Live music, karaoke, train rides and more highlight July 4 weekend in Carson City region

Heading into the July 4 holiday weekend, there’s a number of activities around the Carson City region to celebrate. New safety guidelines for the state of Nevada have been enforced, so please make sure to bring a mask and practice social distancing.

Do you have an event or happening you'd like people to know about? Tell us about it by clicking here, filling out the details and we'll tell Carson City area readers about your event or happening. Not seeing your event you wish to promote? You can also submit the relevant information, also known as the "5Ws and How” to editor@carsonow.org. We will update this calendar as submissions are made.

Here’s a rundown of events over the next three days:

Friday, July 3
— Bookend summer with great reads, activities during 2020 Carson City Library Learning Challenge (all day). From June 13 to July 31, Summer Learning Challenge participants complete a certain number of virtual programs, activities and reading, depending on their age. Prizes are earned for registration and completion, and participants track all their reading time in a simple app. Everyone who registers will be eligible to receive a special take-home kit, with fun activities to log with their reading.

— July 4 Weekend Celebration Train Rides at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. 10:40 a.m. to 4 p.m. at, 2180 S. Carson St. Visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City, for our Fourth of July Celebration, July 3-5! Featuring the McKeen Motor Car on Friday July 3rd and steam locomotive No. 25 Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th! Rides begin at 10:40am Saturday and Sunday morning and 10am on Friday, rides are approximately 30 minutes and masks are required on museum grounds and during rides.

— Virginia Truckee Railroad rides from Virginia City happening over July 4 weekend. 10:30 a.m. at the Virginia Truckee Railroad, 166 F Street. Celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with a historic steam train ride from Virginia City to Gold Hill in our beautifully restored outdoor cars with social distancing, powered by 100-year-old heritage locomotives. Round trip fares are $12 diesel and $14 for steam. The holiday trains run July 3-5.

— Nevada Artists Association Spirit of America Show. 12 to 4 p.m. at 449 W. King St. The Spirit of America proves to be alive and well in this judged show. Entries are from Nevada Artists Association NAA member and non-member artists from Northern Nevada and are divided into judged categories including oils, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, dry media, 3D art, photography, digital art and mixed media. Everyone is invited to the awards presentation and reception.

— Bill Wharton at Bella Vita Bistro. 5:30 to 8 p.m. at 1304 S. Stewart St. Come visit Bella Vita Bistro for our July kick off! There will be plenty of music and entertainment for all to enjoy.

— Virtual Open Mic Night at A to Zen Gift Shop. 6 p.m. at 1803 N. Carson St. In light of COVID-19, A to Zen Gift Shop in Carson City is hosting a virtual open mic night every Friday at 6 p.m. Interested participants can record their performance and send the video with the link above.

— Carolyn Dolan and Mick Clarke at Living the Good Life. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 1480 N. Carson St. Enjoy some live music outside at Living the Good Life on Friday! It is an event you don’t want to miss.

— DaVinci and Drinks at the Carson Valley Art Center. 7 to 10 p.m. at 1539 Hwy 395 N. Suite 2 in Gardnerville. Come and enjoy some drinks and art in Gardnerville! Cost is $35 per attendee.

— Friday Night Magic at The Nest. 8 p.m. at 3189 Hwy 50 E. in Carson City. Maximum of 12 players allowed. Social distancing is in place. All players will remain six feet apart. Masks must be worn at ALL times. Questions or concerns can be directed to 775-301-6286.

— Friday Night Karaoke at the Whiskey Tavern. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 3481 Hwy 50 E. in Carson City. Come hang out with the Whiskey Tavern and J and M Productions as we sing the night away every Friday! Must be at least 21 years old.

Saturday, July 4
— Bookend summer with great reads, activities during 2020 Carson City Library Learning Challenge (all day). From June 13 to July 31, Summer Learning Challenge participants complete a certain number of virtual programs, activities and reading, depending on their age. Prizes are earned for registration and completion, and participants track all their reading time in a simple app. Everyone who registers will be eligible to receive a special take-home kit, with fun activities to log with their reading.

— Carson City Farmer's Market. 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of 3rd and Curry St. The Carson City Farmer’s Market has returned every Saturday with fresh fruits, vegetables and much more!

— Battle Born Freedom Ride. 9 a.m. at Battle Born Harley-Davidson, 2900 Research Way in Carson City. A Poker run will be held with a $500 high hand prize! There is a chance to win an $1100 audio system from Reno Bagger Audio. There will be raffles and food for all to enjoy.

— Virginia Truckee Railroad rides from Virginia City happening over July 4 weekend. 10:30 a.m. at the Virginia Truckee Railroad, 166 F Street. Celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with a historic steam train ride from Virginia City to Gold Hill in our beautifully restored outdoor cars with social distancing, powered by 100-year-old heritage locomotives. Round trip fares are $12 diesel and $14 for steam. The holiday trains run July 3-5.

— July 4 Weekend Celebration Train Rides at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. 10:40 a.m. to 4 p.m. at, 2180 S. Carson St. Visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City, for our Fourth of July Celebration, July 3-5! Featuring the McKeen Motor Car on Friday July 3rd and steam locomotive No. 25 Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th! Rides begin at 10:40am Saturday and Sunday morning and 10am on Friday, rides are approximately 30 minutes and masks are required on museum grounds and during rides.

— Historic coin press to run in Carson City. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St. Coin Press No. 1, which stamped coins at the Carson City Mint from 1870 to 1893, will operate from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4 at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City. This will be the first time the museum has operated Coin Press No. 1 since it closed temporarily in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

— Nevada Artists Association Spirit of America Show. 12 to 4 p.m. at 449 W. King St. The Spirit of America proves to be alive and well in this judged show. Entries are from Nevada Artists Association NAA member and non-member artists from Northern Nevada and are divided into judged categories including oils, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, dry media, 3D art, photography, digital art and mixed media. Everyone is invited to the awards presentation and reception.

— Nerds of Paradise to perform in Carson City. 2 to 5 p.m. at 204 S. Mary St. Are you looking forward for something to do for Independence Day? Take your afternoon stroll through historic West Carson City. While you're out on your walk you can take a stop and listen to Nerds of Paradise. Why not get some live music while you're enjoying your afternoon walk? Join us for as long or as little you'd like. Bring your family.

— BAC's Flatbed Concert Series continues Saturday featuring Moxy Ruckus. 6 p.m. at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St. The Brewery Arts Center will deliver live music directly to the citizens of Carson City while practicing social distancing once again this week. Miles Construction Company has generously donated the use of a Flatbed Truck and with financial support from The Change Companies, the Nauman Foundation, and Carson Tahoe Hospital, the BAC will place musicians and bands on the flatbed and drive them through the streets and neighborhoods of Carson City throughout June and July.

— Independence Day Jam at Living the Good Life. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 1480 N. Carson St. Please join us for our outdoor dinner party to celebrate our country's independence! Featured performer James Wilsey will perform. Please make reservations for seating.

Sunday, July 5
— Bookend summer with great reads, activities during 2020 Carson City Library Learning Challenge (all day). From June 13 to July 31, Summer Learning Challenge participants complete a certain number of virtual programs, activities and reading, depending on their age. Prizes are earned for registration and completion, and participants track all their reading time in a simple app. Everyone who registers will be eligible to receive a special take-home kit, with fun activities to log with their reading.

— Virginia Truckee Railroad rides from Virginia City happening over July 4 weekend. 10:30 a.m. at the Virginia Truckee Railroad, 166 F Street. Celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with a historic steam train ride from Virginia City to Gold Hill in our beautifully restored outdoor cars with social distancing, powered by 100-year-old heritage locomotives. Round trip fares are $12 diesel and $14 for steam. The holiday trains run July 3-5.

— July 4 Weekend Celebration Train Rides at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. 10:40 a.m. to 4 p.m. at, 2180 S. Carson St. Visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City, for our Fourth of July Celebration, July 3-5! Featuring the McKeen Motor Car on Friday July 3rd and steam locomotive No. 25 Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th! Rides begin at 10:40am Saturday and Sunday morning and 10am on Friday, rides are approximately 30 minutes and masks are required on museum grounds and during rides.

— Mystery Bingo at Pioneer Crossing Casinoasino. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 4 Pine Cone Rd. in Dayton. Mystery Bingo Games can be horizontal, vertical, four corners, "X", or a picture frame! Win a share of $270 games played!

— Sunday Maker "Morning" at The Nest. 12 to 4 p.m. at 3189 Hwy 50 East in Carson City. Come make things with us! Bring supplies or use some of ours, use the creative momentum of others to fuel your own inspiration! Perfect for Artists, Developers, Modeling enthusiasts, and so many more.

— Nevada Artists Association Spirit of America Show. 12 to 4 p.m. at 449 W. King St. The Spirit of America proves to be alive and well in this judged show. Entries are from Nevada Artists Association NAA member and non-member artists from Northern Nevada and are divided into judged categories including oils, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, dry media, 3D art, photography, digital art and mixed media. Everyone is invited to the awards presentation and reception.