McFadden Plaza

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.

The Carson City Classic Cinema Club and friends want to celebrate the coming school year and help the kids get ready with a free Bash full of live entertainment, games and activities.

Bring the kids to McFadden Plaza on Saturday, August 18 from 10a-2p for all the festivities, and have them bring their backpacks, to fill up with all the supplies that they'll earn as they work their way through the activities and learn about local arts opportunities for after-school fun.

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

Due to heavy smoke settling on the area, the RoseBud's Dance Band's performance for Monday, Aug. 6, as part of the Carson City Jazz and Beyond Music and Art Festival has been moved to inside the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 511 W. King St. The concert was originally planned for Comma Courtyard, but the performers want to present the event in a comfortable and healthy atmosphere.

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

Friday opens the 15th annual Jazz and Beyond Music and Art Festival in Carson City that features 17 days of music, art and film at multiple venues in Carson City, August 3-19.

This Monday marks the two-year anniversary of Bob McFadden Plaza, a walking venue designed as a draw for families and foot traffic in the downtown Carson City area. The plaza, part of a long-term downtown redevelopment plan, replaced Third Street between North Carson and Curry streets.

A beloved, time-honored activity is being brought to the Carson City community this summer in the form of free outdoor movies.

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.

With the end of the heat wave nowhere in sight, people are beginning to get a little stir crazy stuck inside lying in front of the air-conditioning all day. Luckily, Carson City and the surrounding areas offer many options to keep cool while we wait for high temperatures to come down some.

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.

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.

SATURDAY:

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.

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.

Highway 50 Road Rally supports the organization Concerns Of Police Survivors. The Rally started in Colorado and traveled Highway 50 ending in Carson City on Thursday. They were welcomed by Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

Tour downtown and historic Carson City neighborhoods in style this summer aboard Pedal Pushers Group Cycle, a 15-person tour and party bike, available Wednesdays through Sundays throughout the season.

Downtown Carson City is the finish line for "Rally Route 50 West," a cross-country automobile race in July organized by Rally North America.

Bob McFadden Plaza in downtown Carson City, where Third Street once connected to Carson and Curry, may just be the coolest spot in town this summer.

Children splashed in the cool, refreshing waters of the plaza fountain Sunday as temperatures reached into the low nineties.

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.