The Spoke Bar

October is behind us and this November weekend kicks off the holiday season with craft fairs, art shows, and plenty of fun. Get a jump on those New Year’s resolutions by participating in the first of the ‘Be Bold, Run in the Cold’ 5 or 10K runs that Ascent Runs is sponsoring. Wine walk your way into autumn in our newly renovated downtown. Have a great weekend, Carson City, and keep reading for all of the local happenings.

SATURDAY:

Happy Birthday Nevada. My favorite holiday has arrived, and with it a mountain of fun to be had. Normally my weekend list is sorted by chronological start time, but for this one I will be separating out the downtown parade related activities for your ease. Keep reading and have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Parade Day Fun Stuff in Downtown Carson City:

• BAWN Pancake Breakfast Buffet at Red’s Old 395 (6am-10am; $6/$3 kids)

Even though Carson City is awash with Nevada Day festivities, Halloween is just as important. Here is an updated list of all the reasons to throw on a costume Saturday through Monday in Carson City and the surrounding valleys. Remember, rain is expected on Friday and Sunday, so consider an umbrella if you don’t want your make-up to run!
Adults only parties are in italics.

It’s that time of year again. The ghosts and ghouls come out of hiding and paint the town orange. Halloween isn’t just one night around here. Combined with the festivities of Nevada Day, you can be sure to enjoy at least a week’s worth of celebrating.

Here is a comprehensive list of fall festivals, Halloween parties, and fun for all. Items in italic are for those 21 and older only.

Saturday, Oct. 22:

Hold onto your broomstick, this weekend is bound to sweep you up in Halloween fun. First you’ll need a pumpkin. The Harvest Train Festival and Pumpkin Patch at the Nevada State Railroad Museum is a good place to start. Take the costumed kids to a Trunk or Treat at Advantage Auto Works off Old Hot Springs Road courtesy of the members of Carson Cruise Meet and Greet. Team up with Mark Twain for a ghostly tour of our haunted downtown or you can choose a shorter tour that’s perfect for families. Keep reading, this is just the tip of the candy corn.

SATURDAY:

I’m usually a lover of sunny days, but right now I say bring on the rain. The moisture is a welcome help to our heroic firefighters in Lake Tahoe and Washoe Valley. Because of the wet weather and the recent fires, some activities have been postponed: most notably the Advocates to End Domestic Violence’s Annual Light After Dark Run. There are still plenty of things to occupy your time, but the weather may force more cancellations.

SATURDAY:

• Nevada Day Treasure Hunt: today’s clue at http://www.nvdaytreasurehunt.com/

The weekend is here and you’ll find plenty to do in Carson City and the surrounding valleys. Run from zombies in Virginia City as the REDRUN obstacle race returns. Find the perfect pumpkin at the annual Seeliger Elementary Pumpkin Patch. The long-awaited Animal Shelter has been built and is now home to adoptable pets waiting for a home: take a tour at their open house after the 10 a.m. ribbon cutting. Keep reading and you’ll find a great way to enjoy the weekend.

SATURDAY:

• Nevada Day Treasure Hunt: today’s clue at http://www.nvdaytreasurehunt.com/

Good luck, Carson City. The options for this weekend are endless, but you can’t be everywhere at once. CASI’s annual Pooch Plunge at the Carson Aquatic Center is always a fun time for your furry friends. Red’s Old 395 welcomes back the THiNK PiNK kick-off to breast cancer awareness month. Downtown you’ll find the wine walk, a rummage sale at the Veterans Memorial Hall, and the Fall Vintage Market at Due Sorella. Toast the season at Fandango: Oktoberfest has returned. Keep reading and be prepared to make some hard choices.

SATURDAY:

Street Vibes and the Candy Dance are always the endcap to September. Arts and crafts take over the small hamlet of Genoa this weekend; get a jump on your holiday gift list. All the other corners of Northern Nevada are a playground for the thousands of motorcycle riders and enthusiasts here to enjoy the bike rally. Battle Born Harley on Research Way offers a huge party without ever leaving the valley. Those two events are hardly all that Carson City and our neighboring counties have to offer, however. Keep reading for more fun than you’ll know what to do with.

SATURDAY:

Whoa doggy, what a weekend. Dayton Valley Days, the Steampunk Ball and Parade in Virginia City, and the Western Heritage Festival at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether it’s in Carson City, or just over the hill in one of our neighboring counties, you’ll find something fun to do. Read on.

SATURDAY:

Welcome to the weekend, Carson City. Happenings, going-ons, and to-dos can be found all over. Early birds catch the Great Reno Balloon Race, while night owls can enjoy karaoke and live music. Kids won’t want to miss out on the Young Eagle flights at the Carson Airport, just make sure to get there on time. Learn about Roswell at the WNC Observatory or meet Author Sandie LaNae at Artsy Fartsy. Our valley offers something for everyone, keep reading and see.

SATURDAY:

There are multiple ways to say farewell to summer this weekend. The Best in the West Rib Cook-off is a local favorite, as is the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival. It has finally cooled down a little, so the Downtown Carson Wine Walk is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Keep reading and have a great time.

SATURDAY:

The kids deserve some fun for surviving their first week back at school, and Carson City delivers. The first annual Northern Nevada Family Fun Day takes over Mills Park with music, a kids zone, activities, food, raffles, and much more. Check out the Bowling Blast Off at Carson Lanes for a Car Show, bowling specials, and fun. Once the sun sets, Washoe Lake State Park offers a basic astronomy lesson and some celestial viewing. Keep reading: there’s something for everyone this weekend.

SATURDAY:

Are you ready for the new school year? One last weekend of summer break before the kids of Carson City head back, so make the most of it. Jazz and Beyond takes it up a notch in its final few days with eight hours of non-stop music downtown. Western Nevada College new soccer team plays its first home game today against Folsom Lake Community College. Head to Carson High for the inaugural ‘A Place to Shine’ Show and Shine for fun for the whole family. Keep reading, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The weekend has arrived and there are festivals everywhere. A Basque Festival and Picnic can be found in Gardnerville. Bowers Mansion hosts a Bluegrass Festival for the 31st year. Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival returns to King Beach for the weekend. The Annual Jazz and Beyond Music Festival has infiltrated the whole valley with musicians. Check out the Douglas County Junior Rodeo or Carson Valley Ag Day in Gardnerville. Continue on down the list for all of the area’s happenings.

SATURDAY:

Are you ready for the weekend? The weekend is sure ready for you with the monthly Downtown Wine Walk, the final Levitt Amp Concert the Brewery Arts Center, and the Wild West Rodeo at Fuji Park. Live music galore, classic cars, theater, dancing and so much more await. Continue on for the low down.

SATURDAY:

• Hot August Nights
• Annual Rummage Sale at Saint Gall’s Catholic Church: 1343 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville (7am-3pm)

I can understand if your plans for the weekend include sitting half-naked in front of a swamp cooler with an icy beverage. It has been quite roasty these last few days. Let me, however, attempt to lure you out with this weekend’s event list; there is plenty of fun to be found around the valley. Some of your options even include air conditioning and icy beverages.

SATURDAY:

I really hope I’m not required to choose a favorite event. I would be hard pressed to choose between the Nevada Day Parade and the annual Taste of Downtown. Luckily, I can adore them both, and for much the same reason. They are a celebration of community, of Carson City, of our historic downtown and all that it has to offer. In addition to 'The Taste', the Brewery Arts Center goes country with the Southern Drawl Band on its outdoor stage, and Madam Curry leads another downtown Ghost Walk. Continue reading for all that our valley has to offer.

SATURDAY:

Welcome to the weekend, Carson City. The Senior Follies have taken over the Community Center’s Bob Boldrick Theater. Kids won’t want to miss the Capitol City Triathlon: swim, bike, and run your way to the winner’s circle. Celebrate community at the second annual Sassabration and don't forget your bathing suit: the Carson Hot Springs will be free from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. Find a feline friend at the Nevada Humane Society’s free adoption weekend. Keep reading for everything our valley has to offer.

SATURDAY:

Compared to the last few weekends, Carson City is downright sleepy. That just makes it much easier to get around town and explore. Head to Mills Park for the First Annual Polynesian Festival in the Marv Teixeira Pavillion. Glen Eagles welcomes back the Regional Chili Cook-off this weekend; get your fill of some amazing grub and help raise funds for Honor Flight Nevada. Catch one of last few performances of Wild Horse Children’s Theater’s Aladdin, Jr. Continue reading for other great ways to spend your time.

SATURDAY:

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.

Last weekend the cyclists ruled our city, but now the hot-rodders are king of the road. The Rockabilly Riot is jam-packed with activities all over town: the races and booths at Mills Park; a street dance at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar; a tattoo show in the Community Center; a free concert at Gold Dust West; and Burlesque at the Nugget. Don’t think that’s all our valley has to offer, though, keep reading for all this weekend’s fun.

SATURDAY:

Planes, trains, and bicycles are the theme of this Fathers’ Day weekend. Epic Rides has taken over downtown with booths, bikes, beer, music, and more. The Carson City Airport is hosting their annual Fly-in and Open house, complete with hot air balloon rides. World War II aviation buffs won’t want to miss the Wings of Freedom tour at the Minden Airport. Steampunk meets Steam trains at the Nevada Railroad Museum. Keep reading for all of this weekend’s options for fun.

SATURDAY:

Let’s go to the Fair, Carson City. Mills Park is hopping with activity: a carnival, car show, exhibits, music, and a return of the Rendezvous. If you have kids, don’t miss this month’s Young Eagle Flights at the Carson Airport, just make sure to sign up by 8 a.m. Start your day at the Third and Curry Farmers Market, and don’t forget to make your artistic mark on a handcrafted bowl for the Empty Bowls event. Read on for all of your weekend options.

SATURDAY:

Hold onto your hats, Carson City, summer has arrived with a bang. Bikes, brews, bulls and broncs are just a few of the things you’ll find on this event summary. Whether you are looking for adult fun, family fun, art, music, shopping, or something outdoorsy, look no further: Carson City and her neighboring valleys are packed full of fun.

SATURDAY:

• Reno-Tahoe Odyssey (178 mile relay race; begins at Wingfield Park in downtown Reno; legs 24-28 run through Carson City)

Midnight Madness has descended upon the valley, bringing with it a 72 hour softball tournament at Centennial Park. Don’t be surprised to see more cyclists on the road: an unofficial pre-ride for Epic Rides is this weekend. Head to the Nevada State Railroad Museum to see the Glenbrook all steamed up. Take a look at the whole summary: there’s a whole lot of fun to be had around town during this three-day weekend.

SATURDAY:

You can probably take ‘beach day’ off of your agenda. Spring has been briefly usurped by a blustery chill. Grab a coat and hit the town anyway. The early spring farmers market downtown, the Cops and Kids event at the Sheriff’s Department, and the Annual Relay for Life at Mills Park are still a good time. This weekend is jam-packed full of fun, so take a look at the weekend event summary for your options indoors and out.

SATURDAY:

Ready to have some fun? Virginia City’s Chili on the Comstock Cook-off goes on all weekend. For some healthier fare, hit up the Spring Farmers Market downtown. Go fly a kite at Dangberg Home Historic Park, just past Douglas High School on Highway 88; their ‘Something in the Wind’ Celebration is both Saturday and Sunday. Don’t forget to leave non-perishable food by your mailbox: the annual ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ food drive is today. Take a gander at the whole list, there is plenty of stuff to do in the Carson City area this weekend.

SATURDAY:

I am not even going to attempt guessing what weather we have in store. The west side of the Sierras are notoriously unpredictable. You are much better off betting on the Kentucky Derby; and the Firkin and Fox is just the place to cheer on your favorite horse.

The changing of the monthly guard is happening. The first of May is Sunday and Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Music, theater, sports, shopping and more will be abundant in the valley this weekend, so make sure to take a good look at this weekend’s list for all of your fun options.

SATURDAY:

• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Bill Migan 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)