Carson City comes alive with Affordable Spring Events

(Carson City, Nev.) – Spring into culture, without breaking the bank in Carson City (http://www.VisitCarsonCity.com). Free concerts, authentic Native American powwows, vintage train rides, food and wine expos, ghost walks and live theater are all taking place in Nevada’s capital. A complete list of events is available at www.VisitCarsonCity.com/events.

Carson City offers live theater for all ages in a variety of venues. The Tony® Award winning musical comedy, The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be presented at the Wild Horse Theater through April 24. Shows Fri – Sat; tickets are $18 for general public, $15 for seniors and students at www.wildhorsetheater.com or available by calling 775-887-0438 or visit www.wnmtc.com.

The Western Nevada Musical Theatre presents the irrepressible classic, The Sound of Music at the Carson City Community Center. Rodgers and Hammerstein's masterpiece takes the stage weekends May 7 – 16. Tickets are $20 adults, $18 for students and seniors; $16 for youth 17 years and under. Call 775-445-4249 for information.

There’s also a free, unique way to revel the historic splendor of Carson City’s Governor’s Mansion is at its outdoor Symphony “Pops Party,” June 13 at 3 p.m. A flute ensemble will play prior to the Carson City Symphony and Carson Chamber Singers will take the stage.  For details call 775-883-4154.

Taste, sip and stroll around Carson City’s charming downtown at the 17^th Annual Taste of Downtown, June 19, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m, benefitting Advocates Against Domestic Violence. This showcase of Carson City features 25+ restaurants, wine bistros, pubs and more covering 11 city blocks. Live bands at various locations ward off food coma and keep the atmosphere lively. Tickets are $35 for all ages. For a list of participating restaurants and ticket information, call 775-883-7654.

For a free sample of the area’s heritage and pride, consider the Stewart Father’s Day Powwow at the former Stewart Indian School in Carson City, June 18-20. The event features competition dancing, food booths, authentic American Indian jewelry, quality artists and craft vendors and drum groups. Call 775-687-8333.

Carson City’s rich history can be explored and sometimes, it can even be relived. May 29 and June 26 Ghost Walk tours are a delightfully spooky way to relive Carson City’s Victorian Era. Madame Curry, one of the city’s founding ladies, comes to life to lead guided walking tours of the downtown district’s historic homes. Learn about lingering spirits of the past, with many haunting surprises to occur. Tour departs at 7:00 p.m. from the Firkin & Fox Pub on 3rd and Curry Streets. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. 775-687-7410.

Take a ride through time on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad’s vintage steam and diesel trains along 16 miles of newly restored track between Carson City and Virginia City. Operating May 27 – Oct. 31, the “Sisters in History” route includes scenic vistas of the Sierra Nevada and Carson River, passes through two tunnels and by abandoned mine shafts, old cemeteries and offers occasional sightings of wild mustangs. The V&T travels the same silver path paved by the excesses of the Virginia City mines of the infamous 1860s Comstock silver boom. For tickets, www.VisitCarsonCity.com or 800-NEVADA-1.

The Carson City Rendezvous, a weekend of living history takes place June 11 – 13. This year’s event pays tribute to the Pony Express, with Civil War reenactments with skirmishes, stage coach rides, Nevada Gunfighters show with the Reenactment Guild of America, mountain man encampment and competitions, Native American dancing and arts and crafts vendors.. Free western music on the star stage all weekend.  Encampments open at noon. Call 800-NEVADA-1.

Carson City has various ongoing activities for a spring time visit. The local farmers market, every Wednesday at the Pony Express Pavilion in Mills Park is a downtown favorite. Or stroll and sip your way through local eateries at Carson City’s Wine Walks, the first Saturday of every month. More at www.VisitCarsonCity.com/events.

On the last Friday of every month, the Nevada State Museum, home to the Nevada Mint, fires up Coin Press No. 1, a 12,000 pound minting press built in the 1860s, providing minting demonstrations for museum goers. Tickets are just $8 per adult.  Call 775-687-4811x239.

The Divine 9, nine acclaimed courses around the Carson City and Carson Valley area offer spring (and year round) deals with great golf and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada. www.DivineNine.com

A world of culture, history, dining and adventure await in Carson City. For the latest in spring travel deals, lodging, activity information and further details on the destination, visit www.VisitCarsonCity.com or call 800-Nevada-1.