Free Face Painting

We are running out of summer weekends. I know that’s hard to believe right now, but hoodies and everything pumpkin is just beyond the horizon. Grab summer with both hands and go enjoy this beautiful city. The Brewery Arts Center brings Dennis Johnson and the Mississippi Ramblers to the stage for tonight’s free concert. Check out the Railroad Museum for your fill of music and antique motor cars. Car lovers have two shows to choose from today: spectators will be able to enjoy both, but you’ll have to pick one if you want to enter your ride. Keep reading for more summertime fun.

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.

The Virginia & Truckee Railroad begins its ninth season as a major visitor attraction and local’s favorite Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-28, with round trip steam trains plying the 16-mile route between Carson City and Virginia City.

Take advantage of the spring sunshine and seize the day. Virginia City roars with the sound of their annual Grand Prix. Beer and brats aren’t usually associated with ballet, but the Sierra Nevada Ballet makes the annual event at the Brewery Arts Center a great time for all. The Earth Spirit Faire wraps up its weekend of wellness at the Community Center. Head to Reno for a Cinco De Mayo Celebration at the Grand Sierra that features musicians, cuisine, and carnival rides.

SUNDAY:

Hold on to your hat, the weekend is here. If it’s a cowboy hat, head over to Genoa for their annual Cowboy Festival. Plenty of free things to see, hear, and experience await. The annual Spring Earth Spirit Faire lets you celebrate Mother Earth with workshops, holistic practitioners, great vendors, and a raffle. It benefits the Heart to Heart School and Advocates to End Domestic Violence so it’s always worth checking out. You’ll have to keep reading for all of your choices, the spring thaw brings out the best this valley has to offer.

SATURDAY:

Smack dab in the middle of April and the town is officially in its Spring thaw. Easter is on Sunday, so just about anywhere you go you’ll find the Bunny and an egg hunt. To make it easy, I’ve moved all of those events to their own everything Easter list HERE.

So much is happening this weekend, that breaking my weekend list up seemed like the only thing to do. Eggs galore, brunches, and family friendly fun is what you’ll find here. Whether you’re in Carson, Douglas, Dayton, or Virginia City – there’s something fun just around the corner. For all the other things going on around town, head to my weekly weekend event summary HERE.

With Easter just days away, the bonnets, baskets, eggs, and bunnies are about to descend. Here is a sneak peek at where to find the fun in Carson City, Douglas, Dayton, and Virginia City. Most all of the egg hunts are free, but I've made sure to include an entry price if one exists. I’ve listed them by start time, and have the town listed first to make an event near you easy to locate.

SATURDAY, April 15:

Trick or treat, Carson City. Little ghouls and goblins will be hitting the streets for the annual tradition, so please drive carefully. Avoid the chill by hitting up the Carson Mall or Carson Library for goodies. The Governor will be handing out candy after 5 p.m.; you may want to start your west side visit with our Downtown Business Association’s Candy Crawl. Virginia City’s Goblin Parade is followed by trick or treating down ‘C’ Street. In Minden, don’t miss the annual Trick or Treat Safety Street at the CVIC Hall. Adults can enjoy Halloween Parties at Crossroad’s Lounge or the Blue Bull.

Even though Carson City is awash with Nevada Day festivities, Halloween is just as important. Here is an updated list of all the reasons to throw on a costume Saturday through Monday in Carson City and the surrounding valleys. Remember, rain is expected on Friday and Sunday, so consider an umbrella if you don’t want your make-up to run!
Adults only parties are in italics.

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:

The 2016 Virginia & Truckee Railroad season chugs full steam ahead starting Memorial Day weekend, May 28-29. Authentic period steam trains ride through the heart of Nevada’s 1860s silver boom towns where legends of the Wild West were born and live on today along the original 16-mile route between Carson City and Virginia City, Nevada.

Mom, long stemmed roses and the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. The annual Mother’s Day weekend rides on the V&T Railroad are set for Saturday and Sunday, May 7-8. The first excursion of the season is also one of the most popular as families spend the day together celebrating mom.

From the relics of Nevada’s first hilltop exploration in the 1800s to steam locomotives and 21st century archeological discoveries, Nevada State Museums cover the state’s stories and care for historical objects for generations. To honor Nevada Day and the state’s 150th birthday kickoff, Nevada state museums offer free admission and celebrations across the state Friday, Oct. 25.

There will be new additions to the next “Red, White and Blue Barbecue” at the Carson Nugget. The next barbecue will be held on the Carson Street lot, across from the casino on Saturday, June 29th from 1:00 until 7:00 PM. This will be the second in a series of four “Red, White & Blue Barbecues” this summer. Admission is FREE and offer fun for all ages. Must pay for food.

New vendors are currently being sought to participate. Spots are $25 in advance. Interested parties can contact Mary Burgoon at MBurgoon@ccnugget.com.

Free Face Painting, Trick-or-Treating, Games and Prizes! Join us at the Carson Mall on Halloween from 1:00-5:30pm for a great time! Storytime Photography will also take pictures of your little Trick-or-Treater for only $5!