Casino Fandango

All local veterans are cordially invited to participate in a fun three-day retreat at Veterans Healing Camp in Silver Springs, Nev. from March 25 through March 28. There will be abundant opportunities for fun, fellowship and healing. Spend quality time with other Vets who are willing to share their stories and provide assistance.

There is absolutely a little bit of everything this weekend. There’s somewhere to volunteer, somewhere to eat some fundraising pancakes, join in an Asian New Year Lion Dance Parade, Beer Crawl in downtown Carson City, and get your Zumba on. I think the eclectic mix of happenings is one of my favorite things about our corner of the world. Whether it’s the International Film Festival, the Vagina Monologues, or telescope viewing at the WNC Observatory: you can’t tell me there is nothing to do.

SATURDAY:

Gong hei fat choy, Carson City. Today kicks off the Asian New Year, the Year of the Dog. Explore a new culture at the International Film Festival at the Community Center. The afternoon offers independent documentaries, and this evening brings a renown Mexican Film about the life and times of iconic actor and comedian, Mario Moreno. Take a gander at the newly refreshed Carson City Library during their Grand Re-opening celebration. Start your weekend with some comedy, live music, swing dancing, or karaoke.

You can probably scratch ‘hitting the slopes’ off this weekend’s list of options, but you can hit the ‘hill’ instead: Prison Hill, to be exact. You’ll find the start and finish line for Ascent Runs’ ‘Love Can Be Cold’ 5 or 10K at the Prison Hill Southern Trailhead. If you’d rather crawl than run, Virginia City’s ‘Devil Made Me Do It’ Saloon Crawl might be for you. Find something special for your special someone at Artsy Fartsy’s annual Champagne and Jewelry Show or at the Valentine’s Craft Fair inside the Carson Mall.

Carson City Parks and Recreation is stepping up to the plate with pizza and a movie if you are looking for a way to get out without the kids in tow. You’ll want to register for Parent’s Night Out before all the spaces are filled. Hit the town and discover what new restaurants have popped up this last year. Enjoy live music at Living the Good Life, Bela Vita Bistro, or at the historic Genoa Bar. Teens are welcome at the Boys and Girls Club for a night of dancing, music, and a chance at raffle prizes.

FRIDAY, Feb. 9: Things to do in Carson City

Those who organize meetings have long lamented about the lack of adequate meeting space in Carson City. Meeting planners from across the state have long sought to hold meetings in the capital city preferring to avoid the congestion and distractions prevalent in Reno or Las Vegas.

For many, today is all about the big game. For others, it’s just about the commercials. For some, it’s no big deal at all. Either way, I’ve got you covered. You’ll find where to watch and where to bet on your favorites. Today is your last chance to audition for the upcoming production of ‘The Producers,’ so swing by the Brewery Arts Center if you’d like to be considered.

It’s hard to believe that it’s winter with these balmy temperatures. Take advantage of this beautiful day at the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk; grab a friend, a light jacket, and enjoy. See what the Wild Horse Children’s Theater’s elite performance troupe will be showcasing at an upcoming competition during a special presentation at the Carson Mall. If your bookshelves are looking a little bare, head to Dog Eared Books on Fairview where their fill-a-bag parking lot sale will have your reading list well supplied. Read on for a weekend full of happenings.

SATURDAY:

February is jumping right in. Join CCAI in celebrating the newest Courthouse Gallery exhibit: ‘Writing from Mars’ by Rick Parsons opens today with a reception at 5 p.m. Le Cirque Vagabond brings their rock sideshow revue, Asylum, to the Brewery Arts Center’s Performance Hall for a special performance; no one under 18 will be admitted. Choose from a number of venues hosting bands, karaoke, or DJs for a fun night out. If you’d like to be a performer yourself, consider auditioning for PPI’s newest venture, The Producers.

U.S. Senate Candidate Danny Tarkanian will be our keynote speaker Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at the Carson City Republican Women's luncheon meeting. He is running against incumbent U.S. Senator Dean Heller. Danny ran his first political race in 2004 for a seat in the Nevada State Senate.

The 19th annual Carson City Feast of Chocolate is Saturday, Feb. 10. The buffet of chocolate treats is presented by the American Association of University Women, Capital Branch. Proceeds of the event benefit local scholarships and the AAUW Educational Opportunities Fund.

Sunny days in the fifties are okay for spring, but we still need some winter to come our way. Take advantage of the warmer weather during a Winter Hike along Carson Valley’s Pinion Trail with Muscle Powered. Song and dance kids will want to audition for the upcoming performance of ‘Willy Wonka, Jr.’ If you’re a fan of song, but possibly too old to join the Youth Theater Carson City cast, check out the monthly jam in Silver City at their historic School House. All instruments are welcome, in addition to vocalists and those who just want to listen.

It is finally Friday, so let’s kick off the weekend. Start the day at Dunkin Donuts on Highway 50 and you’ll be treated to some free coffee, samples, and giveaways. Kids will have a great time during Books and Brags Storytime Adventures at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada. The 19th annual Senior Fair at the Douglas County Community Center offers up a plethora of information, and is open to the public, no matter your age. You’ll always find a new headlining comic inside the Nugget at Carson Comedy: tonight Alex Elkin takes the stage.

Ready, set, crawl. The Brew Crew’s monthly pub crawl kicks off from the Laxalt Plaza next to the Nugget and includes up several downtown area taverns and restaurants. If your new year’s resolution includes volunteering, the Muscle Powered Trash Mob is a quick, but mighty, helping hand. Learn about the future of the Stewart Indian School Historic Site during an encore lecture at the Nevada State Museum. Flashback to Beatle-mania at the Brewery Arts Center or karaoke at Battleborn Social are just some of your nightlife options.

SATURDAY:

You’ll be ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ all weekend; Youth Theater Carson City’s final weekend of performances is sure to bring down the house. The Monks of the Gaden Shartse Monastery will teach a Tibetan Calligraphy and Butter Sculpture Workshop and hold a Vajravidarin Healing Ritual in the Brewery Arts Center today. Carson’s nightlife features live music, karaoke, Carson Comedy, and west coast swing. Read on for all the details.

FRIDAY, Jan. 19: Things to do in Carson City

Playing in the snow probably isn’t an option for this weekend, but Singing in the Rain sure is. The kids of Youth Theater Carson City present a junior adaptation of the musical favorite this weekend and next. The Experimental Aircraft Association hosts ‘Young Eagle’ flights every few months at the Carson Airport to give kids 8 – 17 a plane ride to remember. Help out the Dayton Food Bank during their ‘Stuff-a-Cop-Car’ food drive at the Smith’s in Dayton; unexpired non-perishables of all kinds are appreciated. Read on and see what else the weekend brings.

SATURDAY:

Earlier this week, we were all 'Singing in the Rain,' but tonight the talented kids of Youth Theater Carson City open up the entertaining musical on the Carson City Community Center's stage. New eatery, Bella Vita Bistro in the Carson Mall, brings local singer, Dougie L in to entertain the dinner crowd. Funnyman, Joshua Fonokalafi, headlines at Carson Comedy inside the Nugget; get there early for dinner and drinks and make it a date night. Read on for even more Friday happenings.

FRIDAY, Jan. 12: Things to do in Carson City

The wife of U.S. Senator Dean Heller, Lynne Heller, will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming meeting of the Carson City Republican Women's Club. She will speak on the "life as a U.S. Senator's wife." The meeting will be held Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Casino Fandango in Carson City with social time at 11:00 am and the meeting called to order at 11:30 a.m.

After back to back three-day weekends, this one may feel a little short. Grab onto the hours allotted and have a good time. The monthly downtown wine walk is a great way to catch up with friends after the bustle of the holiday season. The annual Be Bold, Run in the Cold Winter Trail Series offers the Winter Round-up 5 or 10K. If staying active is a resolution, then a brisk run in our hills fits the bill. For something less strenuous, you can join our Parks and Recreation Department for a Winter Wonderland Walk along the Carson River.

We have survived the first week of 2018, and that deserves some celebration. Put a smile on your face at the Brewery Arts Center: their monthly improv night will have you in stitches. Ev Musselman of the Trippin King Snakes takes the stage at Living the Good Life and will have you on the dance floor. Meet artist Carrie White at the Carson City Art Gallery. Her bright abstract-impressionistic work will be showcased throughout the month. Read on for all of Friday’s fun stuff.

Friday, Jan. 5: Things to do in Carson City

Are you ready to ring in the new year? 2018 is just around the corner, and there will be plenty of celebrations to choose from. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or head out into a neighboring valley, you’ll find it right here. Please stay safe: designate a sober drive, call a cab, or get a ride from UBER or LYFT.

AAA TIPSY TOW: 1-800-222-4357 (Free Tow up to 10 miles from 6pm Dec. 31 until 6am Jan. 1 – you do NOT need to be a AAA member. Stay safe tonight!) 

CAPITAL CAB: 775-885-0300 

CARSON CITY NYE CELEBRATIONS:

It’s finally here, the last weekend of 2017. It’s fairly quiet around town, until Sunday night, that is. Today, Muscle Powered is leading a five-mile half-day hike along Prison Hill. Take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather, and join them. The Carson Nugget is hosting three nights of comedy this weekend: catch Myles Weber on the stage tonight. Head’s up. Galaxy Theater usually plays a movie from the past on Sundays and Wednesdays. This week, we get treated to the Christmas Classic, Die Hard. You won’t want to miss that.

SATURDAY:

A long weekend is just beginning. Tonight, funnyman Steven Briggs kicks off three nights of comedians at Carson Comedy inside of the Nugget Casino. Whiskey Tavern on Highway 50 East hosts a Friday night karaoke party. Enjoy the music stylings of Tom Miller during dinner at Living the Good Life, then stick around for some dancing.

The temperature today will seem more spring-like than we expect for December, but you may as well take advantage. Muscle Powered is headed up Prison Hill this afternoon; grab a friend, a friendly dog, and your camera for a fun time. You’ll always find Thursday karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar hosted by the boys of J and M Productions. Jimmy Rollins takes the stage at Living the Good Life, and Dave Leather sings the blues at Sassafras. Where ever the day takes you, have a good one.

THURSDAY: Dec. 28

If you’re anything like me, there are still plenty of last-minute preparations for the holiday. Luckily the shops and businesses around Carson City are there with open arms. Find something one of a kind at the Carson Mall Craft Fair, drop it off at the Rainbow Girls Assembly #7 gift wrapping booth, and grab lunch while you wait. Breakfast with Santa at the Fox Brewpub serves as a toy drive for area kids and as no-fuss way to get start the day with a full belly. Read on for a weekend full of holiday happenings.

SATURDAY:

There are some fairly excited kids throughout the valley. This last Friday before Christmas marks the beginning of winter break. The Carson City Library invites everyone in the community to participate in the annual Winter Read-a-thon with a goal of 90,000 minutes read (or listened to) over the next two weeks. Sign up on-line or at their kick-off event this afternoon. Comedian John Mencarelli headlines Carson Comedy inside the Carson Nugget, and you’ll find the Rebekah Chase Band on stage in their Loft. Even more awaits, so read on and have a great day.

Friday, Dec. 22

Thursday, December 21 is the winter solstice, making it the longest night and the shortest day of the year. With Christmas just a few days away, the holiday activities are still going strong. Share your wish list with Santa at Red’s Old 395 tonight and you’ll walk away with a free photograph. Your ugliest sweater is invited to make an appearance at the Carson Cigar Company; bring a white elephant gift if you’d like to participate in the gift exchange.

Santa comes in all shapes, sizes, and apparently, vehicles. Hop aboard the Santa Train at the Nevada Railroad Museum. It’s an out-of-this-world Alien Santa at the annual Zen Christmas at A to Zen. A cookie-loving Santa can be found at Adele’s during their annual toy drive for the Ron Wood Resource Center. If your ‘kids’ are the four-legged kind, then head over to PetSmart or Paws to Pur-fection Dog Grooming for your holiday photos. In addition to the Santa-mania, you’ll find a downtown Carson Beer Crawl, two plays at the Brewery Arts Center, and plenty of music.

Friday has finally arrived, and it has brought some nightlife with it. Enjoy the Trippin King Snakes on stage at the Max Casino. The Carson Nugget gives you comedian John Hilder in Carson Comedy and the band Adrenaline playing in ‘The Loft.’ Kids will love the Wild Horse Children’s Theater production of ‘Honk, Jr.’, while ‘Love/Sick,’ performed by the Proscenium Players, is meant for an older audience. Let Roska Entertainment take you into late-night with their weekly dance party in Battle Born Social’s Sage Lounge.

FRIDAY:

Time to make some joyful noise in the capital city. The annual community holiday show at the Brewery Arts Center features John and Cherie Shipley, with the special addition of the Joyful Noise Children’s Chorus. These chilly December evenings are perfect for checking out the lights and decorations around the area. Candy Cane Lane, the drive-thru display at Carson Valley Inn in Minden, runs every night. Nevada Christmas, a private home in the Stephanie Way neighborhood, goes all out with a light show that’s choreographed to music.