Zen

It is finally Friday. As August melts away, it brings us closer to the new school year. Carson High returning students are invited to the Senator Kick-off this morning to get their fill of back-to-school updates. Families will love the Movie in the Park; bring a blanket or chairs and come prepared to enjoy ‘Coco.’ Three days of high-flying fun begins today at Heritage Park in Gardnerville as the Splash Dogs competition gets underway. You will always find live music around town on Fridays, but during the Jazz and Beyond Festival, it seems like music is everywhere.

I wish there was something I could do about the smoke in the air; it’s difficult not knowing if the wind is going to help or hurt the situation. Luckily, you’ll always have some choices that let you stay indoors and break routine. You’ll find bowling specials at the Gold Dust West and at Carson Lanes if the kids need to burn off some energy. A trip to one of our local art galleries will bring some color (and air conditioning) into your day. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival features RoseBud’s Dance Band at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall this evening for a toe-tapping good time.

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

It’s time for a new week, but unfortunately, the air conditions are just more of the same. The summer’s wildfire season just seems to be getting worse. As the smoky air settles in the valley, you’ll need to be much more cautious about your outdoor activity. Let Chili’s take care of dinner tonight, it’s too hot to cook anyway, and you’ll be helping the Northern Nevada Dream Center raise funds to assist those less fortunate. Kids can beat the heat at the Carson City Library with the Happy Notes program, just make sure you register first: space is limited.

Yeah, it’s hot out there, but it’s the area happenings that are sizzling. The Carson City Fair at Fuji Park offers a plethora of entertainment for all ages including tractor pulls, a carnival, and farm animals. Under the shade of the Mills Park cottonwoods, you’ll have all day to peruse the varied vehicles in the annual Run Whatcha Brung Car Show. The sun will come out tomorrow, but it’s the stars that are coming out tonight for the free Levitt Amp Concert at the Brewery Arts Center.

Ready for a good time? The Carson City Fair runs all day and culminates with a special concert in the arena starring Journey Unlimited. Car lovers are in for a treat: you can head down to the Carson Mall for their monthly cruise night, or roll into the Max Casino to get registered for the 33rd annual Run Whatcha Brung Car Show. The Trippin King Snakes take the stage in McFadden Plaza for a free all-ages show. Break a leg to the kids of Youth Theater Carson City; they open their production of ‘Bye, Bye, Birdie’ at the Community Center this evening.

A hot and muggy summer continues; at least the rain helps clear the smoke out of the air. Mondays don’t see a lot of variation from week to week, so they are relatively predictable. You’ll always find some toe-tapping old-timey music at A to Zen during lunch. For a swinging-good time, lessons and open dance with the High Sierra Swing Club will get you going. Belt out a few favorites at all-ages Karaoke hosted by the Fox Brewpub. Have a great day, Carson City, and do what you can to beat the heat.

MONDAY, July 23: Things to do in Carson City

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.

Time for a new week, and it is going to be a hot one. Beat the heat by staying indoors and discovering the many art galleries throughout town. Capital City Arts Initiative has just installed a new exhibit in the Community Development downtown featuring work from UNR Students. Kids will enjoy a special craft activity at the Mormon Station State Park in Genoa; bring a picnic lunch, it’s the perfect park for an afternoon meal. Grab your dancing shoes, and leave the stress of the day at home.

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.

Last week was a little nutty with a holiday smack-dab in the middle. Now it’s back to the grind. Get the kids out of the house for some fun at the Carson City Library. Today you’ll find ‘Beat the Heat with Happy Notes’ for the younger ones, but there are activities for every age. Check out the Library’s calendar HERE for upcoming events and registration.

Time to get July off to a fun start. The downtown Wine Walk is a great way to spend the day exploring new shops, galleries, and restaurants. If you’re feeling competitive, head down to the Carson Mall for their watermelon and hot dog eating contests. The summer concerts at the Brewery Arts Center continue with a singer/songwriter showcase.

SATURDAY:

• — Sierra Chef Farmers Market at Genoa Town Park, on Nixon in Genoa (8am-1pm; An assortment of fresh produce, herbs, eggs and more, crafts, and local food items and specialties)

What a week. I hope you’ve had the chance to catch your breath from Independence Day, we’ve got a wine walk on its way tomorrow. Tonight, head down to McFadden Plaza at Third and Carson. Tonight’s outdoor concert features the Reno Swing Set, so bring your dancing shoes. The ‘Dive-In’ Movie at the Carson Aquatic Center is a fun option for families. Artist Mimi Gomberg will be on hand at the Carson City Art Gallery for a reception celebrating some of her newest work. Read on for all of today's local happenings.

FRIDAY, July 6: Things to do in Carson City

Independence Day is just two days away, so you want to start making plans on how you’ll spend the day. For information on the various festivities and firework displays around Northern Nevada, check out my handy guide HERE. The annual RSVP carnival is in full swing at Mills Park.

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.

Let the band play on. Friday night offers some great night-life options for all ages. Fridays at Third continues with an outdoor concert featuring Road Daddy in the McFadden Plaza. Carson Mall plays hosts to their monthly cruise night. come for the cool cars and poker walk but stick around for a performance by Mo’z Motley Blues Band on the patio by Bella Vita Bistro. It’s open mic night at A to Zen; all talents and all ages are invited to show their stuff on the Zen stage.

FRIDAY, June 29: Things to do in Carson City

Some days were just made for the beach. But if you can’t make the trip up to Tahoe, you can always beat the heat at Carson Lanes. With one dollar games all day, it’s an inexpensive way to stay cool. Every afternoon this week teens can head down to the Carson City Library for a healthy dose of cinema classics: it’s 80s movie marathon week. Learn what's popping up in your garden at the Shoe Tree Brewery. Experts will be around to help you discern what could cause you trouble during tonight's 'Bring Your Own Noxious Weed' event. All ages karaoke at the Fox Brewpub is a fun way to finish a Monday night.

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.

Head down to Mills Park for a great time. The annual Rockabilly Riot features cool cars, contests, and plenty of rock-n-roll. You’ll also find the Extreme Motor Officer Challenge with motorcycle cops from all over competing for top-dog status. For a free, family-friendly good time, you’ll find local band, Alias Jones, on the stage in McFadden Plaza. If you’ve ever been curious about the sport of BMX, tonight’s ‘Olympic Day’ racing will give you a taste of the track without any commitment.

FRIDAY, June 22: Things to do in Carson City

As quickly as it appeared, the circus will be leaving after tonight’s performance. If you haven’t yet seen the acrobatic feats and playful antics of the Ramos Bros. Circus, you’re running out of options. Monday also brings a fun activity to the grounds of the Mormon Station State Park in Genoa. Kids will learn something new, make something, and spend some time outdoors. Now that summer has arrived, Food for Thought begins its summer program for kids in the Carson City area.

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:

Carson City again welcomes the Fathers’ Day PowWow to the Stewart Indian School Campus for a weekend of dancing, vendors and crafts, and community. Now, when I say bicycle invasion, I’m not exaggerating. The Carson City Off-Road hosted by Epic Rides brings mountain bike enthusiasts from all over to compete in our hills. You’ll find downtown road-closures to make way for the race routes, a bike expo, beer garden, and a music festival on Saturday. Head up to Western Nevada College to welcome the Journey of Hope Bike Tour.

Summer vacation has arrived. All the kids are out for a few months and ready to cut loose. Check out dollar bowling days at one of Carson City’s bowling alleys. You’ll have until 10 p.m. tonight to take advantage of the special price at Carson Lanes. Get your karaoke fix at the Fox Brewpub. It’s Club Night Out for the High Sierra Swing Dancers. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been dancing for years, they offer a few lessons before open dancing begins at the Eleventh Frame Lounge at Carson Lanes.

MONDAY, June 11: Things to do in Carson City

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.

School let out and summer wasted no time getting to the fun stuff. This weekend will bring the Revival Car Show and the annual Capital City Brewfest downtown, in addition to a wine walk at the Carson Mall and the Fair/Rendezvous at Mills Park. Today, you can enjoy some live music at Living the Good Life or Bella Vita Bistro, get your karaoke fix at Whiskey Tavern, or head to the Carson Mall for their monthly cruise night.

Happy Monday and welcome to the work week Carson City, we are now celebrating the fourth day of June, on our way toward the first day of summer in 17 days.
Here's what happening around town:

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: