Labor Day Weekend happenings in Carson City and beyond

It’s nice that the beginning of the school year is almost immediately rewarded with a three-day weekend. You’ll find annual events like Civil War Days in Virginia City and the Best in the West Rib Cook-off in Sparks, in addition to smaller happenings like the monthly Downtown Carson City Wine Walk and a roller derby double-header. If you haven’t made plans to head for the hills, take a look at your options and have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.

SATURDAY:

• — Free Fishing Day in California (all fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements and fishing hours and stream closures, remain in effect)
• — Labor Day Steam Up: V&T #25 and Inyo #22 Steam Train Rides with the ‘Glenbrook’ Under Steam for public viewing at the Nevada State Train Museum (museum open 9am-4:30pm; Train Rides available from 10am-4pm; All-inclusive wristbands featuring unlimited train rides and museum admission $15 Adults, $9 Children 12 to 17, $5 Children 4 to 11 years old, Children 3 years old and under are free; Standard museum admission and train fares will also be available; Warren Engine Co. will be selling Hamburgers and Hotdogs Saturday and Sunday)
• — Breakfast and Bowling at Carson Lanes (9am-12pm breakfast and unlimited bowling; $13, $8 for kids 8 and younger)
• — Third and Curry Farmers Market (8:30am to 1pm; fruits, vegetables, flowers, local vendors, live music, the Muscle Powered Bike Valet and more)
• — Sierra Chef Farmers Market at Genoa Town Park, on Nixon in Genoa (9am-1pm; An assortment of fresh produce, herbs, eggs and more, crafts, and local food items and specialties)
• — Dayton Farmers Market at Community Roots and Shoots: 60 Second Ave - across from Pizza Factory, Dayton (9am-12pm; they accept WIC, SNAP, USDA Senior Citizen Coupons, and cash, etc)

Outside eating is a summertime tradition. Whether it’s a BBQ or a picnic, find something fresh and delicious at the Farmers Market in Carson City, Genoa, or Dayton.

• — Annual Rummage Sale in the Silver City Town Park: 385 High St, Silver City (9am rummage sale begins, 3pm-8pm Music in the Park Event; bargains, food, fun, and entertainment)
• — Civil War Days in Virginia City: Civil War Camp in Miner’s Park (9am-5pm; free, open to the public) Battle Train (11:30am, $28 tickets at the V&T Station) Swap Meet in Miner’s Park (4:30pm-5:30pm) Night Battle Champagne Train (7:30pm, $30 tickets at the V&T Station)
• — Live Music with Gail and Donna at the Canvas Café, Virginia City (9am-11am; Cello and acoustic guitar)
• — Annual Labor Day Weekend Blizzard Ski and Snowboard Sale at Heavenly's California Main Lodge at the top of Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe (9am-6pm)
• — Monthly meeting of F.E.A.T. (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) in the back room at Comma Coffee (NEW TIME: 9:30am-11am; F.E.A.T. or 'Families for Effective Autism Treatment' is a group of parents who formed an organization in the Carson Valley for support and advocacy to help families with children who have received the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder; open to anyone who loves someone with autism)
• — Arts and Antique Faire at the Carson City Art Gallery: corner Curry/Fourth St. (10am-4pm; A selection of the Gallery’s artists will be displaying their work, and some will be doing live demonstrations)
• — Summer Art and Photography Shows in the Nevada Artists Association Gallery at the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)
• — Half-off Everything at the Carson City Senior Center Thrift Shop: 911 Beverly Drive (10am-3:30pm; includes Boutique and Furniture, excludes books; benefits the Meals on Wheels Program; donations always appreciated, call 447-301-6676 for information or donation pick-up)
• — Round-trip Diesel Train Rides: leave from Carson City Virginia and Truckee Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East (Depart Carson City 10am, please arrive 30 minutes early - Depart Virginia City 3pm; Adult $45, Child 3-16 $25, Seniors/Veterans $40; tickets limited, available online HERE: http://vtrailway.com/trains-routes/cc-vc/ call 877-724-5007 for more info)
• — Mind, Body, and Mimosas with Good Elephant at the Union: 302 N. Carson (10am; $12 suggested donation; Vinyasa Flow Style Yoga; Bring your mind, body, and mat; After class, we encourage you to join us for mimosas)

All Aboard at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Take a ride, or several, on a historic train and don’t forget your camera to capture the steamed-up wood-burning Glenbrook.

• — Family Day at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center: 1477 Hwy 395, Gardnerville (10am-3pm free museum admission, 1pm-3pm Story Telling with Nancy Raven: “Every Family Has a Story to Tell” includes complimentary coffee and pie; performances by the Young Chautauqua)
• — 30th Annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Victorian Square, Sparks (10:30am-9pm, Live Music begins at 11am, 10,000 Maniacs headlining; Admission, parking, shuttles and entertainment are free; Full schedule and information at: https://nuggetribcookoff.com/ )
• — Noon Music with CW at A to Zen: 1803 N. Carson St. (12pm-2pm; original swing and honky tonk songs)
• — Pig Out! BBQ with the Dayton Pigs Volunteer Desert Cleanup in Mark Twain Park: 121 Roughing Rd, Dayton (12pm; All volunteers and donors get a free plate, $5 for all others; Celebrate 10 weeks of hard work, potluck dishes welcomed; Dayton Pigs is a community effort to rid our beautiful wild spaces of trash left behind from out-of-control illegal dumping - We are always welcoming new members, we have something for everybody to do)
• — Rain or Shine: the Downtown Business Association's monthly Wine Walk: sign up at The Carson Nugget, Carson Jewelry and Loan, Touched By Angels, Purple Avocado, Cactus Jacks Casino, The Brewery Arts Center, or Comma Coffee (1pm-5pm, raffle at 5pm sharp in the Carson Nugget Alatte Coffee and Wine Bar; $15 includes an official wine walk glass or $10 with the official wine walk glass from a previous walk)
• — The Flying Legends of Victory Tour featuring the B-17 Bomber “Sentimental Journey” at the Minden Airport: 1146 Airport Road, Minden (TOUR STOP CANCELLED)
• — Summer Saturday Family Movies series: Madeline at the Minden Library: 1625 Library Lane, Minden (2pm; rated PG; movie and popcorn are free; sponsored by the Friends of the Douglas County Public Library)
• — Bar BINGO at NV Ugly: 1433 Hwy 395, Gardnerville (2pm; free to play, win bar swag and drinks)
• — Fifth annual Musical Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Research presented by Earl Dutton on the Third Street Stage in the Bob McFadden Plaza (3pm-9pm; Concert is free, but donations gladly accepted to benefit the Alzheimer's Association; featuring musical artists from Carson City, Reno, Dayton, Round Mountain, Silver Springs, Yerington and Virginia City)

Music is good for the soul, and good for fundraising, too. Earl Dutton’s annual Alzheimer Research Benefit Concert in McFadden Plaza features a plethora of local performers, family friendly, and free.

• — Music in the Park and Annual Rummage Sale in the Silver City Town Park: 385 High St, Silver City (3pm-8pm live music featuring: The American Phlats Band, Tom Zachary, Lonesome Wayne, Smilin' Bob and Friends, and Jim and Barbara; Bring a picnic, lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a free afternoon of entertainment in the heart of the Comstock; rummage sale begins at 9am)
• — Roller Derby Double Header: Carson Victory Rollers VS the Lockeford Liberators in the Carson City Community Center Gymnasium (doors open 3:30pm; first whistle at 4pm; Carson Victory Rollers game followed by the Carson Junior Victory Rollers VS the Lockeford Little Rascals; special halftime show featuring the Chimera Belly Dancers; Admission $10, ages 10 and under free; Snacks and beer will be available for purchase)
• — Live Music with Sandi ‘Pipes’ Medley at 1862 David Walley's Restaurant and Saloon in Genoa (5pm-9pm)
• — Live Music with Arizona Jones at Casino Fandango (7pm-12am)
• — Live Music with Terri Campillo, Craig Fletcher, and friends at Glen Eagles Restaurant (7pm-10pm)
• — Rock 'n Bowl Night at Carson Lanes Family Fun Center (7pm-11pm; music and laser lights; Bowling Discounts for groups of 10 or more)
• — Rock’n and Bowl’n at the Gold Dust West Bowling Center (8pm-11:45pm; $10-$14 includes two hours of bowling and more; disco lights, fog machine and lots of prizes)
• — Weekly Star Party with Telescope Viewing at the Western Nevada College Jack C. Davis Observatory: 2699 Van Patten Ave, off Murphy Drive (sundown-11pm; free to participate; guided star viewing by telescopes begins at sunset; Weather permitting)
• — Comedian Kathleen Dunbar headlines at Carson Comedy inside the Carson Nugget (doors open 7:15pm, show starts 8pm; $15; purchase tickets at the Guest Services Desk; must be 21+)
• — Karaoke hosted by J and M Productions at the Spoke Bar and Grill: 3198 Hwy 50 E (8pm-12am)
• — Live Music with Alias Smith at the Max Casino (8pm-12am)
• — Live Music featuring the Buddy Emmer Band in the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (8pm-1am)
• — Live Music with Adam Traum at the Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City (8pm)
• — Steel Rockin’ Karaoke at the Ponderosa Saloon, Virginia City (8pm)
• — Live Music featuring Ev Musselman at Living the Good Life: 1480 N. Carson (8:30pm-12:30am; no cover)
• — Live Music with the Rebekah Chase Band at ‘The Loft’ inside the Carson Nugget (9pm-1am)
• — Karaoke Night at the Westside Pour House (9pm-12am)
• — DJ Dance Party at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar (10pm-2am; no cover, 21+)

Time for some Sunday fun. The Carson Nugget has something special tonight, Hot For Teacher, a Van Halen Tribute Band plays two concerts in their upstairs ballroom. For a lazy afternoon in the shade, you’ll find live music on the porch of the Genoa Bar. The Tahoe Orchestra brings their annual 9/11 Memorial Concert to St. Gall’s Church in Gardnerville. Virginia City is trapped in a time loop during Civil War Days. Don’t forget to get your grub on at the annual Rib Cook-off in Sparks.

SUNDAY:

• — Muscle Powered Weekly Bike Ride - Meet in the south parking lot of Fremont Elementary School, next to the Linear Ditch Trail (meet at 8am ready to ride; All riders must have a bicycle in safe working condition, helmet, and closed toed shoes; ride consists of two loops 10-15 miles long each, this will allow a rider to do 10-15 miles or 20-30 miles - Riders usually split up into two groups (tortoises and hares) and do 10-15 mile loops; Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the meeting site; email Shane: shane@shanetrotter.net with any questions)
• — First Sunday Breakfast at the Elks Club: 515 N Nevada (bar opens 8am, breakfast 8:30am-11am; $8)
• — Labor Day Steam Up: V&T #25 and Inyo #22 Steam Train Rides with the ‘Glenbrook’ Under Steam for public viewing at the Nevada State Train Museum (museum open 9am-4:30pm; Train Rides available from 10am-4pm; All-inclusive wristbands featuring unlimited train rides and museum admission $15 Adults, $9 Children 12 to 17, $5 Children 4 to 11 years old, Children 3 years old and under are free; Standard museum admission and train fares will also be available; Warren Engine Co. will be selling Hamburgers and Hotdogs Saturday and Sunday)
• — Carson City BMX Racing at the Livermore (Edmonds) Sports Complex: 1555 Livermore Lane (RACES CANCELLED FOR HOLIDAY WEEKEND)
• — Breakfast and Bowling at Carson Lanes (9am-12pm breakfast and unlimited bowling; $13, $8 for kids 8 and younger)
• — Yoga with Allison Reitz at Comma Coffee (9am-10am; $12 suggested donation; beginners are welcome; Bring your mind, body, and mat; a limited number of extra mats will be available)
• — Civil War Days in Virginia City: Civil War Camp in Miner’s Park (9am-5pm; free, open to the public) Church Service under Civilian Fly (9:30am, non-denominational and period correct) Battle Train (11:30am, $28 tickets at the V&T Station) Battle Train (3pm, $28 tickets at the V&T Station) Victorian Ball and Dinner at Piper’s Opera House (7:30pm; $20, live music with the Fort Point Brass Band, period attire optional)
• — Live Music with Gail and Donna at the Canvas Café, Virginia City (9am-11am; Cello and acoustic guitar)
• — Summer Art and Photography Shows in the Nevada Artists Association Gallery at the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)
• — Round-trip Diesel Train Rides: leave from Carson City Virginia and Truckee Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East (Depart Carson City 10am, please arrive 30 minutes early - Depart Virginia City 3pm; Adult $45, Child 3-16 $25, Seniors/Veterans $40; tickets limited, available online HERE: http://vtrailway.com/trains-routes/cc-vc/ call 877-724-5007 for more info)
• — Annual Labor Day Weekend Blizzard Ski and Snowboard Sale at Heavenly's California Main Lodge at the top of Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe (10am-5pm)
• — 30th Annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Victorian Square, Sparks (10:30am-9pm, Live Music begins at 11am, Jana Kramer headlining; Admission, parking, shuttles and entertainment are free; Full schedule and information at: https://nuggetribcookoff.com/ )
• — Kids Eat Free at the Fox Brewpub (11am-10pm; with purchase of adult entree)
• — Music Jam Sunday at A to Zen: 1803 N. Carson St. (1pm-3pm; we try to keep it simple so that musicians of all ages and skill levels can participate. We welcome music of all genres and styles; Audience is welcome)
• — Sunday Porch Party with Live Music by the Mudd Bonz at Genoa Bar, Downtown Genoa (1pm-5pm; outdoor stage, fire pit, rum runner bar, and street tacos available from the Genoa Station Grill)
• — Jack DiCarlo's Musical Stylings at the Canvas Café, Virginia City (1pm-3pm; an elegant performer with a guitar gently coaxing the listener into a happy place)
• — Flashback Cinema: American Graffiti (1973) at the Galaxy Theater - Fandango (2pm; $8.50 adults, $8 kids 2 - 11)
• — Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (TOCCATA) presents their 9/11 Memorial Concert featuring guest artist Alex Eisenbergat the St. Gall Catholic Church: 1343 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville (4pm; Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $5 students age 19-23. Preferred seating is $40 and $15 for Youth/students. Youth under 19 are admitted free; This concert series commemorates the 17th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy and will include Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto in G minor and selections from Verdi's Requiem)
• — The Flying Legends of Victory Tour featuring the B-17 Bomber “Sentimental Journey” at the Minden Airport: 1146 Airport Road, Minden (TOUR STOP CANCELLED)
• — Kids Eat Free at the Union: 302 N. Carson St. (4pm-8pm; with purchase of adult entree)
• — Live Music with Deep Groove at the Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City (5pm-8pm)
• — Live Music featuring the Buddy Emmer Band in the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (6pm-10pm)
• — Hot For Teacher: Van Halen Tribute in the Carson Nugget Ballroom (Concert 7pm; $15 General Admission, $30 VIP)
• — Flashback Cinema: American Graffiti (1973) at the Galaxy Theater - Fandango (7pm; $10.50 adults, $8 kids)
• — Live Music with Kelly McGuire on Ruby’s Amphitheater - the outdoor stage at the Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City (7pm; $10)
• — Hot For Teacher: Van Halen Tribute in the Carson Nugget Ballroom (Concert 9pm; $15 General Admission, $30 VIP)

Don’t let finding something fun for Labor Day be laborious, just keep reading. Virginia City hosts a noontime parade to celebrate. You’ll want to stick around as the Comstock Civil War Reenactors wage a “Battle for ‘C’ Street.” Join your neighbors at the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church for the annual Interfaith Potluck Picnic and food drive for Friends in Service Helping (FISH). If you need to jump, jive, and wail, you’ll find the High Sierra Swing Dance Club at Carson Lanes for their weekly meet-up, but no lessons tonight due to the holiday.

MONDAY: Labor Day

• — Keep Tahoe Blue Labor Day Beach Cleanup at Commons Beach, Tahoe City (8:30am-12pm; We provide cleanup materials, refreshments and a prize; bring reusable water bottle; RSVP at https://www.keeptahoeblue.org/news/events )
• — Labor Day Steam Up: V&T #25 and Inyo #22 Steam Train Rides with the ‘Glenbrook’ Under Steam for public viewing at the Nevada State Train Museum (museum open 9am-4:30pm; Train Rides available from 10am-4pm; All-inclusive wristbands featuring unlimited train rides and museum admission $15 Adults, $9 Children 12 to 17, $5 Children 4 to 11 years old, Children 3 years old and under are free; Standard museum admission and train fares will also be available)
• — Civil War Days in Virginia City: Civil War Camp in Miner’s Park (9am-11:30am; free, open to the public) Labor Day Parade down ‘C’ Street (12pm) The Battle for ‘C’ Street (civil war skirmish following parade, approx. 12:30pm) Final Battle Train (2:15pm; $28)
• — Bowling and Shoe Rental Specials (9am-10pm at Carson Lanes; 9am-5pm at Gold Dust West)
• — Annual Labor Day Weekend Blizzard Ski and Snowboard Sale at Heavenly's California Main Lodge at the top of Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe (10am-2pm)
• — 30th Annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Victorian Square, Sparks (10:30am-5pm, Live Music begins at 11am, Blind Mile headlining; Awards announced at 2pm; Admission, parking, shuttles and entertainment are free; Full schedule and information at: https://nuggetribcookoff.com/ )
• — All Day Happy Hour in the Fox’ Den at the Fox Brewpub (11am-10pm)
• — Mimosa Monday all day at Ed’s Doghouse
• — Live Music with the Hoboes featuring Brother Dave on Octaplex, CW on old time banjo, and The Doctor on bones at A to Zen: 1803 N. Carson St. (12pm; see the live broadcast on the A to Zen Facebook Page)
• — Annual Labor Day Parade down ‘C’ Street in Virginia City (12pm, followed by ‘The Battle for “C” Street’)
• — Martini Monday at Red’s Old 395 (3pm-6pm; half priced martinis)
• — Tenth annual Interfaith Potluck Picnic and Food Drive on the lawn of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church: corner of Division and Telegraph (4pm-6pm, All members of the community are invited and encouraged to attend; please bring a main dish, salad, side dish, or dessert to share in the potluck; bring your own plates, water cup/drinks, eating utensils, and lawn chair; nonperishable food donations to benefit FISH - Friends in Service Helping; Participating faith-based congregations include: Baha'i, Buddhist, Catholic, Episcopal, Hindu, Islam, Jewish, Latter-day Saints, Lutheran, Methodist, Nazarene, Presbyterian, Scientist, Sikh, and Unity)
• — Live Music featuring Chris Twomey in the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (6pm-10pm)
• — High Sierra Swing Dance Club’s Night Out at the Eleventh Frame Lounge inside Carson Lanes (no lessons this week; open dancing 7:30pm-10pm, Free)
• — Karaoke with J and M Productions at the Fox Brewpub (8pm-close; all ages; drink specials)