Zen

I hope you’re looking for a great time tonight, because it will be easy to find. Head over to the Brewery Arts Center for a special appearance by Delta Nove, a funky reggae-fusion band from Southern California; sign up for a membership while you're there to keep the great performers coming! Fridays at Firkin returns with Road Daddy playing on the Third Street Stage. The Whitehats are getting the party started at Carson Station.

Sunday funday for families! Start the day at the Elks Club; the WNC Student Veteran Club is hosting a pancake breakfast and kids activities. Hit up the Nevada State Railroad Museum for rides on the Steam Train. Mills Park has a much smaller train to ride and plenty of room to run, play, and picnic. Watch the kittens play at Petsmart: SPCA is hosting a kitten party for adoptable pets. A concert with the Mark Sexton Band at the Dangberg Home Historic Ranch is a great way to end the weekend.

SUNDAY:

• Pancake Breakfast and Kids’ Games hosted by Western Nevada College’s Student Veterans Club at the Elks Club: 515 N. Nevada St. (8am-12pm; $5, $3 kids)
• NAA Exhibit by artist Nancy Clarke at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Discounted passes for the Nevada State Fair Carnival for sale at the Carson Visitor Bureau: 716 N. Carson St. ($20 for an all-day ride pass; available until July 29; $30 at the fair)

Thunderstorms are on the horizon, so seize the day and enjoy the sunshine while it’s here. Muscle Powered has organized a monthly trash mob to help keep our trails clean, join them at US Bank to help out. The Ghost Walk returns: meet behind the Firkin and Fox for some local haunted history. Teens will enjoy a ‘Night at the Library’ with pizza and games. And as always, the Nevada State Railroad Museum beckons: this week with rides on the Steam Train available.

SATURDAY:

• EAA Sierra Chapter #403 Pancake Breakfast at the Chapter Building: 2500 E. College Pkwy (8am; $5; Everyone Welcome)
• Muscle Powered One Hour Trash Mob: located at the south side of East College Parkway near the I-580 overpass where the multi-use path meets the sidewalk. Parking is available at US Bank/Dotty's Casino (8am-9am; Gloves, trash bags, and water will be available)
• Weekly Live Auction at Good Time Auctions: 3579 E Hwy 50, Suite 211 (Preview 8am-3pm; Live Indoor Auction 3pm)

Happy Friday, Carson City. We made it through another week and are now rewarded with another beautiful summer weekend. There are some great musicians in town tonight. The first anniversary celebration at Living the Good Life features Toree McGee in her first Nevada appearance. Sassafras is proud to host Wake Eastman and his special brand of outlaw honky-tonk. Grab some laughs at the Carson Nugget: Comedy night welcomes Justin Berkman. Dancers will enjoy World Dance Open Floor at Comma Coffee or swing dance at Yaple’s ballroom.

FRIDAY:

• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E. Proctor St. (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)
• NAA Exhibit by artist Nancy Clarke at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)

Grab your friends and family and head out to Genoa for the last day of the Cowboy Fast Shoot Competition right by the Dake House. Stick around for a concert in the park featuring Dougie L. and the Lost Reverends, but you’ll want to bring a blanket or lawn chair. Chili and Salsa are still at Glen Eagles, so you have a second chance to pick a favorite. It’s your last chance to catch Senior Follies at the Community Center, and the Proscenium Players have a matinee of ‘Murder in an English Manor’ this afternoon, as well.

SUNDAY:

• NAA Exhibit by artist Nancy Clarke at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Discounted passes for the Nevada State Fair Carnival for sale at the Carson Visitor Bureau: 716 N. Carson St. ($20 for an all-day ride pass; available until July 29; $30 at the fair)
• Carson City BMX races at the Livermore (Edmonds) Sports Complex (Signups 9am-10am; $10)

I hope you’re hungry, Carson City. Hungry and adventurous. The annual Chili Cook-off and Craft Fair hits Glen Eagles this weekend, and there will be plenty to sample. If you need something cold to drink, head to 7-ELEVEN for a free small slushee from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. in celebration of Seven Eleven Day. The Farmers Market is always a good bet on Saturday mornings for sampling all the yummy stuff that grows nearby.

SATURDAY:

• EAA Sierra Chapter #403 Young Eagle Flights (Weather Permitting; open to ages 8-17; registration 8am at the Airport Terminal Building, orientation 8:30am; free) Coffee and Donuts (8am-12pm, all welcome) at 2500 E. College Pkwy
• Garage Sale to benefit CASI (Carson Animal Shelter Initiative) at 611 Marsh Road, located at the end of East Fifth St. (8am-?)

What a crazy week in the Sierras! Afternoon thunderstorms for the last several days, flooding, hail, and even snow in Yosemite are definitely unusual for this time of year. The storms are expected to subside this weekend, so keep your fingers crossed for some sunshine. Break a leg to the Proscenium Players as they open Murder in an English Manor at the Brewery Arts Center. Senior Follies debuts this year’s performance, Flashback, at the Community Center.

FRIDAY:

• Monthly ‘Breakfast with Supervisor Brad’ Bonokowski at the Cracker Box (7am-8am; open to Carson City residents, the coffee is on Brad)
• ’New Work’ by artist Pasha Rafat at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)
• NAA Exhibit by artist Nancy Clarke at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)

Over the next few days you will be inundated with options: where to go, what to see. Fourth of July weekend in Northern Nevada is a great time. Kick it off today with the Nevada State Train Museum; a parade of trains and unlimited ride passes. The carnival at Mills Park opens every day at noon and has rides, games, funnel cake and cotton candy; you’ll find a $5 off coupon at the RSVP booth. Head up to Kings Beach tonight and catch an early-bird fireworks display. Go here for a list all of your Independence Day options.

FRIDAY:

• Fourth of July Specials at Empire Ranch Golf Course ($34 includes 18 holes, cart, and lunch)
• Fourth of July Weekend Celebration at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (Parade of trains 9am-10am; Train Rides 10am-4pm; Unlimited Ride wristband $15, $5 kids)

Are you ready for the weekend, Carson City? I know that the Taste of Downtown is hard to beat, but the new Battleborn Brews, Bikes, and Bubbly has thrown its hat in the ring. Live music, vendors, competitions that test motorcycle driving skill and moustache growing ability. The brewfest and tasting is tomorrow night, but the fun will begin today at noon. Shine up your hot rod, the Karson Kruzers’ Run Whatcha Brung Show hits Fuji Park tomorrow, but you can register and show off your ride tonight in the Carson Nugget Parking Lot.

FRIDAY:

• Last day to purchase tickets for the Chamber of Commerce’s 70th Anniversary celebration concert with Lacey J. Dalton at the decommissioned Nevada State Prison ( $40 per person, paid in advance only. Reservations may be made online or by calling the Chamber at 882-1565)
• Reno Rodeo (Ticket prices range from $12 - $27) and Carnival (4pm-12am) at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center

The solstice couldn’t come at a better time: we need some long days to get through all the fun stuff Carson City has crammed into one weekend. The annual Powwow at the Stewart Indian School runs Friday through Sunday, so you’ll have plenty of time to see the dancing, peruse the crafts, and eat an Indian Taco. Don’t miss the Fly-in and Open House at the Carson City Airport: fun for the whole family. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of Carson City’s favorite events: the Taste of Downtown. Music, food, and more from Carson Mall to Williams Street. Have a great time, and be safe.

We made it, Carson City! It’s Friday, and the first day of summer is this weekend. The Reno Rodeo has begun, and there are several days to get in on the action. Tonight, Carson City BMX is hosting Race for Life, and anyone with a bmx bike and a helmet can participate in helping them raise funds for a good cause. The annual Powwow kicks off at the Stewart Indian School with Grand Entrance at 7 p.m. Head to Comma Coffee and celebrate eleven years of World Dance Open Floor: just watch or sign up to show your moves.

FRIDAY:

• Reno Rodeo (Ticket prices range from $12 - $27) and Carnival (4pm-12am) at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

I don’t mean to make this hard on you, but you have some decisions to make. All day, all night, all weekend long, there are numerous activities throughout our area. Take a good look at the list, grab your friends, family, and kids, and have a great weekend. The Experimental Aircraft Association is hosting the Ford Tri-Motor this weekend, and has Young Eagles flights for the kids: registration and orientation is at 8 a.m. Head over to Eagle Valley Golf for free family golf day.

The weather app on my phone says that it’s supposed to be a sunny weekend hitting a high around 91 degrees. That sounds like summer to me! Get out and enjoy our valley and the surrounding towns, there will be plenty of good times. Carson Valley Days has begun in our neighbor to the south, complete with carnival at Lampe Park. Tonight, welcome a new exhibit in the CCAI Gallery at the Courthouse: a reception for the artists of ‘Industrial Arts’ begins at 5 p.m. Meet the Journey of Hope bike riders at Western Nevada College; plenty of activities for everyone.

FRIDAY:

• Industrial Art at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
• Annual Rummage Sale for the Dayton Valley Historical Society at the Carson and Colorado Depot at the corner of Hwy 50 East and Main St., Dayton (8am-6pm)

First things first. Saturday afternoon could be expecting some wet weather, so be prepared. I can’t predict what events may be affected by it, or if the rain will even show up. No worries for you wine walkers, though, downtown will be hopping: rain, shine, or blizzard. Head over to Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery and wish them a happy fourth anniversary, Jeffery will be serving up one of his signature Sangrias. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church won best wine walk stop last month and will have live music. Don’t forget to spend some time inside Westside Pour House: ARTistically INKlined pop-up gallery returns and proves that tattoo artists are first, and foremost, artists.

SATURDAY:

• Street Vibrations Spring Rally: Downtown Reno
• Reno Tahoe International Film Festival – go to www.RTIFF.org for schedule and locations
• Sierra Lutheran High School's 13th Annual Golf Classic at the Silver Oaks Golf Course (7am Check-in, Shotgun start at 8am; $125 for a single player or $400 for a team of four)

I have a confession to make. I love Carson City. I’m fifth generation Nevadan, and have been in Carson since I was three years old. I created a Facebook page called ‘I Love Carson City’ almost three years ago because I was getting tired of hearing ‘nothing ever happens in Carson’ or worse ‘I would have gone to that if I had known about it.’ That is why I do what I do. I am a long time local. I love my valley: the people, the views, the restaurants, the parks, the bands and artists. Community is what community does. We are as great as we want to be. Support your local venues, artists, non-profits, and they can do wonders. Read my list of things to do: I follow almost every local Facebook page and check out over 30 websites weekly to keep it as up to date as possible.

So much is going on today that I don’t even know how to fit it in this introduction.
FRIDAY:

• Monthly ‘Breakfast with Supervisor Brad’ Bonokowski at the Cracker Box (7am; open to Carson City residents, the coffee is on Brad)
• Street Vibrations Spring Rally: Downtown Reno

Where was all this sunshine Memorial Day weekend? It’s going to be gorgeous, so make sure to get out and enjoy all the area has to offer. If you need a new hiking buddy, head over to the Nevada Humane Society: all adoption fees are waived this weekend. Enjoy a ride on the Edwards Motor Car at the Nevada Railroad Museum. Swing for a good cause at the Annual Gourmand Golf Scramble at Eagle Valley Golf Course: Charlie Abowd of Adele’s and his cousin, Jerry of the Cracker Box, promise to feed you well.

SUNDAY:

• 21st Gourmand Four-Player Golf Scramble – Fundraiser for Carson City Community Counseling Center at Eagle Valley Golf Course (Breakfast 7:30am, Shotgun Start 9am, Lunch 2pm; $150 per golfer)
• Comstock Spring Fiesta Arabian Horse Show at Fuji Park (8:30am-?)
• Carson City BMX races at the Livermore (Edmonds) Sports Complex (Signups 9am-10am)

The last Friday of May and Carson City is hopping. Catch some comedy at the Carson Nugget, the Sierra Nevada Ballet’s one woman show ‘Fancifool’ at the Brewery Arts Center, or some live music. The Trippin King Snakes are at Sassafras, Mo’z Motley Blues are at Living the Good Life, and Stereo Galaxy is ripping it up at Westside Pour House. I suggest you take a gander at the complete list for all the happenings.

FRIDAY:

• Reno-Tahoe Odyssey (178 mile relay race; begins at Wingfield Park in downtown Reno; legs 25-28 run through Carson City)
• ‘Forevermore’ by artist Su Limbert at the LXS Gallery in the Legislature Building

Welcome to the weekend, Carson City! Get things started with ska/reggae band, Taking Root at Sassafras; some African-infused blues at the Brewery Arts Center with Peter Joseph Burtt; or Atomica at the Casino Fandango. The Spoke Bar and Grill is rocking with the Remains, and the Chaser Band is playing at the Westside Pour House.

FRIDAY:

• Memorial Day Specials at Empire Ranch Golf Course (free 18 holes with Military I.D.; free bucket of balls if wearing red, white, and blue; free draft beer if wearing camouflage)
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E Proctor Street (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)

Bundle up, Carson City. We aren’t afraid of a little wind, are we? The Dangberg Home Historic Ranch is celebrating our infamous Washoe Zephyr this weekend with kite making, demonstrations, and more. The Friends of the Silver Saddle Ranch would love to see you at their open house on Saturday; if you’re an early riser, join them on a 7 a.m. bird walk. The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is hosting their annual Cops and Kids Open House, so head to the courthouse for some fun.

SATURDAY:

• Bird Walk at the Silver Saddle Ranch: Carson River Road (7am)
• EAA Sierra Chapter #403 Pancake Breakfast at the Chapter Building: 2500 E. College Pkwy (8am; $5; Everyone Welcome)

There is no place like home, and for most of you reading this, that home is Carson City. One of our greatest prides is the Western Nevada Musical Theater Company: don’t miss the final weekend of ‘Music Man’ at the Community Center. Today caps Bike to Work week; if you brave the rain this morning, you will be rewarded with free coffee at several coffee houses around town. The annual Bike Week party is on Third St., by Firkin and Fox, starting around 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Bike to Work Week

• National Bike to Work Day: Free coffee for bicycle commuters at Comma Coffee, Alatte Coffee and Wine Bar, Carson Coffee, Capital Coffee, LA Bakery, and Starbucks (7am-9am; show your helmet)
• Last Day: White Pine County Artistry by artist Dawn Dot Star at the LXS Gallery in the Legislature Building

Canyon Band, featuring award winning singer/songwriter Canyon White, will be rocking the A to Zen Gift and Thrift Store. All ages. There will be raffle prizes and snacks. Opening act, Larrel Barber, starts at 7pm. $5 cover gets you $5 credit in the store. Come by and wish Canyon a Happy Birthday! A to Zen Den, 1803 N.Carson St. 7-9pm on Saturday, May 16.

Happy Mother’s Day, Carson City! Several family friendly events are occurring around town this weekend. Take a ride on the McKeen Motor Car at the Nevada State Railroad Museum or the Ferris Wheel at RSVP’s Spring Fair and Carnival. A Harmonica and Strings Concert at Empire Elementary School showcases what some of our talented students can do. Get up early and head over to the Carson City Airport if your youngster has any interest in planes: Young Eagles flights are happening today if the weather permits.

SATURDAY:

• 23rd Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive (leave your donation of non-perishable food items at your mail box for mail carrier to pick up)
• Greenhouse Project Annual Spring Plant Sale and Live Music with Hick’ry Switch at the Carson High Greenhouse: 1111 Saliman, off Robinson –behind the buses (8am-1pm)

Breakfast is such a great way to start out the day, and local favorite, the Cracker Box, has been serving it up for 35 years. Join Supervisor Brad Bonokowski for his monthly meeting with residents, or wait until 9am for a short presentation from the Mayor honoring the restaurant. Their lunch menu is delicious, as well, but you may want to join Supervisor Karen Abowd during her monthly walkabout of Mills Park instead. It’s a good day to connect with our local leaders! If you’ve driven down Williams St., you’ve seen the RSVP Spring Festival and Carnival. It will be there all weekend, so you’ve got a few days to indulge in cotton candy and fried twinkees.

FRIDAY:

• Monthly Breakfast with Supervisor Brad Bonokowski at the Cracker Box (7:30am; open to Carson City residents, the coffee is on Brad)
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E Proctor Street (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)

The Genoa Cowboy Festival is just starting, and I suspect that’s where Calamity Jane would be spending her birthday. If not there, than maybe up in Virginia City: today marks the first ‘Flashback Friday’ of the year, when all of the museums have free admission. Tonight she could catch some laughs at Carson Comedy in the Nugget or at the Brewery Art Center for First Friday Improv. Saturday she'd likely trade in her six-shooter for a wine glass, because it is Wine Walk Weekend.
FRIDAY:

• ’Drink One for Dane’ Muscular Dystrophy Association Fundraiser at Dutch Bros Coffee
• Genoa Cowboy Festival: A variety of daytime events are FREE at the Cowboy Festival including: Chautauquas, Living History Tours, Musical Performances, Cowboy Poetry, Melodramas, and Historical Reenactments

The U.S. Navy Sea Cadet corps Carson City Division is doing a car wash fundraiser at Dunkin Donuts today from 9-3 on Highway 50 in Carson City. Details can be found here.

The Carson City Symphony presents their Spring Fling Concert Sunday afternoon, with a special meet-the-soloist discussion in the Sierra Room and pre-concert entertainment in the lobby. Bring the kids; admission is free for those 16 and younger.

SUNDAY:

• Virginia City Grand Prix Outlaw Motorcycle Race at the new Virginia City Arena and Fairgrounds: three blocks southeast of the main C Street on F Street
• Sertoma Music and Craft Festival at TJ’s Corral at the Carson Valley Inn in Minden (10am-5pm)
• Spring Sale at Little Monsters Children's Resale Shop: 444 East William St, #1 (10am-6pm)

Just remind yourself that these April showers bring May flowers, and the balmy spring weather is returning in just a few days. This weekend has indoor and outdoor activities aplenty, so you can choose the degree of wind and rain you want to deal with.

Friday at last! Are you ready for live music, dancing, and comedy? Check out the list below to get the low down on all that Carson City has to offer today.

FRIDAY:

• Last Day: ‘The Observation and Conclusion’ by artist Joseph Watson at the LXS Gallery in the Legislature Building
• ’The Driest State: Nevada Watersheds’ by artist Nolan Preese at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E Proctor Street (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)
• Everything Half-off at Browser's Corner Book Store: 711 E. Washington (9:30am-6pm)

What gorgeous weather we have this weekend! Head over to Eagle Valley Middle School for a rummage sale benefiting their LEGO Robotics Team; you may find something fun for your patio. The Spring Fling Stop and Shop at the Plaza Hotel will help you spruce up your wardrobe. Or head up to Silver City for the big closing sale at Doodad’s Emporium. If you find yourself in Gardnerville, the First Annual Summer Splendor Showcase and Expo features vendors galore.

SATURDAY:

• Last Day to buy tickets for High Sierra Swing Dance Club Spring Ball Dinner and Dance on April 25 ($35; To reserve a will-call ticket, call Rika at 530-307-8937 or Idie at 775-443-8870 by; no tickets will be sold at the door.)
• Escape From Prison Hill Half Marathon and 10K begins at the Silver Saddle Ranch (8am-12pm; Half-Marathon: Packet Pickup/Race Day: $50, 10K: Packet Pickup/Race Day: $40)

Are you looking for a good time tonight? You’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s live music, comedy, karaoke, swing dancing, or the monthly World Dance Open Floor performance, Carson City has something for everyone. The inaugural Cinderella Father-Daughter Dance is at Carson High School tonight, so grab your favorite princess(es) and enjoy a night of magic.

FRIDAY:

• Capital City Farm Days Celebrates All Things Agriculture at Fuji Park (8am-2pm; free, open to the public)
• Final Day of ’Second Skin’ by artist Sarah Lillegard at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)
• Last Day to get $12 Vouchers for the Reno Aces vs. Albuquerque game Sunday at Mark Twain Elementary School, 2111 Carriage Crest Drive

Friends, relatives and neighbors: Today is your last chance to catch the Youth Theatre Carson City ensemble in the spectacular performance of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' at the Bob Boldrick Theater in the Community Center. The 2 p.m. final performance is a must-see. Congratulations cast. Up next is Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company's "Music Man" which opens May 8. Go here for more information.
SUNDAY:

• Carson City BMX Racing begins at the Pete Livermore (Edmonds) Sports Complex: 1555 Livermore Lane (signups 9am-10am; must be USABMX member)
• 41st Anniversary Nursery-wide Sale at the Greenhouse Garden Center (9am-5:30pm)
• Doodads Emporium Closing Sale at 300 Main St., Silver City (10am-6pm)
• Bingo fundraiser for Meals on Wheels at the Carson City Senior Center (doors 11am, 12:30-4pm; $10, must be 21+)
• Carson City Historical Society Sunday Afternoon Tea at the Foreman-Roberts House: 1207 N. Carson St. (1pm-3pm; $35; to RSVP call DD Spenser 775-741-7897 between 10am-2pm, space limited to 18)