Things to do

Break up the middle of the workweek with something fun. If karaoke is your thing, then head to the Westside Pour House. Like to dance? Then Country/Pop night at the Eleventh Frame Lounge in Carson Lanes is right up your alley. Get some jazz in your soul at Living the Good Life. Trivia buffs now have a Wednesday option; DJ Trivia starts tonight at Bella Fiore Wines. Satisfy your need for a good love story with The Princess Bride at Galaxy Theater.

WEDNESDAY, June 6: Things to do in Carson City

It’s not just Friday, it’s the very first day of June and I love June. We are already off to a great start with the first of the Friday at Third concerts tonight in McFadden Plaza. Shane Dwight is back to perform for this free, family friendly event. The NEA sponsored Carson Big Read event comes to a close tonight with a free showing of 2010’s movie, True Grit in the Community Center Theater. Take the kids to the Children’s Museum for a special Night of Magic with Phoenix Phenomenal.

Let’s try this again. Last week, the rain was a little too much for the Westside Cruise, so the organizers postponed it until today. The annual Westside Cruise ia a part of Bike Month, and one of the zanier events. Dress you and your bike up and head off to explore the historic district. Happy one year Anniversary to Battle Born Social. The restaurant and lounge will be celebrating with cocktails, appetizers and more; there is a $20 cover for the event, but that money will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada and Carson City Senior Center's Meals on Wheels program.

I hate to be a tease, but I just have to say something about this upcoming weekend. Friday night brings us the Fox Brewpub's first summer concert featuring Shane Dwight in McFadden Plaza, the Broncs and Bulls Smackdown at Fuji Park, or the kick off to Street Vibrations Spring Rally at Battle Born Harley. Saturday welcomes the first Third and Curry Farmers Market of the year, the monthly Wine Walk, and Dayton’s annual Oodles of Noodles Festival and Pasta Cook-off.

Today is definitely an out-doorsy kind of day: two Muscle Powered hikes, the Ladies Ash Canyon Bike Ride, and the annual Bike Month Full Moon Night Mountain Bike Ride. Early voting for the 2018 Primary has begun, and all registered Carson City voters can head down to the Clerks office in the Courthouse to cast their ballot. If you’re in Minden, or up for a short drive, check out the Farmers Market on Esmerelda Street. It runs from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to grab something fresh to throw in with dinner.

Don’t let the weather fool you. Once we get past the gloomy skies of today, we’re on track for a beautiful Memorial Day weekend. The inaugural Rockin’ Rib Fest at Fandango begins this afternoon and runs until Monday, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to sample some grilled bbq. The Proscenium Players begin their run of ‘The Hit’ in the Brewery Arts Center’s Black Box Theater; break a leg. Lend a hand to our various Veterans’ organizations this afternoon as they plant flags on the graves of those who served in the Lone Mountain Cemetery: many hands make light work.

UPDATE: WESTSIDE CRUISER RIDE POSTPONED UNTIL THUR 5/31 at 5:30 pm With severe thunderstorm warnings and a flood watch in effect, I feel that it is safer to err on the side of caution. We will hold the ride next week same place and time (BAC 5:30 pm), just one week later (Thur 5/31).
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Lightning in Northern Nevada, while pretty to see in the sky, can be devastating once it strikes ground. We don’t have the same negative thoughts about thunder, though, especially when talking about Blue Thunder, the award-winning band from Carson High. See what the rumble is about during their free spring concert this evening in the Bob Boldrick Theater. 3-D Printing is a brand-new technology, and almost something out of science-fiction.

Western Nevada College may be finished with its semester, but they don’t just shutter the doors and pack it in. Go check out the Bristlecone Art Gallery where you’ll find a plethora of True-Grit inspired artwork: it’s pretty spectacular what these artists have done with a simple deck of playing cards. It may be a little too wet for this evening’s Muscle Powered hike, but you’ll find other opportunities to burn off a little steam. Try Carson Lanes Country/Pop Dance Night, or try your hand at all-ages trivia at the Fox Brewpub or Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint.

A hearty congratulations goes out to those of the graduating class of Western Nevada College. This morning, Governor Brian Sandoval, will be the featured speaker at the commencement where 539 students will be granted their degrees. You can find a list of graduates HERE. Join the Healthy Communities Coalition this evening for their monthly cooking class.

We’re in for another gray day, but that won’t affect the fun to be had. Bike to Work Week always ends in a big bash. Head down to McFadden Plaza, even if you didn’t take the challenge personally. You’ll find live music, raffles, bike games, and too much fun. Western Nevada Musical Theater Company returns for another weekend of Singin’ in the Rain at the Bob Boldrick Theater. Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours are waiting to entertain you at the Brewery Arts Center. There may be some balcony seating still available, but tickets are very limited.

The 20th Anniversary Senior Celebration will be held today in the Carson Nugget; free for all to attend, you’ll have the chance to visit a variety of booths with information and resources. After yesterday’s freakish hailstorm, we may as well be ready for anything. More thunderstorms might be on the way this afternoon, but I can’t promise they follow any kind of schedule. The first of the season Third Thursday Wine Walk in downtown Gardnerville is this afternoon, and you may want to bring an umbrella as you sip and stroll.

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. Let Chili’s take care of lunch or dinner today and you’ll be helping take care of the Boys and Girls Club, just let your server know you are there for their Give Back Fundraiser. Cyclists and pedestrians are invited to join the Ride (and Walk) of Silence this evening. It’s meant to bring awareness to safety issues faced by everyone sharing the road. The Historical Society of Dayton Valley continues their lecture series with a presentation by Laura Tennant. Learn about Dayton’s History as a Chinatown and how that contributed to the town it is today.

Carson City is in the midst of the NEA’s Big Read, with True Grit by Charles Portis at the designated book. Julie Buntin’s tome, ‘Marlena: A Novel,’ is the chosen Nevada Reads book, and Nevada Humanities has brought the author here for a discussion and reading. Find Ms. Buntin at the Nevada State Library and Archives at lunchtime or hear her thoughts at the Minden Library this evening. Keep an eye to the skies if you’re interested in today’s Muscle Powered hikes; they will walk on the indoor track at the Multi-purpose Athletic Center if it’s rainy.

I hope that everyone had a great weekend. Now it’s time to start Bike to Work Week. Set out on your commute a little earlier and do something healthy. Take some time to check out the multiple art exhibits that we have around town; Writing from Mars in the Carson City Courthouse will be gone by the end of the month. If you’d like to be more involved in our community theater activities, attend the monthly board meeting of the Proscenium Players. They always welcome an extra pair of helping hands.

MONDAY, May 14: Things to do in Carson City

'Singin in the Rain' is probably one of my favorite movies, but I have no doubt that the Western Nevada Musical Theater Company has taken the classic to new heights. Get tickets now if you'd like to catch their production, they are known for sold-out shows. Funnel cakes, Ferris Wheels, and more are waiting for you at Mills Park. A carnival is a great way to help Mom celebrate her special day.

Bike Month in Carson City always brings fun community activities, including the annual Celebrity Invitational Bike Ride. Strap on a helmet and join some of our town’s notables on a ride through the historic west side. Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery is holding a reception for Jean Kvam, whose oils, pastels, and pottery will be on prominent display. The Historical Societies in Dayton and Douglas County are hosting lectures this evening: you just have to decide between learning about the Nevada Women’s Project or artist Hans Mayer Kassel.

This week is just flying by and the weekend is just around the corner. Mothers’ Day is this Sunday and there will be plenty of ways to spoil Mom. A trip to Virginia City on the V & T Steam Train is always memorable. The annual RSVP Spring Celebration Carnival opens tomorrow in Mills Park.

It’s Bike Month in Carson City, and the ladies’ Tuesday bike ride up Ash Canyon has returned for the season. You’ll need a helmet and a trail-ready bike if you’d like to join in. A hike up Goni Road with Muscle Powered will be worth the views and a good work-out. Mile High Jazz Band has teamed up with vocalist Jakki Ford for this month’s performance; you’ll find them tonight at Living the Good Life. Learn more about how the internet affects our lives during the free presentation by Sierra Nevada Forums.

TUESDAY, May 8: Things to do in Carson City

Make this Monday a pizza kind of day. The annual Relay for Life relay is just around the corner, and the Pizza Factory on Highway 50 is helping out the cause by donating a portion of tonight’s proceeds to the organization. Mother’s Day is coming up fast and the Carson Mall would like to lend a hand. You’ll find a vendor craft fair set up all week to help you find something special. Community Yogi has yoga classes for all levels at various locations throughout the week.

You may have noticed a few blue porch lights in your neighborhood; it’s a way to offer support for our local law enforcement officers. Today, those who have lost their lives in the line of duty will be honored at the Law Enforcement Memorial on the Nevada Capitol grounds with a ceremony, presentation of the colors, and taps.

The Nursing program at Western Nevada College is one of the state’s best. Attend today’s informational meeting and walk away knowing everything you’ll need to do for a career in the medical field.

I’m ready for spring. My allergies don’t seem to be as enthusiastic, but I love watching our valley awaken from its gray winter slumber. Muscle Powered’s guided hikes are a great way to explore our town and learn about the many trails hidden in the hills. The Carson City Classic Cinema Club gets an extra-special visitor at tonight’s film viewing; STRAZZ, the Carson City Symphony’s Youth String Orchestra will be performing before ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ lights up the screen. Sandie LaNae and Arlene La Ferry are the featured authors at Browsers Corner Book Store this evening.

April is making on last-ditch effort to get some showers in for our May flowers. It’s not expected until this afternoon, though, so this morning’s groundbreaking at Telegraph Square should go off without a hitch. Be prepared for the westside of downtown Carson City to be a little messy for the next few months as the streetscape project gets underway, but it should be ready by Nevada Day. Let the Fox Brewpub take care of dinner tonight and stick around for their family-friendly karaoke.

I may be dating myself, but I’ve got John Denver’s voice stuck in my head singing ‘Plant a tree for your tomorrow.’ It’s Arbor Day, so Mayor Bob Crowell will be doing just that, planting a tree in Mills Park. The kids of Wild Horse Children’s Theater continue their successful run of Junie B. Jones at the Brewery Arts Center - it’s their final weekend, so don’t miss out. Maddie’s Adoption Days is a state-wide event trying to find forever homes for dogs and cats; you’ll find several local shelters and rescues participating in the free adoption days.

The Carson City Symphony’s Youth Strings Ensemble takes to the stage today for their spring concert, Music is for Life (Goes to the Movies), where you will hear them perform selected scores from our favorite cinema classics like James Bond and the Sound of Music. Teens can learn more about Geology during today’s STEM program at the Carson City Library, and those with a Sewing Certification can join in today’s workshop and walk away with a handy zippered bag.

It’s Denim Day in Nevada, which is just a way to show support for the survivors of sexual assault and bring awareness to the issue. Your early morning coffee might even come with a specially made heat sleeve in honor of the occasion. The Carson City Library is continually bringing something new to our community. Today, you can get certified to use their laser cutter and engraver in the new Maker Space, or you can get a dose of some international flavor. Their Diversity in Action program features Peruvian and Latin American Folkloric music, and is suitable for all ages.

The Senior Center recently hosted ‘Carson’s Got Talent,’ so they know the caliber of performers hidden in our midst. Auditions for their annual show, Senior Follies, continue this evening and are open to all ages. CCAI’s art exhibit in the Community Development Building on E. Proctor features work from several high school artists. Join them in celebrating this young talent at a reception tonight. The day should be gorgeous; a hike with Muscle Powered is the perfect way to embrace the spring.

The first day of the week marks the end of a season for Youth Theater Carson City. The year featured shows like Singing in the Rain, Jr. and Willy Wonka, Jr, and last summer’s Into the Dark, not to mention performances at Disneyland by their elite troupe: the Showstoppers. Help them celebrate another great year tonight’s Anniversary Bash and Awards Ceremony with show-stopping entertainment and cake. Something’s cooking in Dayton. The monthly Healthy Community’s Coalition’s free cooking class will teach you how to make something new, and then let you try all the dishes, as well.

‘Break a leg’ to the talented kids in Wild Horse Children’s Theater. Their newest production, ‘Junie B. Jones, Jr.' opens at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall tonight. The Reno Coin Club has returned to the Nevada State Museum for it’s annual National Coin Week celebration with lectures, demonstrations, and foreign coins for kids. It’s a BINGO kind of night. Dayton High School is raising funds for their Safe Grad Night with a huge raffle and plenty of family-friendly BINGO fun. Join the Carson Victory Rollers roller derby girls at Battle Born Social for a Friday Night BINGO Bash.