Free Lunch

First off, I want to send a huge shout-out to the first responders, firefighters, and their support staff. We dove head-first into fire season, and like always, they work tirelessly to keep us safe. Thank you. Parks and Recreation has been leading a series of guided informative hikes along various trails. Today you’ll find a trip to Riverview Park with your four-legged friend in mind: Trails 4 Tails is open to all friendly, leashed dogs who love to sniff new things.

It’s Navy Week in Carson City, and that means you’ll have a handful of opportunities to catch performances by various US Navy bands over the next few days. Enjoy their woodwind quintet this afternoon in the Dema Guinn Concourse of the Nevada State Museum. This evening find the US Navy Brass Band in McFadden Plaza performing alongside the talented kids who participated in the Mile High Jazz Camp.

As quickly as it appeared, the circus will be leaving after tonight’s performance. If you haven’t yet seen the acrobatic feats and playful antics of the Ramos Bros. Circus, you’re running out of options. Monday also brings a fun activity to the grounds of the Mormon Station State Park in Genoa. Kids will learn something new, make something, and spend some time outdoors. Now that summer has arrived, Food for Thought begins its summer program for kids in the Carson City area.

Carson City again welcomes the Fathers’ Day PowWow to the Stewart Indian School Campus for a weekend of dancing, vendors and crafts, and community. Now, when I say bicycle invasion, I’m not exaggerating. The Carson City Off-Road hosted by Epic Rides brings mountain bike enthusiasts from all over to compete in our hills. You’ll find downtown road-closures to make way for the race routes, a bike expo, beer garden, and a music festival on Saturday. Head up to Western Nevada College to welcome the Journey of Hope Bike Tour.

All children ages 2-18 are welcome to enjoy a free and nutritious lunch served daily Monday through Friday throughout the summer in Carson City.

Earth Day at Lake Tahoe has a special meaning. Working together through the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, more than 50 local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private sector partners are implementing projects and programs to conserve the Tahoe Basin’s environment and fix past environmental harms.

It’s finally here, the last weekend of 2017. It’s fairly quiet around town, until Sunday night, that is. Today, Muscle Powered is leading a five-mile half-day hike along Prison Hill. Take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather, and join them. The Carson Nugget is hosting three nights of comedy this weekend: catch Myles Weber on the stage tonight. Head’s up. Galaxy Theater usually plays a movie from the past on Sundays and Wednesdays. This week, we get treated to the Christmas Classic, Die Hard. You won’t want to miss that.

SATURDAY:

Honoring our Veterans is the theme for the Tuesday, November 21st meeting of the Carson City Republican Women's luncheon held at the Carson Nugget. Our guest speaker is John Yuspa, Founder and CEO of Honor Flight Nevada.

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.

It’s a wine-walking kind of day: join in the thirsty Thursday fun in downtown Gardnerville and stick around for the coffee and dessert after-party in Heritage Park. Sneak in an afternoon musical getaway with No Comprende at the Carson Mall. Take a melodious trip around the world with Tom Green: instruments from all over are the focus of a lecture and concert tonight at the Brewery Arts Center. Keep reading and let Thursday surprise you.

THURSDAY: Jazz and Beyond Music Festival

This summer is flying by and the fun is heating up.

The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival has buddied up with something new this year. Today and tomorrow, the Jukebox International Film Festival features fifteen contestants competing in four categories. Youth Theater Carson City and Western Nevada Musical Theater alum, Grant Davis, is back in town to show support for ‘Something Like Summer,’ the Australian musical he stars in. Make sure you’re in McFadden Plaza around 5 p.m. Davis will be performing songs from the movie and music from his debut album on the Third Street Stage.

I’ve got some bad news for the kids in Douglas County – it’s back to school for you today. Carson kids still have one last week to enjoy their summertime freedom and Lyon County has until Aug. 31. Don’t let Monday get you down, though, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Head down to Carson Lanes for beginning and intermediate swing dance lessons, then stick around to put your new moves to the test. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival continues with a free outdoor concert in McFadden Plaza.

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.

Are you itching for the weekend? It will be musically magical with a plethora of Jazz and Beyond Music Festival events throughout town. It’s a classic car lover’s dream come true, as well, with Hot August Nights in Reno and Sparks. But don’t get ahead of yourself, today has some great options for a good time. Enjoy some air conditioned entertainment with the Carolyn Dolan Band at the Carson Mall. ‘Elvis, Marilyn and the Space Aliens’ and their place in the movies is the topic of this month’s Douglas County Historical Society’s lecture.

What to do on a Wednesday? If you travel down this list, you’ll find the new Wheeled Food Wednesdays at the Brewery Arts Center featuring a line-up of local food trucks and family fun. Jazz and Beyond brings you a free outdoor concert with Lake Effect in the Comma Coffee Courtyard. Chris Bayer transforms into Major Ormsby at Dangberg Home Historic Ranch’s Chautauqua tonight. Get on the Highway to the Danger Zone and it will take you to Top Gun on the big screen at Galaxy Theaters.

A jazzy Tuesday has arrived. Catch the Millennial Bugs this evening as they perform in the Comma Coffee Courtyard. Take the kids up to Silver City this morning and they’ll get a chance to explore the Community Garden, learn about the plants and flowers, and participate in an activity. The Deputy Howell Memorial Concert is just a week and a half away. Attend the meeting for volunteers and help this event go off without a hitch.

TUESDAY: Jazz and Beyond Music Festival

• -- Hot August Nights

I must admit, the rainy cool-down has been a nice break from what was a very hot July. You may see a little more of the wet stuff this afternoon, so have a back-up plan for outdoor activities. Find some inner peace with the Monks of Nechung Monastery. They’ll lead meditation and teach about the Buddhist philosophy and compassion during their visit to the Brewery Arts Center. High Sierra Swing Dance Club is shaking things up. Their weekly night out has a new home at the Eleventh Frame Lounge in Carson Lanes, and now both beginners and intermediate lessons will precede the open dancing.

Ready to let the good times roll, rock around the clock, or twist again? The Silver Dollar Car Classic is throwing a party in the front parking lot of the Max Casino – plenty of hot rods, shiny chrome, and great music by Route 66 is in store. The 14th Annual Jazz and Beyond Music Festival opens tonight with a Garden Party at the historic Bliss Mansion across from the Governor’s Mansion. Bring a picnic and enjoy an art show, great live music and tours of the mansion.

There are some things that one never thinks they will see in their lifetime. I must admit, the Carson City Freeway was one of those things. But lo and behold, the new 580 extension opened its last leg to traffic yesterday. The hot summer temperatures continue, so seek indoor entertainment during the day and keep cool.

UPDATE from NDOT: Last leg of Carson City Freeway opens beginning at 10 am today. Be attentive. Anticipate changing traffic patterns.
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It may be a universal truth that kids love helicopters. Alright, everyone loves helicopters. Head to Mills Park for the annual ‘National Night Out’ with the Carson City Sheriff’s Department for free hot dogs, cool equipment, vendors, and more. Take a team of smarty-pants to Fox Brewpub and fight for a place on the DJ Trivia leaderboard. You’ll be whisked to ‘Non-stop New York’ at the Brewery Arts Center during tonight’s Classic Cinema Club film viewing.

TUESDAY:

Get ready to kiss July goodbye. August begins tomorrow and brings with it classic cars, the Virginia City Rodeo, and some scorching hot temperatures. Beat the heat with an ice cream cone from Baskin Robbins – today they’re offering a scoop for just $1.50. Survive the week and you’ll be rewarded with the downtown Carson City Wine Walk and the Silver Dollar Car Classic, just to name a few of your options. Keep your eye on my things to do, and all week long you’ll find something to enjoy.

MONDAY:

Another summer weekend has arrived. The Carson City Fair will be open all day, but tonight is something special. The Bulls, Broncs, and Barrels Rodeo takes over the Fuji Park Arena. You’ll find another free outdoor concert in McFadden Plaza this evening featuring Road Daddy, food and fun. Youth Theater Carson City debuts its newest production, Into the Woods, Jr., at the Community Center and is a great option for a special kids’ night out. Keep reading, and you’ll find all that the area has to offer for a great time.

FRIDAY:

Happy Thursday, Carson City. Help move the workweek along by doing something fun. You’ll always find the boys of J and M Productions running the karaoke show at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar. Living the Good Life has music every night Tuesday through Saturday, and tonight it is Dougie L’s turn to entertain. The Café at Adele’s is always a good choice for date night, but when they also have music on their veranda, you’ve got all the ingredients for a memorable night.

THURSDAY:

Today’s the day. Archie, the Reno Aces mascot, has been entrusted to once again oversee the grand opening of the Carson City Fair at Fuji Park. The soft opening of the accompanying carnival begins at 6 p.m. with one dollar rides. It’s Miss Scarlet with the lead pipe in the Observatory as the Carson City Library hosts a super-sized game of Clue for teens. Families will enjoy Beauty and the Beast, complete with a craft, if they sign up for the Library’s movie night. See what Teddy Roosevelt has to say at Dangberg Home Historic Ranch Park during tonight’s Chautauqua.

The Carson City Fair gathers steam today: they’ll be setting up the carnival, judging the items in the exhibit hall, and the 4-H kids are showing off what their dogs can do. It’s a play-doh afternoon at the Carson City Library, in addition to their weekly Pajama Story time on Tuesday evenings. The Carson Nugget is hosting a job fair to fill a plethora of positions in their restaurants and on the casino floor.

It won’t be lions, and tigers, and bears taking over Fuji Park; the Carson City Fair is more about bunnies, alpacas, pigs and chickens. It begins today with a 4-H dog show focusing on obedience and rally. You’ll have to wait until Wednesday for the carnival, but you’ll be rewarded for your patience with one dollar rides opening night, courtesy of Carson City Toyota. If you happened to be awake during the wee hours of the morning, you may have heard some thunder rattling about – there may be a little more of that on its way.

MONDAY:

A whirlwind of a weekend is on its way and you may as well get it off to an incredible start. Stop by Living the Good Life and celebrate their third anniversary with an outdoor concert featuring Soul Connection. Telegraph Square has a stage set up for the Taste of Downtown tomorrow, so the Carson High Class of ’77 is hosting a street party with Prey for Son tonight. All Carson Alums (along with everyone else) are encouraged to come say hello.

I’m sending good thoughts to those in the California fire zones: with as bad as the smoke is here, I can only imagine how bad their eyes burn. Free ice cream and a concert featuring the Capital City Community Band can be found tonight at the First United Methodist Church on King Street. You’ll find free pool, a nice beer selection, and great drinks at Remedy’s Bar on Williams Street tonight. Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery celebrates the paper and book sculptures of mother-daughter team, My Thousand Words, at a meet and greet reception tonight. Keep reading for a plethora of ways to spend the day.