Carson Valley Arts Council (CVAC) presents the Carson Valley Quilt Guild at the Copeland Gallery in Minden from November 4, 2025 through December 22, 2025.  The exhibit can be viewed Monday through Saturday from 10:00am-5:00pm. The Guild’s art work will be available for purchase.

The Carson Valley Quilt Guild is a large group of quilters who live and quilt in and around Nevada’s Carson Valley. The quilters whose work will be shown at the Copeland Gallery include: Anne Bothwell, Cecile
Brown, Penny S. Hanscom, Shirley Holmes, Doris Hoskin, Nancy Lampson, Judith Laurini, Laurie Lile, Terrie Peets, Nancy Ryan, Amy Sams, Lorna Shugren, and Susan Van Alyne.

CVAC will be hosting an artist’s reception on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Refreshments will be served and it is free to the public. Come and meet the quilters and preview their amazing work.

For more information about this and other Arts Council events, please visit the CVAC website.

Come to the CVIC Hall in Minden for Carson Valley Art Association’s 2025 Scholarship Art Show, taking place from November 7-9!

This is a judged show, featuring artwork by local artists, a Minor Masterpieces table, and a raffle, all to benefit the CVAA Scholarship fund. Award-winning artists will be selling their paintings (watercolor, acrylic, and oil), mixed media, and photography. Visitors will have an opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy delicious refreshments during the Saturday Reception from 5:00pm-7:00pm. All are invited to join!

Friday, November 7          10:00am-5:00pm

Saturday, November 8     10:00am-7:00pm, with Artist’s Reception from 5:00pm-7:00pm

Sunday, November 9       11:00am-3:00pm

For more information about CVAA, visit their website or check out their Facebook page. If you have questions, you can contact cvaa.nv@gmail.com.

Visit Carson Valley is excited to announce the inaugural Ferris 50 Endurance Run event, taking place on November 8, 2025. This exciting race invites runners to compete in their choice of 3 distances – 50 miles, 50k, or 15k – spanning along a mix of single-track trails, OHV trails, and minimal concrete.

All distances will start in the arena at the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 920 Dump Rd in Gardnerville and end at a Finish Line Festival at TJ’s Corral outside of the host hotel of Carson Valley Inn, 1627 U.S. Hwy 395 N in Minden. Shuttles will be provided from the Carson Valley Inn for the convenience of runners. With views across the Valley to Job’s Peak in the west and few significant climbs, this course looks to be beautiful and fast.

Whether you are an experienced runner seeking a challenge in the off-season or a less experienced runner who is ready to explore greater distances at an entry level, Ferris 50 is an opportunity to test your mind and body while taking in the captivating views of Job’s Peak and Carson Valley. Come run where grit meets greatness!

Visit Carson Valley also welcomes all members of the community to join in celebrating with music, food, drinks, and vendors at the Finish Line Festival at TJ’s Corral from 11:00am-5:00pm. Cheer on the runners as they make the Finish Line!

Registration fees are as follows: 50M is $140, the 50K is $120, and the 15K is $55. For more information and a link to register, visit this event’s page at visitcarsonvalley.org or click here.

Come support your local community and shop quality handmade crafts from over 100 vendors! Just in time for the holiday season, Young at Heart presents its annual Holiday Craft Fair on November 7 and 8 at the Douglas County Community & Senior Center in Gardnerville.

November 7: 5:00pm-8:00pm
November 8: 9:00am-4:00pm

This event is free to attend, and is the biggest free indoor craft fair in the Valley! Don’t miss this opportunity to fill your holiday shopping needs with beautiful works from local artists.
All proceeds go to support services for the Douglas County Senior Center. For more information about the Craft Fair, contact Kathryn Clark at yah.craftfair@gmail.com or by calling 775-267-4675.
Learn more about Young at Heart by visiting their official website or checking out their page on Facebook.

On Thursday, November 13, Sandie La Nae will give a presentation on odd & bizarre Christmas traditions. Get into the holiday spirit with a lively and entertaining presentation! Discover some of the world’s strangest and most delightful Christmas customs – from quirky decorations to unusual folklore!

Doors Open at 6:00pm; Lecture Begins at 6:30pm. This event will take place at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center.

Tickets are $5.00 at the door, with Alpine, Dayton, Smith Valley and Douglas County Historical Society Members Free! For more information visit the DCHS website or call 775-782-2555, and be sure to check out their Facebook page for other news and updates.

The DCHS Heritage Lecture Series is sponsored in part by: Dennis R Little Trust.

CVAC’s 2025-2026 Concert Series will feature Jessica Malone on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 7:00pm at the CVIC Hall in Minden.

Award winning, singer-songwriter Jessica Malone blends soulful lyrics with sultry sounds that seem to illuminate the landscape itself, her voice guiding you across terrain at once folk, jazz, Americana, and blues. Described as “the real deal,” her tone is a blend of Brandi Carlisle, Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, with a magic all her own.

Advance tickets are $25 and kids under 18 are free with a paid adult ticket. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.cvartscouncil.com, by phone at 775-782-8207, or at the Copeland Cultural Arts Center, 1572 US Hwy 395, Minden.

Join CV Flyte on November 15, 2025 in Minden from 2:30pm-6:30pm for this class led by NV Silverworks. In this class you will choose a stone and make a bar necklace form start to finish. Techniques covered will include: Bezel-making, soldering, sanding oxidation, polishing, and stone setting. Previous silversmithing experience is not necessary, All materials and supplies included — Other shaped stones will also be available. Class includes one drink from CV Flyte!

Tickets are $150 and must be purchased in advance. Spots are extremely limited, so reserve today! For more information and a link to sign up, check out the CV Flyte website, or check their page on Facebook for other news and updates.

Join CV Flyte on November 15, 2025 in Minden from 10:00am-2:00pm for this class led by NV Silverworks. In this class you will learn how to create your own Nevada Statement ring. Select a Nevada shaped stone from a variety of options. There will also be non-Nevada shaped stones available. Craft the perfect setting for your chosen stone. Techniques covered will include: Bezel-making, soldering, sanding oxidation, polishing, and stone setting. Previous silversmithing experience is not necessary, All materials and supplies included — Other shaped stones will also be available. Class includes one drink from CV Flyte!

Tickets are $150 and must be purchased in advance. Spots are extremely limited, so reserve today! For more information and a link to sign up, check out the CV Flyte website, or check their page on Facebook for other news and updates.

The High Sierra Fly Casters is holding a series of Fly Tying Workshops. The workshops are open to all interested in fly tying. Accompanied youth participation is most welcome!

The purpose of the workshops are to share collected fly tying knowledge. The target participants are those who want to move beyond absolute beginner or intermediate levels. Beginners are welcome to come and learn what fly tying is all about.

Workshop dates are as follows: October 16th, November 20th, and December 18th.

Contact Daniel Osborne, HSFC’s tying coordinator, at tying@hsfc.us for more information or questions.

These events will take place from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at River Fork Ranch Preserve, 381 Genoa Lane in Minden. For more information about other events like these, visit the Nature Conservancy in Nevada’s page on Facebook, and check out the series’ page. You can find out more about River Fork Ranch on The Nature Conservancy’s website.

Jump start your Thanksgiving Day celebrations with an energizing race for a worthy cause! Proceeds for the 9th annual Carson Valley Turkey Trot Fun Run will support the Carson Valley Community Food Closet.

This fun run takes place in the beautiful Carson Valley, starting at Minden Park in downtown Minden. Trot through this picturesque downtown neighborhood as a fun way to start the Thanksgiving holiday.

In addition to the in-person fun run on Thanksgiving morning, children 12 and under can participate in the Turkey Dash or skip the in-person events altogether- and opt for the virtual race to run on your own schedule. If race is full, same day registration will be available.

You can find out more and sign up by clicking here. For updates on other events from the Carson Valley Community Food Closet, check out their website.

Don’t miss this western-themed Christmas shopping event at the Douglas County Fairgrounds pavilion! The market will feature handmade gifts, activities for kids, and pictures with Santa Claus!

This event is free to attend, so take this chance to find some truly unique holiday gifts!

Saturday, November 29, 10am-5pm
Sunday, November 30,  10am-3pm

Hosted by the Douglas County 4-H Equestrian Club. For more information, visit the event’s page on Facebook.

On Saturday, December 6 from 11:00am-2:00pm, head downtown for a district-wide shopping event to kick off the holiday season! Cruise through your favorite local shops as they pair with partnered businesses to bring you a true one-stop experience.

Holiday shoppers can register to participate in this year’s Sweater Stroll and receive a commemorative tote bag for all their shopping finds, a cookie box to stow treats provided by participating businesses, and more. Make it a total experience by visiting one of the amazing nearby eateries and fuel up in time for the Carson Valley Chamber’s annual Parade of Lights on Main Street starting at 5:00pm.

Support local businesses and give back to the community, all while spreading some holiday joy and reveling in the spirit of the season on Main Street!

Visit the event’s page on Main Street Gardnerville’s website for more information or to register to shop, and check out Main Street Gardnerville on Facebook for more events and updates!

Get in the holiday spirit and make a beautiful holiday wreath while sipping on delicious wine! This class will take place in the Minden Mercantile building on December 7, 2025, from 1:00pm-3:00pm!

Tickets are $85 to participate and must be purchased in advance. Spots are limited, so reserve today! For more information and a link to sign up, check out the CV Flyte website, or check their page on Facebook for other news and updates.

Enjoy an evening of fine bourbon, beautiful jewelry, and stress-free gifting.

On Friday, December 12 from 5:00pm-7:00pm, Louisa Almasi Fine Jewelry at the Black House Collective in Gardnerville will host an event featuring curated collections of fine and vintage jewelry, plus personal wish lists on file — so whether you’re shopping for someone special or treating yourself, you’ll know exactly what to pick. To learn more, email hello@louisaalmasi.com or visit the event’s page on their website.

The Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will present their annual production of Handel’s Messiah and holiday favorites in Gardnerville.

Joyous refrains and exultant arias, including the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus, will fill the concert hall this holiday season. This Baroque masterwork, expressing the themes of hope, redemption and grace, showcases the magnificent artistry and skill of Tahoe Symphony’s celebrated orchestra and chorus, complemented by exceptional soloists. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition!

The Douglas County performance will take place Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 6:30pm at the Carson Valley United Methodist Church in Gardnerville.

To purchase tickets, you can contact the Carson Valley Arts Council (CVAC) at 775-782-8207 or stop by their office at 1572 US Hwy 395 in Minden, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 1 pm. Tickets will also be available at the door 30 minutes prior to the concert. For more info on this and other upcoming events, check out the CVAC website.

General admission for adults is $30; seniors (65+) is $25.00; and Youth under 23 years of age are admitted free, in non-reserved seating.

Preferred seating (closer to the orchestra than General admission) for adults is $40; seniors (65+) is $35; and Youth (under 23) is $15.00.

Premium seating (closest to the orchestra; best seats in the house!) for adults is $50; seniors (65+) is $45; and Youth (under 23) is $25.00.

For more information about this Concerto, or to purchase tickets online, visit the TOCCATA-Tahoe Symphony’s website.

CVAC’s 2025-2026 Concert Series will feature Kristyn Harris on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 7:00pm at the CVIC Hall in Minden.

Kristyn Harris has been named the International Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year 6 times, and is the youngest person to have received this honor. She is especially recognized for her powerful voice, swing rhythm guitar chops, songwriting, yodeling, and energetic stage presence.

Advance tickets are $25 and kids under 18 are free with a paid adult ticket. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.cvartscouncil.com, by phone at 775-782-8207, or at the Copeland Cultural Arts Center, 1572 US Hwy 395, Minden.

CVAC’s 2025-2026 Concert Series will feature Mustangs of the West on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 7:00pm at the CVIC Hall in Minden.

Mustangs of the West is a band with west coast roots steeped in both classic California country and folk rock: equal parts Emmylou Harris and Stevie Nicks, mixed with three and four-part vocal harmonies of The Eagles and early Beach Boys.

Advance tickets are $27 and kids under 18 are free with a paid adult ticket. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.cvartscouncil.com, by phone at 775-782-8207, or at the Copeland Cultural Arts Center, 1572 US Hwy 395, Minden.

CVAC’s 2025-2026 Concert Series will feature Mustangs of the West on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 7:00pm at the CVIC Hall in Minden.

The show features country/folk singer Chris Webster and legendary bluegrass/folk guitarist Nina Gerber. Chris Webster’s magic derives from those ineffable qualities of vocal grain, emotional nuance, timing and phrasing possessed by the truly great and moving singers of any style.” Nina Gerber effortlessly moves between country, pop, and rhythm and blues. “The evening’s real star… Gerber usually says little and lets her guitar do the talking. Gerber is a not-so-underground legend. Her wide-ranging folk-country-jazz/blues stylings.”

Advance tickets are $25 and kids under 18 are free with a paid adult ticket. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.cvartscouncil.com, by phone at 775-782-8207, or at the Copeland Cultural Arts Center, 1572 US Hwy 395, Minden.

Come to Nevada’s Oldest Pioneer Settlement for live music, great food, Western art, demonstrations and activities, all with a Western flair!

Genoa Western Heritage Days is a celebration of culture and community. Kick off the weekend on Friday, with a concert featuring Dave Stamey, and Cowboy Poets Valerie and Floyd Beard opening. Saturday evening will feature a concert with Trinity Seely following an opening with Cowboy Poets Valerie and Floyd Beard. Concerts begin at 7:30pm and individual tickets will go on sale January 2, 2026. Purchase your tickets online at EventBrite.com, by mail, or at the Town of Genoa, 775-782-8696 or Genoa Town Office, 2289 Main St., Genoa.

Saturday’s free daytime activities will be held from 10:00am-4:00pm and will feature live Western music, cowboy poetry, Chautauqua actors portraying historic characters, children’s activities, Ag in the Classroom with the Douglas County Farm Bureau, a Civil War Camp, and demonstrations by the Truckee Meadows Pioneers. For art lovers, there will be a Western fine art show, as well as vendors and makers. Food and drinks will be available throughout town for purchase!

A highlight of the Saturday festival is the Invitational Horse Parade, which will proceed through the historic downtown at 2:00pm.

A Progressive Dinner will be hosted on Saturday from 4:30pm-6:30pm, highlighting four Genoa eateries: Sierra Chef, Daniel’s, Flutter and Buzz, and Genoa’s newest offering, Foothill Market. Participants receive passports and colored wristbands that let them rotate between each of the four restaurants in timed groups.

Activities on Sunday will include Cowboy Church in the Town Hall with Pastor Patrick Jolly and Trinity Seely.

To find out more, follow Genoa Western Heritage Days on Facebook, and visit the Town of Genoa website.

Want to know more about this great event? Read all about it on our blog!

CVAC’s 2025-2026 Concert Series will feature Harry and the Hitmen on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 7:00pm at the CVIC Hall in Minden.

Harry and the Hitmen serve up classic Motown and Soul with jovial professionalism. But don’t let the “suits” fool you, the band comes from an improvised rock tradition, and has years of experimentation behind their tight arrangements.

Advance tickets are $27 and kids under 18 are free with a paid adult ticket. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.cvartscouncil.com, by phone at 775-782-8207, or at the Copeland Cultural Arts Center, 1572 US Hwy 395, Minden.

Don’t miss this exciting weekend of hot air balloons, competitions, live music, local vendors, and food trucks!

The third annual Carson Valley Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival will be held at Lampe Park in Gardnerville, Nevada from May 15-17, 2026, and will serve as a benefit for the Center for Hope & Healing’s community programs.

Organized by the Carson Valley Balloon Festival, this event is free to the public and will include public balloon launches from Lampe Park at 6:00am each morning (weather dependent).

In addition to the balloon events, the festivities will include live music, food trucks, live art performances, and local vendors. Festival activities will occur rain or shine!

The community is welcome to come enjoy the balloons up-close, take pictures, and learn more about ballooning. For more information about this event, including a full schedule as it becomes available, visit the official website and be sure to check its page on Facebook for updates.

Please note that balloon launches will take place if the weather permits, so it’s advisable to stay up to date on local weather reports prior to your visit and follow the event at Carson Valley Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival on their Facebook and Instagram.

Celebrate 107 years of this incredible event, complete with countless arts and crafts vendors, food, and of course, its famous candy!

The Genoa “Candy Dance” originated in 1919 as an effort to raise money to purchase street lights for the small, but enterprising community of Genoa, Nevada’s first settlement. Lillian Virgin Finnegan, daughter of then-prominent Judge Daniel Webster Virgin, suggested the idea of a dance and making candy to pass around during the dance as an incentive for a good “turn-out.” The Genoa community did raise the needed funds for streetlights, but realized the monthly electric bill had to be paid. The candy makers were then called upon each year to help promote the “Candy Dance” and pay a year’s worth of electricity for the streetlights throughout the town. Couples would come from Reno, Carson City, and surrounding areas to join in the evening’s fun. The Arts & Crafts Faire was added in the 1970s, and later became a two-day event. The first Faire was held on the front lawn of a private residence on Genoa Lane with twelve vendors. A few years later, the popular Faire was moved to the Mormon Station Historic State Monument grounds. With added expansion through the years, now Faire exhibitors are also found along a major portion of the downtown area. With all the people visiting the Faire these days, the streets in and out of Genoa are temporarily closed during the day from 7:00am-7:00pm.

Save the date for this amazing weekend, which will take place September 26 and 27, 2026. The event, which boasts over 400 arts and crafts, activity, and food vendors, plus a Saturday night Dinner Dance, draws thousands of people to Genoa.

Booths are open from 9:00am -5:00pm Saturday and 9:00am-4:00pm on Sunday. There is also a Saturday night Dinner and Dance (advance tickets are required, and will be available for purchase ahead of the event).

You can visit the Town of Genoa website for more information, or call the Town Office at 775-782-8696 with questions. Check the event’s page on Facebook for updates!