Dad's Day Afternoon

Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field! Hay, it was in his jeans!

Alright, alright, that may have made you cringe. But what’s a great dad joke if it doesn’t make you cringe a little? Honestly, I probably first heard this pun from my own father, who’s prone to bad jokes and ill-timed sarcasm. He lives for that stuff.

If I also know my dad, it’s that he loves Carson City. To some (and I’ve been over this before), Nevada’s capital doesn’t seem to offer much variety. My dad would be the first to shoot that myth down; he didn’t move here all the way from New England for the dry summer heat. He came for the culture, the community, the great outdoors—all of which have only grown and improved over the years. And, as Carson City is full of fathers old and young, this Father’s Day is a weekend with something for every dad out there.

So here are a few of the best Father’s Day activities, places to go and things to do, inspired by my own father’s favorite Northern Nevada pastimes. If you do plan to spend the weekend the way he will, however, keep in mind that it involves more awful dad jokes.

Perhaps the biggest thing going on this weekend is the annual Stewart Father’s Day Powwow. This thing is massive; taking place at the historic Stewart Indian School, tribes from all over the West Coast convene for a weekend of music, dancing and so much more entertainment. There’ll be hundreds of American Indian dancers and drummers, all bringing their various cultures together and celebrate through art. Witness competitive dancing, thumping drum circles, American Indian craftspeople at work, and then participate in the event’s Color Fun Run. The run is $20 per person ($10 for youths) and the weekend kicks off Friday night at 7 p.m. It’s Carson City’s Native American culture at its most vibrant—you won’t want to miss it. Photo: Visit Reno/Tahoe

Now, my dad just happens to be a huge fan of Shoe Tree Brewing Company, meaning I might have to get him a 64 oz. growler full of the Double IPA as a gift. But, why not take your father out this weekend to another one of Carson City’s coolest pubs: the Westside Pour House. Under red brick arches in the back alleys of Downtown Carson City at Telegraph Square, the bar/grill is the perfect kind of hidden gem—great drinks, locals only and the chance to bond with your dad over a game of pool or darts. Photo: John G., Yelp

But perhaps the best thing about Westside is that it resurrected the legendary Penguin Taco, a once-upon-a-time staple of the long-gone Penguin Drive-in. People waited in line for hours to taste that spicy nostalgia when Westside brought it back. Whether your dad loved his Penguin Taco two decades ago or even if he’s never had one, it’s still a unique (and delicious) gift for Father’s Day. Plus, if you get a few beers in him Saturday night, he might even karaoke “Don’t Stop Believin’.” No guarantees, though.

Like mine, your dad might really be himself when he’s breathing in the fresh mountain air while on a hike. If that’s the case, get your fishing licenses from Sportsman’s Warehouse and spend the morning at Spooner Lake, just a short drive up Highway 50 toward Lake Tahoe. It’s one of my dad’s favorite spots, a beautiful and remote little reservoir full of prime trout fishing. Just you, your father, some fly-fishing rods and a morning neither of you would ever forget. Photo: Chad Woods

On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Douglas County Historical Society is hosting another great outdoor opportunity: a tour of Carson Valley’s historic barns! If this doesn’t scream my father, I don’t know what does. The tour is self-guided, but it includes up close views of the valley’s decades-old timber frame barns, such as the mighty barn standing tall at Dangberg Home Ranch. Learn some Carson Valley agricultural history while visiting some of these scenic sights and, of course, spend some quality father-kid time in the Saturday morning sun. It’s a barn-good tour. Photo: Haerr Trippin', Blogspot

Last but certainly not least, Tuesday night at the Brewery Arts Center is another stand-up comedy showcase featuring—wait for it—a full lineup of dads! That’s right, some of you just can’t get enough of the puns. It’s Night of 1000 Dad Jokes at 7 p.m. with a slew of award-winning comedians all telling their cringiest dad jokes—plus hilarious stories about what it’s like to raise kids. Bring your dad and give him a laugh-out-loud taste of his own medicine. Tickets are just $5.

Oh, and don’t forget to bring your mom along for the fun as well! Unless, of course, you’re afraid a karaoke duet happening.

Be sure to check out our other weekend events on the Daytime, Nightlife and Community events pages as well, and Happy Father’s Day!