Lounge – No Shiny Shirts, 6 pm-9 pm
Mandalay Bay – J-Pop Lounge – Mr. & Mrs. Smith, 10 pm-2 am
The Orleans – Bourbon Street Lounge – Chyna – 9 pm
The Orleans – Brendan’s Irish Pub – Pete Contino Band – 9 pm
Palace Station – Jack’s Pub – Third Town (southern rock) – 9 pm-1 am
Red Rock Resort – Rocks Lounge – Zowie Bowie – 10 pm
Red Rock Resort – Lucky Bar – DJ Tony T – 9 pm-2 am
Sam’s Town – Roxy’s – Marshal Reign (or Desert Outlaws) – 5:30 pm
Suncoast – Showroom – San Fernando Band – 10 pm
Sunset Station – Club Madrid – Envy (contemporary hits and hip-hop) – 11 pm-2 am
Texas Station – A-Bar – Darrin Michaels (jazz) – 7 pm-11 pm

NASCAR week in Las Vegas kicks into high gear with driver appearances, show car displays and other race related events all over town.

It all starts with the 2nd Annual Hauler Parade on The Strip. Team haulers will line up at Russell Road and proceed north on Las Vegas Blvd. to Sahara. From there they will take I-15 the rest of the way to Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The Crown Royal show car will be on display at the Luxor all day long. Meet with a showcar expert from 4-10 pm. The Crown Royal girls will be on hand from 6:30-9:30 pm with sample Crown Royal products for those of legal drinking age.

The Stratosphere has a full day of activities planned including a Coca-Cola show car display and racing simulator rides starting at 11 am…wristbands to meet driver Kasey Kahne will be given out at noon in front of Rudy’s on the casino floor. The first 250 people in line will get a wristband good for admittance to Kahne’s autograph session from 4 pm to 6 pm. (also in front of Rudy’s)… Kyle Busch fans can get up chose and personal with his No. 18 Toyota between the hours of 2 pm and 6 pm….and finally, there will be continuous giveaways from 3:30-8:30 pm.

ESPN Zone at New York-New York hosts their annual Rookie Cooking Challenge from 2 pm-4 pm. Justin Allgaier, Scott Lagasse, Jr., Scott Speed and John Wes Townley will participate in this year’s competition. Resident Executive Chef Chris Gagen will take the drivers to school in cooking 101 before they prepare dishes to b judged by members of the Las Vegas Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Spectators are welcome and admission is free.

Hometown hero Kyle Busch will make an appearance on the 4th floor of M&M’s World on The Strip from 4 pm-6 pm. A limited number of wristbands will be available for pickup in the same location starting at 9 am.

Rookie phenom Joey Logano will meet the fans at the Home Depot location at 1401 S. Lamb Blvd. from 5 pm-7 pm. Wristband distribution (limited to 700) begins at 4 pm. Limit one autograph per person.

Jamie McMurray will sign autographs at The Luxor from 7 pm-9 pm. Wristband distribution (limited to 400) begins at 6 pm. Limit two autographs per person.

Meet Danny O’Quinn, Jr. at Palace Station on the patio at Jack’s Roadhouse from 6-9 pm and pick up a free autographed t-shirt.

Robby Gordon will be hanging out at the Hard Rock’s Center Bar from 8 pm-9 pm. Show your race ticket and get a free beer.

NOTE: This one is a ticketed event: The Annual Speedway Children’s Charity Drivers Auction takes place at Sam’s Town . Doors open at 5 pm for the silent memorabilia auction. Driver auction starts at 6 pm. $35 ticket allows you the opportunity to bid on your favorite driver and ride with him around the track during the pre-race parade lap. Among the drivers up for bids are Aric Almirola, Greg Biffle, Casey Mears, Kyle Petty and Elliott Sadler.

Acoustic Strip returns to the House of Blues with Joe Taylor, The Boss City Sounds, The Andy Walo Trio (again!) and Indulge. Doors open at 9 pm and admission is free.

SpyOnVegas takes open bar to Kona Grill (Fashion Village at Boca Park) with free Foster’s and Absolut Vodka from 6-9 pm.

Loungin’ Around:

Bellagio – Fontana Lounge – Fuse, 6 pm-9:30 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian – Marta, 10 am-2:45 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian – Whitney Phoenix, 3 pm-7:45 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian – David Osbourne, 8 pm-12:45 am
Boulder Station – Kixx Bar – More & Gendel (vocal and guitar stylings) – 7 pm-11 pm
Excalibur – The Lounge - Klique, 9 pm-2 am
Fiesta Rancho – Cabo Lounge – Randy Anderson – 5 pm-9 pm
Gold Coast – Showroom – San Fernando Band – 7:30 pm
Green Valley Ranch – Ovation Lounge – Heavy Petting Zoo (hits of the 80s, 90s and today) – 8 pm-11 pm
Las Vegas Hilton – Shimmer Cabaret – Sin City Heat, 11:30 pm-1:30 am
Las Vegas Hilton – Tempo Lounge – Nova (jazz), 6:30 pm-11:30 pm
Mandalay Bay – J-Pop Lounge – Aquarius, 10 pm-2 am
The Orleans – Bourbon Street Lounge – Chyna – 9 pm
The Orleans – Brendan’s Irish Pub – The Lon Kruger Radio show with UNLV Runnin’ Rebel Basketball Coach Lon Kruger with hosts Jon Sandler and Glen Gonrezick – 7 pm
The Orleans – Brendan’s Irish Pub – Cash Karaoke with Jimmy Z – 8 pm
Palace Station – Jack’s Pub – Asian Karaoke – 7 pm-11 pm
Red Rock Resort – Lucky Bar – DJ Creative, 9 pm-1 am
Red Rock Resort – Rocks Lounge – Envy (contemporary hits & hip hop)
Sam’s Town – Roxy’s – Marshal Reign – 5:30 pm
Boulder Station – The Railhead – Jerry Tiffe (swing) – 2 pm-4 pm

The traveling circus otherwise known as NASCAR makes its annual visit to Las Vegas and with each passing year the stars in the sport venture farther beyond the friendly confines of the speedway to mingle in the city. Driver Jamie McMurray will get a taste of the nightlife at LAX Nightclub where he’ll host a special pre-race party thrown by his team sponsor Crown Royal. There will be more opportunities to mingle in the days leading up to Sunday’s Shelby 427.

The Crown Royal show car will be on display at the Sahara at the entrance to the NASCAR Café from 8:30 to 11 pm. Drink specials at the café bar include $9.95 double Crown & Cola in a 23-oz. Souvenir glass, $5 Crown shots and $6 Crown Reserve. At 11 pm there will be a giveaway for an autographed die-cast car and official #26 jackets.

Pick up your free wristband at the Stratosphere for admittance to NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne’s meet-and-greet session tomorrow afternoon. The first 250 people in line at noon today (in front of Rudy’s on the casino floor) will receive a free wristband.

Tonight’s SpyOnVegas open bar event will be at Brand Steakhouse at the Mirage with complimentary Heavy Water vodka cocktails from 6-9 pm.

Godskitchen at Body English welcomes Above & Beyond with Jaytech – Anjunadeep and opening set by Jordan Stevens. Open bar 10:30-11:30 pm. Free admission for locals.

Cowboy Troy brings “hick hop” (what?) to Toby Keith’s: I Love This Bar & Grill at Harrah’s with the first of four sets beginning at 9 pm.

The Andy Walo Trio returns to the House of Blues Courtyard for tonight’s Nothing But the Blues event. Doors open at 9 pm and admission is free.

Loungin’ Around:

Aliante Station – Access Showroom – Jerry Tiffe (swing) – 2 pm-4 pm (free with Boarding Pass (which is also free with signup at any Stations Casino location).
Bellagio – Fontana Lounge – Dian Diaz, 9 pm-12:30 am
Bellagio – Petrossian – Whitney Phoenix, 10 am-2:45 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian – Marta, 3 pm-7:45 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian – Norman Vito, 8 pm-12:45 am
Excalibur – The Lounge - Klique, 9 pm-2 am
Gold Coast – Showroom – San Fernando Band – 7:30 pm
Green Valley Ranch – Ovation Lounge – Yellow Brick Road (classic rock) – 9 pm
Las Vegas Hilton – Shimmer Cabaret – Sin City Heat, 11:30 pm-1:30 am
Mandalay Bay – J-Pop Lounge – The Hipsters, 6 pm-9 pm
Mandalay Bay – J-Pop Lounge – Aquarius, 10 pm-2 am
The Orleans – Bourbon Street Lounge – Chyna – 9 pm
Sam’s Town – Roxy’s – In A Fect – 8 pm

Mardi Gras isn’t just for New Orleans any more so Las Vegas gets into the spirit of Fat Tuesday with an all ages celebration downtown and a couple more adult oriented parties on The Strip and beyond.

The Orleans couldn’t call itself The Orleans if it didn’t get in on the fun, so they’ll serve up free champagne and cake in the Sports Book and 6x points for gambling Coast Club members. Drink specials will be available at all casino bars.

Fremont Street breaks out the beads and transforms into Sin City’s own version of Bourbon Street with event appropriate live music, jugglers and stilt walkers.

Here’s where the bands will be (8-11 pm):

1st Street Stage – The Pappion Louisiana Band (Cajun/zydeco trio)
1st & 3rd Street Intersections – Heather Burdette and Shawn Martin
3rd Street Stage – David Poe Mardi Gras Band (five piece Cajun band)
Main Street Stage – The Bob Sachs Dixieland Trio (the name says it all)

Lavo Nightclub at The Palazzo celebrates Carnival 2009 with a Cachaca open bar from 11-midnight and Samba dancers to entertain the crowd. DJ Five provides the sounds and doors open at 11 pm.

Jealous of those long lines at Denny’s, IHOP locations nationwide honor Pancake Tuesday with a free short stack of pancakes for all customers.

Strangely, SpyOnVegas turns Japanese on this Cajun high holy day with an open bar event at Spicy Tuna in Henderson. Complimentary Sapporo and Ty-Ku will be served from 6 pm-9 pm.

Loungin’ Around

Bellagio – Fontana Lounge – Fuse, 9 pm-12:30 am
Bellagio – Petrossian – Whitney Phoenix, 3 pm-7:45 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian – Norman Vito, 8 pm-12:45 am
Excalibur – The Lounge - Klique, 9 pm-2 am
Gold Coast – Showroom – Las Vegas Classic Jazz Band – 1 pm
Gold Coast – Showroom – San Fernando Band, 7:30 pm
Las Vegas Hilton -  Tempo Lounge - More & Gendel, 6 pm-9 pm
Mandalay Bay – J-Pop Lounge – The Hipsters, 6 pm-9 pm
Mandalay Bay - J-Pop Lounge - The Crashers, 10 pm-2 am
The Orleans – Bourbon Street Lounge – Chyna – 9 pm
The Orleans – Brendan’s Irish Pub – Cash Karaoke with Jimmy Z – 8 pm
Palace Station – Bonkerz Comedy Club Showroom – Jerry Tiffe (swing) – 2 pm-4 pm, free with Boarding Pass (which is also free with signup at any Stations Casino location)
Sam’s Town – Roxy’s – In A Fect – 8 pm