things to do in Carson

Labor Day commemorates the men and women whose sweat made this such a great country and has been a national holiday since 1894. Celebrate this unofficial end-of-summer with a trip to the lake, a backyard bar-be-que, the parade in Virginia City, or one of the many fun events going on around town. Head over to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church for their annual Inter-faith Potluck Picnic and don’t forget to bring some silverware and something yummy to share.

MONDAY: Labor Day

Labor Day weekend usually signifies the end of summer. Give it one heck of a send-off: the downtown Carson wine walk, rib cook-off in Sparks, Virginia City's Civil War Days, and the Heavenly Days carnival, music festival and car show in South Lake Tahoe are but a few of your options. Tonight, Improv at the Brewery Arts Center will get the belly laughs going. Unwind with some live music at Living the Good Life or some karaoke at the Spoke Bar and Grill. Artisan Gail Rogers is the featured guest at tonight's Carson City Art Gallery reception.

FRIDAY:

In the blink of an eye, a three-day weekend will be here. No need to wait for the Best of the West Rib Cook-off, though – bar-be-que is already on the menu in Sparks’ Victorian Square. Dangberg Historic Home Ranch is hosting the last of its Twilight Concerts of the season, so grab a picnic dinner and the family for some live music in a beautiful setting. You don’t need a motorcycle to enjoy Battle Born Harley Davidson’s Bike Night – their full bar is a fun time, no matter your wheel count.

THURSDAY:

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. The middle of the week may be known as hump day, but the Brewery Arts Center wants it to be something to look forward to. Wheeled Food Wednesday features family fun, community, and plenty of yummy eats from local food trucks. It’s generally thought that Carson City was named after Kit Carson, but that’s only partially true. The Carson River was named for the explorer, while Carson City was named for the river that runs through it. Learn more about this important high desert watershed at Dayton State Park.

Labor Day weekend approaches. In addition to being a wine walk weekend in lovely downtown Carson City, the annual Best in the West Rib Cook-off in Sparks and Virginia City’s Civil War Days promise to make it a weekend packed with fun. Join Parks and Recreation for an easy walk through our historical east side or get your heart rate up with Muscle Powered this afternoon as they trek through Voltaire Canyon. Job seekers may find what they're looking for at the Carson Nugget: all experience levels are welcome for their Job Fair featuring several casino, hotel, and restaurant openings.

It’s the Wildcats turn to head back to campus. The fall semester at Western Nevada College kicks off today. The Reading Partners Program is welcoming volunteers that would like to lend a hand to kids learning to read. Attend their short seminar today and you’ll be on your way helping instill a love of reading to the next generation. Get on the dance floor at Carson Lanes. You’ll find a beginner’s swing dance class, one for intermediate dancers, and a few hours of open dancing to show off your new moves.

MONDAY:

Congrats, Carson kids, you've just about survived the first week of school. Families can celebrate with a concert in Minden Park that will be filled with the music of Credence Clearwater Survival. Adults will enjoy an outdoor concert at Living the Good Life with Mo'z Motley Blues Band - just make sure to wish the proprietress a happy birthday. Fallon might be a few miles away, but their Cantaloupe Festival, Carnival, and Country Fair is sure to make up for the drive with delicious offerings and a fun country tribute concert.

strong>FRIDAY:

The question of the day at the Nevada State Museum is ‘who.’ Jenni Jeffers, a wildlife biologist, will answer that question at this month’s lecture focusing on the nearly dozen species of owls that call Nevada home. Those over 55 are in for a treat: the Carson City Hot Springs is offering free admission to their outdoor pools today. It may be a nice enough evening for patio karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar, but if not, there is plenty of room inside for everyone that wants to take a turn at the mic.

THURSDAY:

I’m really hoping for rain. Unfortunately, rain brings thunder and lightning with it, and we are already suffering the effects of lightning. Thanks and praises to the men and women fighting the fire in Voltaire Canyon and for all of your hard work keeping those neighborhoods safe. Smoke may be bad around the valley, so find something indoors to enjoy: our plethora of art exhibits and galleries offer up something beautiful. Hit the road with Smokey and the Bandit at Galaxy Theater. If you have an interest in the digital arts, the Wired Wednesday group meets tonight at Paradise Salon. On the agenda is a discussion of their upcoming short film competition and a recap of last week’s Jukebox International Film Festival.

WEDNESDAY:

We are starting to see a little bit of a cool down, which makes a summer stroll all the more enjoyable. Join the Friends of the Nevada State Museum for a walking tour along the blue line; you’ll learn more about this historical district and the people who lived there. The Kings Canyon Waterfall is always spectacular, and today’s Muscle Powered Conditioning Hike will take you there and show off some amazing views of our valley. Thinking caps are optional at the Fox Brewpub during tonight’s DJ Trivia.

TUESDAY:

What a day we have in store. Sure, it’s off to school for the kids in Carson City, but this will be a day to remember for another reason, the solar eclipse. A huge swath of our country will see a total solar eclipse, but here in Carson City, only 81 percent of totality will be achieved. That means there is NO time that you can look at the sun without risking injury. I repeat: do NOT look directly at the sun. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival bids farewell to another year with a free concert in McFadden Plaza featuring the talented members of the Mile High Jazz Band.

Let's kick off the weekend with a street party, or two. The HopeFest Concert at the Carson Tahoe Medical Center is a family friendly celebration. Grab something from a food truck, enter their raffle, and get your groove on. The music doesn't stop when the sun goes down though. You've got your choice of Deception at Living the Good Life, or Mentally Spent on the Third Street Stage in McFadden Plaza. Douglas County has Summerfest in Minden Park: live music, yummy eats, and a come-as-you-are car show sure to get Carson Valley hoppin.

It’s a wine-walking kind of day: join in the thirsty Thursday fun in downtown Gardnerville and stick around for the coffee and dessert after-party in Heritage Park. Sneak in an afternoon musical getaway with No Comprende at the Carson Mall. Take a melodious trip around the world with Tom Green: instruments from all over are the focus of a lecture and concert tonight at the Brewery Arts Center. Keep reading and let Thursday surprise you.

THURSDAY: Jazz and Beyond Music Festival

This summer is flying by and the fun is heating up.

The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival has buddied up with something new this year. Today and tomorrow, the Jukebox International Film Festival features fifteen contestants competing in four categories. Youth Theater Carson City and Western Nevada Musical Theater alum, Grant Davis, is back in town to show support for ‘Something Like Summer,’ the Australian musical he stars in. Make sure you’re in McFadden Plaza around 5 p.m. Davis will be performing songs from the movie and music from his debut album on the Third Street Stage.

I’ve got some bad news for the kids in Douglas County – it’s back to school for you today. Carson kids still have one last week to enjoy their summertime freedom and Lyon County has until Aug. 31. Don’t let Monday get you down, though, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Head down to Carson Lanes for beginning and intermediate swing dance lessons, then stick around to put your new moves to the test. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival continues with a free outdoor concert in McFadden Plaza.

Summer nights are made to be enjoyed. Grab the kids, a blanket and picnic, and head to the park nearest you. Mills Park in Carson City features its first ever ‘Movie in the Park’ tonight with a showing of ‘Sing’. Gardnerville’s last of the season movie is Disney’s ‘Moana.’ Dancing shoes are recommended, but not required, for this week’s outdoor concert in McFadden Plaza: Musicole begins at 7:30 p.m. Get there early to see the amazing talent in 'We Rock Kidz' on the stage in Comma Coffee's Courtyard. Keep reading for all of today's hot August options.

Are you itching for the weekend? It will be musically magical with a plethora of Jazz and Beyond Music Festival events throughout town. It’s a classic car lover’s dream come true, as well, with Hot August Nights in Reno and Sparks. But don’t get ahead of yourself, today has some great options for a good time. Enjoy some air conditioned entertainment with the Carolyn Dolan Band at the Carson Mall. ‘Elvis, Marilyn and the Space Aliens’ and their place in the movies is the topic of this month’s Douglas County Historical Society’s lecture.

What to do on a Wednesday? If you travel down this list, you’ll find the new Wheeled Food Wednesdays at the Brewery Arts Center featuring a line-up of local food trucks and family fun. Jazz and Beyond brings you a free outdoor concert with Lake Effect in the Comma Coffee Courtyard. Chris Bayer transforms into Major Ormsby at Dangberg Home Historic Ranch’s Chautauqua tonight. Get on the Highway to the Danger Zone and it will take you to Top Gun on the big screen at Galaxy Theaters.

A jazzy Tuesday has arrived. Catch the Millennial Bugs this evening as they perform in the Comma Coffee Courtyard. Take the kids up to Silver City this morning and they’ll get a chance to explore the Community Garden, learn about the plants and flowers, and participate in an activity. The Deputy Howell Memorial Concert is just a week and a half away. Attend the meeting for volunteers and help this event go off without a hitch.

TUESDAY: Jazz and Beyond Music Festival

• -- Hot August Nights

I must admit, the rainy cool-down has been a nice break from what was a very hot July. You may see a little more of the wet stuff this afternoon, so have a back-up plan for outdoor activities. Find some inner peace with the Monks of Nechung Monastery. They’ll lead meditation and teach about the Buddhist philosophy and compassion during their visit to the Brewery Arts Center. High Sierra Swing Dance Club is shaking things up. Their weekly night out has a new home at the Eleventh Frame Lounge in Carson Lanes, and now both beginners and intermediate lessons will precede the open dancing.

Ready to let the good times roll, rock around the clock, or twist again? The Silver Dollar Car Classic is throwing a party in the front parking lot of the Max Casino – plenty of hot rods, shiny chrome, and great music by Route 66 is in store. The 14th Annual Jazz and Beyond Music Festival opens tonight with a Garden Party at the historic Bliss Mansion across from the Governor’s Mansion. Bring a picnic and enjoy an art show, great live music and tours of the mansion.

There are some things that one never thinks they will see in their lifetime. I must admit, the Carson City Freeway was one of those things. But lo and behold, the new 580 extension opened its last leg to traffic yesterday. The hot summer temperatures continue, so seek indoor entertainment during the day and keep cool.

UPDATE from NDOT: Last leg of Carson City Freeway opens beginning at 10 am today. Be attentive. Anticipate changing traffic patterns.
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It may be a universal truth that kids love helicopters. Alright, everyone loves helicopters. Head to Mills Park for the annual ‘National Night Out’ with the Carson City Sheriff’s Department for free hot dogs, cool equipment, vendors, and more. Take a team of smarty-pants to Fox Brewpub and fight for a place on the DJ Trivia leaderboard. You’ll be whisked to ‘Non-stop New York’ at the Brewery Arts Center during tonight’s Classic Cinema Club film viewing.

TUESDAY:

Get ready to kiss July goodbye. August begins tomorrow and brings with it classic cars, the Virginia City Rodeo, and some scorching hot temperatures. Beat the heat with an ice cream cone from Baskin Robbins – today they’re offering a scoop for just $1.50. Survive the week and you’ll be rewarded with the downtown Carson City Wine Walk and the Silver Dollar Car Classic, just to name a few of your options. Keep your eye on my things to do, and all week long you’ll find something to enjoy.

MONDAY:

Another summer weekend has arrived. The Carson City Fair will be open all day, but tonight is something special. The Bulls, Broncs, and Barrels Rodeo takes over the Fuji Park Arena. You’ll find another free outdoor concert in McFadden Plaza this evening featuring Road Daddy, food and fun. Youth Theater Carson City debuts its newest production, Into the Woods, Jr., at the Community Center and is a great option for a special kids’ night out. Keep reading, and you’ll find all that the area has to offer for a great time.

FRIDAY:

Happy Thursday, Carson City. Help move the workweek along by doing something fun. You’ll always find the boys of J and M Productions running the karaoke show at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar. Living the Good Life has music every night Tuesday through Saturday, and tonight it is Dougie L’s turn to entertain. The Café at Adele’s is always a good choice for date night, but when they also have music on their veranda, you’ve got all the ingredients for a memorable night.

THURSDAY:

Today’s the day. Archie, the Reno Aces mascot, has been entrusted to once again oversee the grand opening of the Carson City Fair at Fuji Park. The soft opening of the accompanying carnival begins at 6 p.m. with one dollar rides. It’s Miss Scarlet with the lead pipe in the Observatory as the Carson City Library hosts a super-sized game of Clue for teens. Families will enjoy Beauty and the Beast, complete with a craft, if they sign up for the Library’s movie night. See what Teddy Roosevelt has to say at Dangberg Home Historic Ranch Park during tonight’s Chautauqua.

The Carson City Fair gathers steam today: they’ll be setting up the carnival, judging the items in the exhibit hall, and the 4-H kids are showing off what their dogs can do. It’s a play-doh afternoon at the Carson City Library, in addition to their weekly Pajama Story time on Tuesday evenings. The Carson Nugget is hosting a job fair to fill a plethora of positions in their restaurants and on the casino floor.