Family train rides in Carson City, Virginia City plus ghost walk, art fair and lots of pumpkins as region readies for busy weekend

Heading into the weekend, there’s a bevy of activities around the Carson City region to help the next three days breeze by. Events include Harvest Train festivities at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, Thomas the Tank Engine and steam train rides in Virginia City, the first-ever Gandy Dance in Dayton, October Ghost Walk Tours through downtown Carson City and more!

Do you have an event or happening you'd like people to know about? Tell us about it by clicking here, filling out the details and we'll tell Carson City area readers about your event or happening. Not seeing your event you wish to promote? You can also submit the relevant information, also known as the "5Ws and How” to editor@carsonow.org. We will update this calendar as submissions are made.

Here's the rundown of activities and events:

Friday, October 18
— Muscle Powered Friday morning walk at Riverview Park. 9 a.m. Meet at the Korean Memorial parking area at the east end of 5th Street, 600 Marsh Road. Come join Muscle Powered for a free, guided group walk, hike, or ride around Carson City!

— Coin Press demonstrations at the Nevada State Museum. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 600 N. Carson Street. Visitors to the Nevada State Museum can watch the museum’s historic Coin Press No. 1 carry on a mission it started nearly 150 years ago in the very same building. The venerable press which churned out millions of dollars in silver and gold coins during stints at U.S. Mints in Carson City, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Denver between 1870 and 1964. The press demonstrations will take place the last Friday of the month with two-person teams of volunteers not only working the press but sharing its history with museum visitors.

— Experience Virtual Reality at the Carson City Library. 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 900 N. Roop Street. Join us to experience Virtual Reality! Using the latest technology, Virtual Reality allows you to experience new places and situations in a computer simulated world. Discover what it’s like to see dinosaurs up close, view art from around the world in a single museum, or blast alien ships in a virtual world. Must be at least 13 years or old to participate. A Premiere library card is required to attend.

— Grand opening of the Vasefinder Museum at Carson City's Charlie B Gallery. 6 to 9 p.m. at 114 W. Telegraph Street. It was a name I read in “Art Pottery of the United States” by Paul Evans that sent me on a journey. That name was Lois Marion Swart and the reason I read it several times is that she had exhibited at the Syracuse Ceramic Nationals in 1954 from my hometown of Carmichael, California.

— Sam Scott Black and White Pottery for sale at the Vasefinder Museum. 6 to 9 p.m. at 114 W. Telegraph Street. As I have populated the Vasefinder Museum of Carson City, Nev., a few of the pieces have garnered much attention from the public. One of these objects is the black and white bowl created by Sam Scott of Shoreline, Washington.

— The Timeless Design of JoAnn F. Axford featured at Vasefinder Museum. 6 to 9 p.m. at 114 W. Telegraph Street. Initially, I collected many of the Arts and Crafts as well as WPA Art Deco Era American pottery makers in clay before focusing on the American Studio Pottery Movement. And from my collecting, I have always sought examples that have a timeless design.

— Open Mic Night at A to Zen Gift Shop. 6 to 9 p.m. at 1803 N. Carson Street. Open Mic Night is held at A to Zen Gift Shop on the Zen Den Stage. All talents, creative projects welcome. Come practice being on stage. There will be music, comedy, poetry, magic, and more. All ages and skill levels welcome.

— Wine dinner on the patio at Sierra Chef. 6 to 9 p.m. at 2292 Main St. Suites 3 and 4. Come and enjoy a delicious dinner at Sierra Chef on Friday, Oct. 18.

— Live music at Glen Eagles Restaurant. 6:30 to 9 p.m. at 3700 N. Carson St. Enjoy live music that is sure to make you get up and dance every Wednesday through Saturday starting at 6:30 to 9:00ish.

— Comedian Rex Meredith featured at the Carson Comedy Club. 8 p.m. at the Carson Nugget, 507 N. Carson Street. Don't forget to come check out standup comedian Rex Meredith this weekend at The Carson Comedy Club in Carson City. Rex headlines comedy showrooms and clubs all over the USA and around the world.

— Gruve Nation to perform at Living the Good Life. 8 p.m. at 1480 N. Carson Street. Come join us for a rockin’ good Friday night where Gruve Nation will perform a series of throwback jams. It’s a great opportunity you don’t want to miss!

Saturday, October 19
– Harvest Train weekend coming to Carson City Railroad Museum (all day). The Nevada State Railroad Museum Carson City is packing a whole lot of family fun into its annual Harvest Train festivities this year. The event is the weekend of Oct. 19-20 and will include carnival-style games, a pumpkin patch, the Snap Wagon Photo Booth, Kona Ice Hawaiian Shave Ice, the West Coast Railroaders Group and their speeders, train rides and more.

— 40th annual IVNS Pumpkin Patch (all day). The pumpkin patch takes place at Incline Park, 939 Southwood Blvd. in Incline Village. Pumpkin patch with a huge selection of pumpkins, pumpkin decorating, carnival games, face painting, bounce houses, pony rides, bungee trampoline, rock climbing, live bluegrass with Kyle Ledson, Incline Mariachi Band, IHS Jazz Band, magician, balloon twisting, Bam Dog food truck, Tahoe Empanadas, BBQ, beer garden, silent auction, raffle, local craft vendors, and MORE! Admission is free and tickets to participate in activities can be purchased at the gate.

— Carson City Sheriff's Cadets Pancake Breakfast fundraiser. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 911 E. Musser Street. Please join us for the first annual Carson City Sheriff's Cadets Pancake Breakfast! Oct. 19, 8 a.m. to noon. Enjoy food and fun. Even try your luck at our pancake eating contest! Bring the whole family and hang out with McGruff the crime dog.

— Carson City Emblem Club to host craft fair this Saturday. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Carson City Elks Lodge, 515 N. Nevada Street. The Carson City Emblem Club No. 507 invites the community to a craft fair this Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Elks Lodge. Among items available will be jewelry, handmade crafts, Halloween and Christmas items, quilts and much more.

— Fall Harvest Classic to benefit the Dayton Food Pantry. 9:30 a.m. at the Dayton Valley Golf Course. Help drive out hunger at the inaugural Fall Harvest Golf Classic! The tournament takes place Saturday, October 19th at the Dayton Valley Golf Course. The $120 entry fee includes a light breakfast, lunch and a tournament hat. Prizes for both net and gross scores will be awarded. Golfers can also purchase a special package of mulligans, drink tokens and raffle tickets.

— The Nevada Artist Association Art Gallery calls for artists to feature in Nevada Day Show. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nothing compares to the Nevada Day Show at the NAA Art Gallery where we generally receive well over 100 entries. This show features work that reflects the spirit of Nevada and beyond.Many of our shows are specific to our members, however, this one is open to artists from the community at large. If you are interested in showing your artwork and/or photography at this judged show please plan to bring your work to the gallery on Saturday, October 19th, anytime from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

— Prescription drug safe disposal in Dayton available . 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Smith’s Grocery Store in Dayton. DAYTON, Nev. Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey counties is partnering with Lyon County Sheriff’s Department and the DEA to sponsor a "Prescription Drug Disposal” at Smith’s Grocery in Dayton on Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

— 1870 Mint Building Tour. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson Street. Tour led by Curator of History Robert Nylen. Space is limited, availability is based on first come first served on the signup. Tours typically about an hour and will start at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

— Carson City hosts 27th annual October Ghost Walk tours through downtown. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McFadden Plaza, 310 S. Carson Street. The capital city's sometimes spooky and intriguing Victorian era history will come alive theatrically and more this Saturday at the 27th annual day-long Carson City Ghost Walk. Hear about lingering spirits of the past through haunted and paranormal stories, meet larger than life costumed characters and then tour some of those historic homes and businesses that line the downtown area.

— Thomas the Tank Engine and the Steam Train arrives in Virginia City for tours. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 1870 Depot, 166 F Street. All aboard for a childhood train experience like no other. Thomas the Tank Engine invites little engineers to go full steam ahead for activities and fun adventures as Day Out with Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019 makes a two-weekend stop in Virginia City beginning this Saturday.

— Guided tours of the Nevada State Capitol. Two separate tours will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. every Saturday in Carson City. Tours typically take an hour and include both the exterior of the building, nearby memorials as well as the interior of the building. Tours are available for up to 20 people on a first-come, first-served basis. The building includes numerous historic artifacts that range from portraits of past Nevada governors to sculptures to historical items showcased during Nevada’s Sesquicentennial celebration. The Capitol remains open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guided tours of up to 20 people can be arranged in advance by calling the Nevada State Museum’s Education Program at 775-687-4810, ext. 237.

— Coin Press demonstrations at the Nevada State Museum. 12 to 4 p.m. at 600 N. Carson Street. Visitors to the Nevada State Museum can watch the museum’s historic Coin Press No. 1 carry on a mission it started nearly 150 years ago in the very same building. The venerable press which churned out millions of dollars in silver and gold coins during stints at U.S. Mints in Carson City, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Denver between 1870 and 1964. The press demonstrations will take place the last Friday of the month with two-person teams of volunteers not only working the press but sharing its history with museum visitors.

— Fall Colors Hike at Carson River Park. 1 to 3 p.m. at 5013 Carson River Rd. During this free interpretive program, you’ll walk along the color changing cottonwood trees! Look forward to an easy-going, informative hike with fall color themed educational stops along the way. Be sure to dress for the weather, bring water and register online.

— Fort Churchill State Historic Park to celebrate All Hallows' Eve. 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Fort Churchill Historic State Park. Enjoy an afternoon of old-fashioned Halloween fun at Fort Churchill State Historic Park. This family-friendly event will feature a variety of activities including harvest games on the museum lawn, a scavenger hunt around the fort ruins to earn treats, hay rides, and pumpkin carving and scarecrow building contests.

— Saturday Beginning Wheel Throwing at Ogres-Holm Pottery. 1 to 4 p.m. at 1215 S. Carson St. in Carson City. The Ogres of Ogres-Holm introduce you to clay in this 6-week open start class, including open studio time, is designed to get you started. It’s a great way to relax on a Saturday afternoon. $175 for 6 weekly sessions or $45 drop ins.

— Lego Club at the Carson City Library. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 900 N. Roop Street. Build self-led creations through hands-on learning with LEGO Education materials. Participants 9 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver of at least 13 years of age at all times.

— First ever 'Gandy Dance' coming to Dayton. 2 to 6 p.m. at the Dayton Valley Community Center. The public is welcome to the first ever "Gandy Dance" to celebrate the Gandy: also known as a railroad maintenance worker. 1800's music by the Pickett's Charge Band, dance lessons, Story Telling, Gandy spiking demonstration, Quilters, finger foods, 1800's games, unique Silent Auction items, train simulator, model Depot Tours and more.

— Douglas County Historical Society host walking tours at historic Genoa Cemetery. 3 p.m. at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center, 1477 US Highway 395. History comes alive this Saturday, Oct. 19, when docents from the Douglas County Historical Society will lead family friendly walking tours through the Genoa Cemetery.

— Books and Brew Club at the Carson Nugget. 4:30 to 6 p.m. Are you a coffee-drinking book lover? Looking for a way to make new friends? Then join us for a book discussion over food and drinks! We will be meeting in the Barrel Room of Alatte Coffee and Wine Bar to discuss this month’s book choice.

— Bingo night featured at Carson Mall to benefit longtime Carson City family. 5 p.m. at 1313 S. Carson Street. On Saturday, Oct. 19, The Carson Mall in Carson City will be hosting a Family Night Bingo to benefit a local family in their time of need. The Billow family have been part of our community for 17 years and has been an influence in the community from Dennis Billow playing Santa and his family serving as helpers for community events and also volunteering with various local organizations.

— Tickled Pink Dinner. 5 p.m. at the Pink House, 193 Genoa Lane. This dinner is a fundraiser for local breast cancer patients. $125 per person and $150 with full wine pairings.

— Bunko for breast cancer at the Carson Valley Inn. 5 to 11 p.m. These odds, and the women and men it affects, is the reason why BHGE has hosted Bunko for Breast Cancer since 2004 donating over $300,000 in support of the Carson Tahoe Cancer Resource Center.

— Light After Dark at Riverview Park. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 600 Marsh Rd. The Light after Dark Walk/Run is a fun event that takes advantage of our beautiful northern Nevada scenic outdoors, incorporating the cause of aiding victims with fitness and advocacy. Supporters will Walk or Run the lit Riverview Park that winds along a sandy path through desert foliage and beautiful cottonwood trees skirting the edge of the Carson River where wild horses graze.

— Live music at Glen Eagles Restaurant. 6:30 to 9 p.m. at 3700 N. Carson St. Enjoy live music that is sure to make you get up and dance every Wednesday through Saturday starting at 6:30 to 9:00ish.

— Celtic Music Series at the Brewery Arts Center. 7 p.m. at 449 W. King Street. This season, The Celtic Music Series artist lineup includes Fiddlers2 on Saturday, Oct. 19, beginning at 7 p.m. Other concerts feature: Cooking With Turf on November 16, Fortunate Strangers on January 18, Golden Bough on March 21, Ed Miller on April 18, and Erica and Friends on May 16. The February date is still open, and there’s no performance in December.

— Carson Valley Pops Autumn Concert. 7 to 9 p.m. at the CVIC Hall, 1602 Esmeralda Ave. Carson Valley POPS Autumn Concert at the CVIC Hall! Plan to arrive early and enjoy a glass of wine or beer while you check out the selection of raffle prizes donated by local merchants.

— Comedian Rex Meredith featured at the Carson Comedy Club. 8 p.m. at the Carson Nugget, 507 N. Carson Street. Don't forget to come check out standup comedian Rex Meredith this weekend at The Carson Comedy Club in Carson City. Rex headlines comedy showrooms and clubs all over the USA and around the world.

Sunday, October 20
– Harvest Train weekend coming to Carson City Railroad Museum (all day). The Nevada State Railroad Museum Carson City is packing a whole lot of family fun into its annual Harvest Train festivities this year. The event is the weekend of Oct. 19-20 and will include carnival-style games, a pumpkin patch, the Snap Wagon Photo Booth, Kona Ice Hawaiian Shave Ice, the West Coast Railroaders Group and their speeders, train rides and more.

— Thomas the Tank Engine and the Steam Train arrives in Virginia City for tours. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 1870 Depot, 166 F Street. All aboard for a childhood train experience like no other. Thomas the Tank Engine invites little engineers to go full steam ahead for activities and fun adventures as Day Out with Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019 makes a two-weekend stop in Virginia City beginning this Saturday.

— Muscle Powered Sunday Bicycle Ride. 9 a.m. Meet at Fremont Elementary School, 1511 Firebox Rd, Carson City, NV 89701, in the south parking lot, next to the Linear Ditch Trail. Come join Muscle Powered for a free, guided group walk, hike, or ride around Carson City! Muscle Powered is a local non-profit organization that promotes walking, hiking, biking and trail building.

— Artisan bread at Sierra Chef. 12 to 4 p.m. Join us for a “Artisan Bread” Cooking Class on Sunday, October 20th, 2019 from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Sierra Chef Kitchen 2292 Main Street Suites 3 & 4 in Genoa, NV. $75 per person.

— Women Veterans' Support Group to meet at Veterans Hall. 1 to 3 p.m. at 2nd and Curry St. There will be a Women Veteran's Support Group meeting in Carson City. The meeting is Sunday, Oct. 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Veterans' Hall on 2nd and Curry streets. For information contact Lyndia at 775-431-0534.

— Speakers to discuss metastatic breast cancer at Carson Tahoe Hospital. 2 p.m. at 1600 Medical Pkwy. This Sunday, Oct. 20, in the Bristlecomb Room of Carson Tahoe Hospital, beginning at 2 p.m., Lily Reedy is hosting a gathering that will bring a nationally recognized speaker — Dr. Kelly Shanahan — who also has metastatic breast cancer — to help start the process of raising awareness and coming together. Cancer survivors and the public are invited to join in a Beyond the Pink Ribbon meeting featuring Dr. Shanahan, an OBGYN, researcher, advocate and METAvivor board director. Also featured to speak will be Terra Maddox, an oncology patient navigator at Carson Tahoe Cancer Resource Center. Lily Reedy will also speak about her experience, and metastatic breast cancer thriver and striver.

— Carson City Symphony opens for 36th season. 4 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center's Bob Boldrick Theater. The Carson City Symphony, directed by David Bugli, will open its 36th season on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, at 4 p.m., with an “Overture of the Season” concert at the Carson City Community Center's Bob Boldrick Theater. The concert features violin soloist Brian Fox performing Haydn’s Violin Concerto No. 1. The program also includes Brahms’ “Variations on a Theme of Haydn,” Rossini’s “Barber of Seville” Overture, and Tomas Svoboda’s “Overture of the Season.”

— Fall Color and Sunburst Photography Workshop. 4 to 6 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William Street. Learn how to take sunburst photos with fall colors. During this workshop, you’ll be able to hike around the yellow cottonwood trees in Carson River Canyon. Instructors will teach you the techniques required to take a sunburst shot, but you’ll also be able to take any photos of the changing colors, canyon walls, and the Carson River. A DSLR camera is required. Transportation is provided as the road into the canyon is a little rough. Meet in the Community Center east parking lot.

— Corey Rich book signing at Genoa Town Hall. 6:30 p.m. at 2287 Main St. Come out to the Genoa Town Hall to meet Corey Rich and have him sign a copy of his book “Stories Behind the Images” with an in-depth look at his recent travels and adventures.