I Love Carson City’s Independence Day Weekend Summary: July 2 – 4

Holy moly. Carson City is hopping with fun times for everyone. Enjoy Saturday downtown with the Third and Curry Farmers Market, the Downtown Business Association Wine Walk, and a free concert at the Brewery Arts Center. Mills Park features the return of the RSVP Carnival with rides, food, booths, games, and more. Of course fireworks are the main dish for this weekend; you can find my handy guide to where and when HERE. Continue reading for all the great things these next few days have to offer.

SATURDAY:

• California Free Fishing Day
• Fourth of July Special at Empire Ranch Golf Course ($38 includes 18 holes and cart)
• "Always Lost: A Meditation on War” in the Western Nevada College Main Gallery in the Bristlecone Building (7am-8pm)
• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Pat Holub and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Coffee and Donuts with EAA Sierra Chapter 403 at 2500 E. College Pkwy (8:30am-12pm, all welcome)
• Third and Curry Farmers Market (8:30am to 1pm; fruits, vegetables, flowers, live music, local vendors, bowl painting with Empty Bowls, and more)
• Empty Bowls Bowl Decorating at the Third and Curry Farmers Market (8:30am until supplies run out or 1pm)
• Carson City Historical Society Yard Sale and Clothing Exhibit at the Foreman-Roberts House Museum: 1207 N. Carson St. (9am-4pm; free admission to Museum)
• Spirit of America Show at the Nevada Artists Association Gallery in the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)
• Fourth of July Weekend Celebration with the Inyo, V&T Locomotive #25, the McKeen Car and the Glenbrook at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (Train Rides 10am-4pm; Unlimited Ride wristband $15, $5 kids 4-17)
• Virginia and Truckee Round-trip Steam Train Rides -leave from Carson City Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East at 10am- Depart Virginia City Depot 3pm (tickets limited, $52, seniors and veterans $48, kids 3-16 $32)

Train lovers won’t want to miss the celebration at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Enjoy a parade of trains Sunday and Monday morning. Stay aboard all day with an unlimited ride wristband that also gets you admission to the museum.

• Swim Class for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the Carson City Aquatic Facility (11am; $4)
• WARF Cat and Kitten Adoption Event at Petco on Topsy Lane (11am-4pm; all cats are fixed, vaccinated and micro-chipped)
• RSVP Carnival at Mills Park (Carnival 12pm-11pm; Wheelhouse Skate Expo 1pm-8pm; Live DJ 2pm-8pm; $5 off coupon for unlimited ride wristband available at the RSVP booth)
• Board Game Day at Nerdvana: 3220 Hwy 50, Suite #2 (12pm)
• Biggest Little City Wing Fest, Downtown Reno (12pm-8pm)
• Downtown Business Association's Wine Walk: sign up at the Carson Nugget, Cactus Jacks, Carson Jewelry and Loan, Remedy's Bar, Touched By Angels, Comma Coffee, or the Brewery Arts Center Artisan Store (1pm-5pm, raffle at 5pm in the Carson Nugget Alatte Coffee and Wine Bar; $15)
• Live Music with Hallie Kirk at Comma Coffee; Live Music with Triple Treble at the NAA Gallery at the Brewery Arts Center (1pm-5pm)
• Shadow and Light Photography Show at the Nevada Day Store and Trading Post (1pm-4pm)

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. hits the Community Center stage for three performances this weekend: 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 7 p.m. Saturday evening. It’s sure to keep the kids entertained.

• Wild Horse Children’s Theater presents Disney's Aladdin Jr. at the Bob Boldrick Theater in the Community Center (2pm; $12, $8 kids 12 and younger)
• Outdoor Games at the Carson City Library (2pm-4pm; All Ages, 9 and younger must be accompanied by someone 13+).
• Summer Saturday Family Movies series: “Zootopia” in the Minden Library meeting room: 1625 Library Lane, Minden (2pm; free; Rated PG)
• Live Music with the Sandra Medley at 1862 David Walley's Restaurant and Saloon in Genoa (5pm-9pm)
• Live Music with Blue: The Biggest Little Ukulele Ensemble In Nevada at Living the Good Life: 1480 N. Carson (6pm-8pm)
• Free Concert: Larry and John Underwood will be taking the stage with Raksha Paksha at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint: 1500 Old Hot Springs Rd. (6pm)

Head to the Carson City Library for Outdoor Games in the Secret Garden. For indoor games, Nerdvana has plenty, and board games are a great way to beat the summer heat.

• Live Music at Bella Fiore Wine (6pm-9pm)
• Live Music with Brian Lester at J’s Old Town Bistro, Dayton (6pm; Reservations recommended 775-246-4400)
• Painting Class at Mona Lisa and Wine: 3821 S Carson St (6:30pm-9:30pm; $40; Today includes unlimited drinks with each signup)
• Wild Horse Children’s Theater presents Disney's Aladdin Jr. at the Bob Boldrick Theater in the Community Center (7pm; $12, $8 kids 12 and younger)
• Free Concert: Southwest Pilgrimage and the Sierra Sweethearts – part of the Levitt AMP Music Series on the Minnesota Street Stage at the Brewery Arts Center (vendors/food trucks 6pm, concert begins 7pm; Free)
• Nine Year Anniversary Celebration with Live Music and more at Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge: 314 S. Carson St. (7pm)
• Painting Class at Van Gogh and Vino (7pm-9:30pm; $30 per painter)
• Star Party and Open House at Western Nevada College’s Observatory: 2699 Van Patten Ave (7pm-10:30pm; free; weather permitting)
• Live Music with Steel Rose at Casino Fandango (7pm-12am)
• Live Music with Terri Campillo, Craig Fletcher, and friends at Glen Eagles Restaurant (7pm-10pm)

Once the sun goes down, the town heats up. Find live music at the Fandango, Max Casino, and the Carson Nugget. Karaoke at the Westside Pour House will let you feel like a star. The DJ at Living the Good Life or Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar will keep you on the dance floor. Help Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge celebrate nine years in business.

• Live Music with Lady and the Tramps at the Carson Nugget Sports Bar (8pm-12am)
• Live Music with the Rebecca Chase Band at Max Casino: formerly the Carson Station (8pm-12am)
• Live Music with R. W. Smith and the California Cowboys at the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden 8pm-1am)
• Rock’n N Bowl’n at Gold Dust West (8pm)
• Karaoke at the Spoke Bar and Grill (8pm)
• Scorpion Hunt at Dayton State Park in the Group Use Area: Hwy 50 E, Dayton (7:30pm-9:30pm; park entry $7, $5 for Nevada residents; wear hiking boots or good walking shoes--no sandals. Participants should bring a flashlight and a black light if possible)
• Karaoke at Westside Pour House (9pm)
• DJ Dance Party at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar (10pm-2am)
• Dance Party with DJ Bobby G at Living the Good Life: 1480 N. Carson St. (9pm)

Sunday is the day before Independence Day, but Sparks is getting a jump on the festivities with their Star Spangled Sparks Celebration and fireworks. King’s Beach always celebrates early, so you can catch fireworks at the northeast end of Tahoe, as well. Keep reading: the weekend is in full swing.

SUNDAY:

• Fourth of July Special at Empire Ranch Golf Course ($38 includes 18 holes and cart)
• First Sunday Breakfast at the Elks Club: 515 N Nevada (bar opens 7am; 8:30am-11am, $7)
• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Pat Holub and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• CC BMX Racing at the Livermore (Edmonds) Sports Complex: 1555 Livermore Lane (signups 9am-10am; $10, must be USABMX member; new rider kits available)
• Breakfast and Bowl at Carson Lanes (9am-12pm; breakfast and unlimited bowling until noon $13, $8 kids 12 and younger)
• Fourth of July Weekend Celebration with the Inyo, V&T Locomotive #25, the McKeen Car and the Glenbrook at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (Parade of Trains 9am-10am; Train Rides 10am-4pm; Unlimited Ride wristband $15, $5 kids 4-17)
• Virginia and Truckee Round-trip Steam Train Rides -leave from Carson City Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East at 10am- Depart Virginia City Depot 3pm (tickets limited, $52, seniors and veterans $48, kids 3-16 $32; Get 20% Off Adult Pre-Purchased Tickets For Sunday Roundtrip Rides with code LOCALSUNDAY at www.vtrailway.com )

Sweet Sippin Sundays in Genoa is always a fun time; live music, rum cocktails, and cute shops. The RSVP Carnival at Mills Park is a great place if you’ve got the kids in tow.

• Art In The Park at Mormon Station State Park, Genoa (10am-4pm)
• Star Spangled Sparks in Victorian Square, Sparks (10am-10pm; Patriotic Bike Parade registration 10am in the Nugget Oyster Bar Parking lot, 11am start; Live Music 5pm-9:30pm; Fireworks, tune into KKOH 780AM for corresponding music; no pets, bbqs, or glass containers allowed)
• RSVP Carnival at Mills Park (Carnival 5pm-11pm; $5 off coupon for unlimited ride wristband available at the RSVP booth)
• Biggest Little City Wing Fest, Downtown Reno (12pm-8pm)
• Family Day at Empire Ranch Golf Course (After 12pm, Kids play free with paid adult green fee)
• Sweet Sippin Sunday, Downtown Genoa (1pm-4pm; $12; Rum is this month’s liquor, Suicide Prevention Network of Douglas County is the non-profit; Live Music by Nigel St. Hubbins)
• Barony of Fal Dare, Amtgard Live Action Role Play Plus Combat Group at Mills Park, at the end of Oxoby Loop (12pm-4pm; Foam sword fighting, crafts, classes; child-friendly, under 18 must have a waiver signed by their parents; newcomers welcome, for info email FalDareMonarchy@gmail.com )
• Family Golf Clinic at Eagle Valley Golf Course (1pm-2:30pm; free; free hot dog/soda for participants)

Golfers will enjoy special rates this weekend at Empire Ranch Golf Course. The whole family is invited to Eagle Valley Golf Course for a free Family Golf Clinic on Sunday.

• Painting Class at Mona Lisa and Wine: 3821 S Carson St (1pm-4pm; $35; includes free Cocktail/Beer/Wine/Soft Drink with each signup)
• Sunday Funday: Free game of pool with drink purchase at Westside Pour House
• Weekly Pool Tournament at Whiskey Tavern (register 1pm; 2pm start; $10 per person)
• Wild Horse Children’s Theater presents Disney's Aladdin Jr. at the Bob Boldrick Theater in the Community Center (2pm; $12, $8 kids 12 and younger)
• Pool Tournament at Remedy’s (2pm-5pm; $5 buy-in; APA Rules)
• July Third Fireworks and Beach Party at the North Tahoe Events Center on Kings Beach, North Lake Tahoe (4pm-10pm, free; vendors, contests, games, music and more; Fireworks 9:30pm)

The Carson Nugget presents Desparado, an Eagles Tribute, tonight as part of their Summer Concert Series. Patriotic music and more can be found at TJ’s Corral in Minden: the 152nd Air National Guard Band of the West performs a free concert.

• Live Music with the Sandra Medley at 1862 David Walley's Restaurant and Saloon in Genoa (5pm-9pm)
• Live Music with Deep Groove at the Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City (5:30pm-8:30pm)
• Free Concert: 152nd Air National Guard Band of the West at TJ's Corral Outdoor Arena at the Carson Valley Inn, Minden (6pm; free show)
• Live Music TBA at the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (6pm-10pm)
• Summer Concert Series: Desperado- The Premier Eagles Tribute at the Carson Nugget (7pm; $15, $30 VIP)

Monday’s aren’t always known for fun, but the Fourth of July is a different animal. Carson City, Virginia City, Lake Tahoe, and Reno will have fireworks displays starting around 9:30. Minden, Gardnerville, and Genoa aren’t slacking, though. Festivities can be found just about everywhere. Please be safe today; traffic after the fireworks is always heavy.

MONDAY: Independence Day

• Fourth of July Special at Empire Ranch Golf Course ($38 includes 18 holes and cart)
• Freedom 5K Fun Run/Walk and Concert in the Park with the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra at Heritage Park, Gardnerville (register 7am-7:45am, Run/Walk begins 8am; 5K $20 per person and family rates, free for active/retired military; Patriotic costumes encouraged; 8am Carson Valley Lions Club Pancake Breakfast $7; Free Kids Obstacle Course 8am; Free Concert begins 11:30am)
• Fourth of July Weekend Celebration with the Inyo, V&T Locomotive #25, the McKeen Car and the Glenbrook at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (Parade of Trains 9am-10am; Train Rides 10am-4pm; Unlimited Ride wristband $15, $5 kids 4-17)

Genoa’s Americana Festival features a day full of music and more. Come hungry, the Volunteer Fire Department is serving up their famous chicken bar-be-que.

• Genoa Americana Festival: Live Music including a performance from the Carson City Symphony Orchestra, Music workshops, Kids Activities, and more at Mormon Station Park, Genoa (10am-6pm, free; Kids Parade 11am; Kids Water Games 1pm-4pm; Genoa Volunteer Fire Department Chicken BBQ 12pm-6pm at the Fire Dept., $12)
• 5th Annual Fourth of July Festival: Music, Kid’s Bike Parade, Free Food and more in Minden Park, Downtown Minden (10am- 1pm, free)
• Mimosa Monday all day at Ed’s Doghouse
• Carson Valley Pops Orchestra Concert at Heritage Park, Gardnerville (11:30am; free)

Dress up in your red, white, and blue best and participate in the annual Freedom 5K in Gardnerville. Stick around for a free concert in the park with the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra.

• Fourth of July on the Comstock, Virginia City (Parade 12pm; Comstock Cowboys 2nd Amendment Concert in the Delta Parking Lot 6pm-9pm, raffle at 7pm; Fireworks Spectacular launched from Virginia City Arena/Fairgrounds, visible throughout town)
• RSVP Carnival at Mills Park (Carnival open 12pm-11pm, Live music with Jake Armer and the Hot Dogs 4pm-8pm, Wild 102.9FM live broadcast beginning at 6pm and continues as the choreographed fireworks soundtrack; Fireworks approx. 9:30pm)
• Funky Beach Bash and Fireworks at Commons Beach in Tahoe City, North Lake Tahoe (12pm-10pm, free; live music, contests, and more; Fireworks at 9:30pm)
• South Tahoe Red, White and Blue Independence Day Party hosted by Dreu Murin at Beach Retreat and Lodge: 3441 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe (12pm-11pm, free; Live DJs and giveaways; Fireworks soundtrack on KRLT-FM 93.9 or KOWL-AM 1490)
• Biggest Little City Wing Fest, Downtown Reno (12pm-6pm)

Just a reminder that fireworks are prohibited in Northern Nevada. Under no circumstances risk a wildfire with your bottle rockets or firecrackers. Please keep an eye out for escaped pooches after dark; this is a big day for lost, scared dogs.

• ARTOWN: Celebrate America and the Reno Philharmonic in Wingfield Park, Downtown Reno (5pm, Philharmonic 7:30pm; Fireworks at dusk; free; Bring your blankets, chairs and picnic baskets)
• Independence Day Celebration: Tacoma Rainiers vs. Reno Aces at Greater NV Field, Downtown Reno (opening pitch 6:35pm; fireworks at dusk)
• Lights on the Lake Fourth of July Fireworks (approx. 9:45pm; best viewing at Nevada Beach, Timber Cove Marina, Tallac Historic Site/Baldwin Beach, Edgewood Tahoe, Lakeview Commons/El Dorado Beach; Tune your radio to KRLT-FM 93.9 or KOWL-AM 1490 for a synchronized music broadcast)

Every week, I create a list of the fun stuff and events going on around the Carson City area for my Facebook page, I Love Carson City. There is quite a bit to do in our beautiful capital this week, so grab the kids, your friends and family, and have a great weekend.

My weekly Facebook list includes Friday-Thursday, so please go HERE events beyond Sunday, or just wait for my daily ‘Things to do’ here on Carson Now. You do NOT need a Facebook account to access the information. As always, Carson Now welcomes reader contributions to our website. Go HERE to submit an event, photo, or item of interest.