family fun

Head down to Mills Park for a great time. The annual Rockabilly Riot features cool cars, contests, and plenty of rock-n-roll. You’ll also find the Extreme Motor Officer Challenge with motorcycle cops from all over competing for top-dog status. For a free, family-friendly good time, you’ll find local band, Alias Jones, on the stage in McFadden Plaza. If you’ve ever been curious about the sport of BMX, tonight’s ‘Olympic Day’ racing will give you a taste of the track without any commitment.

FRIDAY, June 22: Things to do in Carson City

This is going to be an epic Fathers’ Day weekend. Carson City Off-Road sponsored by Epic Rides has taken over downtown with everything mountain bike and plays host to a free Music Festival in McFadden Plaza. Don’t miss Arts and Culture Day at the Nevada State Railroad Museum with unlimited rides on the Steam Train, special vendors, and more. Stewart Indian School will be a hotspot of activity with the annual Fathers’ Day PowWow underway. This is just the tip of the iceberg, read on for more fun than you’ll know what to do with.

SATURDAY:

Carson City again welcomes the Fathers’ Day PowWow to the Stewart Indian School Campus for a weekend of dancing, vendors and crafts, and community. Now, when I say bicycle invasion, I’m not exaggerating. The Carson City Off-Road hosted by Epic Rides brings mountain bike enthusiasts from all over to compete in our hills. You’ll find downtown road-closures to make way for the race routes, a bike expo, beer garden, and a music festival on Saturday. Head up to Western Nevada College to welcome the Journey of Hope Bike Tour.

She’s a grand ole flag, and there will be two ceremonies to recognize the stars and stripes in Carson City today. At 10 a.m. you can join the Nevada National Guard at the Veterans Memorial on the Capitol Grounds for presentation of the colors, speakers, and even cake for the US Army’s anniversary. You’ll find the Elks Club honoring our flag at 3 p.m. The public are invited to both events. The Army isn’t the only birthday you’ll find today; Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery celebrates its seventh year with an artist reception and new work from Denise Jenkins.

It’s going to be a breezy weekend, so you may want to rethink spending the day at the lake. Luckily, plenty of options are available just about anywhere you are. Carson City has a car show and Brewfest hitting the downtown corridor, and to the south, Minden and Gardnerville are having their party of the year: Carson Valley Days. It’s World Doll Day at the Nevada State Museum with special displays, activities, and a special performance by the local Young Chautauquans.

School let out and summer wasted no time getting to the fun stuff. This weekend will bring the Revival Car Show and the annual Capital City Brewfest downtown, in addition to a wine walk at the Carson Mall and the Fair/Rendezvous at Mills Park. Today, you can enjoy some live music at Living the Good Life or Bella Vita Bistro, get your karaoke fix at Whiskey Tavern, or head to the Carson Mall for their monthly cruise night.

This first weekend of June packs quite a punch: activities and events abound. Head downtown for the first Third and Curry Farmers Market of the season, then wander a few blocks north for Due Sorella’s Spring Vintage Market. You may as well just keep the car parked. With the monthly Wine Walk, Pour for Paws in McFadden Plaza, and Crystal’s Crusade Street Party Fundraiser on W. Telegraph, downtown is the place to be. There are so many options this weekend, so take a gander and enjoy your weekend.

SATURDAY:  

It’s not just Friday, it’s the very first day of June and I love June. We are already off to a great start with the first of the Friday at Third concerts tonight in McFadden Plaza. Shane Dwight is back to perform for this free, family friendly event. The NEA sponsored Carson Big Read event comes to a close tonight with a free showing of 2010’s movie, True Grit in the Community Center Theater. Take the kids to the Children’s Museum for a special Night of Magic with Phoenix Phenomenal.

Memorial Day weekend is often thought of as the kick-off to summer, but in Northern Nevada we know that the weather is a fickle creature. The weather should be dryer and warmer as the weekend progresses but have back-up plans for your bar-be-que, just in case. From the Downtown Carson City Ghost Walk to the Rockin’ Rib Fest at Casino Fandango, a day hike with Muscle Powered to the Spring Blinky Man night-time costumed bike pub crawl – this weekend is chock-full of fun for locals and visitors alike, for the young and young-at-heart.

SATURDAY:  

Don’t let the weather fool you. Once we get past the gloomy skies of today, we’re on track for a beautiful Memorial Day weekend. The inaugural Rockin’ Rib Fest at Fandango begins this afternoon and runs until Monday, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to sample some grilled bbq. The Proscenium Players begin their run of ‘The Hit’ in the Brewery Arts Center’s Black Box Theater; break a leg. Lend a hand to our various Veterans’ organizations this afternoon as they plant flags on the graves of those who served in the Lone Mountain Cemetery: many hands make light work.

Celebrate health and community!

All are invited to join in Maya Morrison's "Aloha Chemo!" celebration May 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come enjoy food, beer, and family fun outside of the Shoe Tree Brewery and Sassafras restaurant in Carson City.

It’s going to be a chili weekend, and that has nothing to do with the weather. The annual Chili on the Comstock Competition takes over the tiny town of Virginia City, including a saloon crawl Saturday and the hilarious ‘Fun with the Runs’ 5K. Families will have a hard time choosing between the Cops and Kids Open House and Safety Fair at the Sheriff’s Office and the ‘Kids to Parks’ Day activities at Silver Saddle Ranch. Keep reading, and I apologize in advance for throwing so many great options your way.

SATURDAY:  

We’re in for another gray day, but that won’t affect the fun to be had. Bike to Work Week always ends in a big bash. Head down to McFadden Plaza, even if you didn’t take the challenge personally. You’ll find live music, raffles, bike games, and too much fun. Western Nevada Musical Theater Company returns for another weekend of Singin’ in the Rain at the Bob Boldrick Theater. Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours are waiting to entertain you at the Brewery Arts Center. There may be some balcony seating still available, but tickets are very limited.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, and there will be plenty of ways for the family to enjoy spending time together all weekend long. Treat Mom to some new flowers for the garden at the annual Greenhouse Project Plant Sale. The Nevada State Museum has a day full of cowboy-related activities planned. Head up to Virginia City on the V and T for a memorable ride through the hills. Before you head out on your adventures, remember to leave a donation of non-perishable food by your mailbox for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Read on for all of your options.

SATURDAY:  

'Singin in the Rain' is probably one of my favorite movies, but I have no doubt that the Western Nevada Musical Theater Company has taken the classic to new heights. Get tickets now if you'd like to catch their production, they are known for sold-out shows. Funnel cakes, Ferris Wheels, and more are waiting for you at Mills Park. A carnival is a great way to help Mom celebrate her special day.

Not a cloud in the sky, and yet we have been hit by a perfect storm: Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby Day, and the monthly wine walk have all collided. Let me tell you, downtown is going to be hopping, not to mention the Early Season Farmers Market making its seasonal debut in the parking lot at W. Musser and N. Nevada – just behind Due Sorella. Take the kids down to Bailys Pond at Fuji Park for the annual Tom Brooks Memorial Kids’ Fishing Day. A trip to the train museum comes with the opportunity to ride on the Historic McKeen Motor Car.

Oh, wow. May is starting off with a bang. Today is jam-packed with options for families, adults, and everyone in-between. The True Grit: Carson City Big Read kicked off yesterday, and today you’ll find the original 1969 version of the film playing at the Brewery Arts Center. The Children’s Museum hosts a Friday Fun Night with a True Grit Buckaroo Sing-a-long. Your options hardly end there. With live music, improv and comedy, theater, karaoke, and some pre-Cinco de Mayo celebrations throughout Carson City and beyond, you’ll have plenty of reasons to hit the town.

Hold onto your hat, Carson City, we’re in for one heck of a weekend. It’ll be cowboy hats and pioneer bonnets in Genoa for Western Heritage Day. Keep an eye out for Mark Twain, plenty of music, and fun for all. Leis are the preferred accessory for Lei Day at the Nevada State Museum where you’ll be treated to Polynesian surprises and free admission. With three local theater groups performing this weekend, you’re sure to find a performance that’s right up your alley. Read on and be prepared to be bombarded with options.

SATURDAY:     

I may be dating myself, but I’ve got John Denver’s voice stuck in my head singing ‘Plant a tree for your tomorrow.’ It’s Arbor Day, so Mayor Bob Crowell will be doing just that, planting a tree in Mills Park. The kids of Wild Horse Children’s Theater continue their successful run of Junie B. Jones at the Brewery Arts Center - it’s their final weekend, so don’t miss out. Maddie’s Adoption Days is a state-wide event trying to find forever homes for dogs and cats; you’ll find several local shelters and rescues participating in the free adoption days.

What better way to celebrate Earth Day and Earth Week than gorgeous weather that you just can’t help but enjoy. Join Muscle Powered and our Parks and Recreation Department at the Silver Saddle Ranch for a presentation and trash mob. Kids will love the Carnival at Bordewich Elementary School, and it helps raise funds for a local Cub Scout Pack. Mark Twain Elementary is hosting their annual Color Run at Mills Park, just make sure to wear a white shirt.

‘Break a leg’ to the talented kids in Wild Horse Children’s Theater. Their newest production, ‘Junie B. Jones, Jr.' opens at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall tonight. The Reno Coin Club has returned to the Nevada State Museum for it’s annual National Coin Week celebration with lectures, demonstrations, and foreign coins for kids. It’s a BINGO kind of night. Dayton High School is raising funds for their Safe Grad Night with a huge raffle and plenty of family-friendly BINGO fun. Join the Carson Victory Rollers roller derby girls at Battle Born Social for a Friday Night BINGO Bash.

Hold onto your hats, Carson City, we’re in for a busy weekend. Several events over the last few weeks were re-scheduled due to weather: today you’ll find the make-up for The Greenhouse Project's Early Spring Plant Sale and the Carson High Safe Grad 5K Run/Walk. Get your Roller Derby fix with a scrimmage and a Junior Victory Rollers bout against Santa Cruz. The Bob Boldrick Theater at the Community Center is where you’ll find ‘Carson’s Got Talent.' Cheer on your favorite local performer and help raise funds for the Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels Program. You’ll have to keep reading, this is just the tip of the fun-time iceberg.

You’re going to have some choices to make today. Just how much fun are you looking for, and what kind? Live music takes over at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint, Bella Vita Bistro, Living the Good Life, and the Brewery Arts Center. Belly laughs can be found at Carson Comedy inside the Carson Nugget on Fridays and Saturdays. A Father-daughter dance at the High School in Dayton is sure to thrill some little princesses.

With soggy weather here, some cancellations are inevitable. One thing you can count on, however, is the monthly Downtown Business Association’s wine walk; it’s a rain, shine, or blizzard event. Stay dry and well-fed with the Kiwanis annual BINGO Spaghetti Feed at the Carson Senior Center. The Brewery Arts Center hosts some pretty amazing vocalists for their newest fundraiser, ‘Evening with the Divas.’ Keep reading for even more Carson City, Carson Valley, and Dayton options.
SATURDAY:

Well, the expected rain didn’t show up overnight, but that doesn’t mean it’s not on its way. The brand-new Friday morning walk with Muscle Powered is weather permitting and will meet at the Multi-purpose Athletic Center instead of Fuji Park if it’s wet out. You’ll notice a sea of blue downtown after noon as the annual pinwheel planting for Child Abuse Awareness takes place; the community is welcomed to lend a hand. It’s aviation night at the Children’s Museum with paper airplanes and pilots on the agenda.

We’ve got a beautiful spring weekend to enjoy. I’d like to make this easy on you: if you are only looking for Easter-related fun, you’ll find it all HERE in my list of everything Easter. Those events are also included in this list, but there is so much more going on. Take a hike with Muscle Powered, get down to some live music, or cheer on your favorite roller derby girl.

Carson Tahoe’s annual Easter Eggstravaganza event held from 4–6 p.m. Thursday on the Carson Tahoe Hospital campus in Carson City was a hopping success and good time for all, said Carson Tahoe Communications Specialist Erin Meyering.

Easter weekend is just hours away. If you haven’t yet decided on an egg hunt or celebration, check out my list of everything Easter HERE; I’ve included events in Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton, and of course, the Virginia City Parade. Start today out with some Dutch Bros. coffee for a good cause.

The weekend has arrived, and it will be an exceptionally long one for the schoolkids of Carson City: spring break begins Monday. There’s a rumor of snowfall for this weekend, but it’s not expected to be too heavy in the valley. Don’t quote me on that, though, I’ve been wrong before. Break a leg to the Douglas students performing in ‘Game of Tiaras’ this weekend; the show sounds hilarious, but be warned, it’s not for kids. For a family friendly outing, check out Story Time with Suzie at the Nevada Railroad Museum, or photos with the Easter Bunny at PetSmart.

SATURDAY:

We aren’t expecting any rain today, but weather control is well above my pay-grade. The recent downpour filled a few reservoirs around town, including the one at the corner of Roop Street and Little Lane.