HWY 395

I have long found it impossible to decide which Carson City event is my favorite: forever waffling between Nevada Day and the Taste of Downtown. Seeing as the annual parade is still months away, I’m going to side with ‘The Taste’ purely for its timeliness. With over forty local eateries participating, multiple raffles at downtown shops, and seven bands rocking every corner of the event, it’s practically impossible to have a bad time. This might be the biggest happening in town, but it’s by no means the only good time: read on for all this weekend’s options.

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As we head into the weekend, you’ll find a fair number of ways to get the party started. Happy Anniversary to Living the Good Life; they will be celebrating four years of good times with Deception rocking their outdoor stage. For something all ages, head down to McFadden Plaza for live music by Just for Fun. For those who prefer a spot on the stage, check out Open Mic night at A to Zen or karaoke at Whiskey Tavern. No membership is necessary for tonight’s Race for Life with Carson City BMX; all ages are welcome, just don’t forget your helmet.

Join us on this Muscle Powered leader-led hike to Tahoe Rim Trail, North from Spooner Summit to the saddle of Snow Valley Peak. This is a beautiful hike with some spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area. It is a 11-mile round-trip hike to Snow Valley Peak saddle on the Tahoe Rim Trail. The hike will be quite an uphill climb going out and downhill coming back. This is a strenuous hike for experienced, fit hikers only. Plan on approximately six hours for the hike. From the trailhead at the Spooner Summit to the saddle is 1800 feet.

It can be hard to wait for the weekend, especially when you’ve got the 25th Annual Taste of Downtown to look forward to. The fundraiser for Advocates to End Domestic Violence fills the streets with tasty treats from over 40 local restaurants, several bands, and fun for the entire community; it’s the best party of the summer.

Summer fun is heating up! Let the kids burn off some energy at the Kids Triathlon at Mills Park. You’ll find all the colors of the rainbow, plus great music and fun times, at the Festival of Unity and Community: Sassabration. Get your grub on at the annual Nevada Honor Flight Chili Cook-off at Glen Eagles, and make sure to check out the craft vendors. The Brewery Arts Center free Concert Series continues tonight with Remember Jones on the stage; bring the family and your friends for a good time had by all. Read on for even more hot summer fun.

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Triskaidekaphobia: one of those fun words that I very rarely get the opportunity to use. The fear of the number 13 may be a real thing, but you’ll have no reason to fear boredom on this Friday the 13th. This month’s TRIAD program will explain the various services offered by the Nevada Humane Society, many of them available a low cost. Break a leg to those talented members of our community taking the stage tonight: Senior Follies begins its three-show run this evening.

Summer heat is in full effect and with thunderstorms threatening the Sierra, wildfires are even more likely. Luckily, you’ll find some ways to entertain the kids without having to head outdoors. Head down for family story time at the Carson City Library with the young ones; older kids will want to check out the weekly Lego Club this afternoon. The Rally Route 50 West automotive scavenger hunt and race comes to an end this evening in McFadden Plaza with an announcement of the winners. Summertime Cruise Nights continue with this week’s meet-up at Johnny Rockets.

What a day. The Concert Under the Stars brings Jefferson Starship to the outdoor stage at the Brewery Arts Show. Get there early to peruse the silent auction items and food vendors; the annual fundraising benefit for the Greenhouse Project is always the talk of the town. The Greatest Showman on Earth makes an appearance at the Dangberg Home Historic Ranch: it’s Chautauqua night, and Doug Mishler will be portraying “Circus Showman P. T. Barnum.” The Stewart Indian School in east Carson City has history reaching into the early days of our state.

Time to get July off to a fun start. The downtown Wine Walk is a great way to spend the day exploring new shops, galleries, and restaurants. If you’re feeling competitive, head down to the Carson Mall for their watermelon and hot dog eating contests. The summer concerts at the Brewery Arts Center continue with a singer/songwriter showcase.

SATURDAY:

• — Sierra Chef Farmers Market at Genoa Town Park, on Nixon in Genoa (8am-1pm; An assortment of fresh produce, herbs, eggs and more, crafts, and local food items and specialties)

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

Independence Day isn’t until Wednesday, but the red, white, and blue celebration starts now. For a complete listing of upcoming Independence Day events and fireworks displays in the area, you can go HERE. See the trains under steam at the Nevada State Railroad and ride the rails to your heart’s content.

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. Break up the work week with some time out with friends. Try DJ Trivia at Bella Fiore; even though it’s a wine shop, the game is open to all-ages. Wine, Beer and Bowl at Carson Lanes is a fun way to break routine. Kids will love the Wildlife Show at the CVIC Hall in Minden; just get there early for a good seat. Take a trip back in time at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park. The Young Chautauquans will bring notable Nevadans like Charley Parkhurst and Abe Curry to life.

WEDNESDAY, June 27: Things to do in Carson City

It’s been toasty outside, which is one of the reasons Muscle Powered moves the start time for their morning walk during the summer months. A stroll along the Carson River at Riverview Park is a perfect way to start the day. If your little one is still a little uneasy on a bicycle, the Bike Safety Rodeo in Silver City will help get them on the right path. Tuesdays belong to Canyon White at Living the Good Life. The singer/songwriter takes to the stage for a jam session and open mic night.

TUESDAY, June 26: 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

There is quite a bit to look forward to today, not to mention this coming weekend. The Rockabilly Riot roars into town and sets up shop at Mills Park for a whole weekend of vintage rat-rods and rock-n-roll. You’ll find the Extreme Motor Officers Challenge in the park, too, so expect it to be noisy. The Pony Express rides again, as it does every year, and retraces its historic route. Keep an eye out this evening for the rider heading east. Enjoy some blues, funk and rock courtesy of the Mylo McCormick Project at Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park as part of their annual summer music series.

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.

This is going to be an epic Fathers’ Day weekend. Carson City Off-Road sponsored by Epic Rides has taken over downtown with everything mountain bike and plays host to a free Music Festival in McFadden Plaza. Don’t miss Arts and Culture Day at the Nevada State Railroad Museum with unlimited rides on the Steam Train, special vendors, and more. Stewart Indian School will be a hotspot of activity with the annual Fathers’ Day PowWow underway. This is just the tip of the iceberg, read on for more fun than you’ll know what to do with.

SATURDAY:

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.

She’s a grand ole flag, and there will be two ceremonies to recognize the stars and stripes in Carson City today. At 10 a.m. you can join the Nevada National Guard at the Veterans Memorial on the Capitol Grounds for presentation of the colors, speakers, and even cake for the US Army’s anniversary. You’ll find the Elks Club honoring our flag at 3 p.m. The public are invited to both events. The Army isn’t the only birthday you’ll find today; Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery celebrates its seventh year with an artist reception and new work from Denise Jenkins.

There will be some tales told today. The Dayton Historical Society had to postpone the last lecture in their May series until tonight, so you still have a chance to hear Karen Howe’s presentation on the Dayton Cemetery and who you’ll find there. Local author Jennifer Quashnick visits the Browsers Corner Book Store for a meet-and-greet, and to discuss the latest addition to her Mountain Girl book series. Get the little ones in their jammies and head to the Carson Library for Pajama Storytime.

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.

School let out and summer wasted no time getting to the fun stuff. This weekend will bring the Revival Car Show and the annual Capital City Brewfest downtown, in addition to a wine walk at the Carson Mall and the Fair/Rendezvous at Mills Park. Today, you can enjoy some live music at Living the Good Life or Bella Vita Bistro, get your karaoke fix at Whiskey Tavern, or head to the Carson Mall for their monthly cruise night.

Break up the middle of the workweek with something fun. If karaoke is your thing, then head to the Westside Pour House. Like to dance? Then Country/Pop night at the Eleventh Frame Lounge in Carson Lanes is right up your alley. Get some jazz in your soul at Living the Good Life. Trivia buffs now have a Wednesday option; DJ Trivia starts tonight at Bella Fiore Wines. Satisfy your need for a good love story with The Princess Bride at Galaxy Theater.

WEDNESDAY, June 6: Things to do in Carson City

This first weekend of June packs quite a punch: activities and events abound. Head downtown for the first Third and Curry Farmers Market of the season, then wander a few blocks north for Due Sorella’s Spring Vintage Market. You may as well just keep the car parked. With the monthly Wine Walk, Pour for Paws in McFadden Plaza, and Crystal’s Crusade Street Party Fundraiser on W. Telegraph, downtown is the place to be. There are so many options this weekend, so take a gander and enjoy your weekend.

SATURDAY:  

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.

Let’s try this again. Last week, the rain was a little too much for the Westside Cruise, so the organizers postponed it until today. The annual Westside Cruise ia a part of Bike Month, and one of the zanier events. Dress you and your bike up and head off to explore the historic district. Happy one year Anniversary to Battle Born Social. The restaurant and lounge will be celebrating with cocktails, appetizers and more; there is a $20 cover for the event, but that money will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada and Carson City Senior Center's Meals on Wheels program.

I hate to be a tease, but I just have to say something about this upcoming weekend. Friday night brings us the Fox Brewpub's first summer concert featuring Shane Dwight in McFadden Plaza, the Broncs and Bulls Smackdown at Fuji Park, or the kick off to Street Vibrations Spring Rally at Battle Born Harley. Saturday welcomes the first Third and Curry Farmers Market of the year, the monthly Wine Walk, and Dayton’s annual Oodles of Noodles Festival and Pasta Cook-off.

Come out and join us for free hikes each week to enjoy Nevada outdoors around Carson City! Meet at the trailhead for the Clear Creek trail, one-half mile west of Jacks Valley Elementary School on Jacks Valley Road, 1.8 miles from Hwy 395, Minden.

Hikes are 4-6 miles in length with an elevation gain, sometimes over 500 feet and usually on single track trail.

Evening hikes are usually one and a half hours or more duration. Water and study boots or athletic shoes required. Hat and sunscreen recommended.

Contact Sharon Coates at scoates7515@gmail.com or 775-720-4060.

Memorial Day weekend is often thought of as the kick-off to summer, but in Northern Nevada we know that the weather is a fickle creature. The weather should be dryer and warmer as the weekend progresses but have back-up plans for your bar-be-que, just in case. From the Downtown Carson City Ghost Walk to the Rockin’ Rib Fest at Casino Fandango, a day hike with Muscle Powered to the Spring Blinky Man night-time costumed bike pub crawl – this weekend is chock-full of fun for locals and visitors alike, for the young and young-at-heart.

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