New Rider

The last big weekend of the summer is on its way, but if you’ve got a hankering for ribs, you can get them now. The annual Rib Cook-off in Sparks kicks off five days of barbeque heaven today – keep an eye open for our local champion, Carson City BBQ. Carson City BMX celebrates the end of the summer with a party at this evening’s practice. Songstress, Latisha Lewis, leads the band during tonight’s Jazz Night at Living the Good Life; if you’ve got some chops, bring an instrument and join the jam.

WEDNESDAY, August 29: Things to do in Carson City

The last weekend of August holds tight to summertime tradition. Get something fresh from the field at Farmers Markets in Carson City, Genoa, and Dayton. Celebrate the end of summer with La Chamba on the Brewery Arts Center outdoor stage – one more season of Levitt Amp Community Concerts successfully behind us. Whether you want something fun to do with your ‘grown-up’ friends or something for the whole family to enjoy, take a look! There’s a little bit for everyone.

SATURDAY:

As your reward for making it through the first school-week of the year, you’ll find plenty of fun ways to celebrate. Hopefest8 at the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center is a free concert featuring folk/pop singer, Tyrone Wells, bringing awareness and raising funds for local patient resources. The grand prize of their raffle is a brand-new car, so good luck. It’s a birthday bash at Living the Good Life. Wish proprietress, Gina, many happy returns and groove to the sounds of the Trippin’ King Snakes.

Wednesdays can be brutal: more than two full days until we reach the weekend. Don’t dismay, there’s something cooking midweek that might just keep you going. The Second annual Jukebox International Film Festival begins tomorrow with a two full days of music-centric documentaries, narratives, videos, and shorts.

We are running out of summer weekends. I know that’s hard to believe right now, but hoodies and everything pumpkin is just beyond the horizon. Grab summer with both hands and go enjoy this beautiful city. The Brewery Arts Center brings Dennis Johnson and the Mississippi Ramblers to the stage for tonight’s free concert. Check out the Railroad Museum for your fill of music and antique motor cars. Car lovers have two shows to choose from today: spectators will be able to enjoy both, but you’ll have to pick one if you want to enter your ride. Keep reading for more summertime fun.

It’s a very special Friday for the kids of Carson City: it’s the last day of summer vacation. Take full advantage of your free time and check out some of today’s activities. Live music at McFadden Plaza tonight features local cover band, Deception. The Bowers Mansion Bluegrass Festival kicks off tonight with a band in the Davis Creek Campground. The U.S. Air Force’s Jazz Ensemble performs at the Bob Boldrick Theater as part of the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival. Free tickets have been available at the Chamber of Commerce for a few weeks, and if any are left, their numbers will be limited.

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.

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.

Carson City Coach Christine Clinic announcing Beginner BMX clinic. You do not have to be a member. Would you like to know about BMX and bike basics? Get acquainted with Carson City BMX. Come to the clinic. Saturday morning, 11 August, 1st clinic at 8 am. Registration at 7:30 am, clinic starts at 8 am. Clinic cost $5. Second clinic for the beginner (but with a little bit more knowledge) to work on gates and rhythm section. Registration at 9:15 am with clinic starting at 9:30 am. Also $5.

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

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

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.

Smoky skies did little to deter youth BMX racers from taking to the dirt racing track located at Pete Livermore Sports Complex off South Edmunds Drive 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’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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.