A to Zen

It’s finally Friday. The annual Salvation Army Turkey Drive runs 6 a.m. until six this evening: drop off your donation at the Max Casino in Carson or at the C.O.D. Casino in Minden. Get to know Supervisor Karen Abowd during her monthly walkabout at the Community Center; head inside to get a peek at the new art exhibit in the Sierra Room while you’re there. The Craft Fair at Carson High School is a local favorite: over 125 vendors, music, and pictures with Santa. It starts tonight and continues tomorrow.

From flea markets, holiday craft fairs to movies and art exhibits, there's plenty of things to do and see around Carson City on this Sunday. Western Nevada Musical Theater take you ‘under the sea’ with a matinee performance of Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid.’ Read on for what what else is happening.

SUNDAY:

I’m not trying to rush you, but the holidays season approaches. As such, the holiday craft fairs, bazaars, and bake sales have arrived. You may as well start looking at that gift list to see who would enjoy something one-of-a-kind and locally crafted. If not for gift giving, these fairs are an excellent way to find fun ways to decorate your home. Other than that, the weekend is kind of quiet, but you'll want take a look at the list and see what catches your fancy.

SATURDAY:

A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone who has served or is serving in our Armed Forces. Further thank yous go to their loved ones for the sacrifices they make. This Veterans’ Day several local and national businesses have some special offers for you: free food, drinks, and even pet adoptions. You’ll find them all listed here. It’s also a Friday, so Carson City has some fun packed into our little valley. Enjoy live music at Westside Pour House or Living the Good Life. It’s a DJ Dance Party at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar.

There is an excellent chance that your devices have already fallen back one hour, but not everything is digitally connected. Daylight savings time is done for the year, and hopefully you’ve enjoyed your extra hour of sleep. Do something good for yourself and enjoy Community Yoga at Comma Coffee or join in the weekly bike ride leaving from Fremont Elementary School this morning. Keep reading, and have a great day.

SUNDAY:

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 Friday, Carson City. Today is the last day of early voting, so head to the courthouse today or wait until Tuesday to make your voice heard. Don’t miss the Fine Arts Faire at Carson Mall: several of our local artists would be glad to meet you. Enjoy some live music tonight: Living the Good Life and Glen Eagles are a great place for dinner and some entertainment. It’s the first Friday which means Improv night at Brewery Arts Center. Break a leg to the members of Western Nevada Musical Theater Company. Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ opens its three week run tonight.

Let’s just call this Nevad-oween weekend. So much crazy fun awaits: whether it’s the celebration of our ‘new’ downtown, Halloween parties for kids and adults alike, or our State Museum’s 75th Anniversary. Start your day at the Museum, hang around for the downtown ribbon cutting and festivities, then join in the costumed fun as Blinky Man hits the streets. Do the time warp at the Brewery Arts Center: the Rocky Horror Picture Show Party starts at 8:30 p.m. This is going to be one amazing weekend, so let’s get this party started.

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:

Get those costumes ready, the Halloween parties start tonight. Ed’s Doghouse’s party kicks off at 6 p.m. and is celebrating proprietor and namesake’s birthday as well. Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar has DJ Mobeatz and DJ Cillo keeping you on the dance floor. Scaryoke at Whiskey Tavern combines karaoke, beer pong, and drink specials for a super crazy fun time. Body-painter extraordinaire, Lynzie Ruckuer, teams up with DJ Brunch Dizzle for an American Horror Story themed party at Remedy’s.

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/

“Legend tells us of an extraordinary leader who arose from the chaos to unite a troubled kingdom. A man with a vision, who gathered knights together in a Holy Quest.” You’ll find that man and quite a few others on the black box stage of the Brewery Arts Center as the Proscenium Players present ‘Spamalot.’ You’ll find great music around town: Jaime Rollins, Whiskey Lung, and Motown Music. The boys of J and M Productions bring karaoke to Whiskey Tavern. Kick up your cowboy boots with DJ Bobby Truesdale at Carson Lanes’ Country Dance Party.

It’s Friday, Carson City. Time to shake off the workweek and take a break. The Trippin King Snakes hit the stage at Living the Good Life and will keep you on the dance floor. Capital City Arts Initiative keeps three galleries packed with new and interesting exhibits. Today, they welcome artist Chelsea Pegram to their space on the second floor of the Courthouse: all are welcome to the reception this evening at 5 p.m. The night sky is the topic of today’s program at Washoe Lake State Park; look up after dusk for a chance to catch some shooting stars.

FRIDAY:

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:

Holy smokes, it’s the last day of September! We’ve enjoyed a summer and now it’s time to embrace the pumpkin, scarves, and all things autumn. Enjoy the nice evenings while we have them with an outdoor concert at Living the Good Life or a presentation on the night sky at Washoe Lake State Park. Sassafras is the place for some bluesy Americana with Muddy Boots and the Porch Pounders. Help cheer on our new Wildcats Soccer Team as they take on UC Davis and shout GO BIG BLUE as the CHS Varsity team battles Galena at tonight’s Homecoming football game. Keep reading for all of our local happenings.

Just like that, the season has changed. Keep a coat handy, Carson City, anything can happen now. Beach weather or blizzard: September keeps us on our toes. Battleborn Harley on Research Way is hosting one heck of a Street Vibrations party: live music, demos, and vendors galore. Swing a club for the Western Nevada College Foundation at Silver Oak Golf Course. Southbound Train arrives at Living the Good Life for an outdoor show, followed by a night of dancing. Uncle Funkle is always a fun time: find them at the Carson Nugget this weekend.

FRIDAY:

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:

Counting down the minutes until the weekend? Your wait is almost over, Carson City. Relax in the Glen Eagle’s Lounge with music by Terri and Craig. Dance the night away with Mo’z Motley Blues at Living the Good Life. For something a little different, check out the Delbert Anderson Trio, a Native American Jazz/Hip Hop Quartet hitting the stage at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint. Get your swing on at Yaple’s Ballroom or sing your heart out at Carson Lanes or Whiskey Tavern. Read on for even more ways to leave the workweek behind you.

FRIDAY:

So many wonderful things happen as the summer winds down. Glow Patrol, camels, ostriches, not to mention the return of all things pumpkin. Enjoy the last of our balmy evenings with the Mark Castro Band on the stage at Living the Good Life. Let Mike Thomas wow you with tales of ‘Undersea Wonders’ during his presentation at the Plaza. Rockabilly takes the stage at Sassafras when the Scoundrels from Vegas get started around 8:30 p.m. Meet Michael Malley at the artist reception celebrating his exhibit 'Silver State Swimmer' in the Community Center Sierra Room.

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:

Camping, fishing, barbecue, history, cantaloupes, music, wine, and so much more are moments away. Labor Day weekend has arrived bringing the Sparks Rib Cook-off, the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival, Virginia City’s Civil War Days, and some Lake Tahoe fireworks. You can’t go wrong with Improv night at the Brewery Arts Center or Carson Comedy at the Nugget. Let the sun go down while enjoying Ten Dollar Pony on the outdoor stage at Living the Good Life. Dress to impress at A to Zen’s Fancy Friday Open Mic. Read on for all of today’s fun.

Back to school week is just about behind us, so do something to celebrate your survival. Southbound Train hits the outdoor stage at Living the Good Life, followed by hours of dancing with DJ Bobby. Cowboy Bobby will get your boots on the floor with Country Dance Night at Carson Lanes. Take the kids to Minden Park for the final family concert in their GE Series: Foreigner Unauthorized begins at 6 p.m. Shine up the chrome for the Carson SYFL Car Show at Bully’s Sports Bar, and catch some NFL pre-season while you’re there. Keep reading for even more area going-ons.

FRIDAY:

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.

Friday has arrived and it’s bringing with it a valley full of good times. The sixth annual Hopefest Concert and Fundraiser at Carson Tahoe Hospital kicks off at 5 p.m. Enjoy food trucks, live music with the Waybacks, and more at the free, family friendly event. McFadden Plaza is where you’ll find Jazz and Beyond’s concert with the Jackie Landrum Band, Living the Good Life is serving up a performance by Prey for Son, or take the stage yourself at Carson Lanes’ karaoke. Today’s list is chock-full of options, so keep reading and have a great day.

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. The United States Air Force Band of the Golden West has returned and will be at the Community Center tonight, if you were quick enough to grab free tickets from the Chamber of Commerce. Join the ladies of Muscle Powered for a mountain bike ride through beautiful Ash Canyon. Hear the stories and legends of the Washoe People in their native language with translations into English at the Carson Valley Cultural Center. Continue on for even more to do.

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:

I hope you like live music, Carson City, because tonight you’ve got plenty of it. No matter what your style, there is someone for you. Take the kids to the Nevada State State Train Museum for Lucky Diamond and the Gents of Jive or to the McFadden Plaza for an outdoor concert with Musicole. Leave the kids with a sitter if you’re going to head to Living the Good Life for some outdoor fun with CV-41 or inside the Westside Pour House with reggae group Whiskey Lung. A to Zen has a store-wide scavenger hunt to accompany their weekly open Mic.

Holy busy day, Batman! Carson City is abuzz with options. Art lovers won’t want to miss out on the Diversity Invitational Photography Show opening tonight at Mystique downtown. Learn about the history of Jazz with a free presentation by John Shipley in the Brewery Arts Center’s Performance Hall. Take the kids to the Carson Library for movie night: The Sandlot is fun for all. Sierra Surgery welcomes you to the grand opening of the new Carson Tahoe Breast Center. And the list goes on: keep reading for all of Thursday’s things to do.

THURSDAY:

Today is a perfect day for the great outdoors. Go explore the Ormsby Fire Road and the Historic Pioneer Cemetery with Carson Parks and Rec. Kids won’t want to miss the Bike Safety Rodeo in Silver City. Enjoy the Mile High Jazz Band this evening in the Comma Coffee Courtyard: special guest vocalists Cindee LeVal, Jakki Ford, and June Joplin make this a ‘don’t miss’ event. Wander up Longview Trail with Muscle Powered for some amazing views. It’s going to be a beautiful day, keep reading for all the ways you can enjoy our capital valley.

TUESDAY: