Well, it’s all but officially summertime in Northern Nevada. School is out, the sun’s up, the nights are getting warmer and the days are getting longer. Maybe it’s that the locals have been cooped up for too many cold and blustery months, or maybe it’s just that everyone just seems to have a little extra time on their hands now. Whatever it is, now’s the time to get out and experience the area with everyone else, through Carson City’s social events.
Northern Nevada’s a big tourist destination for many reasons. Aside from gaming and outdoor activities, it’s all about the area’s world-famous events — Hot August Nights, the massive Reno-wide car show; the Reno Air Races with acrobatic planes; and, of course, Burning Man. The newest generation’s culture of specialty foods, craft beverages and high-class art are quickly becoming the glue that bring these beloved, longtime summer events together and keep Northern Nevada on the cutting edge of tourism.
So what if I told you that you could have a taste of it all — the classic A-list events mixed with the emerging eclectic culture of the area — all in one Carson City weekend, the essential weekend to experience just some of what this corner of the world has to offer? Call up your out-of-state friends and family and tell them to pack their bags now, because it’s happening this weekend.
Friday and Saturday are brimming with social events and activities, to the point where it would be nuts to try and get to them all. Luckily, the tastes are wide-ranging, so you can pick and choose for your own hit list. First up, the Nevada State Fair.
Nevada State Fair
What was once the Carson City Rendezvous has expanded to become an updated state fair (the previous Nevada State Fair ran from 1874 to 2010). Occupying Mills Park this Thursday, June 8, through Sunday, June 11, the fair will have a carnival (rides, games, the whole shebang) as well as vendors, a classic car show and the old Rendezvous’ signature events like a Civil War reenactment, Western retailers, horseback cavalry shows and more. There’s nothing like the sound of the 19th-century cannon going off to keep you on your toes! This is a huge event, one of Carson City’s premier annual attractions, and there’s so much to do and see over the course of the weekend. Click here for details.
Photo: By Martin Gollery
Capital City Brewfest
Over in the downtown area on Saturday afternoon, Carson Street is closed off for the Capital City Brewfest. It’s the Carson City Rotary Club’s biggest fundraiser, drawing 27 breweries to the blocks between 5th and Musser streets. This year is especially exciting, what with all of the new local breweries from Reno as well as Shoe Tree in Carson City and many more from California. Take a break from the fair and try a beer from all 27 brewers! Okay, that might be a little irresponsible and maybe humanly impossible. But pick your pints wisely; you won’t find these brewers in the same location anywhere else! Tickets are $30.
Photo: CapitalCityBrewfest.com
Downtown Revival Car Show
Not far from Brewfest on Saturday is the Downtown Revival Car Show in the Carson City Nugget parking lot. It’s a Hot August Nights tease, with dozens of stunning classic vehicles of all makes and models, beautifully restored or preserved from the golden age of cars. For the car lover, it’s just a taste of what’s to come all summer long leading up to Reno’s main event. For those who can’t wait, this is the perfect (and free!) activity for Saturday afternoon.
Photo: YouTube
Carson City Airport Open House
Or perhaps you’d rather trade classic cars for classic planes. In that case, Carson City Airport is holding an open house all day Saturday, June 10, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. On display will be historic aircraft, military planes, helicopters and much more, with interactive activities and flybys happening throughout the day. It’ll be more than enough to build on the excitement of any aviation-enthusiast waiting for the Reno Air Races later this year, but there are plenty of educational displays and even hands-on experiences for the public to thrill anyone in the family. And it’s free as well.
Arts Events
Last, there’s no way even the busiest weekend would forget Carson City’s arts community. The Capital City Arts Initiative is opening its new exhibit this weekend at the Courthouse Gallery. As an homage to Carson City’s thriving manufacturing businesses, the exhibit is called “Industrial Art: Sports Edition,” featuring the beautiful, modern designs of sports equipment by five local artist/designers, from smooth carbon fiber surfboards to handmade track-and-field vaulting poles. It’s a unique collection now on display every weekday, but come to the reception and artist introduction on Friday, June 9, at 5 p.m.
And, celebrating its six-year anniversary in Carson City is Artsy Fartsy Gallery, a collection of eclectic paintings, pottery and more from local artists. Stop by early Saturday afternoon and share in its celebration with refreshments and an exhibit entitled “The Art of Metal” from artist John Branstetter. It’s an excellent complement to the bombastic state fair and brewfest.
Photo: ArtsyFartsyArtGallery.com
Think you can get to them all? It’s a challenge, but not impossible to pound a beer at the brewfest and catch the Civil War reenactment at the fair, while maybe catching some classic cars along the way. It’s Carson City in the summertime, so do it big and make this weekend your own.
Let us know your weekend plans in the comments, and check out more events on the Daytime, Nightlife and Community pages.
About the Author Bryan Akerley
Bryan was born and raised in Northern Nevada and is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. When he’s not writing, he’s keeping up with pop culture as a lover of movies, TV, music and books or out exploring the area through its restaurants, bars and nightlife. Then he’ll unwind by playing the drums or piano or spending time with his corgi, Teddy. 
