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Family-friendly events this week in Carson City include NASA astronaut talk, Oktoberfest, Toddler Time, art classes and more

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sun Oct 06 2024 .
September 30, 2024 (All day)
October 1, 2024 (All day)
October 2, 2024 (All day)
October 3, 2024 (All day)
October 4, 2024 (All day)
October 5, 2024 (All day)
October 6, 2024 (All day)

Looking for a place to take your little ones this week? Look no further! Here is a list of family-friendly (and fun!) activities and events happening this week around Carson City.

  • Multiple Days

Youth groups sought for 2024 Polar Express train via V&T Railroad

The Virginia & Truckee Railway is recruiting enthusiastic young elves for the 2024 season of The Polar Express Train Ride and wants youth groups in the community to be a part of the holiday magic.

Get Ready to Oompah: Oktoberfest returns to Casino Fandango in Carson City Oct. 5-6

Get ready for another unforgettable weekend of brews, brats, and Bavarian fun at Casino Fandango in Carson City. The annual Oktoberfest celebration returns for its 10th year, bringing the spirit of Germany to Carson City with free admission for all. The festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Casino Fandango parking lot.

Teen Hours in the Digitorium

Come visit the Carson City Library and hang out in a space designed with teens in mind! Monday through Friday 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. All teens welcome!

Edwards Motor Car rides at the Nevada State Railroad Museum

Come down Saturdays and Sundays and take a ride on the historic Tucson, Cornelia & Gila Bend No. 401 Edwards Motor Car. Built in 1926 by the Edwards Motor Car Company, the 401 hauled passengers between Ajo and Gila Bend, Arizona, from 1926 until 1947. Rides occur approximately every 40 minutes from 10:00am until 2:00pm. Fares are $8 ages 12 and over; $4 ages 4-11 and museum members; and FREE ages 3 and under.

  • Monday, Sept. 30

September is Library Card Signup Month at the Carson City Library

The month of September is Library Card Sign Up Month. New patrons who sign up for a card starting now until September 30th get to choose a free book to keep from our book corral. All library cardholders can participate in library card bingo for a prize. Pick up and return your completed bingo boards to the info desk before the end of the month.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 1

Flavors of India hosts community fun night

Exhibition Opening of Nevada Forestry at Nevada State Library and Archives

Join us for the opening of the Nevada Forestry Exhibit at the Nevada State Archives. The exhibit will be on display from October 1 - December 31, 2024.

Recurring:
Open Play at Messy Kids Art School

Includes babe area climbing structures for ages 0-2 and gross motor climbing structures for ages 2-8. Dramatic play town, occasional indoor bouncy house and ball pit, open art studio, caregivers internet lounge and coffee bar. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ages 1 and up $10 with siblings half off after first child.

Toddler Time at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

Toddler Time Tuesday & Friday 9:30am-11:30am. Designed for children 1-3 years of age. Play with educational toys, encourage social development, and meet other caregivers.

  • Wednesday, Oct. 2

Dads and Daughters Night at Shears & Gears

Another dads and daughters night. Learn to do kiddos hair and leave with a goodie bag.

Recurring:

Creating with Polymer Clay: Mini Donuts at the BAC

Come learn how to sculpt various miniatures and figures with polymer clay in this beginner-friendly class with instructor Kaleb Wyckoff! Every class session is a different item and requests can be made in advance.

Maggie M’s Beginning Art Classes for Teens every Wednesday

Maggie M’s Beginning Art Classes will provide instruction in drawing, sketching, and painting with watercolors and acrylics 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm every Wednesday.

Board Game Night at 3 Arrows Games

Join the Minden Board Game group and others for a weekly meet up of table top fun. Bring a game to share or jump in with others to learn something new for a night of fun. Everyone is welcome!

Open Play at Messy Kids Art School

Includes babe area climbing structures for ages 0-2 and gross motor climbing structures for ages 2-8. Dramatic play town, occasional indoor bouncy house and ball pit, open art studio, caregivers internet lounge and coffee bar. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ages 1 and up $10 with siblings half off after first child.

Grown Up and Guppies at the Carson City Aquatic Center

Head over to the Carson City Aquatics Center every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for Grown ups and Guppies. Making the water fun for your guppy is the most important step in preparing for swim lessons. This class is designed to acquaint adult and child wild play activities and to teach very basic fundamental skills. The course is parent-driven, under the supervision of an instructor. No registration required. Class is limited to 12 adult/child pairs on a first-come first served basis. For ages 6 months to 4 years.

Storytime Wednesdays at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

Join in for weekly storytime with an accompanying craft each Wednesday. Recommended for children ages 1 - 6. All included with museum admission.

Art Studio Craft Classes at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

Drop-in art studio every Wednesday and Friday from 2 - 4 p.m. Creative art studio projects are included with museum admission. All ages welcome. Additional crafts are available for cost.

Lego Club at the Carson City Library

For elementary school aged children. Build self-led creations through hands-on learning with Lego education materials. No registration is required. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Bedtime Bears Storytime at the Carson City Library

For kids of all ages: Join us every Wednesday night for stories, songs and crafts designed to help kids wind down at the end of the day. From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Learn to Sketch

In this class you’ll learn about problem-solving through art, as well as how to draw with instructor Kaleb Wyckoff. Whether you can sketch a stick figure or a portrait, this class is for you! All skill levels are welcome. Every class is different and designed to strive for accessibility.

Carson City Dungeon Crawlers

Join the Carson City High School Dungeon & Dragons group every other Wednesday at 2:30PM in the Teen Zone. Learn how to play Dungeons & Dragons and participate in fun campaigns! No registration required.

  • Thursday, Oct. 3

NASA Astronaut José Hernández to inspire Carson City students, celebrate potential

The Carson City School District Multilingual Learner Vision Team invites students and families to “Aim for the Stars” with an evening of inspiration as former NASA Astronaut and Engineer José Hernández shares his extraordinary journey that lead him to reach the highest heights.

Recurring:

Open Play at Messy Kids Art School

Includes babe area climbing structures for ages 0-2 and gross motor climbing structures for ages 2-8. Dramatic play town, occasional indoor bouncy house and ball pit, open art studio, caregivers internet lounge and coffee bar. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ages 1 and up $10 with siblings half off after first child.

Big Kid Butterflies Storytime at the Carson City Library

For children ages 1 to 5; join for weekly stories, songs and crafts. No registration is required. 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Open STEM Lab Thursdays at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

The STEM Classroom is open every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. for funny educational, weekly activities. All included with museum admission. All ages welcome.

Fingerboarding Club at the Carson City Library

Enjoy doing tricks and having fun with miniature skateboards. A table will be set up with a skatepark for an hour of fnigerboarding. Fingerboards will be provided but feel free to bring your own. Open to patrons 14 and up. No registration required. From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Friday, Oct. 4

Chowder for Charity at Tee Jay's Corner Cafe in Carson City returns Oct. 4

Tee Jay's Corner Cafe inside Cactus Jack's in Carson City will be hosting its 3rd annual "Chowder for Charity" on behalf of FISH, Friday Oct. 4 from opening 10 a.m. to closing at 8 p.m.

Recurring:

Toddler Time at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

Toddler Time Tuesday & Friday 9:30am-11:30am. Designed for children 1-3 years of age. Play with educational toys, encourage social development, and meet other caregivers.

Art Studio Craft Classes at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

Drop-in art studio every Wednesday and Friday from 2 - 4 p.m. Creative art studio projects are included with museum admission. All ages welcome. Additional crafts are available for cost.

Open Mic Night at the Zen Den Stage

Every Friday at 6 p.m. head down A to Zen for their Open Mic Night which incudes music, comedy, poetry, magic; you name it! All ages and skill levels welcome!

  • Saturday, Oct. 5

Messy Kids Magical Celebration

Calling and Wizards and Witches! We are hosting our second annual Messy Kids Magical Celebration, aka “Harry Potter Party!” Attendees will enjoy Wand Crafting, Flying Key Creating, Potions Mixing and more.

Recurring:

Carson City Ghost Walk this Saturday

Carson City’s rich and intriguing history officially celebrates 31 years as we explore, narrate and theatrically embrace Carson City’s beautiful Victorian westside in these seasonal evening walking tours, led by Madame Curry (a spirited and historically fictional character named after the widow of Carson City’s founder, Abe Curry) some special guests and her Spirit Wranglers. These ghostly and witty community spirits lead you through Carson City's Historically Haunted West Side highlighting the stories and legends of the Wild West town. This season Madame Curry will share her Penny Dreadful’s on each tour.

Chess Club for all ages at the Carson City Library

Stop by and play chess, or learn to play chess, at the Carson City Library every Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. All skill levels are welcome.

  • Sunday, Oct. 6

Every Sunday in October: Nevada Day Exhibit hosted at Carson City Historical Society

The public is invited to see the Carson City Historical Society's exhibit on the history of Nevada Day. The exhibit is in the Carriage House behind the Foreman-Roberts House Museum, located at 1207 North Carson Street, every Sunday in October (Oct. 6, 13, 20, and 27) from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for viewing a Historic Nevada Day exhibit.

Recurring:

Minden Board Game Group - Carson Branch

Carson City Library in the Digitorium Sundays from noon to 3:30 p.m. All ages welcome, no registration required!

Did we miss any? Send any family-friendly event information to kelsey@carsonnow.org, or comment below!

Top Stories

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A 49-year-old man was arrested Sunday for suspicion of third degree arson and other alleged offenses following an investigation into a brush fire, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Looking for a place to take your little ones this week? Look no further! Here is a list of family-friendly (and fun!) activities and events happening this week around Carson City.

The Saint Teresa Avila Conference, Saint Vincent de Paul Society is launching its 2024-2025 HUGS for Homeless winter clothing drive for Carson City homeless adults.

The Douglas County Community Services Foundation is excited to announce a unique fundraising initiative in partnership with the Tahoe Knight Monsters hockey team! This collaboration gives the community a chance to support local programs while enjoying thrilling live hockey games.

Get ready for another unforgettable weekend of brews, brats, and Bavarian fun at Casino Fandango in Carson City. The annual Oktoberfest celebration returns for its 10th year, bringing the spirit of Germany to Carson City with free admission for all. The festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Casino Fandango parking lot.

UPDATE 4:30PM: Four very small fires, amounting to less than a tenth of an acre, were knocked down within 10 minutes of arrival Sunday along the hillside near Lone Mountain Cemetery, said Carson City Fire Department Battalion Chief Chris Mason.

The cause is under investigation. No structures were damaged. CCFD has determined the fires to be human caused. At this time, the matter is under investigation with CCFD and the Carson City Sheriff's Office.

Three engines and a rescue were assigned to the attack. East Fork Fire assisted for protection on the south side of the city, while Truckee Meadows Fire stood by for protection on the north side of the city.
***
UPDATE 3:11PM: Some fire engines have cleared the scene, a good sign CCFD has control of the fire. We have left messages and will update as the battalion chief becomes available.

Man can be awful cruel to man, and from time immemorial we continue to come up with new ways to exact our cruelty. The first novel ambush that caught my attention was described in the Odyssey, where Greek soldiers were able to take the city of Troy by hiding inside a giant horse parked at the city gates as an offering to the goddess Athena.

Local artist Colleen Reynolds, owner of CRME Exploring Watercolor, and Denise Mack, Executive Director of the Capital City CIRCLES Initiative, came together to present the donation proceeds check from the 4th Annual Watercolor Carson City fundraising event.

Raquel Fulghum, Senior Deputy Attorney General with the Nevada Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, will be the guest speaker at the next Rotary Club of Carson City meeting happening Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Thousands of motorcycle riders roared their way to Northern Nevada this weekend for the Street Vibrations Fall Rally, which is winding down today, Sunday.

The second annual Carson City Murals and Music Festival ended Saturday with a concert and more than 20 new murals around town. For more photos see the Brewery Arts Center Facebook page here and the Visit Carson City Facebook page here.

Mural locations are: (See map below.)

Carson City Public Works and the Transportation Division on Monday will provide an educational presentation and summary related to the recently completed Preserve Carson City Roads report and the status of measures related to funding for local roads in Carson City.

Today, Sunday, Sept. 29 David and Gayle Woodruff will present one of their popular living history programs at the Minden Mill Distillery. Join them at 1 p.m. for "The Reno Cure."

The Carson City Symphony, conducted by Music Director David Bugli and Assistant Conductor Brian Fox, will open its 41st season on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, at 4 p.m., with a concert at the Carson City Community Center's Bob Boldrick Theater, 851 E. William Street in Carson City.

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of Sept. 30 through Oct. 6. Closures and lane restrictions are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:

A new Lake Tahoe Regional Evacuation Plan has been developed through a collaboration between Lake Tahoe fire chiefs, law enforcement agencies, and emergency management personnel. The plan, released earlier this month, was created using a diverse team of experts from two states and five counties, using experiences gained during past major wildfires.

On Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, club members and folks interested in membership are invited to attend the annual Member’s Day at Capitol City Gun Club in Carson City from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Nevada author Stephen H. Provost explores the history of one of the West’s most fascinating frontier regions in his new two-volume set on Virginia City and the Comstock Lode.

Members of the Rotary Club of Carson City enjoyed a tour of the Nevada State Capitol Building this week. The tour was part of the club’s commitment to fostering strong community connections.

USGS and Nevada Seismological Lab report an earthquake Saturday morning at 8:32 a.m. 11.3 miles south of Topaz Lake in Mono County, Calif.

USGS reports a 3.55 rounded to 3.6 magnitude earthquake, while Nevada Seismological Lab has a reading of 3.50.

Carson City Music & Murals Festival finale tonight happens with a free concert presented by Canine Rehabilitation Center & Cat Sanctuary on the Brewery Arts Center Outdoor Stage on Saturday, Sept. 28 featuring Mike Clark & The Sugar Sounds and opening act Kilowatt Hours.

Capital City CIRCLES nEW lOCATION

With determination, a healthy mindset, and the right support; anything is possible. Capital City CIRCLES has been serving the community since 2003, breaking cycles of poverty and empowering families and individuals to follow their dreams.

The Greenhouse Project Board and Action Committee members would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the 15th annual Grateful Harvest Dinner, hosted September 23 at Nashville Social Club.

The public is invited to see the Carson City Historical Society's exhibit on the history of Nevada Day. The exhibit is in the Carriage House behind the Foreman-Roberts House Museum, located at 1207 North Carson Street, every Sunday in October (Oct. 6, 13, 20, and 27) from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for viewing a Historic Nevada Day exhibit.

Tee Jay’s Corner Cafe, chowder for charity

Tee Jay's Corner Cafe inside Cactus Jack's in Carson City will be hosting its 3rd annual "Chowder for Charity" on behalf of FISH, Friday Oct. 4 from opening 10 a.m. to closing at 8 p.m.

Veterans Day Fun Run Sponsorship

Carson High School Safe Grad Committee is busy planning our twelfth annual Fun Run. This year we are starting a new tradition of holding our 5k event on Veterans Day to honor all who have served.

It is the primary fundraiser for Carson High Safe Grad Celebration, an annual Carson City tradition established in 1988.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) will begin removing specialized mats, called bottom barriers, from Taylor and Tallac creeks and marshes in early October, the agencies said today. They have been working together since 2021 to remove a 17-acre infestation of aquatic invasive plants in the marsh in the Southwest portion of the Tahoe Basin.

Public schools statewide are making progress toward lowering chronic student absenteeism and improving student achievement, according to data from the 2023-24 school year released Monday by the Nevada Department of Education (NDE).

Meet a very special pair of sisters: Abby and Diva.

Abby and Diva are a very sweet and social bonded pair of short-haired tortoiseshell girls seeking a forever home together.

Cole Eisenhour Mural

The first day of Carson City's Murals and Music Festival 2024 is bursting with color around town. The Festival, presented by Brewery Arts Center, continues through Saturday.