Summer lovin’
August starts off hot and heavy, but the ardor starts to cool as the weeks fade into September. So, enjoy those last few weeks of summer romance with a romp around in a field of sunflowers. (Keep your clothes on, please.) Ferrari Farms’ Summer of Sunflowers runs through Sunday, Sept. 1. Cut your own sunflowers; go on a hayride; visit the farm animals and more during your visit. Hours are 3 to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Entry fees are $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends. Kids age two and younger get in for free. Sunflower prices are $2-$4. (Bring your own pruners.) Ferrari Farms is at 4701 Mill St. Call 775-997-3276 or go to www.facebook.com/FerrariFarms.
Moonage daydream
Continuing with the enjoy-it-while-it-lasts theme, you’ll also want to get out to savor these warm, summer evenings that make living in Northern Nevada pretty awesome. Bring a date or go solo to The Generator’s last Moonrise Maker Market of the season. Grab a beer or bite to eat from several food trucks, and peruse the booths featuring handmade creations for sale by local artists. Take a moment to lie down on the lawn, gaze up at the sky and bask in the twilight. The event runs from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, at McKinley Arts & Culture Center, 925 Riverside Drive. Admission is free. Call 775-527-0633, or go to www.therenogenerator.com.
Paws for effect
With all due respect to Florence and The Machine, the dog days are not over—they’re just about to start. This weekend, a variety of Northern Nevada-based dance companies will participate in the Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival. White Light Bollywood Productions, Nevada Dance Company and Ballet Folklórico Flor de Castilla kick off the dance extravaganza on Friday, Aug. 16. Ballet Folklórico Internacional de Reno y Danza Azteca Aztlán and NoteAble Music Therapy Services Dance Troupe perform on Saturday, Aug. 17. The festival concludes on Sunday, Aug. 18, with Ballet Folklórico Pueblo Nuevo, bellē contemporary dance company and The Dapper Tappers. Each night will feature the “Pup Parade” fashion show and a performance by New York City dancer/choreographer Haley Davis. The dance event and fundraiser for the SPCA of Northern Nevada starts at 7:30 p.m. nightly in the plaza outside the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St. Visit the Pioneer Center site to learn more.
*N sync(opation)
If jazz is your jam, then you’ll want to make a trip or two—or more—to Carson City for the Jazz & Beyond Festival. Mile High Jazz Band Association’s 21st annual event features 30 performances by various jazz acts over the next 11 days in multiple venues in Carson City. The festival kicks off on Friday, Aug. 16, with a free performance by The Gardnervillains at 4 p.m., followed by the Reno Jazz Orchestra at 6 p.m., at the Governor’s Mansion, 606 Mountain St., Carson City. CeCe Gable, Carson Street Ragtime Band, Carolyn Dolan Band and the Mile High Jazz Band are some of the other performers scheduled to play during the festival, which runs through Monday, Aug. 26. Shows are free. Visit jazzcarsoncity.com for a schedule.
Kick out the jams
Break out the guitar, fiddle or banjo, and head to Washoe Valley for Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association’s Bowers Bluegrass Festival. The 38th annual jamboree offers a weekend of bluegrass music, camping, kids’ activities, food trucks and a beer and wine garden, as well as a country supper and a contra dance. The Appalachian Road Show (pictured) and A.J. Lee & Blue Summit headline the event, which also features Broken Compass Bluegrass, SLO County Stumblers, The High Water Line and Salty Sally and other bluegrass, western swing, folk and old-time music acts. Festival hours are 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 23; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24; and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, at Bowers Mansion Regional Park, 4005 Bowers Mansion Road, New Washoe City. Tickets are $15 to $120. Admission is free for children age 12 or younger. Attendees can camp at Washoe Lake State Park North Group Area, 4855 Eastlake Blvd., New Washoe City. Fees are $15 per night for Nevada vehicles and $20 for out-of-state vehicles. Visit www.nnba.org/2024bowersbluegrassfestival.
A fair is a veritable smorgasbord
Make some summer memories next weekend when the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & Country Fair returns. The annual fair features exhibits, carnival rides, contests, a rodeo, a farmers’ market, kids’ activities, a vendor area, live music and more. Festival admission is $6 to $25. The fair is open from 1 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Aug. 23; 9 a.m. to midnight, Saturday, Aug. 24; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Churchill County Fairgrounds, 325 Sheckler Road, Fallon. There will be two concerts, with each requiring separate tickets. Dishwalla (pictured), Nine Days and Eric Henry Andersen hit the stage at 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 23. Ward Davis, Patrice and Wandering Songs get the show going at 7:15 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24. Concert tickets are $35. Call 775-866-8474 or visit www.falloncantaloupefestival.com.
Digging in the dirt
As most seasoned gardeners can attest, it’s all about the soil. Learn how soil health impacts gardens and the environment at the third annual Soil Palooza next Saturday. Urban Roots hosts this family-friendly event that includes farm-fresh pizza, cocktails, music, education stations and a panel discussion about food forests featuring local and regional gardening and agriculture experts. Participants will learn how to build a food forest, which is a self-sustaining, multi-layered garden designed to mimic a natural forest ecosystem, as well as get tips on how to achieve healthy garden soil. The event takes place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Urban Roots Teaching Farm, 1700 E. Second St. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-17. Entry is free for kids age 5 and younger. Visit www.urgc.org.
A time to reflect
Watch Sparks Marina transform into an enchanting lake of flickering lights during the Sparks/Reno Water Lantern Festival. There will be food trucks, music, games, a vendor area and time to decorate your lantern before releasing it into the water. The event opens at 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Sparks Marina Memorial Park, 399 Howard St., in Sparks. Speakers will share their stories at 7:30 p.m., followed by the lantern launch at 8 p.m. Adult tickets are $35.99 through Aug. 16. The price increases to $45.99 on Aug. 17. Tickets are $55.99 on the day of the event. Youth tickets for kids ages 8-14 are $13.70-$17.70. Admission is free for kids age 7 and younger, but if they want a lantern kit they will need to purchase a youth ticket. Visit www.waterlanternfestival.com/reno.php.
11 Days a Week is compiled and written by Kelley Lang. Want your event included in 11 Days a Week? Email 11days@renonr.com for consideration. Email advertising@renonr.com for advertising info!
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