Summer Art

Heading into the weekend there’s a number of activities around the Carson City region. New safety guidelines for the state of Nevada have been enforced, so please make sure to bring a mask and practice social distancing.

Time for some Sunday holiday adventure. The Carson Nugget has something special tonight, a Van Halen Tribute Band plays two concerts in their upstairs ballroom. For a lazy afternoon in the shade, you’ll find live music on the porch of the Genoa Bar. The Tahoe Orchestra brings their annual 9/11 Memorial Concert to St. Gall’s Church in Gardnerville. Virginia City is trapped in a time loop during Civil War Days. Don’t forget to get your grub on at the annual Rib Cook-off in Sparks. Read on for more events for both Sunday and Monday.

It’s nice that the beginning of the school year is almost immediately rewarded with a three-day weekend. You’ll find annual events like Civil War Days in Virginia City and the Best in the West Rib Cook-off in Sparks, in addition to smaller happenings like the monthly Downtown Carson City Wine Walk and a roller derby double-header. If you haven’t made plans to head for the hills, take a look at your options and have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.

SATURDAY:

August comes to an end today, and with it the end of an era. You are reading my last weekday list of things to do. Celebrate the unofficial end of summer with ‘Cruise Night’ at the Carson Mall, some great live music, or a comedy show.

It’s still Welcome Back Week at Western Nevada College; a free BBQ, games, activities, and meet and greet with the new college President will be in Rotary Square at lunchtime. Muscle Powered starts the day with a hike up Kings Canyon Road. In addition to sturdy shoes and water, you’ll want to bring a camera – the views of Eagle Valley are impressive. Start the weekend early with some live music for a good cause. Enjoy Greg Austin on the stage at Living the Good Life: there’s no cover, but a portion of tonight’s food and beverage sales will benefit the Swithwick/Francone family.

The last big weekend of the summer is on its way, but if you’ve got a hankering for ribs, you can get them now. The annual Rib Cook-off in Sparks kicks off five days of barbeque heaven today – keep an eye open for our local champion, Carson City BBQ. Carson City BMX celebrates the end of the summer with a party at this evening’s practice. Songstress, Latisha Lewis, leads the band during tonight’s Jazz Night at Living the Good Life; if you’ve got some chops, bring an instrument and join the jam.

WEDNESDAY, August 29: Things to do in Carson City

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Don’t worry, you’ve still got four months for your holiday shopping, but Santa needs to hire a few helpers. The annual Polar Express on the V & T is getting ready to steam up and they are auditioning for elves etc. to lend a hand. The Nevada Arts Council has a new exhibit featuring Basque artwork; attend this evening’s artist reception to learn more about these unusual carvings. The ESL at Home program works quietly behind the scenes to bring better English language skills to non-native speakers.

The last weekend of August holds tight to summertime tradition. Get something fresh from the field at Farmers Markets in Carson City, Genoa, and Dayton. Celebrate the end of summer with La Chamba on the Brewery Arts Center outdoor stage – one more season of Levitt Amp Community Concerts successfully behind us. Whether you want something fun to do with your ‘grown-up’ friends or something for the whole family to enjoy, take a look! There’s a little bit for everyone.

SATURDAY:

As your reward for making it through the first school-week of the year, you’ll find plenty of fun ways to celebrate. Hopefest8 at the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center is a free concert featuring folk/pop singer, Tyrone Wells, bringing awareness and raising funds for local patient resources. The grand prize of their raffle is a brand-new car, so good luck. It’s a birthday bash at Living the Good Life. Wish proprietress, Gina, many happy returns and groove to the sounds of the Trippin’ King Snakes.

Lights, camera, action! The Second annual Jukebox Film Festival begins today at the Carson City Community Center. Two full days of features, documentaries, and short films with music as the uniting theme will be shown at the Carson City Community Center: 30 unique titles representing 29 different filmmakers from countries around the world. Blood Drum Spirit, a jazz band with an African influence, is the focus of one of those films and will be performing for free at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint this evening.

Wednesdays can be brutal: more than two full days until we reach the weekend. Don’t dismay, there’s something cooking midweek that might just keep you going. The Second annual Jukebox International Film Festival begins tomorrow with a two full days of music-centric documentaries, narratives, videos, and shorts.

I hope everyone had a great first day of school. It always takes a moment to get back into the swing of things, so you’ll still want to leave yourself a little cushion when it comes to your morning drive time. If you’ve got little ones at home, consider a trip to the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada; there are many fun, interactive exhibits, in addition to today’s Storytime Adventure activity. For those nostalgic for their own early childhood, the Carson City Library offers a monthly Coloring Night for the young-at-heart.

TUESDAY, August 21: Things to do in Carson City

We are running out of summer weekends. I know that’s hard to believe right now, but hoodies and everything pumpkin is just beyond the horizon. Grab summer with both hands and go enjoy this beautiful city. The Brewery Arts Center brings Dennis Johnson and the Mississippi Ramblers to the stage for tonight’s free concert. Check out the Railroad Museum for your fill of music and antique motor cars. Car lovers have two shows to choose from today: spectators will be able to enjoy both, but you’ll have to pick one if you want to enter your ride. Keep reading for more summertime fun.

It’s a very special Friday for the kids of Carson City: it’s the last day of summer vacation. Take full advantage of your free time and check out some of today’s activities. Live music at McFadden Plaza tonight features local cover band, Deception. The Bowers Mansion Bluegrass Festival kicks off tonight with a band in the Davis Creek Campground. The U.S. Air Force’s Jazz Ensemble performs at the Bob Boldrick Theater as part of the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival. Free tickets have been available at the Chamber of Commerce for a few weeks, and if any are left, their numbers will be limited.

Thank goodness for Thursday. The weekend is just hours away, but there is no reason to wait for the fun to start. Take a stroll with Muscle Powered: today’s hike will wind through the far east side of Carson, from Silver Saddle Ranch to Mexican Dam. Artsy Fartsy Art Galley hosts an artist meet and greet for Catherine King; enjoy a glass of wine while discovering her newest work. Head down the rabbit hole, and you may wind up on McFadden Plaza. The Carson City Classic Cinema Club brings the recent live-action version of Alice in Wonderland to the big screen on the downtown stage.

Let’s give this outdoors thing another try. Yesterday’s Jazz and beyond performances were moved indoors at the Brewery Arts Center when the rain hit, but I have more hope for today’s skies. Look for The Other Brothers Band this evening in the Comma Coffee Courtyard. Carson City BMX hosts practice and racing at the track in the Livermore Sports Complex; all ages are invited to participate, and one day memberships are available for those who’d like to try it out.

It’s a happening day around Carson City. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival makes an appearance downtown with Under the Radar in the Comma Coffee Courtyard, followed by the Mile High Jazz Band in McFadden Square. Head up the short hill to Silver City for a special hands-on Engineering activity for kids. Join local author Cindy Sutherland for this month’s edition of the Brown Bag Lunch Series at the Nevada State Library and Archives. Freshman, and their parents, are welcomed to Carson High School this morning for orientation, an overview of policies, and a tour.

I’m not even going to speculate on the air quality, but please use your best judgement when choosing your activities and there may be some cancellations that I am not aware of. Downtown has a full day of options, but the back roads may be a little more difficult to navigate due to construction projects. The great music that awaits will be worth the hassle. Read on and you’ll find indoors and outdoors activities that will help alleviate the cabin fever.

SATURDAY:

It is finally Friday. As August melts away, it brings us closer to the new school year. Carson High returning students are invited to the Senator Kick-off this morning to get their fill of back-to-school updates. Families will love the Movie in the Park; bring a blanket or chairs and come prepared to enjoy ‘Coco.’ Three days of high-flying fun begins today at Heritage Park in Gardnerville as the Splash Dogs competition gets underway. You will always find live music around town on Fridays, but during the Jazz and Beyond Festival, it seems like music is everywhere.

Looks like another great day to stay indoors. The Carson City Library has several activities planned today, and one of them might be what you’re looking for. Story time this morning is for the little ones. Just about everyone is welcome to participate in their weekly Lego Club build. Families will enjoy movie night; just make sure to register online if you’re planning on seeing Peter Rabbit with them this evening. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival is in full swing, so you’ll find plenty of music around.

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. It’s another lazy, hazy day in Northern Nevada. You’ll want to keep your outdoor activities limited when the air is like this, but it understandably leads to a feeling of cabin-fever. Take the family out for dinner tonight at Firehouse Subs on Highway 50; they are raising funds for a local family recovering from a car accident. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival gets into the swing of things with the Echoes Band in the Comma Coffee Courtyard. Keep reading for all of today’s happenings.

WEDNESDAY, August 8: Things to do in Carson City

Batten down the hatches, the smoky days continue. My thoughts and appreciation are with those fighting the multiple fires in Nevada and California. Learn more about our emergency responders at tonight’s annual ‘Partnership in Action’ National Night Out at Mills Park. Free hot dogs, chips, and soda, multiple exhibits and activities, and so much more make this an exciting event for kids of all ages. Muscle Powered has cancelled its evening hike, but the early birds can meet up at the Multi-Purpose Athletic Center for a stroll indoors.

TUESDAY, August 7: Things to do in Carson City

Let’s get August off to a good start. The first Saturday of the month always plays host to the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk, but with the Jazz and Beyond Musical Festival in full swing, you’ll have even more reasons to meander around downtown. The afternoon ice cream social at the historic Foreman-Roberts House is a perfect family-friendly treat before heading to the Brewery Arts Center for tonight’s free concert. Keep reading, you’ll find a little bit of something for everyone in the Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton and Virginia City areas.

Get ready for all things shiny, whether it be brass or chrome. You’ll find plenty of horns playing during the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival that kicks off today. Just about every event is free to the public and family friendly, so get ready for a melodic few weeks. The historic Bliss Mansion, across the street from the Governor’s Mansion, hosts the opening night Garden Party. Hot August Nights gets an early start in Virginia City with a show and shine and poker run; 400 classic cars are waxed up and ready to impress.

FRIDAY, August 3: Things to do in Carson City

The Washoe Zephyr is a double-sided coin. The breeze is a welcome reprieve from hot summer afternoons and can do wonders clearing the smoke from the valley. On the other hand, that wind does local firefighters no favors if it just helps push the fire line faster. There may be some relief from the bad air today, but you’ll still want to take it easy.

Time marches on. We’ve moved into August, meaning that the end of summer is in sight – even if the temperatures make that hard to believe. You’ll want to continue to take it easy, the smoke from the California fires makes for unhealthy air conditions. Stop by the Carson City Art Gallery this evening for a meet and greet with this month’s featured artist, wood-turner Dave Mills. He will also be demonstrating his craft. Food truck lovers won’t want to miss out on Wheeled Wednesday at the Brewery Arts Center. Let someone else handle the cooking and enjoy some time mingling with your neighbors.

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. Another hot, smoky day is on tap, so you’ll want to find indoor activities and nothing too strenuous. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada offers a story book and craft activity on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; a family membership makes this a great place for summer fun. The Fox Brewpub welcomes all ages to participate in their weekly DJ Trivia tournament; get their early for a good seat and some pub-style eats.

TUESDAY, July 31: Things to do in Carson City

Yeah, it’s hot out there, but it’s the area happenings that are sizzling. The Carson City Fair at Fuji Park offers a plethora of entertainment for all ages including tractor pulls, a carnival, and farm animals. Under the shade of the Mills Park cottonwoods, you’ll have all day to peruse the varied vehicles in the annual Run Whatcha Brung Car Show. The sun will come out tomorrow, but it’s the stars that are coming out tonight for the free Levitt Amp Concert at the Brewery Arts Center.

August 26th St. Mary's Art Center will host our Summer Art Reception, featuring beautiful works by amazing artists and artisans. Sandy Imperatori, Anne Leong, Sharon Leong, Dayton High School Scholastic Art Award Winners, Mimi Patrick, Casey Clark, Grey Wolf Leather Works, Cosmic Copper, Bonnie Kennedy, Malissa Sparks, Anna Smith and Pura Vida Sierras Art.

Last weekend the cyclists ruled our city, but now the hot-rodders are king of the road. The Rockabilly Riot is jam-packed with activities all over town: the races and booths at Mills Park; a street dance at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar; a tattoo show in the Community Center; a free concert at Gold Dust West; and Burlesque at the Nugget. Don’t think that’s all our valley has to offer, though, keep reading for all this weekend’s fun.

SATURDAY: