Cabaret

Tonight’s the night! With one flip of the switch all of downtown joins in the Christmas Spirit. The Silver and Snowflakes Festival includes carols, sleigh rides, hot chocolate, and of course, the lighting of the Capitol. Don’t forget to head to the First Presbyterian Church for the Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser. You’ll get a handmade, hand painted ceramic bowl to keep and lots of yummy food to keep you warm. The talented kids of Wild Horse Children’s Theater hit the stage for opening night of ‘Elf Jr.

December has arrived and it brings a plethora of holiday cheer. Gardnerville kicks off the weekend of lights with their Heritage Park Tree lighting, caroling, and fireworks. Carson City, Genoa, and Minden follow suit Friday with their own lighting festivities. Karaoke at Living the Good Life and Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar are the perfect place to bust out your rendition of ‘Santa Baby’ or ‘Rockin Around the Christmas Tree.’ Bundle up if you’d care to join Muscle Powered on their easy hike around Riverview Park. Read on for all of today’s happenings.

THURSDAY:

Beam me up, Scotty. Better yet, beam me over to the Carson Library for movie night with Star Trek Beyond. This Wednesday has some fun times to be had. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is on the big screen at Fandango’s Galaxy Theater. A Jazz Jam will get you groovin’ at Living the Good Life. Wired Wednesday, a collective of digital artists, invites you to join them at their monthly meeting tonight. And the ice rink is waiting for your skates to hit the ice. Enjoy today, Carson City, and keep reading for even more happenings.

WEDNESDAY:

Today is the National Day of Giving, a day to think about the charities that help make our communities a better place. Choose your favorite non-profit and put them on your gift list; help them help others. Do yourself a favor and get one step ahead of flu season with the vaccination clinic at the Carson Library today. It’s a chilly day, but it’s always hot on the dance floor: country dance at Carson Lanes or swing dance at El Charro Avita will get your blood pumping.

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 a common tradition to say what you are thankful for today. I am grateful for you, Carson City, my community. Enjoy the day with your families, friends, and loved ones. It’s a quiet day in town. The annual Turkey Trot Run begins at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Governor’s Mansion, costumes are always welcome. A free Thanksgiving Day meal at the Carson Nugget is offered to all. A few local taverns will open this evening for some after-feast libations.

THURSDAY: Thanksgiving Day

We’ve just about made it. Time to grab the last of the ingredients from the grocery store and get ready for the big day tomorrow. Wax up the skis and snowboards while you’re at it, the Tahoe resorts are opening for business. Today, you’ll have the chance to hit the slopes at Northstar and Heavenly; Kirkwood will be ready on Saturday. Some of you are mapping out your game plan for the big shopping weekend; don’t forget to visit downtown Carson City on Small Business Saturday.

Sometimes you just want to make some noise. The brand-new Harmony Sculpture Park at the Brewery Arts Center is the perfect place to make some music: the ribbon cutting is at 1 p.m. The new FoodMax will open in early December and jobs are still available: the job fair at Job Connect will put you in the running. Let Firehouse Subs take care of dinner tonight, and do something for our local Relay for Life in the process. We are in for some wet weather over the next few days, so please slow down and watch for slick roads.

TUESDAY:

Start the day making something beautiful. The Muscle Powered Trash Mob descends upon our new downtown for some clean-up and coffee. Kids will enjoy the Tales and Wags program at the Library where they get to read to therapy dogs and acquire a new book in the process. It’s a Carson/Douglas Army/Navy rivalry as the JROTC programs hit the field at Carson High for a game of flag football. Keep reading and you’re sure to find something that sounds fun.

SATURDAY:

It’s finally Friday. The annual Salvation Army Turkey Drive runs 6 a.m. until six this evening: drop off your donation at the Max Casino in Carson or at the C.O.D. Casino in Minden. Get to know Supervisor Karen Abowd during her monthly walkabout at the Community Center; head inside to get a peek at the new art exhibit in the Sierra Room while you’re there. The Craft Fair at Carson High School is a local favorite: over 125 vendors, music, and pictures with Santa. It starts tonight and continues tomorrow.

With Thanksgiving just one week away, it’s hard not to get excited: food, friends, family, and a long weekend. In the meantime, stay busy with something fun to do right here in our valley. Natalie Blaver invites you to sing along with karaoke at Living the Good Life. It’s adults only for ‘round the world’ trivia night at the Carson Library with Geeks Who Drink Trivia. The colorful Nevada character, Alexander Parker Crittenden, is subject of tonight’s lecture at the Nevada State Museum. All aboard the Polar Express.

Feeling nostalgic? The 20th Anniversary of Space Jam is playing at the Galaxy Theater in case you need a fix of the 90s. Capital City Arts Initiative proudly presents some new art in the Sierra Room of the Community Center. You’ll be able to check out ‘Glyphs and Houses’, a solo exhibition by Amelia Currier during public meetings and on Friday afternoons. The Adams Hub is a great resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners: today’s Entrepreneur Assembly is all about getting you started and on your way.

Just nine days until Thanksgiving and the Carson Library is offering a pretty novel way to acquire a turkey: Turkey Bingo. Go try your luck and see if you walk away with your dinner centerpiece. Sierra Nevada Forums feature our great local volunteer organizations and what you can do to get involved; learn more at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall. The Change Place, a new whole body, mind wellness center, hosts its Grand Opening today. Check out the Christmas Bazaar at the Elks Club and see what goodies the Emblem Club has baked up. Keep reading for even more to do today.

I’m not trying to rush you, but the holidays season approaches. As such, the holiday craft fairs, bazaars, and bake sales have arrived. You may as well start looking at that gift list to see who would enjoy something one-of-a-kind and locally crafted. If not for gift giving, these fairs are an excellent way to find fun ways to decorate your home. Other than that, the weekend is kind of quiet, but you'll want take a look at the list and see what catches your fancy.

SATURDAY:

A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone who has served or is serving in our Armed Forces. Further thank yous go to their loved ones for the sacrifices they make. This Veterans’ Day several local and national businesses have some special offers for you: free food, drinks, and even pet adoptions. You’ll find them all listed here. It’s also a Friday, so Carson City has some fun packed into our little valley. Enjoy live music at Westside Pour House or Living the Good Life. It’s a DJ Dance Party at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar.

Wondering what to do with yourself? Take advantage of the mild weather with Muscle Powered’s easy hike along Sedge Road on the east end of town. The Salvation Army Bell Ringers will be hitting the streets soon; head over to their job fair today if you’d like to be one of them. Karaoke makes an appearance at Living the Good Life and at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar for those who need to sing. The Marine Corps League Silver State Detachment 630 is celebrating 241 years of the United States Marine Corp with a party at Westside Pour House. Keep reading for all of today’s happenings.

There is always something to look forward to after any Election: no more Election commercials. Grab your cowboy boots and head to Carson Lanes for some line dancing with DJ Cowboy Bobby. The Shipley’s head up the jazz jam at Living the Good Life and you never know who will sit in with them. Trivia is on the menu at Westside Pour House: the weekly Geeks Who Drink pub quiz is tonight. The Senators versus Tigers rivalry continues as the faculty of the two high schools compete in a friendly game of basketball.

October is behind us and this November weekend kicks off the holiday season with craft fairs, art shows, and plenty of fun. Get a jump on those New Year’s resolutions by participating in the first of the ‘Be Bold, Run in the Cold’ 5 or 10K runs that Ascent Runs is sponsoring. Wine walk your way into autumn in our newly renovated downtown. Have a great weekend, Carson City, and keep reading for all of the local happenings.

SATURDAY:

Happy Friday, Carson City. Today is the last day of early voting, so head to the courthouse today or wait until Tuesday to make your voice heard. Don’t miss the Fine Arts Faire at Carson Mall: several of our local artists would be glad to meet you. Enjoy some live music tonight: Living the Good Life and Glen Eagles are a great place for dinner and some entertainment. It’s the first Friday which means Improv night at Brewery Arts Center. Break a leg to the members of Western Nevada Musical Theater Company. Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ opens its three week run tonight.

The arts are alive in Carson City. Head over to the Carson Mall for the three-day Fine Arts Faire. With over 25 artists, photographers, and artisans featured, you may just find a creation you can’t live without. For a view of the natural beauty our area has to offer, consider the hike along the Deadman’s Creek Trail with Muscle Powered this afternoon. Feeling a little adventurous? The Carson Victory Rollers are recruiting Derby Girls and officials: join in the fun with their New Skater Program beginning tonight. Keep reading and you’ll find a fun way to spend your day.

Happy Wednesday, Carson City. You only have until Friday to cast an early vote; Election Day is next Tuesday. Bill Migan's ink drawings are on display during Comma Coffee's monthly Artist Reception. Find your footing at the Eleventh Frame Lounge in Carson Lanes: DJ Cowboy Bobby will be teaching country line dance. Only the smart survive at Geeks Who Drink Trivia: the weekly pub quiz inside Westside Pour House. Happy birthday to Judith Ames. You can catch the songstress at tonight's Jazz Jam hosted by Living the Good Life.

WEDNESDAY:

Whew. One more Halloween/Nevada Day weekend in the bag: now let’s start November off with a bang. Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos at Red’s Old 395 with the Modelo girls or check out the festivities at Western Nevada College that the Latino Outreach and Association of Latin American Students have planned. Travel back in time with the Carson Chamber Singers in Concert featuring Requiem for the Living and music of the Renaissance at the Shepherd of the Sierra Church. The popcorn is always free at the monthly Carson City Classic Cinema Club’s movie viewing.

Happy Birthday Nevada. My favorite holiday has arrived, and with it a mountain of fun to be had. Normally my weekend list is sorted by chronological start time, but for this one I will be separating out the downtown parade related activities for your ease. Keep reading and have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Parade Day Fun Stuff in Downtown Carson City:

• BAWN Pancake Breakfast Buffet at Red’s Old 395 (6am-10am; $6/$3 kids)

Let’s just call this Nevad-oween weekend. So much crazy fun awaits: whether it’s the celebration of our ‘new’ downtown, Halloween parties for kids and adults alike, or our State Museum’s 75th Anniversary. Start your day at the Museum, hang around for the downtown ribbon cutting and festivities, then join in the costumed fun as Blinky Man hits the streets. Do the time warp at the Brewery Arts Center: the Rocky Horror Picture Show Party starts at 8:30 p.m. This is going to be one amazing weekend, so let’s get this party started.

If today is any indication of how hard it is going to choose between fun activities, we have a tough few days ahead. The Carson Tahoe Spooktacular is an annual favorite for the kids, complete with treats, activities, and helicopers. It’s Family Night at the RSVP Nevada Day Carnival: thanks to Carson City Toyota-Scion, all rides are just $1. Dayton offers a Haunted Hayride through their old town history. Costumes are encouraged for this family fun event. Root beer floats await at the grand opening celebration of the newly renovated FISH.

“Heeere's Johnny!” The Shining returns to the big screen today at the Galaxy Theater, so get a jump on the weekends chills and thrills with some cult classic horror. For something much more family friendly, a Halloween Party at the Library includes fun crafts and a costume contest. Author Sandie LaNae of Thin Veil Investigators is the featured presenter tonight at Washoe Lake State Park. She’ll be discussing some of her discoveries in ‘Weird, Haunted Virginia City.’ A fun night of jazz awaits at Living the Good Life with Tom Stryker’s Impromptu. Keep reading for all of Wednesday’s options.

As October marches along we find ourselves nearing election day. Head to the first floor of the courthouse to earn your 'I Voted' sticker now; early voting continues until Nov. 4. Another way to make your voice heard today is by attending the Arts Town Hall sponsored by the Nevada Arts Association. They are looking for the ways that arts and culture can be improved in the Carson City area, among other things. While the mornings can be chilly, a walk with Muscle Powered along the Freeway Multi-use Path will get your blood pumping.

Hold onto your broomstick, this weekend is bound to sweep you up in Halloween fun. First you’ll need a pumpkin. The Harvest Train Festival and Pumpkin Patch at the Nevada State Railroad Museum is a good place to start. Take the costumed kids to a Trunk or Treat at Advantage Auto Works off Old Hot Springs Road courtesy of the members of Carson Cruise Meet and Greet. Team up with Mark Twain for a ghostly tour of our haunted downtown or you can choose a shorter tour that’s perfect for families. Keep reading, this is just the tip of the candy corn.

SATURDAY:

Get those costumes ready, the Halloween parties start tonight. Ed’s Doghouse’s party kicks off at 6 p.m. and is celebrating proprietor and namesake’s birthday as well. Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar has DJ Mobeatz and DJ Cillo keeping you on the dance floor. Scaryoke at Whiskey Tavern combines karaoke, beer pong, and drink specials for a super crazy fun time. Body-painter extraordinaire, Lynzie Ruckuer, teams up with DJ Brunch Dizzle for an American Horror Story themed party at Remedy’s.