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What a week. I hope you’ve had the chance to catch your breath from Independence Day, we’ve got a wine walk on its way tomorrow. Tonight, head down to McFadden Plaza at Third and Carson. Tonight’s outdoor concert features the Reno Swing Set, so bring your dancing shoes. The ‘Dive-In’ Movie at the Carson Aquatic Center is a fun option for families. Artist Mimi Gomberg will be on hand at the Carson City Art Gallery for a reception celebrating some of her newest work. Read on for all of today's local happenings.

FRIDAY, July 6: Things to do in Carson City

A very happy Fourth of July to everyone. Listed below is my collection of celebrations in Northern Nevada. You’ll find them listed by their start time, so read through the list for all your options. If there is not a city/town listed after the location, then the event is happening in Carson City. Carson Valley doesn’t have a fireworks celebration, but they get the day off to a great start with a fun run, bbqs, concerts, and more. Be prepared for traffic if you want to watch at the lake, and a designated driver is suggested no matter where you end up. Have a safe holiday and enjoy.

Tomorrow is the big day, but today offers a sneak preview if you’re willing to drive a little. Every year the town of Kings Beach, on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, gets a head start on the festivities with a July Third Beach Bash and Fireworks Show. The Dayton Senior Center celebrates the holiday today with a BBQ, Cake Walk, BBQ and activities for all ages. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada gets in the patriotic swing during this week’s Storytime Adventure program: the Fourth of July is today’s theme.

TUESDAY, July 3: Things to do in Carson City

Fourth of July celebrations abound in the Carson City area. Fireworks can be found in Carson City, Virginia City, Reno, Sparks, and at both north and south shore of Lake Tahoe. There are several daytime events going on this week so grab the kids, your friends and family, and have a great Independence Day.

Let the band play on. Friday night offers some great night-life options for all ages. Fridays at Third continues with an outdoor concert featuring Road Daddy in the McFadden Plaza. Carson Mall plays hosts to their monthly cruise night. come for the cool cars and poker walk but stick around for a performance by Mo’z Motley Blues Band on the patio by Bella Vita Bistro. It’s open mic night at A to Zen; all talents and all ages are invited to show their stuff on the Zen stage.

FRIDAY, June 29: Things to do in Carson City

It’s a planes, trains, and automobiles kind of weekend. Add in bands, bikes and bar-be-ques and we’ve got most of this weekend’s list covered. The Carson City Airport is celebrating 90 years at this year’s open house and fly-in. One of the summer’s best events with balloon rides, cool old planes, and much more: you won’t want to miss it. Beat the heat at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada; all admission fees have been waived today thanks to Carson City Toyota. Summer concerts at the Brewery Arts Center begin tonight with the Original Wailers.

Head down to Mills Park for a great time. The annual Rockabilly Riot features cool cars, contests, and plenty of rock-n-roll. You’ll also find the Extreme Motor Officer Challenge with motorcycle cops from all over competing for top-dog status. For a free, family-friendly good time, you’ll find local band, Alias Jones, on the stage in McFadden Plaza. If you’ve ever been curious about the sport of BMX, tonight’s ‘Olympic Day’ racing will give you a taste of the track without any commitment.

FRIDAY, June 22: Things to do in Carson City

It’s going to be a breezy weekend, so you may want to rethink spending the day at the lake. Luckily, plenty of options are available just about anywhere you are. Carson City has a car show and Brewfest hitting the downtown corridor, and to the south, Minden and Gardnerville are having their party of the year: Carson Valley Days. It’s World Doll Day at the Nevada State Museum with special displays, activities, and a special performance by the local Young Chautauquans.

The Carson City Library will kick off its “Libraries Rock” Summer Learning Challenge on Sunday with a food truck, yoga and other family-friendly activities.

It’s not just Friday, it’s the very first day of June and I love June. We are already off to a great start with the first of the Friday at Third concerts tonight in McFadden Plaza. Shane Dwight is back to perform for this free, family friendly event. The NEA sponsored Carson Big Read event comes to a close tonight with a free showing of 2010’s movie, True Grit in the Community Center Theater. Take the kids to the Children’s Museum for a special Night of Magic with Phoenix Phenomenal.

It’s going to be a chili weekend, and that has nothing to do with the weather. The annual Chili on the Comstock Competition takes over the tiny town of Virginia City, including a saloon crawl Saturday and the hilarious ‘Fun with the Runs’ 5K. Families will have a hard time choosing between the Cops and Kids Open House and Safety Fair at the Sheriff’s Office and the ‘Kids to Parks’ Day activities at Silver Saddle Ranch. Keep reading, and I apologize in advance for throwing so many great options your way.

SATURDAY:  

With public safety, awareness and community at the center, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office will host its 15th annual Cops and Kids Open House this Saturday, May 19 at the sheriff's office administration building.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, and there will be plenty of ways for the family to enjoy spending time together all weekend long. Treat Mom to some new flowers for the garden at the annual Greenhouse Project Plant Sale. The Nevada State Museum has a day full of cowboy-related activities planned. Head up to Virginia City on the V and T for a memorable ride through the hills. Before you head out on your adventures, remember to leave a donation of non-perishable food by your mailbox for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Read on for all of your options.

SATURDAY:  

Hold onto your hats, Carson City, we’re in for a busy weekend. Several events over the last few weeks were re-scheduled due to weather: today you’ll find the make-up for The Greenhouse Project's Early Spring Plant Sale and the Carson High Safe Grad 5K Run/Walk. Get your Roller Derby fix with a scrimmage and a Junior Victory Rollers bout against Santa Cruz. The Bob Boldrick Theater at the Community Center is where you’ll find ‘Carson’s Got Talent.' Cheer on your favorite local performer and help raise funds for the Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels Program. You’ll have to keep reading, this is just the tip of the fun-time iceberg.

You can probably scratch ‘hitting the slopes’ off this weekend’s list of options, but you can hit the ‘hill’ instead: Prison Hill, to be exact. You’ll find the start and finish line for Ascent Runs’ ‘Love Can Be Cold’ 5 or 10K at the Prison Hill Southern Trailhead. If you’d rather crawl than run, Virginia City’s ‘Devil Made Me Do It’ Saloon Crawl might be for you. Find something special for your special someone at Artsy Fartsy’s annual Champagne and Jewelry Show or at the Valentine’s Craft Fair inside the Carson Mall.

It’s play-off Sunday and we are all picking the teams that we want to cheer for in the big game. You can watch the Jaguars battle the Patriots, then the Eagles attack the Vikings. You have one last chance to commune with the monks of India. There is a workshop at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Coincidentally the classic sci-fi movie, Alien, is playing at Galaxy Theater the same times. Get a glimpse inside the historic Wungnema house at the east end of Mills Park during the afternoon’s Open House.

Ready, set, crawl. The Brew Crew’s monthly pub crawl kicks off from the Laxalt Plaza next to the Nugget and includes up several downtown area taverns and restaurants. If your new year’s resolution includes volunteering, the Muscle Powered Trash Mob is a quick, but mighty, helping hand. Learn about the future of the Stewart Indian School Historic Site during an encore lecture at the Nevada State Museum. Flashback to Beatle-mania at the Brewery Arts Center or karaoke at Battleborn Social are just some of your nightlife options.

SATURDAY:

One might think that after Labor Day, it starts to get quiet around here. They would be mistaken. September is chock-full of adventure, starting with this weekend’s Virginia City International Camel Races and the Great Reno Balloon Races. You won’t want to miss the last of the Third Street Stage Concerts in McFadden Plaza: Shane Dwight is tonight’s featured performer. It’s the last day to see the Photography and Regular Art Show at the Nevada Artists Association Gallery, they’ll have their new Autumn Show on display Sunday.

FRIDAY:

Let's kick off the weekend with a street party, or two. The HopeFest Concert at the Carson Tahoe Medical Center is a family friendly celebration. Grab something from a food truck, enter their raffle, and get your groove on. The music doesn't stop when the sun goes down though. You've got your choice of Deception at Living the Good Life, or Mentally Spent on the Third Street Stage in McFadden Plaza. Douglas County has Summerfest in Minden Park: live music, yummy eats, and a come-as-you-are car show sure to get Carson Valley hoppin.

Summer nights are made to be enjoyed. Grab the kids, a blanket and picnic, and head to the park nearest you. Mills Park in Carson City features its first ever ‘Movie in the Park’ tonight with a showing of ‘Sing’. Gardnerville’s last of the season movie is Disney’s ‘Moana.’ Dancing shoes are recommended, but not required, for this week’s outdoor concert in McFadden Plaza: Musicole begins at 7:30 p.m. Get there early to see the amazing talent in 'We Rock Kidz' on the stage in Comma Coffee's Courtyard. Keep reading for all of today's hot August options.

Carson City’s National Night Out, the safest outdoor party of the summer, arrives this Tuesday, August 1 at Mills Park, with a host of games, music, activities, and refreshments offered from dozens of agencies and community service organizations designed to promote public safety, awareness and community.

The biggest single-night park party of the summer, Carson City’s National Night Out, arrives Tuesday, August 1 at Mills Park, promising to pack the green space with dozens of agencies and community service organizations in the name of a public safety, awareness and community.

I hope your dancing shoes are handy because the music will have you on your feet. Local favorites, Jelly Bread, take the stage at McFadden Plaza as part of the Fridays at the Fox series. Start the weekend with some belly laughs: either with Kevin Farley at the Brewery Arts Center or with Mrs. John Hughes at the Carson Nugget. Break a leg to our talented friends and neighbors participating in this year’s Senior Follies. ‘As Seen On TV’ marks the twentieth year the variety show has showcase local talent.

FRIDAY:

Whether you are looking for a night on the town with friends or something for the whole family, Carson City has got you covered. The Friday night concerts in the McFadden Plaza will get everyone movin' and groovin' - especially when a band like Mojo Green hits the stage. Kids will love the Dive-in Movie night at the Carson Aquatic Center. Moana will be playing on their big, new LED screen. The Trippin' King Snakes kick off the Summer Concert Series at Living the Good Life, followed by a DJ into the wee hours of the morning. Keep reading and prepare to have a great day.

It may just be the third of July, but our country’s birthday celebrations have already started. You’ll find the annual RSVP Carnival at Mills Park with games, rides, cotton candy, and hours of skateboarding feats of daring-do. It’s an old-fashioned Fourth of July Party at the Senior Center in Dayton, complete with a show-n-shine and yummy bar-be-que. Head up to Kings Beach in Lake Tahoe for the early-bird fireworks show and beach bash.

Please remember that I am just the messenger and the bad news is that you can only be one place at once. You'll have to choose between a Beatles Experience in McFadden Plaza and the concert at the Brewery Arts Center Minnesota Street Stage, where the Big Bad Voodoo Daddies kick off the first of the Levitt Concert Summer Series. Get yourself registered for the Karson Kruzerz' annual 'Run Whatcha Brung' at the Max Casino and stick around for Route 66 on the stage. You'll have to keep reading for the rest of it - summer fun has arrived in full force.

FRIDAY:

They’re back. Since 2014, Western Nevada College has hosted a group of philanthropic-minded cyclists who travel across the country to help people with disabilities.

Planes, trains, and automobiles take over Carson City this weekend. Steampunk ‘N’ Trains at the Nevada Railroad Museum features train rides, fun costumes, food trucks and more. You’ll find two car shows in town – the Party at the Pavilion as part of the Nevada State Fair and the Carson City Downtown Revival Car Show at the Carson Nugget. The Carson Airport Fly-In and Open House has plenty of aeronautic fun in store. You’ll have to keep reading for all of the fun options in Carson City and the surrounding valleys.

SATURDAY:

Beware, or you'll suffer from fun stuff overload. The State Fair and Rendezvous continues at Mills Park, and now you can head into the Pavilion and get your car or bike registered for the Show and Shine. Shiny cars are also welcome at the Carson Cruise - Meet and Greet's Summer Cruise Night: start out at Bully's Sports Bar and you'll convoy down to McFadden Plaza for the Fridays at the Fox Concert Series Kick-off. Shane Dwight takes the stage to get weekend off to a great start.

The long weekend continues. Memorial Day is for remembering our fallen heroes, those who have or are serving in our Armed Forces. We also honor those loved ones left behind. With several services around the area, you’ll easily find a way to pay your respects. Pick up an American flag at any of the shops or restaurants at the Carson Mall. Stay safe out there, and enjoy the day.

MONDAY: Memorial Day

• -- Free Swim Day for all active and retired Military at Carson Hot Springs (7am-10pm; outdoor pool only)