It’s that time of year in Las Vegas, and we’re not talking about the holidays. It’s a sea of ten-gallon hats, Wrangler jeans and many, many boots. Today marks the start of the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas!
With events planned through Saturday, December 15, the NFR is a hot ticket, and we’re here to share some of the places where you can join the fun.
Easy’s Cocktail Lounge, Proper Eats Food Hall at Aria
Kicking off events Thursday, December 5, Rhyolite Sound, “known for their honky-tonk grit and crowd-stirring energy, brings the true essence of Western music to Las Vegas for one night only during NFR.”
Ryan Brunty of Clique Hospitality told the Food and Loathing podcast that some specialty cocktails will highlight their partnership with Codigo 1530 Tequila (co-founded by country music legend George Strait). One, called This Ain’t My First Rodeo, is a tequila-based spin on an Old Fashioned.
“We also have caviar service at Easy’s,” says Brunty. “And so for the first time, we’re gonna have a specialty menu that highlights that. So come on in, watch a rowdy cowboy band and get some caviar on the side. Like, where else in Vegas can you get that?”
Guests can also get a custom bandana at a monogramming station as part of the event.
Click here for more information and reservations.
Emmitt’s Vegas, Fashion Show Mall
The football-themed Emmitt’s welcomes rodeo fans to join Spurs and Sips, a five-course Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey pairing dinner on Wednesday, December 11.
Executive Chef Antwan Ellis talked to Al Mancini about the dinner.
“For the first course, we will have a bit of caviar-topped spicy tuna in a tempura crunch roll that’s going to be paired with Jack Daniels Black. [For the second course,] we have a cedar roasted sea bass with wild mushrooms and warm citrus-rye beurre blanc… and that will be paired with the Jack Daniel’s Bonded Whiskey.”
Additionally, guests will enjoy an American Wagyu braised short rib with truffle and fontina risotto, roasted fall vegetables and a Jack Daniel’s sauce Diane. The dessert is a butter cake, praline ice cream, and Jack Daniel’s Whiskey sauce. A bonus fifth offering will be whiskey-glazed donut holes paired with “an exclusive special pour.”
Tickets are $150 per person plus a 20% gratuity. Each guest will also receive a keepsake bottle of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey.
Click here for more information and reservations.
Gilley’s, Treasure Island Resort
“We have up to 18 bands that are playing during NFR, plus we’re the [place for] watch part[ies] for the rodeo,” shares Paul Reams of Treasure Island Resort. “Plus, “We’re doing a bull rider’s autograph session and line dancing. We are the center hub to the axle of NFR.”
No tickets or reservations are required to join the watch parties, adds Reams. “It is [as easy as] walk in the door and grab a seat. The watch party starts at five o’clock and it goes till the end of the bull riding event… which is usually between eight-thirty and nine o’clock. So we broadcast from the national anthem to God Bless America at the end of the night. And it’s a great crowd. It’s an exciting crowd.”
The first weekend of the NFR is packed with dancing, bull riding competitions, and Strongest Cowboy and Strongest Cowgirl contests, among other events.
Don’t forget the music:
December 5
Michael Braun – 1PM
Official NFR Watch Party – 5:45PM
Canaan Smith – 10PM
Chad Freeman & Redline – 12AM
December 6
Devon Wade – 1PM
Official NFR Watch Party – 5:45PM
Canaan Smith – 10PM
Just Dave – 12AM
December 7
Devon Wade – 1PM
Official NFR Watch Party – 5:45PM
Meet Crown Royal Rider Ky Hamilton – 7PM
Just Dave – 9:30PM
Brandon Saiz Band – 12AM
December 8
Michael Braun – 1PM
Official NFR Watch Party – 5:45PM
Jimi Nelson – 9:30PM
Click here for more information and reservations.
