Steam Train

The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City kicked-off Memorial Day weekend with all-day steam train rides.

Good morning Carson City and happy Saturday! It’s going to be another grey day, with a high of 64 and a low of 44. But hey, it could be freezing, or things could be on fire, so I won’t complain! On the docket today we’ve got day two of the Rib Fest, a Virginia City train tour, museum activities, a heroes parade, and more. Check below to see the schedule for the rest of Memorial Weekend, and stay warm!

As we head into a jam-packed Memorial Day weekend, activities and events around Carson City on Friday will help set the mood for what promises to be a tremendous few days ahead. Festivities include the opening day of the Rockin’ Rib Fest at Carson City's Casino Fandango, the planting of American flags on the graves of our fallen veterans at Lone Mountain Cemetery, a weekly open mic night at A to Zen, laughs at the Carson Comedy Club, live music and more.

Here’s an events lineup of what's happening around the Carson City region for the 2019 Memorial Day weekend. More events will be added as information becomes available.

Friday, May 24

Robert C. Gray, 97, of Orinda, California passed away peacefully at home April 3, 2019. Robert was born in Oakland, California to Harry E. Gray and Kathleen S. Carter on August 13, 1921.

Robert was kind, energetic and lived a full life. He was an advanced stamp collector and in 1935 he attended the first Boy Scout National Jamboree at Washington D.C.

CARSON CITY — In the years since Tom Gray first set foot in his dad’s V&T Railroad shop in 1974, the world has seen many changes. “They’re paving over all the dirt roads, old buildings are crumbling,” he observed.

Don’t let finding something fun for Labor Day be laborious, just keep reading. Virginia City hosts a noontime parade to celebrate. You’ll want to stick around as the Comstock Civil War Reenactors wage a “Battle for ‘C’ Street.” Join your neighbors at the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church for the annual Interfaith Potluck Picnic and food drive for Friends in Service Helping (FISH).

Time for some Sunday holiday adventure. The Carson Nugget has something special tonight, a Van Halen Tribute Band plays two concerts in their upstairs ballroom. For a lazy afternoon in the shade, you’ll find live music on the porch of the Genoa Bar. The Tahoe Orchestra brings their annual 9/11 Memorial Concert to St. Gall’s Church in Gardnerville. Virginia City is trapped in a time loop during Civil War Days. Don’t forget to get your grub on at the annual Rib Cook-off in Sparks. Read on for more events for both Sunday and Monday.

It’s nice that the beginning of the school year is almost immediately rewarded with a three-day weekend. You’ll find annual events like Civil War Days in Virginia City and the Best in the West Rib Cook-off in Sparks, in addition to smaller happenings like the monthly Downtown Carson City Wine Walk and a roller derby double-header. If you haven’t made plans to head for the hills, take a look at your options and have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.

SATURDAY:

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.

The last weekend of August holds tight to summertime tradition. Get something fresh from the field at Farmers Markets in Carson City, Genoa, and Dayton. Celebrate the end of summer with La Chamba on the Brewery Arts Center outdoor stage – one more season of Levitt Amp Community Concerts successfully behind us. Whether you want something fun to do with your ‘grown-up’ friends or something for the whole family to enjoy, take a look! There’s a little bit for everyone.

SATURDAY:

We are running out of summer weekends. I know that’s hard to believe right now, but hoodies and everything pumpkin is just beyond the horizon. Grab summer with both hands and go enjoy this beautiful city. The Brewery Arts Center brings Dennis Johnson and the Mississippi Ramblers to the stage for tonight’s free concert. Check out the Railroad Museum for your fill of music and antique motor cars. Car lovers have two shows to choose from today: spectators will be able to enjoy both, but you’ll have to pick one if you want to enter your ride. Keep reading for more summertime fun.

Let’s get August off to a good start. The first Saturday of the month always plays host to the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk, but with the Jazz and Beyond Musical Festival in full swing, you’ll have even more reasons to meander around downtown. The afternoon ice cream social at the historic Foreman-Roberts House is a perfect family-friendly treat before heading to the Brewery Arts Center for tonight’s free concert. Keep reading, you’ll find a little bit of something for everyone in the Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton and Virginia City areas.

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

With the end of the heat wave nowhere in sight, people are beginning to get a little stir crazy stuck inside lying in front of the air-conditioning all day. Luckily, Carson City and the surrounding areas offer many options to keep cool while we wait for high temperatures to come down some.

I have long found it impossible to decide which Carson City event is my favorite: forever waffling between Nevada Day and the Taste of Downtown. Seeing as the annual parade is still months away, I’m going to side with ‘The Taste’ purely for its timeliness. With over forty local eateries participating, multiple raffles at downtown shops, and seven bands rocking every corner of the event, it’s practically impossible to have a bad time. This might be the biggest happening in town, but it’s by no means the only good time: read on for all this weekend’s options.

SATURDAY:

As we head into the weekend, you’ll find a fair number of ways to get the party started. Happy Anniversary to Living the Good Life; they will be celebrating four years of good times with Deception rocking their outdoor stage. For something all ages, head down to McFadden Plaza for live music by Just for Fun. For those who prefer a spot on the stage, check out Open Mic night at A to Zen or karaoke at Whiskey Tavern. No membership is necessary for tonight’s Race for Life with Carson City BMX; all ages are welcome, just don’t forget your helmet.

Summer fun is heating up! Let the kids burn off some energy at the Kids Triathlon at Mills Park. You’ll find all the colors of the rainbow, plus great music and fun times, at the Festival of Unity and Community: Sassabration. Get your grub on at the annual Nevada Honor Flight Chili Cook-off at Glen Eagles, and make sure to check out the craft vendors. The Brewery Arts Center free Concert Series continues tonight with Remember Jones on the stage; bring the family and your friends for a good time had by all. Read on for even more hot summer fun.

SATURDAY:

Triskaidekaphobia: one of those fun words that I very rarely get the opportunity to use. The fear of the number 13 may be a real thing, but you’ll have no reason to fear boredom on this Friday the 13th. This month’s TRIAD program will explain the various services offered by the Nevada Humane Society, many of them available a low cost. Break a leg to those talented members of our community taking the stage tonight: Senior Follies begins its three-show run this evening.

Independence Day isn’t until Wednesday, but the red, white, and blue celebration starts now. For a complete listing of upcoming Independence Day events and fireworks displays in the area, you can go HERE. See the trains under steam at the Nevada State Railroad and ride the rails to your heart’s content.

It’s a planes, trains, and automobiles kind of weekend. Add in bands, bikes and bar-be-ques and we’ve got most of this weekend’s list covered. The Carson City Airport is celebrating 90 years at this year’s open house and fly-in. One of the summer’s best events with balloon rides, cool old planes, and much more: you won’t want to miss it. Beat the heat at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada; all admission fees have been waived today thanks to Carson City Toyota. Summer concerts at the Brewery Arts Center begin tonight with the Original Wailers.

Show your support for Virginia City, Nev., by making a patriotic monetary donation to its world-class July Fourth Fireworks Show. Launching from the Silverland Inn & Suites located on E Street and sitting at 6,200 feet, it promises to be one of the region’s longest displays with visibility from nearly anywhere in town.

This is going to be an epic Fathers’ Day weekend. Carson City Off-Road sponsored by Epic Rides has taken over downtown with everything mountain bike and plays host to a free Music Festival in McFadden Plaza. Don’t miss Arts and Culture Day at the Nevada State Railroad Museum with unlimited rides on the Steam Train, special vendors, and more. Stewart Indian School will be a hotspot of activity with the annual Fathers’ Day PowWow underway. This is just the tip of the iceberg, read on for more fun than you’ll know what to do with.

SATURDAY:

It’s going to be a breezy weekend, so you may want to rethink spending the day at the lake. Luckily, plenty of options are available just about anywhere you are. Carson City has a car show and Brewfest hitting the downtown corridor, and to the south, Minden and Gardnerville are having their party of the year: Carson Valley Days. It’s World Doll Day at the Nevada State Museum with special displays, activities, and a special performance by the local Young Chautauquans.

VIRGINIA CITY, Nev. — Whether it’s history, mining, museums, fine dining or a thirst-quenching drink from a local saloon, Virginia City’s Taste of the Comstock: Food, Whiskey and Single Jack Competition is a delicious rendezvous into the area's famed Wild West roots.

This first weekend of June packs quite a punch: activities and events abound. Head downtown for the first Third and Curry Farmers Market of the season, then wander a few blocks north for Due Sorella’s Spring Vintage Market. You may as well just keep the car parked. With the monthly Wine Walk, Pour for Paws in McFadden Plaza, and Crystal’s Crusade Street Party Fundraiser on W. Telegraph, downtown is the place to be. There are so many options this weekend, so take a gander and enjoy your weekend.

SATURDAY:  

Today we honor those who have not only served, but who gave all in defense of our country. A tribute ceremony at Lone Mountain Cemetery for our Nevadan veterans will begin at 1 p.m. A memorial for our Native American veterans begins at 10 a.m. at the cemetery across the street from the Stewart Indian School. The 10th annual barbecue at Evergreen Gene’s welcomes all comers, and veterans will get 25 percent any of the fun things they find in the shop. Read on below for more happenings today.

Memorial Day weekend is often thought of as the kick-off to summer, but in Northern Nevada we know that the weather is a fickle creature. The weather should be dryer and warmer as the weekend progresses but have back-up plans for your bar-be-que, just in case. From the Downtown Carson City Ghost Walk to the Rockin’ Rib Fest at Casino Fandango, a day hike with Muscle Powered to the Spring Blinky Man night-time costumed bike pub crawl – this weekend is chock-full of fun for locals and visitors alike, for the young and young-at-heart.

SATURDAY:  

It’s going to be a chili weekend, and that has nothing to do with the weather. The annual Chili on the Comstock Competition takes over the tiny town of Virginia City, including a saloon crawl Saturday and the hilarious ‘Fun with the Runs’ 5K. Families will have a hard time choosing between the Cops and Kids Open House and Safety Fair at the Sheriff’s Office and the ‘Kids to Parks’ Day activities at Silver Saddle Ranch. Keep reading, and I apologize in advance for throwing so many great options your way.

SATURDAY: