Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar

Memorial Day weekend is finally upon us. Unless there is some freak weather phenomenon on its way, it should be gorgeous. See what Tempest the students of Carson High Drama have stirred up as they perform their annual ‘Shakespeare in the Park’ at the Capitol Amphitheater. The GE Family Concert Series in Minden kicks off tonight with Garratt Wilkin and The Parrotheads; you’ll want to bring a jacket, it’s still gets chilly once the sun goes down.

You’re almost there. The long weekend is just around the corner, and everywhere I go I hear of camping trips and bbq plans. As the weather heats up, Muscle Powered compensates by moving their easy hike to the cooler hours of the morning. Chef Mitchell Tufts has found a new home at the new Cadillac Café at the Silver Oak Golf Course: the Grand Opening is at noon. Author and journalist, David Toll, tells the tale of the defunct newspaper, The Gold Hill News, at this month’s lecture at the Nevada State Museum.

It’s going to be gorgeous all weekend long, and there are plenty of ways to take advantage of the sunny weather. The Annual Cops and Kids Open House at the Carson City Sheriff’s Department is a family favorite with free food, activities, and games. Treasure hunters will be kept busy with the Genoa Community Garage Sale, as well as one encompassing the Saratoga Springs area of Johnson Lane. Lend a hand to Muscle Powered this morning as their monthly Trash Mob tackles the Linear Park Trail. Keep reading for great ideas on how to have some fun.

SATURDAY:

Bike to work week comes to a close, and there is one heck of a party to celebrate. Leave a little extra time this morning to get to work safely, and get some free coffee if you're sporting a helmet. This evening, McFadden Plaza will be filled with riders, games, raffles, and music courtesy of the Whitehats. Stick close to downtown and you'll be rewarded with World Dance at Comma Coffee, or some laughs with Comedian Milt Abel at Carson Comedy inside the Carson Nugget.

FRIDAY: Bike to Work Day/Bike to Work Week

It’s a perfect day to wander around. The Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walk along Main Street Gardnerville kicks off its season with a Mardi Gras theme. Take an easy hike with Muscle Powered along Voltaire Canyon, and your leashed, friendly dog is invited to join. Congratulations to the Battle Born Business Center; their Grand Opening Celebration includes a live reggae band. The Carson High Bands take to the Bob Boldrick Theater stage in their final concert of the school year; go cheer on the award-winning Blue Thunder. You won’t want to miss a special night with the Novelists at Sassafras.

This weekend is for all of the moms out there, and the dads that are also moms, and the women who hold a special place of honor in our hearts. Scoop the family up and find something to enjoy together. The annual RSVP Spring Carnival is an easy choice, but a round-trip to Virginia City on the historic V and T Steam Train is pretty memorable. Find something pretty for her garden at the Spring Plant Sale that the Greenhouse Project hosts each year. Keep reading, there’s plenty of family fun this weekend, and adult fun if you’ve found yourself a babysitter.

SATURDAY:

And just like that, the mercury has slid back down the thermometer. You'll want to have a jacket handy for the RSVP Spring Celebration Carnival at Mills Park, but otherwise, most of this evening's fun takes place indoors. Only four shows remain if you'd like to see Western Nevada Musical Theater Company's production of 'Nice Work If You Can Get It.' Brewery Arts Center hosts rising comedian, K-Von, for a night of laughs. Get on the dance floor at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint. Betty Rocker and Raksha Paksha take the stage at this free show. Keep reading - the weekend has just begun.

I’m in love with sunshiny days. Unfortunately, something cloudy is around the corner, so please embrace what today gives us – as Northern Nevadans, we know that the weather is fickle. Thursdays offer up karaoke at Westside Pour House and Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar – too much fun for a weekday. You may have noticed the hullaballoo at Mills Park; the annual Mothers’ Day Carnival opens tonight, and all of the rides are only one dollar each thanks to the generosity of Dick Campagni’s Carson City Toyota Scion.

Summer? Winter? Flip a coin. I could’ve guessed the rain was coming, my lilacs just started to bloom. Don’t let your parade get rained out though, downtown Carson will march right through this wet stuff. The early Spring Farmers Market debuts today behind Due Sorella at Nevada and Musser Streets. Grab the kids and enjoy today’s open house with free admission at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada. Stick around for the monthly Downtown Business Association wine walk and find something for Mothers’ Day at one of our wonderful local shops.

Get your fill of sunshine today, we’ve got a wet wine walk weekend coming. The stars will be shining bright tonight, though, Western Nevada Musical Theater Company debuts its spring musical ‘Nice Work if You Can Get It’ complete with amazing choreography, melodies, and an exceptional cast. Cinco de Mayo parties all over town offer up food and drink specials, in addition to the fun times that can usually be found on a Friday night. Start the day with a cup of joe or a yummy blended drink at Dutch Brothers Coffee and you’ll be helping find a cure for ALS.

So many things deserve to be in this first sentence: do I mention the annual West Side Bike Month Cruiser Ride, make a Star Wars pun about May the Fourth, or focus on the Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony? What I love most about Carson City is our ability to be outdoorsy, patriotic, geeky, and none of the above - all at the same time. If you don’t find something you absolutely have to check out in today’s “Things to Do”, please look at my list again in a day or two, or sometime next week.

Take advantage of the spring sunshine and seize the day. Virginia City roars with the sound of their annual Grand Prix. Beer and brats aren’t usually associated with ballet, but the Sierra Nevada Ballet makes the annual event at the Brewery Arts Center a great time for all. The Earth Spirit Faire wraps up its weekend of wellness at the Community Center. Head to Reno for a Cinco De Mayo Celebration at the Grand Sierra that features musicians, cuisine, and carnival rides.

SUNDAY:

Hold on to your hat, the weekend is here. If it’s a cowboy hat, head over to Genoa for their annual Cowboy Festival. Plenty of free things to see, hear, and experience await. The annual Spring Earth Spirit Faire lets you celebrate Mother Earth with workshops, holistic practitioners, great vendors, and a raffle. It benefits the Heart to Heart School and Advocates to End Domestic Violence so it’s always worth checking out. You’ll have to keep reading for all of your choices, the spring thaw brings out the best this valley has to offer.

SATURDAY:

Hang in there, Carson City, spring is coming. If you can make it through today you’ll be rewarded with warming temperatures, with Sunday starting a nice little run in the 70s. Celebrate Arbor Day with a tree planting at Mills Park, and if you’re one of the first fifty arrivals you’ll get your own sapling to plant. Afterwards, take a stroll with the Carson City Historical Society and learn about the history of our big downtown trees. Tonight, Carson Comedy takes over the Carson Nugget and the Brewery Arts Center as Dan Gabriel and Chris Franjola bring the laughs.

I hope you didn't blow away. Yesterday's wind gusts were fierce. Take it easy today and enjoy what Thursday has to offer. The monthly lecture at the Nevada State Museum brings Levi Strauss to life. A hike along the Wellness Trail with Muscle Powered will get the blood flowing. Let Chili's take care of dinner and you'll be lending a hand to the Douglas County Special Olympics.

THURSDAY:

• -- Local Government Day AND Alumni Day at the Nevada State Legislature

Holy moly, it’s going to be a busy weekend: busy and gorgeous out. A bowling tournament and the Comstock Shootout Soccer tournament have the hotels and motels busting at the seams. Celebrate Earth Day with Muscle Powered by making a small piece of Carson City that much cleaner; the trash meets at 8 a.m. and leaves you plenty of time to enjoy the day. Rummage and book sales, live music, a fun run and a half-marathon, comedy and so much more await you. Check out the list for all the ways to embrace the sunshine.

SATURDAY:

Have you ever had one of those weeks? Well, thank goodness it's Friday. Carson City will help you decompress and forget your troubles. Students, K-12 and University, will enjoy the free swim day at the Carson Hot Springs. The Carson Nugget is turning into quite the downtown hotspot with a different headlining comedian each Friday, in addition to live music in two places. Check out their newest offering, the Beer Bar, during tonight's grand opening. So much more awaits you today, you'll just have to see what strikes your fancy.

FRIDAY:

Carson City is smoking hot when it comes to great things to do today. Capital City Farm Days takes over Fuji Park with information and presentations for area schoolkids. The Youth Strings Program is ready to dazzle you their Spring Fling Concert tonight at the Community Center. Photographer Fred Howland goes black and white at a special show at Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery. Join Sassafras in welcoming Country singer/songwriter Savannah King for a special one-night only show. You’ll want to keep reading, this is just a small preview of the day’s offerings.

THURSDAY:

Smack dab in the middle of April and the town is officially in its Spring thaw. Easter is on Sunday, so just about anywhere you go you’ll find the Bunny and an egg hunt. To make it easy, I’ve moved all of those events to their own everything Easter list HERE.

The week winds to a close, but the events are all gearing up. Today kicks off the three-day High School Rodeo at the Douglas Fairgrounds, and if all goes well, it should remain dry for our local ropers and riders. Kids will want to test their skill at the ‘Pitch, Hit, Run’ Competition at the Boys and Girls Club. Secret Agents are the topic at the monthly Mike Thompson Lecture at the Plaza Hotel if you’re looking for intrigue.

Strike a pose, Carson City, it’s the Nevada Library Association’s Snapshot Day. Try to swing by today to help your Library capture the many reasons we enjoy them; you may just find something new to explore. Carson High Performing Arts opens their show ‘Godspell’ tonight in the Community Center’s Bob Boldrick Theater. Break a leg to our young thespians; they’ll be performing Friday and Saturday, as well.

Those Easter Baskets won’t stuff themselves. Find something for your hunny-bunny at the Craft Fair and Merchant Expo in the Nugget Banquet Room. Family Day at A to Zen offers lazy Sunday quality time with the kids. Wash the recent storms off your car and help send the Carson High Robotics Team to their next competition when you stop by their car wash at the downtown ARCO. Relaxation is on tap at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar as Roska Entertainment brings you their first ‘Rehab Sunday.’

SUNDAY: Palm Sunday

It’s not the sunny spring weekend many of us were hoping for, but it’s here nonetheless. Start the day at Applebee’s for a Flapjack Fundraiser to benefit the Eagle Valley Middle School Robotics Team. TOCCATA kicks off its 12th season of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion; enjoy free admittance to today’s dress rehearsal at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church. No matter what your interests, this valley offers something for everyone. Keep reading for this weekend’s options.

SATURDAY:

April showers are bringing some unusual blooms to the Legislative lawn. Join Prevent Child Abuse Nevada and Advocates to End Domestic Violence in the annual planting of the pinwheels. We should have a break from the rain by then, but it’ll still be a windy day. Stick around downtown for a special tour of our historic Capitol with Muscle Powered. The storm won’t stop the fun to be found in the valley tonight. Read on to see all your nightlife options, including a free concert at the Sierra at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church and two performances by comedian Kevin Farley at the Nugget.

The Littlest Things in Carson City is more than a petting zoo, it’s a refuge. You’ll find ponies, goats, puppies, ducks, and more at this great non-profit rescue and they are always looking for animal-loving volunteers. Stop by their open house/volunteer orientation this afternoon to check it out. It’s Tartan Day at the Legislature, so don’t be alarmed if you see a few kilts around town. Karaoke at Jimmy G’s, live music at Glen Eagles and Living the Good Life, and Bike Night at Battle Born Harley are just a sample of tonight’s offerings. Read on and you’ll know all that Carson has to offer.

It may be April’s Fools Day, but the fun going on around town is no joke. Get your blood pumping with the Carson Canyon Half Marathon (or Half/Half Marathon if you want something shorter.) It’s Wine Walk weekend, and with the sunny day you have no reason to stay home. The Youth Theater Carson City Showstoppers want to ‘Give Our Regards to Broadway’ during their one weekend only production. There’s too much to mention in this short opening paragraph, so keep reading for all the great things our valley and sister valleys have to offer.

SATURDAY:

No time for fooling, it’s time for another wine walk: thanks to the Downtown Business Association. Every first Saturday over 30 shops, restaurants, businesses, and organizations stock up on wine and goodies and throw open their doors to the crowds of merry-makers. It's always a great reason to explore downtown. The festivities begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 1, and you have until 5 p.m. to hit as many stops as possible before the raffle begins.

They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. We’ve survived the freakish lamb-lion hybrid of March and we’ve survived the week, so let’s celebrate. Laugh it up with Kathleen Dunbar or Geechy Guy; Carson Comedy takes over the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall as well as their regular venue inside the Nugget. Live music, karaoke, and DJ dance parties can be found at all your favorite water holes and hot spots. Meet artist, Mike Bond, at Carson City Art Gallery at their monthly reception.

I hope nobody thought Thursdays were boring: this list will prove them quite very wrong. Art Galleries galore, an author meet/greet, and book discussion, karaoke, and Bike Night at Battle Born Harley. I love Carson City for the wonderful diversity in our many varied interests. Our local game shop, Hydra’s Lair, invites you to movie night. If Star Wars III isn’t your style, then” our worst fears have been realized. We must move quickly if the Jedi Order is to survive.”

THURSDAY:

Spring has sprung, but apparently Mother Nature didn’t get the memo. Join the Carson Victory Rollers at the Carson Mall and take part in an indoor wine walk and rummage sale. Help Hot Spot Yoga and Fitness for Life celebrate their grand opening with free classes, health vendors, a 5K run, and more. Hit the dance floor with the High Sierra Swing Dance Club; their monthly dance party is held in the Grand Ballroom of the Brewery Arts Center. Keep reading and learn what else is offered in Carson City and beyond this weekend.

SATURDAY: