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There is absolutely a little bit of everything this weekend. There’s somewhere to volunteer, somewhere to eat some fundraising pancakes, join in an Asian New Year Lion Dance Parade, Beer Crawl in downtown Carson City, and get your Zumba on. I think the eclectic mix of happenings is one of my favorite things about our corner of the world. Whether it’s the International Film Festival, the Vagina Monologues, or telescope viewing at the WNC Observatory: you can’t tell me there is nothing to do.

SATURDAY:

Gong hei fat choy, Carson City. Today kicks off the Asian New Year, the Year of the Dog. Explore a new culture at the International Film Festival at the Community Center. The afternoon offers independent documentaries, and this evening brings a renown Mexican Film about the life and times of iconic actor and comedian, Mario Moreno. Take a gander at the newly refreshed Carson City Library during their Grand Re-opening celebration. Start your weekend with some comedy, live music, swing dancing, or karaoke.

Hello fellow anglers, we now have another area in Nevada that is open to fishing. On Feb. 9, the Mason Valley Wildlife management area opened for the season.

Valentine’s was yesterday, but you can fall in puppy love any day of the year. CASI, the Carson Animal Shelter Initiative, does some great things for the shelter animals in our valley. Learn how you can get involved during their monthly meeting at the Nevada Humane Society. The International Film Weekend brings a slice of life from around the world to our own Bob Boldrick Theater. You’ll get the chance to see some great independent documentaries, in addition to award-winning films from other cultures.

Today is traditionally a day to celebrate sweethearts, but there are those who eschew the trappings of what they consider a ‘Hallmark holiday.’ However you choose to spend the day, you’ll find some options here. Show some love to local non-profit ‘Food for Thought’ by grabbing a yummy beverage at Dutch Brothers coffee today. Battle Born Social is hosting a Un-Valentine's Roaring 20s Party and hoping to see some zoot suits and flapper dresses while they serve era-inspired cocktails and appetizers.

Adele, a Spinone Italiano show dog owned by Carson City Deputy Director of Emergency Management Stacey Belt, won best dog out of 12 in her breed Tuesday at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show in New York City.

This Fat Tuesday is full of things to do. Head to the Fox Brewpub for their ‘Taco ‘bout it’ Fundraiser for Advocates to End Domestic Violence: a portion of taco sales today will benefit the organization. Learn about Nevada silver screen icons like Marilyn Monroe, aliens, and the King of Rock and Roll during a CCAI Nevada Neighbors presentation by long-time film reviewer, Robin Holabird. Sierra Nevada Forums brings experts from various backgrounds to shed light on difficult and complex topics facing our society.

Brrrrr. That chilly winter air has finally made an appearance, so pile on the layers and stay cozy. I’m going to keep my fingers crossed that some white stuff sticks to the mountains. Valentine’s Day is on Wednesday, so you’ll want to make reservations if you’re planning on dinner with your sweetheart. The Be Mine Gift and Craft Fair at the Carson Mall is a great place to find something unique for your one and only.

Jamie Anderson of South Lake Tahoe is the winner of back-to-back Olympic gold medals, her latest at the 2018 Winter games in South Korea.

The Carson City Council of the United States Navy League will hold its first meeting of the New Year on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at the Gold Dust West Hotel and Casino in Carson City.

The social hour starts at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.

Our speaker will be Lt. Col. Adrian Armold, USMC, Executive Officer, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Pickle Meadows, CA.

Lt. Col. Armold is a 20-year veteran of the Marine Corps with assignments to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

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.

Carson City Parks and Recreation is stepping up to the plate with pizza and a movie if you are looking for a way to get out without the kids in tow. You’ll want to register for Parent’s Night Out before all the spaces are filled. Hit the town and discover what new restaurants have popped up this last year. Enjoy live music at Living the Good Life, Bela Vita Bistro, or at the historic Genoa Bar. Teens are welcome at the Boys and Girls Club for a night of dancing, music, and a chance at raffle prizes.

FRIDAY, Feb. 9: Things to do in Carson City

With Valentine’s Day next week, some people may be in a scramble to find just the right gift for their someone special. Carson City has got you covered. Check out the work of R. Fox tonight during an artist reception this evening at the Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery. The new Espresso Yourself Café inside Brewery Arts Center is filled with local art, and locally made chocolates. Their grand opening is on Saturday, but you’ll find them open now.

You won’t find this Wednesday lacking when it comes to stuff to do, explore, and enjoy. The annual Carson High Talent Show always delights and thoroughly entertains the audience. Comma Coffee is hosting a reception for their newest display, the ‘Break These Chains Live Free’ Art Exhibit, featuring the winning pieces from a high school contest designed to bring awareness to human trafficking. A cute new shop downtown, Rustically Divine, celebrates it’s Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting.

A very happy Tuesday to you, Carson City. You’ll find some great family friendly options today including Storytime Adventures at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada or Family Game Night at Battle Born Social, that also includes a free meal for kids. Father-daughter night at Chili’s restaurant promotes communication and quality time, and will get you a free dessert, as well. Our local Classic Cinema Club features a ‘new’ old flick every month; don’t miss their showing of Casablanca tonight, it’s one of Humphrey Bogart’s best performances.

There doesn’t seem to be any ‘brrrr’ in this February so far, and this week won’t buck the warm weather trend. A new exhibit can be found at the CCAI Gallery on the second floor of the Carson City Courthouse: Writing from Mars, by Rick Parsons, is on display until May 23. Red’s Old 395 is known for their happy hour with great drink prices and yummy appetizers. Martinis are half-price today if you need to unwind.

For many, today is all about the big game. For others, it’s just about the commercials. For some, it’s no big deal at all. Either way, I’ve got you covered. You’ll find where to watch and where to bet on your favorites. Today is your last chance to audition for the upcoming production of ‘The Producers,’ so swing by the Brewery Arts Center if you’d like to be considered.

It’s hard to believe that it’s winter with these balmy temperatures. Take advantage of this beautiful day at the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk; grab a friend, a light jacket, and enjoy. See what the Wild Horse Children’s Theater’s elite performance troupe will be showcasing at an upcoming competition during a special presentation at the Carson Mall. If your bookshelves are looking a little bare, head to Dog Eared Books on Fairview where their fill-a-bag parking lot sale will have your reading list well supplied. Read on for a weekend full of happenings.

SATURDAY:

Creative teens from Carson City, Lyon and Douglas counties have been selected to receive Scholastic Art Awards in the first round of the 2018 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards featuring young artists throughout Northern Nevada. 

February is jumping right in. Join CCAI in celebrating the newest Courthouse Gallery exhibit: ‘Writing from Mars’ by Rick Parsons opens today with a reception at 5 p.m. Le Cirque Vagabond brings their rock sideshow revue, Asylum, to the Brewery Arts Center’s Performance Hall for a special performance; no one under 18 will be admitted. Choose from a number of venues hosting bands, karaoke, or DJs for a fun night out. If you’d like to be a performer yourself, consider auditioning for PPI’s newest venture, The Producers.

January just kind of flew by, it seems every weekend had an extra day attached. Well, now that it’s February that means we’ve got a wine walk coming up this weekend. The big Patriots versus Eagles battle is just days away, as well, so you’ll want to visit a sports book if you plan on placing a few bets. Get some amazing views of our valley during the Muscle Powered Hike along the Ormsby Fire Road, behind the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Ev Musselman makes an appearance at the Feisty Goat Pub, bringing some music into the little hide-away tavern.

UPDATE: Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell presented the Carson City Chamber of Commerce annual State of The City address Wednesday at the Gold Dust West banquet hall. Here is the video presentation and complete transcript, his seventh State of The City address.

Many a romantic tune has been written about the moon: Blue Moon, Dancin’ in the Moonlight, Fly Me to the Moon. Channel the rare blood blue moon eclipse into something creative and enter the ‘Tell Me You Love Me’ Short Film Competition that begins today. Get a beautiful view of the full moon in picturesque Washoe Valley during a guided hike at the state park, just make sure to reserve your spot first. Something sweet is in store today at Baskin Robbins; they are celebrating ‘31’ with $1.50 scoops all day, and with the spring-like weather, ice cream might not be a bad idea.

The Capital City Arts Initiative presents its exhibition, "Writing from Mars," by artist Rick Parsons at the CCAI Courthouse Gallery. CCAI will host a reception for the artist on Friday, February 2, 5-7pm. The exhibit will be in the gallery from February 2 – May 23, 2018.

The very talented students in the Carson Middle School Jazz Band have been practicing up a storm to get ready for tonight’s joint performance with the Mile High Jazz Band. Their Jazz Extravaganza kicks off at the Carson City Community Center at 7 p.m. Swing by Firehouse Subs for dinner tonight and you’ll be helping the Carson/Douglas Relay for Life in addition to filling your tummy. Smarty pants are encouraged during trivia night at the Fox Brewpub and Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint.

For those who think they can’t afford to pamper themselves now and then and to upgrade their look, rejoice, there’s a place in Carson City where you can enjoy affordable pampering while helping students earn their beauty certification.

The weekend is over and we are just a few days from February. Let me be the first to remind you that Valentine's Day is just around the corner. If you have a romantic dinner in mind, make those reservations now. Start the week with some swing in your step; the High Sierra Swing Dance club will even get you started with some new moves. Sing the workweek blues away during karaoke night at the Fox Brewpub.

MONDAY:

Sunny days in the fifties are okay for spring, but we still need some winter to come our way. Take advantage of the warmer weather during a Winter Hike along Carson Valley’s Pinion Trail with Muscle Powered. Song and dance kids will want to audition for the upcoming performance of ‘Willy Wonka, Jr.’ If you’re a fan of song, but possibly too old to join the Youth Theater Carson City cast, check out the monthly jam in Silver City at their historic School House. All instruments are welcome, in addition to vocalists and those who just want to listen.

It is finally Friday, so let’s kick off the weekend. Start the day at Dunkin Donuts on Highway 50 and you’ll be treated to some free coffee, samples, and giveaways. Kids will have a great time during Books and Brags Storytime Adventures at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada. The 19th annual Senior Fair at the Douglas County Community Center offers up a plethora of information, and is open to the public, no matter your age. You’ll always find a new headlining comic inside the Nugget at Carson Comedy: tonight Alex Elkin takes the stage.

The mountains are finally wearing a beautiful winter coat, with even a little more to fall before tomorrow, but Carson City just got a dusting. That means the roads are slick, so give yourself some extra travel time until the sun gets a chance to melt it off. The Roska Collective wants to help you kick off your weekend early with Techno and Tequila at Battle Born Social downtown. The Bella Vita Bistro in the Carson Mall adds Thirsty Thursday Karaoke to the mix.