Carson City's first Memorial Day weekend Rockin' Rib Fest to dish up barbecue, music and more

Beginning Friday, Memorial Day weekend in Carson City will feature the community’s first Rockin’ Rib Fest at Casino Fandango. The four day inaugural event will bring award-winning rib cookers from around the country to the capital city, including Austin’s Texas Lightning BBQ, Chicago BBQ Company, Back Forty Texas BBQ, and local favorite Carson City BBQ.

The action kicks off at noon on Friday, May 25, with food, live music and family-friendly activities planned throughout the long holiday weekend. The event concludes at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 28. Admission is free.

“Until now, there hasn’t been this scale of an event for the community on Memorial Day weekend, so this year we decided to take advantage of the opportunity to host a citywide celebration with delicious food and great music,” said Court Cardinal, president and general manager of Casino Fandango. “There’s nothing like a barbecue to bring people together on Memorial Day weekend and honor those brave men and women who have given their lives for our freedom. We hope to see friends and neighbors from across the region join us.”

Event attendees will have the chance to vote for their favorite ribs. Winners will be announced Sunday at 3 p.m.

Casino Fandango will also be creating a “beverage garden” for the event, where guests can enjoy everything from domestic and craft beers to wine, margaritas and cocktails, as well as sodas and bottled water. Succulent sides and refreshing desserts, as well as Rockin’ Rib Fest merchandise, will also be available for purchase at the Casino Fandango booth.

Planned activities include games such as cornhole, Hammer-Schlagen and a pie-eating contest, with prizes for the winners. Dozens of arts and crafts vendors will also be on site.

Several local bands are scheduled to play from open to close each day, including Escalade, the John Dawson Band, Joey Carmen, the Lost Reverends, Arizona Jones, Hindsight, Rick Metz and Reckless Envy. Michael Furlong’s Tribute to Tom Petty will headline Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m.

The first Fandango’s Rockin’ Rib Fest will take place Friday, May 25, through Monday, May 28. Hours are:
— Friday, May 25: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
— Saturday, May 26: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
— Sunday, May 27: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
— Monday, May 28: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event will be held on the roof-top level of the parking garage at Casino Fandango, 3800 S. Carson St., Carson City. Motorists should enter off Curry Street.

Top Stories

... or see all stories

The Carson City School District will host a quarterly Community Connections event next week, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Carson High School in the library.

The district’s Student Support Services will lead the event, which will center around resources for the IEP (Individual Education Plan) process and how families are an integral part of the team.

The Lyon County Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting on Friday, November 15, 2024, to finalize the canvass of votes for the 2024 General Election.

The Board certified the election results, marking the conclusion of the democratic process for the county's participation in the statewide election. Lyon County Clerk/Treasurer Staci Lindberg, thanked the 69 poll workers, Lyon County staff and many others that contributed to the success of this election.

The Carson City Treasurer’s Office and Carson City Utility Billing have become aware of fraudulent water bill emails requesting past-due payments from Carson City water subscribers, similar to fraudulent emails that are currently taking place throughout the rest of the United States.

Douglas County Emergency Management is pleased to announce the release of its updated Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP), a comprehensive five-year strategy to reduce the impacts of natural and man-made disasters on our community’s people, property, and environment. This strategic update outlines actions aimed at minimizing vulnerabilities across the county, supporting a safer and more resilient future for all residents.

Willy Wonka, Jr. follows the enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he holds a contest, hiding golden tickets in five of his delectable candy bars.

Those who find the tickets win a tour of the Wonka factory and a lifetime supply of candy.

Among the five winners are four bratty children and one kind-hearted boy, Charlie Bucket, who attends the tour with his grandfather.

The children must adhere to Mr. Wonka’s rules or face the consequences. The show features numerous roles, including the iconic singing and dancing Oompa Loompas.

Dirty Dough Cookie Company hosted its grand opening Friday morning with a ribbon cutting, free cookies (which will continue until 2 p.m.!), a visit from the Cookie Monster, cookie eating contests and more.

The 29th annual Carson High Craft Fair is returning tonight, Friday Nov. 15 and continuing through tomorrow, Saturday Nov. 16 at Carson High School.

For nearly three decades crafters, makers and holiday enthusiasts have flocked to the capitol city high school to kick off their holiday shopping, and this year, attendees will find over 165 booths and 150 crafters.

A Carson City family could have an opportunity to learn about a foreign culture without leaving home. The Rotary Club of Carson City is looking for a host family for the club’s current exchange student from Japan. A home is needed from December 1st to March 1st.

Tiffani Barber was diagnosed with Stage Four Glioblastoma brain cancer on Dec. 8, 2012. For those who did not know Tiffani, all she ever wanted to do was help people.

Join us for the 9th Annual Carson Christmas Craft Fairs!

Shop local for Christmas from over 60 local crafters and vendors! Food, Baked Goods, Coffee, Ice Cream, Home Decor, Yard Decor, Jewelry, Health & Wellness, Makeup, Skincare, & more!

The Friends of the Douglas County Library will host a two-day used book sale, Friday and Saturday, November 15-16, at the Minden Library, 1625 Library Lane.

Saltwater Tavern, the city’s newest pirate and mermaid themed bar, is thrilled to announce its ribbon cutting celebration on Thursday, Nov. 14. Join us at 5:30 p.m. for the official ceremony led by Carson City’s very own Mayor Lori Bagwell. This exciting new venue promises a unique experience with its lively atmosphere, creative cocktails, and a dedication to community gatherings.

In recognition of the start of the holiday season, Greater Nevada Credit Union branch locations across northern Nevada are collecting donations for those in need on behalf of local nonprofits and the KTVN 2 News Nevada Share Your Christmas Drive-By Food Drive.

Carson City’s newest treat spot will be hosting a grand opening tomorrow, Friday Nov. 15 beginning at 10 a.m.

Festivities include a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m., a guest appearance by the Cookie Monster, and even cookie eating contest!

The Carson High School Blue Thunder Marching Band won first place in the AA division with an overall score of more than 80 at the 44th Annual Sierra Band Crusade, northern Nevada’s Marching Band Championships, this past Saturday, Nov. 9, in Mackay Stadium at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Introducing Snacks, the exuberant and lovable 5-month-old pit bull terrier mix who's ready to bring boundless energy and joy into your life!

Snacks is in need of a foster home that can help him refine his manners through dedicated training sessions and a calm and loving home environment.

Lane closures and travel delays will begin Wednesday, Nov. 13 on U.S. 95 Alternate in Yerington as the Nevada Department of Transportation makes roadway drainage improvements.

The Morgan Mill High-Water Mark unveiling will be held on Nov. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Morgan Mill River Access Area, 5597 Morgan Mill Road. This high-water mark project is an outreach tool designed to let people know their flood risk and to underscore how floodplains and open spaces work together to reduce their flood risk.

The Carson City School District’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce nine student winners of the 23rd Annual American Citizen Essay Contest. Each winner was recognized at the school board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12, and received the following cash prizes: First Place: $100, Second Place: $50 and Third Place: $30. Grade level winners include the following.

CARSON CITY — The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) newest transformation product is now available in all Northern Nevada offices. Customers can now register their vehicle online through Rapid Registration by going here.

UPDATE: Due to increased fire weather conditions, NV Energy has upgraded a Public Safety Outage Management (PSOM) Watch to Warning status in Genoa, southwestern Carson City and Virginia City Highlands in northern Nevada for today, Nov. 13 and into tomorrow morning.
A PSOM warning means a de-energization is likely to prevent the possibility of sparking a wildfire.
***
A storm expected to move into the region Wednesday has prompted NV Energy to issue a Public Safety Outage Management (PSOM) warning for southwest Carson City to Genoa and the Virginia City Highlands.

UPDATE: For those wanting to make monetary donations please may checks payable to Food for Thought, which provides food for local children. The mailing address (also physical address) is 3246 North Carson Street, Suite 118, Carson City, 89706 or go online here at Food For Thought to donate in his name if this option works best for you.
***
With the passing of Chef Charlie Abowd, Saturday, the food drive he and Steve Funk, KNVC 95.1 FM Radio's general manager, kicked off Nov. 9, has been renamed the KNVC and Chef Charlie Abowd Memorial Turkey Drop Food Drive. The event will take place annually.

CARSON CITY — A new paper co-authored by Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) team members showcases pioneering research into the integration of technology and workforce training in Nevada.

The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team Fall Prescribed Fire Program continues for the next two weeks on Lake Tahoe’s eastern and southern shores, conditions and weather permitting.

Western Nevada is currently experiencing an above-average warm fall, as many are aware given the high temperatures we saw through September and October.

Here are the recent births that occurred at Carson Tahoe Hospital between Oct. 27 - Nov. 1, 2024.

Congratulations to the families from Carson Now!

On Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, the Capitol City Gun Club in Carson City will host its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Shoot on the Trap fields beginning at 9 a.m.

A 35-year-old man was arrested Saturday for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

UPDATE: The gas leak issue has been resolved.
***
Carson City Fire Department and sheriff's deputies responded Tuesday morning to a gas leak in the area of North Carson Street and William Street.

Carson High School’s senior spotlight this week is Savanah Guzman. We are thrilled to acknowledge and celebrate Savanah and all her achievements as she prepares for the next chapter of her life.