I Love Carson City’s Labor Day Weekend Event Summary: Sept. 2 - 4

Summer is holding on for dear life, and sending a miniature heat wave our way for this long weekend. For those of you not in Black Rock City, the Carson City region offers plenty of recreation and entertainment. Downtown will be hopping with the Farmers Market, monthly Wine Walk, and this season’s last outdoor concert at the Brewery Arts Center – and that’s just Saturday! Keep reading for three days of good times.

SATURDAY:

• -- California Free Fishing Day
• -- Revolution Dog Sports Rat-tacular Barn Hunt at Fuji Park
• -- Fifth annual Americans for Wounded Veterans Golf Tournament at Silver Oak Golf Course (registration 7:30am, shotgun start 8:30am; four-man scramble, best ball format; $95 includes morning refreshments, lunch and more; proceeds to benefit the Nevada Military Support Alliance)
• -- Breakfast and Bowling at Carson Lanes (breakfast served 7:30am -11am, unlimited bowling 9am-12pm; $13, $8 kids 8 and younger)
• -- Coffee and Donuts with Experimental Aircraft Association, Sierra Chapter 403 at 2500 E. College Pkwy (8am-12pm, all welcome)
• -- Third and Curry Farmers Market (8:30am to 1:30pm; fruits, vegetables, flowers, local vendors, yoga, live music, blood drive, the Muscle Powered Bike Valet and more)
• -- Great Basin Native Artists Exhibit at the Carson Visitor Center (9am-6pm; featuring art by Linda Eben Jones, Joyce McCauley, Steve Nighthawk, Tork Rains and Brandy McDaniels)
• -- Heavenly Village Carnival, Art and Music Festival, and Car Show in South Lake Tahoe (Rides and Games open at 1pm; Art Show, carnival midway, performers, car show, art show and two live music stages)
• -- 31st annual Blizzard Ski and Snowboard Sale at the Heavenly's California Main Lodge at the Top of Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe (9am-5pm)

It’s a cannon blast from the past in Virginia City as Civil War Reenactors take us back to yesteryear on the Comstock. Take a trip on the V and T to see one of their battles, or dress in your finest Victorian finery for High Tea with General Grant.

• -- Virginia City’s Civil War Days: Civil War Camp in Miner’s Park (9am-5pm; free, open to the public) First Train Battle (11:20am, $25) Victorian High Tea in the Senior Center (1:30pm, $25) Night Battle Champagne Train (7pm; $30)
• -- Seventh annual Comstock Community Rummage Sale in the Silver City Town Park, Silver City (9am-5pm; bargains, food, fun, and entertainment)
• -- Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Pedal Pushers Group Cycle in McFadden Plaza at Third and Curry (9:30am-4pm; free rides after we cut the ribbon for the rest of the day)
• -- Labor Day Steam up: 1875 Glenbrook Steamed Up and Rides on the V&T #25 Steam Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (museum open 9am-4:30pm, train runs every half hour 10am-4pm; museum admission $6, under 18 and FNSRM members free; train rides $8 adults, $4 kids and FNSRM members; Warren Engine Co. will be selling Hamburgers and Hotdogs Saturday and Sunday)
• -- Virginia and Truckee Round-trip Steam Train Rides: leave from Carson City Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East (Depart Carson City 10am, please arrive 30 minutes early - Depart Virginia City 3pm; $52, seniors and veterans $48, kids 3-16 $32; tickets limited, available online HERE)
• -- Half-off Everything at the Carson City Senior Center Thrift Shop: 911 Beverly Drive (10am-3:30pm; includes Boutique and Furniture; benefits the Meals on Wheels Program)
• -- Photography and Regular Show at the Nevada Artists Association Gallery in the Brewery Arts Center (gallery open 10am-4pm and 6pm-10pm)

All aboard! It’s a steamy weekend at the Nevada Railroad Museum as the Glendale Steam Engine makes a special appearance. Take a ride, explore the museum, and grab a hot dog to benefit the Warren Engine Company.

• -- Depot Work Day at Dayton's 1881 Carson and Colorado Railroad Depot: Hwy 50 East at Main Street, at the light (10am-1pm; Drop in, help as you can - There is something for everyone; for more info call 775-246-0505 or 775-720-4104)
• -- 29th annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Victorian Square, Sparks (10:30am–9pm; 7pm Live Music by the Gin Blossoms on the Main Stage; Free entertainment, arts and craft vendor show, beer garden, and kids area)
• -- Carson City Street Fair at 507 N. Carson St. – parking lot across from the Carson Nugget (11am-5pm; Crafters, Artists, Authors, Vendors, Artisans, Music and Food; free admission)
• -- Family Day at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center: 1477 Hwy 395, Gardnerville (free museum admission 11am-3pm; Join Nancy Raven for Story-Telling at 1 pm)
• -- Final Weekend: Carson and Mills Park Railroad Train Rides around Mills Park (train runs every half hour 12pm-6pm; tickets $2 per person or three rides for $5, children two and under are free; hosted by the Carson City Railroad Association)
• -- When Art Meets Wine: Art Exhibition and Sale at Westside Pour House (12pm-5pm)
• -- Downtown Business Association's 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)

Shops of all kinds, restaurants and taverns, art galleries, and more are on the map for the Downtown Business Association’s monthly Wine Walk. Grab some friends, sip some vino, and enjoy the day.

• -- Wine Walk Special Events: Meet author Ken Beaton and book signing of ‘Every Day, Red and Grey’ at Morley’s Books; Meet author David Kotzebue and book signing of his Strong Women Series; Art Exhibition and Sale at Westside Pour House; Live music by Whiskey and Lemons at the NAA Gallery
• -- Danny Boy the Irish Cop of the Comstock at Piper's Opera House, Virginia City (Performances at 1pm AND 4pm; $5, boxed lunch available for $10)
• -- Carson Valley LGBTQIAP and Friends Weekly Social Meet-up at Comma Coffee (2pm-4pm; Empowering support, love, and respect; all ages welcome)
• -- Saturday Family Movie: ‘The Lego Batman Movie’ 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)
• -- Virginia City’s Civil War Days: Victorian High Tea with special guest Ed Headington as General U.S. Grant at the Storey County Senior Citizens Center: 100 E. Mill St. (1:30pm; $25)
• -- Live Music with Lee Jones at Living the Good Life: 1480 N. Carson St. (6pm-9pm)
• -- Live Music with Catfish Carl at 1862 David Walley's Restaurant and Saloon in Genoa (6pm-10pm)
• -- Live Music with Athena McIntyre in the Great Room of the Gold Hill Hotel, Gold Hill (6pm-8:30pm)
• -- Ghost Walking Tour of Downtown led by Madame Curry – Meet in McFadden Plaza at Third and Curry (6:30pm-8pm; $20 day of tour; please arrive 15 minutes early)
• -- Last of the Season -Free Outdoor Community Concert: Young Dubliners with opening act, Ciana – part of the Levitt AMP Music Series on the Minnesota Street Stage at the Brewery Arts Center (concert begins 7pm; Free; Pets on leashes are welcomed. Bring your own chair, or use one of ours. Food trucks and bars will be available; kids activities and a bounce house, but parents must stay with their children at all times; This Celtic Rock band has shared the stage with the likes of Jethro Tull and Johnny Lang, been featured on multiple TV programs and is a globally known name in Celtic Rock.)

Irish eyes are smiling at the Brewery Arts Center. Celtic rock band, the Young Dubliners, hit the stage this evening. Bring an appetite for dancing, as well as dinner: local food trucks will be serving up something delicious.

• -- Star Party and Telescope Viewing at the Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada College: 2699 Van Patten Ave (7pm-10:30pm; free; weather permitting)
• -- Ladies Night at Crossroads Lounge (7pm-close)
• -- Live Music with Rick Hays and American Steel at the Casino Fandango (7pm-12am)
• -- Johnny Cash and Elvis Tribute Concert with Jimmie Ray, Cyndi Cantrell and Clint Ingbretson as Elvis Presley at Piper’s Opera House, Virginia City (Cancelled)
• -- Live Music at the Max Casino (8pm-12am)
• -- Karaoke with J and M Productions at Alatte inside the Carson Nugget (8pm-11pm)
• -- 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)
• -- Live Music with Adam Traub and the Electric Waddles at the Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City (8pm; no cover)
• -- Live Music with the California Cowboys in the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (8pm-1am)
• -- Karaoke Night at the Westside Pour House (9pm-12am)
• -- Live Music with Tommy Rocker in ‘The Loft’ inside the Carson Nugget (9pm-1am)
• -- DJ Dance Party at Living the Good Life: 1480 N. Carson (9pm; no cover, 21+)
• -- Live Music with Adam Traub and the Electric Wattles at the Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City (8pm; no cover)
• -- DJ Dance Party at Living the Good Life: 1480 N. Carson St. (9:30pm; no cover, 21+)
• -- DJ Dance Party at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar (10pm-2am; no cover, 21+)

The great thing about Labor Day weekend is that it just keeps going. The Best in the West Rib Cook-off offers up family fun, live music, and plenty of bar-be-qued delights all the way through Monday. For those with younger kids, consider a day at Mills Park. This is the last weekend for summertime train rides through the cottonwoods. Join Muscle Powered at Silver Saddle Ranch by the Carson River for a bike or hike this morning. Bring water and a camera, you never know what wildlife will make an appearance.

SUNDAY:

• -- Revolution Dog Sports Rat-tacular Barn Hunt at Fuji Park
• -- Family Day at Empire Ranch Golf Course (Kids play free with paid adult green fee, one for one)
• -- Breakfast and Bowling at Carson Lanes (breakfast served 7:30am-11am, unlimited bowling 9am-12pm; $13, $8 kids 8 and younger)
• -- Muscle Powered Weekly Bike Ride - Meet in the south parking lot of Fremont Elementary School, next to the Linear Ditch Trail (meet at 8am; consists of two loops 10-15 miles long each, this will allow a rider to do 10-15 miles or 20-30 miles; ride pace will vary depending on rider level, but usually about 12-16 mph; All riders must have a bicycle in safe working condition, helmet, and closed toed shoes. 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 St. (bar opens 8am, breakfast 8:30am-11am; $8)
• -- Muscle Powered Weekend Day Hike: Hike or Bike at Silver Saddle Ranch to the Mexican Dam - Meet at the Red Barns off Carson River Road. (8:30am; Flat dirt trail about 3.5 miles roundtrip Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the hike meeting site. All hikes require closed-toed shoes, water and lunch. Hats, sunscreen, walking sticks, and snacks are recommended)
• -- Community Yoga with Allison Reitz at Comma Coffee (9am-10am; $10 cash only; beginners are welcome; Bring your mind, body, and mat; a limited number of extra mats will be available)
• -- CCBMX Racing at the Livermore (Edmonds) Sports Complex: 1555 Livermore Lane (Cancelled due to holiday)
• -- Heavenly Village Carnival, Art and Music Festival, and Car Show in South Lake Tahoe (Car Show Starts 9am, Rides and Games open at 1pm; Art Show, carnival midway, performers, car show, art show and two live music stages)
• -- 31st annual Blizzard Ski and Snowboard Sale at the Heavenly's California Main Lodge at the Top of Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe (9am-5pm)
• -- Virginia City’s Civil War Days: Civil War Camp in Miner’s Park (9am-5pm; free, open to the public) First Train Battle (11:20am, $25) Second Train Battle (3:20pm, $25) Night Battle Champagne Train (7pm; $30) Victorian Ball and Dinner at Piper’s Opera House (7:30pm; $12)
• -- Seventh annual Comstock Community Rummage Sale in the Silver City Town Park, Silver City (9am-5pm; bargains, food, fun, and entertainment)
• -- Labor Day Steam up: 1875 Glenbrook Steamed Up and Rides on the V&T #25 Steam Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (museum open 9am-4:30pm, train runs every half hour 10am-4pm; museum admission $6, under 18 and FNSRM members free; train rides $8 adults, $4 kids and FNSRM members; Warren Engine will be selling Hamburgers and Hotdogs Saturday and Sunday)
• -- Virginia and Truckee Round-trip Steam Train Rides: leave from Carson City Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East (Depart Carson City 10am, please arrive 30 minutes early - Depart Virginia City 3pm; $52, seniors and veterans $48, kids 3-16 $32; tickets limited, available online HERE)
• -- Photography and Regular Art Show in the Nevada Artists Association Gallery at the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)
• -- 29th annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Victorian Square, Sparks (10:30am–9pm; 7pm Live Music by Eric Paslay on the Main Stage; Free entertainment, arts and craft vendor show, beer garden, and kids area)
• -- Kids Eat Free at the Fox Brewpub (11am-10pm; with purchase of adult entree)

Not to rush us toward winter too quickly, but the Virginia and Truckee Railway is on the hunt for this year’s Polar Express cast. Brush up on your carols and head to the Eastgate Depot if you’d like to participate in some magic making.

• -- Final Weekend: Carson and Mills Park Railroad Train Rides around Mills Park (train runs every half hour 12pm-5pm; tickets $2 per person or three rides for $5, children two and under are free; hosted by the Carson City Railroad Association)
• -- Bingo fundraiser for CASI at Carson City Senior Center (doors 11:30am, game play 12:30pm-4pm; $10 buy in, extra packs $5, Special games $1 each; 50/50 raffle and door prizes; lunch available; must be 21+)
• -- 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 Mo’z Motley Blues Band at Genoa Bar, Downtown Genoa (2pm-6pm; outdoor stage, fire pit, rum runner bar, and food available from the Genoa Station)
• -- Pool Tournament at Remedy’s (2pm-5pm; $5 buy-in; APA Rules)
• -- Weekly 9 Ball Pool Tournament at Whiskey Tavern (register 1pm; 2pm start; $10 per person)
• -- Live Music with Deep Groove at the Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City (5:30pm-8:30pm)
• -- Casting Call/Auditions for 2017 Polar Express Production on the Virginia and Truckee Steam Train at the Carson City Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East (6pm-9pm; seeking actors, actresses, singers and dancers age 13 to adult to fill roles of Stewards, Elves, Chefs, Conductors, Hobos, Hero Boys and Santa Claus; bring a current headshot or picture, a theatrical resume, a short song to sing acapella and to wear comfortable clothes and shoes; prior acting experience not required)
• -- Live Music with the California Cowboys in the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (6pm-10pm)
• -- Virginia City’s Civil War Days: Victorian Ball and Dinner at Piper’s Opera House (7:30pm; $12 includes dinner)
• -- Live Music with Tommy Rocker in ‘The Loft’ inside the Carson Nugget (9pm-1am)

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

• -- Revolution Dog Sports Rat-tacular Barn Hunt at Fuji Park
• -- Free Swim for all Veterans and Current Military at the Carson Hot Springs (7am-10pm; applies to outdoor pools only)
• -- 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 www.keeptahoeblue.org/laborday )
• -- $1 Bowling and Shoe Rental Specials (9am-10pm at Carson Lanes; 9am-5pm at Gold Dust West)
• -- Heavenly Village Days Car Show in South Lake Tahoe (Events also include poker runs, demonstrations, sidewalk sales from merchants, food and live music)
• -- Labor Day Steam up: 1875 Glenbrook Steamed Up and Rides on the V&T #25 Steam Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (museum open 9am-4:30pm, train runs every half hour 10am-4pm; museum admission $6, under 18 and FNSRM members free; train rides $8 adults, $4 kids and FNSRM members)
• -- Virginia City’s Civil War Days: Civil War Camp in Miner’s Park (9am-12pm; free, open to the public) Labor Day Parade on C Street (12pm) The Battle for “C” Street (12:30pm) Final Train Battle (2:20pm; $25)
• -- 31st annual Blizzard Ski and Snowboard Sale at the Heavenly's California Main Lodge at the Top of Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe (10am-2pm)
• -- Mimosa Monday all day at Ed’s Doghouse
• -- Final Weekend: Carson and Mills Park Railroad Train Rides around Mills Park (train runs every half hour 12pm-5pm; tickets $2 per person or three rides for $5, children two and under are free; hosted by the Carson City Railroad Association)
• -- 29th annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Victorian Square, Sparks (12pm–5pm; 3pm Live Music with A Flock of Seagulls on the Main Stage; Free entertainment, arts and craft vendor show, beer garden, and kids area)
• -- Annual Labor Day Parade in Virginia City (12pm, followed by ‘The Battle for “C” Street’)
• -- Annual Interfaith Potluck Picnic and FISH food drive on the lawn of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church: corner of Division and Telegraph (4pm-6pm; bring a main dish, salad, side dish, or dessert to share in the potluck; please bring your own set of plates, eating utensils, and lawn chair)
• -- Martini Monday at Red’s Old 395 (3pm-6pm; half priced martinis)
• -- High Sierra Swing Dance Club’s Night Out at NEW LOCATION: the Eleventh Frame Lounge inside Carson Lanes (Beginners Class 5:30pm-6:30pm, Intermediate Swing lesson 6:30pm-7:30pm, $8 each class; Free open dancing 7:30pm-10pm)
• -- Casting Call/Auditions for 2017 Polar Express Production on the Virginia and Truckee Steam Train at the Carson City Eastgate Depot: on Flint Drive, off U.S. Highway 50 East (6pm-9pm; seeking actors, actresses, singers and dancers age 13 to adult to fill roles of Stewards, Elves, Chefs, Conductors, Hobos, Hero Boys and Santa Claus; bring a current headshot or picture, a theatrical resume, a short song to sing acapella and to wear comfortable clothes and shoes; prior acting experience not required)
• -- Live Music with Catfish Carl at 1862 David Walley's Restaurant and Saloon in Genoa (6pm-10pm)
• -- Live Music with Jonathon “JB” Barton in the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret, Minden (6pm-10pm)
• -- Tabletop Game Night at Carson Cigar Co. AKA the Cigar Bar (7pm-9pm; drink specials for players; games rotate weekly)
• -- Karaoke with J and M Productions at the Fox Brewpub (8pm all ages, 10pm-close ‘karaoke after dark’; drink specials)

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 for events beyond Monday, or just wait for my daily ‘Things to do’ right here on CarsonNow.org. 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.