For Labor Day 2013: Brad Paisley and 9 other fun things in Las Vegas

Labor Day weekend in Las Vegas will be witness to a flurry of special activities -- concerts, comedy and, yes, cocktails. They’re timed to mark the unofficial end of summer.

Here are 10 events that may pique your interest:

Black Sabbath: The group that helped define heavy metal and boasts a quadruple-platinum album (“Paranoid”) performs Sunday, Sept. 1, at 8 p.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Tickets from $39.50 to $129.50 available through Ticketmaster, (800) 745-3000.

Cabo Wabo Cantina: Sammy Hagar’s place at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood plans a weekend-long party starting at noon Friday, Aug. 31, and running through Monday, Sept. 2. The four-day fiesta features specials such as $19 buckets of Dos Equis. The people-watching is great from the patio overlooking the Strip. Info: (702) 385-2226.

Cruisin’ Classics – A Night at the Diner: Hits from the early days of rock ‘n’ roll -- 1955 to 1963, to be precise -- make up the soundtrack for this live performance by boys in letter jackets and girls in poodle skirts. Friday, Aug. 30, through Sunday, Sept. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Suncoast in suburban Summerlin. Tickets, priced from $17.50 to $44, are available online or by calling (702) 636-7075.

Flavors Buffet: This moderately priced buffet inside Harrah’s will be putting some special dishes on the menu just for the holiday weekend. They include cola-glazed bone-in ham, shrimp and artichoke salad and slow-roasted pepper crusted roasted prime rib. Prices vary by time of day and day of the week. Info: (702) 369-5000.

Whoopi Goldberg: The Oscar-winning actress and star of ABC’s “The View” will be showcasing her comedic skills during an evening of stand-up at 9 p.m. Aug. 30 at Treasure Island. Tickets from $58 to $99 can be purchased online or by calling (866) 712-9308.

Hip Hop’s Hottest at the Palms: The music genre’s biggest names -- including Ashanti, LL Cool J and Shwayze -- will be appearing both at the Palms Pool and Moon Nightclub Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. The full lineup, along with prices and ticket info, is available online.

Brad Paisley: The award-amassing country singer-songwriter brings his “Beat This Summer Tour” to the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Aug. 31. Tickets to the 8 p.m. performance are $45 to $85. They’re available through Ticketmaster, (800) 745-3000.

Park on Fremont: This beer garden and restaurant -- in the increasingly-popular Fremont East entertainment district of downtown Las Vegas -- will celebrate the blue-collar labor lifestyle Friday through Monday. With the purchase of any burger, patrons will get a free 16-ounce can of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. The fried chicken-and-waffle sandwich is another taste tempter. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

The Pool at Monte Carlo: Actually four pools (including a “lazy river” and a wave pool), this outdoor venue will be barbecuing tasty snacks. They include borracho bratwurst, grilled beef skewers and Jack Daniel’s BBQ pork sandwiches, and all are priced under $10. Access is free for guests of any MGM Resorts property; otherwise admission is $10.

Rhumbar: This Caribbean-themed bar, near the main entrance at the Mirage, will be pouring the Scorpion Bowl, a drink large enough to last the entire weekend. OK, not quite, but the 60-ounce -- that’s nearly 2 quarts -- adult beverage features three types of rum and gin as well. It’s served with plenty of straws so that the whole gang can share the sting.

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