things to do in Carson

Two local venues, 1 great talent. Bill Wharton has been entertaining crowds throughout Northern Nevada for years. His diverse repertoire of music makes him a fan favorite for all ages. Whether you enjoy country (old and new), pop, rock, blues, or jazz, you will be mesmerized by his smooth, soulful sound. He will have you tapping your toes and forgetting about the unsettled weather.

For those who are interested in buying a home or relocating to Northern Nevada, Chase International’s inaugural “Open House Showcase” on Saturday, June 22 may be the perfect occasion to see some of the region’s best options on the market today, all in one day.

There is something about the start of Spring that makes Sundays seem more pleasant; despite the fact that the weekend is on its downhill slide. There are always pleasant things to do in Carson City come rain, snow, wind or shine.

August comes to an end today, and with it the end of an era. You are reading my last weekday list of things to do. Celebrate the unofficial end of summer with ‘Cruise Night’ at the Carson Mall, some great live music, or a comedy show.

It’s still Welcome Back Week at Western Nevada College; a free BBQ, games, activities, and meet and greet with the new college President will be in Rotary Square at lunchtime. Muscle Powered starts the day with a hike up Kings Canyon Road. In addition to sturdy shoes and water, you’ll want to bring a camera – the views of Eagle Valley are impressive. Start the weekend early with some live music for a good cause. Enjoy Greg Austin on the stage at Living the Good Life: there’s no cover, but a portion of tonight’s food and beverage sales will benefit the Swithwick/Francone family.

The last big weekend of the summer is on its way, but if you’ve got a hankering for ribs, you can get them now. The annual Rib Cook-off in Sparks kicks off five days of barbeque heaven today – keep an eye open for our local champion, Carson City BBQ. Carson City BMX celebrates the end of the summer with a party at this evening’s practice. Songstress, Latisha Lewis, leads the band during tonight’s Jazz Night at Living the Good Life; if you’ve got some chops, bring an instrument and join the jam.

WEDNESDAY, August 29: Things to do in Carson City

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Don’t worry, you’ve still got four months for your holiday shopping, but Santa needs to hire a few helpers. The annual Polar Express on the V & T is getting ready to steam up and they are auditioning for elves etc. to lend a hand. The Nevada Arts Council has a new exhibit featuring Basque artwork; attend this evening’s artist reception to learn more about these unusual carvings. The ESL at Home program works quietly behind the scenes to bring better English language skills to non-native speakers.

It’s time for the students of Western Nevada College to head back to school. In order to help the day go smoothly, you’ll find coffee and snacks placed strategically around campus. Make sure to spend a moment checking out the new art installation in the main gallery: ‘The Surrealist Eye’ is on display and will have an artist reception on Thursday evening. Have a great week, Carson City.

MONDAY, August 27: Things to do in Carson City

As your reward for making it through the first school-week of the year, you’ll find plenty of fun ways to celebrate. Hopefest8 at the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center is a free concert featuring folk/pop singer, Tyrone Wells, bringing awareness and raising funds for local patient resources. The grand prize of their raffle is a brand-new car, so good luck. It’s a birthday bash at Living the Good Life. Wish proprietress, Gina, many happy returns and groove to the sounds of the Trippin’ King Snakes.

Lights, camera, action! The Second annual Jukebox Film Festival begins today at the Carson City Community Center. Two full days of features, documentaries, and short films with music as the uniting theme will be shown at the Carson City Community Center: 30 unique titles representing 29 different filmmakers from countries around the world. Blood Drum Spirit, a jazz band with an African influence, is the focus of one of those films and will be performing for free at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint this evening.

Wednesdays can be brutal: more than two full days until we reach the weekend. Don’t dismay, there’s something cooking midweek that might just keep you going. The Second annual Jukebox International Film Festival begins tomorrow with a two full days of music-centric documentaries, narratives, videos, and shorts.

I hope everyone had a great first day of school. It always takes a moment to get back into the swing of things, so you’ll still want to leave yourself a little cushion when it comes to your morning drive time. If you’ve got little ones at home, consider a trip to the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada; there are many fun, interactive exhibits, in addition to today’s Storytime Adventure activity. For those nostalgic for their own early childhood, the Carson City Library offers a monthly Coloring Night for the young-at-heart.

TUESDAY, August 21: Things to do in Carson City

I don’t often have something new to say about Monday, but it’s not every day that the new schoolyear begins. That’s right, Carson City, summer vacation is officially over. Please give yourself a little more time to get to work: the school zones are back in effect, school buses will be making their rounds, and kids of all ages will be on the sidewalks and in the crosswalks. Good luck to all of our students and teachers, may this year be the best yet.

MONDAY, August 20: Things to do in Carson City

It’s a very special Friday for the kids of Carson City: it’s the last day of summer vacation. Take full advantage of your free time and check out some of today’s activities. Live music at McFadden Plaza tonight features local cover band, Deception. The Bowers Mansion Bluegrass Festival kicks off tonight with a band in the Davis Creek Campground. The U.S. Air Force’s Jazz Ensemble performs at the Bob Boldrick Theater as part of the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival. Free tickets have been available at the Chamber of Commerce for a few weeks, and if any are left, their numbers will be limited.

Thank goodness for Thursday. The weekend is just hours away, but there is no reason to wait for the fun to start. Take a stroll with Muscle Powered: today’s hike will wind through the far east side of Carson, from Silver Saddle Ranch to Mexican Dam. Artsy Fartsy Art Galley hosts an artist meet and greet for Catherine King; enjoy a glass of wine while discovering her newest work. Head down the rabbit hole, and you may wind up on McFadden Plaza. The Carson City Classic Cinema Club brings the recent live-action version of Alice in Wonderland to the big screen on the downtown stage.

Let’s give this outdoors thing another try. Yesterday’s Jazz and beyond performances were moved indoors at the Brewery Arts Center when the rain hit, but I have more hope for today’s skies. Look for The Other Brothers Band this evening in the Comma Coffee Courtyard. Carson City BMX hosts practice and racing at the track in the Livermore Sports Complex; all ages are invited to participate, and one day memberships are available for those who’d like to try it out.

It’s a happening day around Carson City. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival makes an appearance downtown with Under the Radar in the Comma Coffee Courtyard, followed by the Mile High Jazz Band in McFadden Square. Head up the short hill to Silver City for a special hands-on Engineering activity for kids. Join local author Cindy Sutherland for this month’s edition of the Brown Bag Lunch Series at the Nevada State Library and Archives. Freshman, and their parents, are welcomed to Carson High School this morning for orientation, an overview of policies, and a tour.

It’s back to school for our Carson Valley neighbors to the south. Carson City still has one week before the papers, pencils, and notebooks take over for summer freedom. If you have a student in need of vaccines, our Health and Human Services Department offers a week-long, walk-in clinic to get you up to speed. These next couple days come with a fun, mathematical quirk: it’s palindrome week. Today is 8-13-18, the same forwards and backwards. Have a great day, Carson City, you’ll find what Monday has to offer in my list below.

MONDAY, August 18: Things to do in Carson City

It is finally Friday. As August melts away, it brings us closer to the new school year. Carson High returning students are invited to the Senator Kick-off this morning to get their fill of back-to-school updates. Families will love the Movie in the Park; bring a blanket or chairs and come prepared to enjoy ‘Coco.’ Three days of high-flying fun begins today at Heritage Park in Gardnerville as the Splash Dogs competition gets underway. You will always find live music around town on Fridays, but during the Jazz and Beyond Festival, it seems like music is everywhere.

Looks like another great day to stay indoors. The Carson City Library has several activities planned today, and one of them might be what you’re looking for. Story time this morning is for the little ones. Just about everyone is welcome to participate in their weekly Lego Club build. Families will enjoy movie night; just make sure to register online if you’re planning on seeing Peter Rabbit with them this evening. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival is in full swing, so you’ll find plenty of music around.

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. It’s another lazy, hazy day in Northern Nevada. You’ll want to keep your outdoor activities limited when the air is like this, but it understandably leads to a feeling of cabin-fever. Take the family out for dinner tonight at Firehouse Subs on Highway 50; they are raising funds for a local family recovering from a car accident. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival gets into the swing of things with the Echoes Band in the Comma Coffee Courtyard. Keep reading for all of today’s happenings.

WEDNESDAY, August 8: Things to do in Carson City

Batten down the hatches, the smoky days continue. My thoughts and appreciation are with those fighting the multiple fires in Nevada and California. Learn more about our emergency responders at tonight’s annual ‘Partnership in Action’ National Night Out at Mills Park. Free hot dogs, chips, and soda, multiple exhibits and activities, and so much more make this an exciting event for kids of all ages. Muscle Powered has cancelled its evening hike, but the early birds can meet up at the Multi-Purpose Athletic Center for a stroll indoors.

TUESDAY, August 7: Things to do in Carson City

I wish there was something I could do about the smoke in the air; it’s difficult not knowing if the wind is going to help or hurt the situation. Luckily, you’ll always have some choices that let you stay indoors and break routine. You’ll find bowling specials at the Gold Dust West and at Carson Lanes if the kids need to burn off some energy. A trip to one of our local art galleries will bring some color (and air conditioning) into your day. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival features RoseBud’s Dance Band at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall this evening for a toe-tapping good time.

Get ready for all things shiny, whether it be brass or chrome. You’ll find plenty of horns playing during the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival that kicks off today. Just about every event is free to the public and family friendly, so get ready for a melodic few weeks. The historic Bliss Mansion, across the street from the Governor’s Mansion, hosts the opening night Garden Party. Hot August Nights gets an early start in Virginia City with a show and shine and poker run; 400 classic cars are waxed up and ready to impress.

FRIDAY, August 3: Things to do in Carson City

The Washoe Zephyr is a double-sided coin. The breeze is a welcome reprieve from hot summer afternoons and can do wonders clearing the smoke from the valley. On the other hand, that wind does local firefighters no favors if it just helps push the fire line faster. There may be some relief from the bad air today, but you’ll still want to take it easy.

Time marches on. We’ve moved into August, meaning that the end of summer is in sight – even if the temperatures make that hard to believe. You’ll want to continue to take it easy, the smoke from the California fires makes for unhealthy air conditions. Stop by the Carson City Art Gallery this evening for a meet and greet with this month’s featured artist, wood-turner Dave Mills. He will also be demonstrating his craft. Food truck lovers won’t want to miss out on Wheeled Wednesday at the Brewery Arts Center. Let someone else handle the cooking and enjoy some time mingling with your neighbors.

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. Another hot, smoky day is on tap, so you’ll want to find indoor activities and nothing too strenuous. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada offers a story book and craft activity on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; a family membership makes this a great place for summer fun. The Fox Brewpub welcomes all ages to participate in their weekly DJ Trivia tournament; get their early for a good seat and some pub-style eats.

TUESDAY, July 31: Things to do in Carson City

It’s time for a new week, but unfortunately, the air conditions are just more of the same. The summer’s wildfire season just seems to be getting worse. As the smoky air settles in the valley, you’ll need to be much more cautious about your outdoor activity. Let Chili’s take care of dinner tonight, it’s too hot to cook anyway, and you’ll be helping the Northern Nevada Dream Center raise funds to assist those less fortunate. Kids can beat the heat at the Carson City Library with the Happy Notes program, just make sure you register first: space is limited.

Ready for a good time? The Carson City Fair runs all day and culminates with a special concert in the arena starring Journey Unlimited. Car lovers are in for a treat: you can head down to the Carson Mall for their monthly cruise night, or roll into the Max Casino to get registered for the 33rd annual Run Whatcha Brung Car Show. The Trippin King Snakes take the stage in McFadden Plaza for a free all-ages show. Break a leg to the kids of Youth Theater Carson City; they open their production of ‘Bye, Bye, Birdie’ at the Community Center this evening.

It almost seems like the weekend is starting early, with all the great times offered today. The Carson City Fair is in full swing and will offer family-friendly fun through Sunday. Movie-lovers of all ages will enjoy tonight’s Movie on the Plaza: Princess Bride. It’s free to attend, but you’ll want to bring your own seating. Learn more about what lurks in the deep during tonight’s lecture at the Nevada State Museum; Dr.