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Independence Day isn’t until Wednesday, but the red, white, and blue celebration starts now. For a complete listing of upcoming Independence Day events and fireworks displays in the area, you can go HERE. See the trains under steam at the Nevada State Railroad and ride the rails to your heart’s content.

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.

If you didn’t take advantage of early voting, then today is the day to cast that Primary ballot. The local library can be your best friend during summer vacation; Carson City celebrated the kick-off to their summer program on Sunday, while the library in Minden will host a party this evening to get the summer events started. The State Library and Archives have started a new lunchtime program. Join them for Archives Appetizer, a monthly speaker program that will cover different topics of Nevada History. Muscle Powered features two guided hikes on Tuesdays.

From art and exercise classes, nature walks to gallery showings, fundraisers and afternoon happy hours that extend from one end of Carson Street to the other, Carson City showers itself this Tuesday with an action-packed all-ages calendar of arts, fitness and entertainment. Here's what's happening around town on this June 5, 2018:

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.

Today is definitely an out-doorsy kind of day: two Muscle Powered hikes, the Ladies Ash Canyon Bike Ride, and the annual Bike Month Full Moon Night Mountain Bike Ride. Early voting for the 2018 Primary has begun, and all registered Carson City voters can head down to the Clerks office in the Courthouse to cast their ballot. If you’re in Minden, or up for a short drive, check out the Farmers Market on Esmerelda Street. It runs from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to grab something fresh to throw in with dinner.

Western Nevada College may be finished with its semester, but they don’t just shutter the doors and pack it in. Go check out the Bristlecone Art Gallery where you’ll find a plethora of True-Grit inspired artwork: it’s pretty spectacular what these artists have done with a simple deck of playing cards. It may be a little too wet for this evening’s Muscle Powered hike, but you’ll find other opportunities to burn off a little steam. Try Carson Lanes Country/Pop Dance Night, or try your hand at all-ages trivia at the Fox Brewpub or Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint.

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.

Carson City is in the midst of the NEA’s Big Read, with True Grit by Charles Portis at the designated book. Julie Buntin’s tome, ‘Marlena: A Novel,’ is the chosen Nevada Reads book, and Nevada Humanities has brought the author here for a discussion and reading. Find Ms. Buntin at the Nevada State Library and Archives at lunchtime or hear her thoughts at the Minden Library this evening. Keep an eye to the skies if you’re interested in today’s Muscle Powered hikes; they will walk on the indoor track at the Multi-purpose Athletic Center if it’s rainy.

It’s Bike Month in Carson City, and the ladies’ Tuesday bike ride up Ash Canyon has returned for the season. You’ll need a helmet and a trail-ready bike if you’d like to join in. A hike up Goni Road with Muscle Powered will be worth the views and a good work-out. Mile High Jazz Band has teamed up with vocalist Jakki Ford for this month’s performance; you’ll find them tonight at Living the Good Life. Learn more about how the internet affects our lives during the free presentation by Sierra Nevada Forums.

TUESDAY, May 8: Things to do in Carson City

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.

The Nursing program at Western Nevada College is one of the state’s best. Attend today’s informational meeting and walk away knowing everything you’ll need to do for a career in the medical field.

I’m ready for spring. My allergies don’t seem to be as enthusiastic, but I love watching our valley awaken from its gray winter slumber. Muscle Powered’s guided hikes are a great way to explore our town and learn about the many trails hidden in the hills. The Carson City Classic Cinema Club gets an extra-special visitor at tonight’s film viewing; STRAZZ, the Carson City Symphony’s Youth String Orchestra will be performing before ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ lights up the screen. Sandie LaNae and Arlene La Ferry are the featured authors at Browsers Corner Book Store this evening.

The Senior Center recently hosted ‘Carson’s Got Talent,’ so they know the caliber of performers hidden in our midst. Auditions for their annual show, Senior Follies, continue this evening and are open to all ages. CCAI’s art exhibit in the Community Development Building on E. Proctor features work from several high school artists. Join them in celebrating this young talent at a reception tonight. The day should be gorgeous; a hike with Muscle Powered is the perfect way to embrace the spring.

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.

Kyra Gonzales, 11, of Carson City, claimed the top prize of $500 cash at Carson’s Got Talent, the regional talent competition benefiting Meals on Wheels Carson City, last Saturday evening.

Well, we won’t see any wet stuff today, but the clear skies could mean a nip to the air. You can join Muscle Powered for one of today’s two walks, but I won’t blame you if you’d prefer an indoor activity. Join the Carson Library for coloring night; they have plenty of pictures to choose from. Bobbie Ann Howell is at the center of today’s Artist Reception at the Nevada Arts Council. You’ll hear her discuss her exhibit ‘Vistas and Viewpoints.’ Head down to Pizza Factory to lend a hand to Mark Twain Elementary School: just make sure to mention you are there for the fundraiser.

Congratulations go out to the Mile High Jazz Band; they’ll be celebrating 17 years of monthly performances during tonight’s gig at Living the Good Life. If you’d like to learn more about drones, those little flying robots, then tonight’s installment of the Sierra Nevada Forum is for you. They’ll be covering the versatility of drones, and fully expect you to be surprised. Chili’s Restaurant welcomes Mother-son duos for a night of quality time. Super-hero costumes are encouraged, and bring a camera, Darth Vader will be there for pictures.

TUESDAY, April 10: Things to do in Carson City

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.

A very happy Tuesday to you. The Classic Cinema Club is changing it up a little tonight. Their showing of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ is going to begin an hour earlier than usual, due to its length. Don’t worry, though, the trivia portion will take place during intermission, instead of before the film. The Carson Valley Trails Association is hosting their annual meeting and social in the Douglas County Community Center. If you’re curious about exploring the hills south of Carson, this is the perfect place to learn more.

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.

As the days get longer and warmer, it’s worth it to check out the many trails and paths throughout the valley. Muscle Powered, our local hiking, biking, and trail-building group, leads guided hikes and walks a few times every week, including two on Tuesdays. Don’t let spring break be an excuse not to use your noggin. Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz at Sassafras and DJ Trivia at Fox Brewpub are both open to all ages and free to play. You’ve only got a few days to see the Winter Art Show in the Nevada Artist Association Gallery; their new show, ‘Spring has Sprung,’ will open Sunday.

It’s hard to believe that this is the first day of spring: we had nicer weather in January. Expect the next few days to bring a mix of wet stuff, and probably some gusty winds our way.

Youth Theatre Carson City brings a cast of more than 100 youth to stage a colorful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s iconic children’s story "Willy Wonka, Jr." this Friday through Sunday at the Carson City Community Center's Bob Boldrick Theater.

I hope you got your fill of sunshine yesterday because we have got some cloudy days on the horizon. Luckily, there are enough things going on to keep you distracted, and inside away from the rain. Jazz and Poetry, courtesy of the Mile High Jazz Band, takes place tonight at Comma Coffee, with the lovely June Joplin on vocals. Trade a pint for a pint.

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. Every week, Muscle Powered explores three different trails during their guided hikes. Today, join them as they walk sections of the multi-use path along the freeway. You’ll always find trivia at Fox Brewpub and at Sassafras on Tuesdays, but now you can also participate in Family Game Night at Battle Born Social or Celebrity Bingo at Westside Pour House. Singer-songwriter Canyon White leads the jam at Living the Good Life; sample something from their menu, or try their Tuesday taco and beer special, and sit back and enjoy the show.

The snow finally fell, and continues to fall. The Carson City and Douglas County School Districts have closed all schools due to the weather; Lyon County Schools are on a two hour delay. If you do have to head out, give yourself extra time to travel. Take a look in today’s happenings for family friendly options at the Carson Library or the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada. A celebration of new art exhibits and local artists can be found at the Carson City Art Gallery, in the Sierra Room of the Community Center, and in the Brewery Arts Center.