Train Museum

South Carson Street now has new sidewalks, fresh roadway, improved lighting, and landscaping, with more landscaping to come. The street is back to two-way traffic in time for Nevada Day.

Don’t let finding something fun for Labor Day be laborious, just keep reading. Virginia City hosts a noontime parade to celebrate. You’ll want to stick around as the Comstock Civil War Reenactors wage a “Battle for ‘C’ Street.” Join your neighbors at the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church for the annual Interfaith Potluck Picnic and food drive for Friends in Service Helping (FISH).

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:

Today we honor those who have not only served, but who gave all in defense of our country. A tribute ceremony at Lone Mountain Cemetery for our Nevadan veterans will begin at 1 p.m. A memorial for our Native American veterans begins at 10 a.m. at the cemetery across the street from the Stewart Indian School. The 10th annual barbecue at Evergreen Gene’s welcomes all comers, and veterans will get 25 percent any of the fun things they find in the shop. Read on below for more happenings today.

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:  

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.

Nevada Day is just around the corner, but don’t jump the gun. This weekend offers fun for the young and young-at-heart. If you’ve got more apples than you know what to do with, the Greenhouse Garden Center has a cider press available today. Play BINGO for a good cause at the Carson City Senior Center, and don’t forget your costume. Carson City Symphony Association begins their 34th Season today with a concert at the Bob Boldrick Theater; as always, those under 18 get free admission.

SUNDAY:

Welcome back to the weekend, readers. Halloween stuff is plentiful (go HERE for a complete list of upcoming activities), pumpkins are patched, the ghosts are walking, and there are loads of events to keep you, your friends and family entertained. The Harvest Train at the Nevada Railroad Museum is a fun treat for kids of all ages. It’s time for the annual all-day downtown Ghost Walk. From 10 a.m.

It’s a roller derby kind of day. Catch the Carson Victory Rollers at the Carson City Community Center as they scrimmage to raise funds for Moms on the Run. You’ve still got plenty of pumpkin opportunities with the Nevada Railroad Museum’s Harvest Train or the Corley Ranch Harvest Festival in Gardnerville. It’s a classic whodunnit on the big screen. Clue can be found at Galaxy Theaters twice today and on Wednesday. Read on for more Sunday fun.

SUNDAY:

Leaves turning, wind blowing, and all things pumpkin sprouting up everywhere. It is absolutely autumn in Northern Nevada. Get ready for Halloween with your choice of pumpkin patches. Seeliger Elementary School is hosting theirs for the twenty-fifth year in a row. Take a trip on the V and T Steam Train at the Nevada Railroad Museum, actually take several trips. The annual Harvest Train event offers an all-day wristband that allows for as many rides as you’d like, in addition to museum admission. So many more fun activities are available to you, you’ll have to read on to see them all.

Planes, trains, and automobiles take over Carson City this weekend. Steampunk ‘N’ Trains at the Nevada Railroad Museum features train rides, fun costumes, food trucks and more. You’ll find two car shows in town – the Party at the Pavilion as part of the Nevada State Fair and the Carson City Downtown Revival Car Show at the Carson Nugget. The Carson Airport Fly-In and Open House has plenty of aeronautic fun in store. You’ll have to keep reading for all of the fun options in Carson City and the surrounding valleys.

SATURDAY:

This weekend will bring a fusion of Steampunk, trains and brews to the capital city. Steampunk ’n’ Trains will run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, then the Capital City Brewfest kicks off 5 p.m. in downtown.

The long weekend continues. Memorial Day is for remembering our fallen heroes, those who have or are serving in our Armed Forces. We also honor those loved ones left behind. With several services around the area, you’ll easily find a way to pay your respects. Pick up an American flag at any of the shops or restaurants at the Carson Mall. Stay safe out there, and enjoy the day.

MONDAY: Memorial Day

• -- Free Swim Day for all active and retired Military at Carson Hot Springs (7am-10pm; outdoor pool only)

It’s the perfect time to enjoy family and friends and some great music. The Carson Nugget powers it up to rock out tonight with Volt: A Tribute to AC/DC in their ballroom. Dayton Valley Golf Course offers up dinner and a show with this year’s debut of Concerts on the Green. Blues Monster and pulled pork sliders are a great way to enjoy the evening.

SUNDAY:

Fire up that grill, Carson City, we’ve got the perfect weather to kick off the summer. The early Farmers Market at Musser and Nevada offers the perfect finishing touches to any picnic or bar-be-que. It’s all aboard for train lovers: the V&T begins its runs to Virginia City this weekend and the historic Glenbrook Engine is all steamed up at the Railroad Museum. Keep reading and have a safe weekend.

SATURDAY:

• -- Breakfast and Bowling at Carson Lanes (breakfast served 7:30am -11am, unlimited bowling 9am-12pm; $13, $8 kids 8 and younger)

Do you believe in magic? The Friends of the Carson Middle School Band Program hope you do and come out to enjoy an evening of illusion at the Community Center. Earth week kicks off at Western Nevada College with a clothing donation drive for Big Brothers and Sisters. Learn about various organizations, Carson City history and heritage, and enter the free raffle at tonight’s ‘Explore Culture and Diversity’ event at the Carson Library. Join the boys of J and M Productions for another fun night of karaoke at Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge.

WEDNESDAY:

The turkeys have been cooked, the dishes done, and the largest shopping weekend of the year is off and running. Show some love locally during Shop Small Business Saturday. Great little shops, restaurants, and services offer something unique for those on your gift list. Gift Certificates are never a bad way to go either: who wouldn’t want a massage, a night on the town, or maybe some music lessons? Santa has returned to town and can be found at the Carson Mall or at Billow’s Embroidery. Keep reading and you’ll find some great ways to spend this holiday weekend.

Some of you will be braving the stores today, searching for the Black Friday deals. Some of you will be enjoying time with the family and friends that have come to visit. Show off our great valley with a trip to the State Railroad Museum: the McKeen Motor Car is up and running. Enjoy opening night of Pinkerton Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Community Center. The Candy Cane Express in Virginia City begins its run today and is perfect for little ones. Live it up at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint tonight. Groove Session is the perfect way to kick off the weekend.

FRIDAY:

It’s that time of year again. The ghosts and ghouls come out of hiding and paint the town orange. Halloween isn’t just one night around here. Combined with the festivities of Nevada Day, you can be sure to enjoy at least a week’s worth of celebrating.

Here is a comprehensive list of fall festivals, Halloween parties, and fun for all. Items in italic are for those 21 and older only.

Saturday, Oct. 22:

I’m usually a lover of sunny days, but right now I say bring on the rain. The moisture is a welcome help to our heroic firefighters in Lake Tahoe and Washoe Valley. Because of the wet weather and the recent fires, some activities have been postponed: most notably the Advocates to End Domestic Violence’s Annual Light After Dark Run. There are still plenty of things to occupy your time, but the weather may force more cancellations.

SATURDAY:

• Nevada Day Treasure Hunt: today’s clue at http://www.nvdaytreasurehunt.com/

The long weekend lets us hold onto summer a little bit longer. Enjoy an interfaith community picnic on the lawn at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Bring something to share, your plates and utensils, and something for the F.I.S.H. food drive. Watch out for playa dust. Burning Man has ended and the roads will be packed with burners headed back home. Keep reading for all that Labor Day has to offer.

MONDAY: Labor Day

Ribs and cantaloupes are on the menu today if you want to head out to Sparks or Fallon, respectively. Stay local and let the Elks Club serve you up some pancakes at their monthly breakfast. Genoa offers up a fun afternoon with friends: Sweet Sippin Sunday begins at 1 p.m. The Summer Concert Series at the Nugget offers up a tribute to Tom Petty and Bob Seger with Double Trouble. Continue on for even more weekend fun.

SUNDAY:

There are multiple ways to say farewell to summer this weekend. The Best in the West Rib Cook-off is a local favorite, as is the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival. It has finally cooled down a little, so the Downtown Carson Wine Walk is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Keep reading and have a great time.

SATURDAY:

Labor Day Weekend Highlights

Carson City:
Saturday – Monday: Take a ride on the Virginia and Truckee #25 Steam Engine at the Nevada State Train Museum. Rides begin approximately every 40 minutes, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fares are $8 for ages 12 and over; $4 for ages 4 to 11 and Museum members; and FREE for ages 3 and under.

Labor Day Weekend Highlights

Carson City:
Saturday – Monday: Take a ride on the Virginia and Truckee #25 Steam Engine at the Nevada State Train Museum. Rides begin approximately every 40 minutes, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fares are $8 for ages 12 and over; $4 for ages 4 to 11 and Museum members; and FREE for ages 3 and under.

Grab your cape, mask, and special side-kick and head to Tumbleweeds Gymnastics in Minden for their Superhero 5/10K. Hunt for underwater treasure at Sand Harbor with the High Desert Divers, all divers and snorkelers are invited. The Ferrari Hill Climb continues today in Virginia City if you feel the need for speed. Galaxy Theater brings another movie classic to the big screen today. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘The King and I’ 60th Anniversary Event plays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

SUNDAY:

The kids deserve some fun for surviving their first week back at school, and Carson City delivers. The first annual Northern Nevada Family Fun Day takes over Mills Park with music, a kids zone, activities, food, raffles, and much more. Check out the Bowling Blast Off at Carson Lanes for a Car Show, bowling specials, and fun. Once the sun sets, Washoe Lake State Park offers a basic astronomy lesson and some celestial viewing. Keep reading: there’s something for everyone this weekend.

SATURDAY:

It’s a ducky day to be a dog. The Nevada Humane Society’s annual Duck Race and Festival in downtown Reno raises funds for our area shelters and gives one lucky duck the chance to win a car. Splash Dogs at Heritage Park in Gardnerville has one last day of competitions for some talented pooches. Bring your favorite four-legged friend to DAWG Days at Mona Lisa and Wine for a special painting class. The rest of Sunday’s options are below.

SUNDAY: Jazz and Beyond Music Festival Final Day

Are you ready for the new school year? One last weekend of summer break before the kids of Carson City head back, so make the most of it. Jazz and Beyond takes it up a notch in its final few days with eight hours of non-stop music downtown. Western Nevada College new soccer team plays its first home game today against Folsom Lake Community College. Head to Carson High for the inaugural ‘A Place to Shine’ Show and Shine for fun for the whole family. Keep reading, this is just the tip of the iceberg.