Living the Good Life

Thank goodness for Thursday. The weekend is just hours away, but there is no reason to wait for the fun to start. Take a stroll with Muscle Powered: today’s hike will wind through the far east side of Carson, from Silver Saddle Ranch to Mexican Dam. Artsy Fartsy Art Galley hosts an artist meet and greet for Catherine King; enjoy a glass of wine while discovering her newest work. Head down the rabbit hole, and you may wind up on McFadden Plaza. The Carson City Classic Cinema Club brings the recent live-action version of Alice in Wonderland to the big screen on the downtown stage.

Let’s give this outdoors thing another try. Yesterday’s Jazz and beyond performances were moved indoors at the Brewery Arts Center when the rain hit, but I have more hope for today’s skies. Look for The Other Brothers Band this evening in the Comma Coffee Courtyard. Carson City BMX hosts practice and racing at the track in the Livermore Sports Complex; all ages are invited to participate, and one day memberships are available for those who’d like to try it out.

It’s a happening day around Carson City. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival makes an appearance downtown with Under the Radar in the Comma Coffee Courtyard, followed by the Mile High Jazz Band in McFadden Square. Head up the short hill to Silver City for a special hands-on Engineering activity for kids. Join local author Cindy Sutherland for this month’s edition of the Brown Bag Lunch Series at the Nevada State Library and Archives. Freshman, and their parents, are welcomed to Carson High School this morning for orientation, an overview of policies, and a tour.

I’m not even going to speculate on the air quality, but please use your best judgement when choosing your activities and there may be some cancellations that I am not aware of. Downtown has a full day of options, but the back roads may be a little more difficult to navigate due to construction projects. The great music that awaits will be worth the hassle. Read on and you’ll find indoors and outdoors activities that will help alleviate the cabin fever.

SATURDAY:

It is finally Friday. As August melts away, it brings us closer to the new school year. Carson High returning students are invited to the Senator Kick-off this morning to get their fill of back-to-school updates. Families will love the Movie in the Park; bring a blanket or chairs and come prepared to enjoy ‘Coco.’ Three days of high-flying fun begins today at Heritage Park in Gardnerville as the Splash Dogs competition gets underway. You will always find live music around town on Fridays, but during the Jazz and Beyond Festival, it seems like music is everywhere.

Looks like another great day to stay indoors. The Carson City Library has several activities planned today, and one of them might be what you’re looking for. Story time this morning is for the little ones. Just about everyone is welcome to participate in their weekly Lego Club build. Families will enjoy movie night; just make sure to register online if you’re planning on seeing Peter Rabbit with them this evening. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival is in full swing, so you’ll find plenty of music around.

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. It’s another lazy, hazy day in Northern Nevada. You’ll want to keep your outdoor activities limited when the air is like this, but it understandably leads to a feeling of cabin-fever. Take the family out for dinner tonight at Firehouse Subs on Highway 50; they are raising funds for a local family recovering from a car accident. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival gets into the swing of things with the Echoes Band in the Comma Coffee Courtyard. Keep reading for all of today’s happenings.

WEDNESDAY, August 8: Things to do in Carson City

Batten down the hatches, the smoky days continue. My thoughts and appreciation are with those fighting the multiple fires in Nevada and California. Learn more about our emergency responders at tonight’s annual ‘Partnership in Action’ National Night Out at Mills Park. Free hot dogs, chips, and soda, multiple exhibits and activities, and so much more make this an exciting event for kids of all ages. Muscle Powered has cancelled its evening hike, but the early birds can meet up at the Multi-Purpose Athletic Center for a stroll indoors.

TUESDAY, August 7: Things to do in Carson City

Let’s get August off to a good start. The first Saturday of the month always plays host to the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk, but with the Jazz and Beyond Musical Festival in full swing, you’ll have even more reasons to meander around downtown. The afternoon ice cream social at the historic Foreman-Roberts House is a perfect family-friendly treat before heading to the Brewery Arts Center for tonight’s free concert. Keep reading, you’ll find a little bit of something for everyone in the Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton and Virginia City areas.

Get ready for all things shiny, whether it be brass or chrome. You’ll find plenty of horns playing during the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival that kicks off today. Just about every event is free to the public and family friendly, so get ready for a melodic few weeks. The historic Bliss Mansion, across the street from the Governor’s Mansion, hosts the opening night Garden Party. Hot August Nights gets an early start in Virginia City with a show and shine and poker run; 400 classic cars are waxed up and ready to impress.

FRIDAY, August 3: Things to do in Carson City

The Washoe Zephyr is a double-sided coin. The breeze is a welcome reprieve from hot summer afternoons and can do wonders clearing the smoke from the valley. On the other hand, that wind does local firefighters no favors if it just helps push the fire line faster. There may be some relief from the bad air today, but you’ll still want to take it easy.

Time marches on. We’ve moved into August, meaning that the end of summer is in sight – even if the temperatures make that hard to believe. You’ll want to continue to take it easy, the smoke from the California fires makes for unhealthy air conditions. Stop by the Carson City Art Gallery this evening for a meet and greet with this month’s featured artist, wood-turner Dave Mills. He will also be demonstrating his craft. Food truck lovers won’t want to miss out on Wheeled Wednesday at the Brewery Arts Center. Let someone else handle the cooking and enjoy some time mingling with your neighbors.

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. Another hot, smoky day is on tap, so you’ll want to find indoor activities and nothing too strenuous. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada offers a story book and craft activity on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; a family membership makes this a great place for summer fun. The Fox Brewpub welcomes all ages to participate in their weekly DJ Trivia tournament; get their early for a good seat and some pub-style eats.

TUESDAY, July 31: Things to do in Carson City

Yeah, it’s hot out there, but it’s the area happenings that are sizzling. The Carson City Fair at Fuji Park offers a plethora of entertainment for all ages including tractor pulls, a carnival, and farm animals. Under the shade of the Mills Park cottonwoods, you’ll have all day to peruse the varied vehicles in the annual Run Whatcha Brung Car Show. The sun will come out tomorrow, but it’s the stars that are coming out tonight for the free Levitt Amp Concert at the Brewery Arts Center.

Ready for a good time? The Carson City Fair runs all day and culminates with a special concert in the arena starring Journey Unlimited. Car lovers are in for a treat: you can head down to the Carson Mall for their monthly cruise night, or roll into the Max Casino to get registered for the 33rd annual Run Whatcha Brung Car Show. The Trippin King Snakes take the stage in McFadden Plaza for a free all-ages show. Break a leg to the kids of Youth Theater Carson City; they open their production of ‘Bye, Bye, Birdie’ at the Community Center this evening.

It almost seems like the weekend is starting early, with all the great times offered today. The Carson City Fair is in full swing and will offer family-friendly fun through Sunday. Movie-lovers of all ages will enjoy tonight’s Movie on the Plaza: Princess Bride. It’s free to attend, but you’ll want to bring your own seating. Learn more about what lurks in the deep during tonight’s lecture at the Nevada State Museum; Dr.

It’s not lions and tigers and bears down at Fuji Park, it’s bunnies and chickens, lambs and calves. The Carson City Fair has returned and it’s bringing all the excitement that one can expect from a down-home event. The talented kids in our regional 4-H programs will be showing off their hard work, carnival rides will be whirling, and the music will be playing. Our local bus, the JAC, is lending a hand and offering free rides through Sunday: Route 3 will take you from downtown to Fuji Park. Food truck lovers won’t want to miss out on Wheeled Wednesday at the Brewery Arts Center.

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. You’re looking at a morning filled with sunshine, but come afternoon, anything goes. The Muscle Powered Hikes are always contingent on the weather, so the later trek may be moved to the MAC if the rain shows. Whatever the day brings, you can always grab your boots and head to Carson Lanes for Country/Pop Line Dancing; they’ll even teach you some new moves. If you drive by Fuji Park today, you’ll see quite a bit of activity. The Carson City Fair begins tomorrow, and they are working hard to get everything just right.

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.

There is more hot and smoky in store for the day, including a very real threat of thunderstorms. You may want to stick to indoor activities when the air quality is low like this. The Capital City Community Band has a free concert and ice cream social scheduled for this afternoon at the First United Methodist Church. All are welcome, and it’s hard to argue with ice cream on a day like this. If you are looking to start your own business, but still some legal guidance, you’ll find the ‘Lunch-n-Learn’ workshop at the Adams Hub extremely helpful.

Grammy-nominated country singer Ty Herndon, who rose to fame as a finalist in the television show “Star Search” will perform Aug. 25 at Living the Good Life in Carson City as a part of the Last Response Memorial Fund music festival.

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.

It’s going to be a hot one today. With temperatures flirting with three digits, you’ll want to stay hydrated and limit your exertion. Keep the kitchen cool by letting IHOP take care of breakfast; a short stack is only 60 cents today in celebration of their anniversary. Muscle Powered leads a hike this afternoon to the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe’s Skunk Harbor. Ladies are invited each week to join the Ash Canyon Women’s Mountain Bike Ride, just make sure you bring your helmet.

TUESDAY, July 17: Things to do in Carson City

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.

SATURDAY:

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.

Tuesdays are happening in Carson City. Tonight, the Mile High Jazz Band takes to the stage at Living the Good Life for their monthly performance. Take advantage of the new program at the Nevada State Library and Archives: once a month, you’re welcome to bring a lunch and listen to a presentation. Celebrate the newest exhibit in the OXS Gallery inside the Nevada Arts Council.

Hear sensational big-band music by the Mile High Jazz Band with vocalist Jakki Ford on Tuesday, July 10 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. indoors at Living the Good Life Nightclub-Bistro-Lounge, located at 1480 N. Carson Street in Carson City.

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)