Winter is finally here and there are so many things you can choose to do from this February calendar of events in Reno and Sparks. There are outdoor activities aplenty, including Valentine’s Day themed events, guided snowshoe tours, and the 2021 NV STEAM Conference at the Nevada Museum of Art.
February calendar of events in Reno and Sparks
Shedding the Light on Antlers
- When: Noon Monday, February 1, 2021
- Where: Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
Explore the science behind the spring scavenger hunt for the treasures left by elk and mule deer. Presented by the Nevada Department of Wildlife, this free online webinar will inform and entertain participants of all ages.
Meditation for Pregnancy and Birth Virtual Gathering
- When: Noon-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2021
- Where: Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
Join Renown Health for this weekly free virtual Meditation for Pregnancy & Birth. Connect with other women to learn the basics of meditation, ways to decrease stress, and how to breathe and relax through labor contractions. The goal of the class is to increase a mother’s well-being during pregnancy and birth. The class is taught by Chris Marlo, a parent educator and meditation instructor. Register under the expectant mother’s name.
It Starts with Hello – Virtual Gathering Series
- When: Noon-12:45 p.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2021
- Where: Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
The HELLO Project is hosting a virtual community gathering called “It Starts with Hello,” every Tuesday and Thursday at noon. Each virtual gathering will feature a different topic of interest with a local expert. The discussions will focus on wellness-related topics such as mindfulness, exercise, nutrition and mental health to help you live your best life. Stay connected while you are at home and join us from your computer or phone. To join from your computer, connect to the Zoom meeting. Brought to you by Renown Health. Call in here: (669) 900-6833. Meeting ID: 890 3470 1576.
Chronic Pain Self-Management Virtual Workshop
- When: 1-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2021
- Where: Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
During this six-week workshop, you will learn about wellness, stress management, how to improve strength and endurance, appropriate use of medications, how to eat healthily, and more. Adults who experience pain from a variety of causes (MS, chronic pain, nerve pain, persistent headache, etc.) and their partners may participate. Two free chronic pain workshops are available Workshop A: Tuesdays, Feb. 2 through March 16, from 1-3:30 p.m.; or Workshop B: Wednesdays, March 10 through April 21, from 1-3:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Register here.
2021 NV STEAM Conference: Opening Keynote
- When: 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 3, 2021
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art & Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
The theme of the 2021 NV STEAM Conference is Design Thinking. The Conference will be presented virtually, beginning with a keynote on February 3. Design Thinking is a strategy used by artists, designers, and scientists. The Nevada Museum of Art exhibition, “We Belong Here,” will support the themes of the NV STEAM Conference. Register here.
Heartfulness Meditation Virtual Class – Learn How to Meditate
- When: 10:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, February 3, 2021
- Where: Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
Discover stillness and learn to use meditation as a powerful tool and benefits for the body, mind, and spirit during Mindfulness Meditation with Schauntelle Puliti. Meditation is not a way of making your mind quiet, it is a way of entering into the quiet that is already there. Please mute your phone or computer mic and turn off your camera so you don’t disturb others. No RSVP required for this event. Join the event here. If you do not have a computer, call 775-325-5409 and when prompted, type in the conference ID: 531 903 850# For more information email instructor Schauntelle Puliti at spuliti@renown.org.
Virtual Art Discussion: Animal Crossings
- When: 4-5 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2021
- Where: Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
Join a virtual tour to see a selection of art led by experienced docents of Nevada Museum of Art who will share different perspectives and invite inquiry and discussion. This program will be hosted on Zoom. Please have Zoom downloaded with audio and video features turned on. A Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants the day of the event at 10 a.m. Cost: $10.
Paint & Sip: Sand Dunes at Sunset by Henry O. Tanner
- When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2021
- Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St., Reno
- More information
Receive one-on-one creative guidance to paint your own 16″ x 20″ canvas masterpiece in a class for all levels of artistic talent. The class is limited to six participants to ensure the best learning experience and maintain social distancing. Face coverings are required to attend class. This class takes place in the Garden Pavilion. Accessible street parking is available on Flint Street.
2021 NV STEAM Conference: Virtual Walkthrough & Performance
- When: 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2021
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art & Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
The Conference will be presented virtually, with an evening online gathering Friday, February 5. Educators from across the state will be able to access the exhibition through a virtual walkthrough presented as part of the Conference. Register here.
Virtual Fitness Group (Weekly Event)
- When: 8-9 a.m. Friday, February 5, 2021
- Where: Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
Do a few safe stretches and then head out on Renown’s walking path for 50 minutes. Connect to this event here or call in: 669-900-6833. Meeting ID: 935 9636 3065. This event is a part of Renown Health’s Sterling Silver Club, a free program offered for men and women 55 and older.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
- When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2021
- Where: Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, health and human services workers, and others how to help an adolescent who is experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or is in crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people.
2021 NV STEAM Conference: Keynote, Workshops, and Synthesis
- When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, February 6, 2021
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art & Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
The theme of the 2021 NV STEAM Conference is Design Thinking. The Conference will be presented virtually, beginning with a keynote on Wednesday, February 3, followed by an evening online gathering Friday, February 5. The additional keynote and all workshops will take place on Saturday, February 6. Register here.
“Your Body Changes Everything” Group Exhibition
- When: 8 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2021–5 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2021
- Where: The Depot Gallery, 831 Victorian Ave., Sparks
- More information
Based on the song by recording artist Perfume Genius, local artists interpret the human form in its varied pose and form. The exhibition will also examine the balance we maintain in relationships and the roles we play through constant dynamic shifts of femininity, masculinity, and sexuality. The artist’s reception is from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, February 18.
Riverside Farmers Market
- When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, February 6, 2021–Sunday, February 28, 2021
- Where: McKinley Arts Center, 925 Riverside Drive, Reno
- More information
Enjoy Reno’s only year-round farmers market every Saturday at the McKinley Arts Center. Check out fresh foods from local makers, bakers, and farmers – rain or shine.
Sketch-A-Thon February at Reno Art Works
- When: Sunday, February 7, 2021–Saturday, February 27, 2021
- Where: Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
Pull out your sketch pads or your tablets and join every week for a new prompt. Paint, draw, use your tablet, or whatever you have handy to create your interpretation of that week’s word. Then, post your work on the Facebook event page.
Turning Pages: A Monthly Reading Group
- When: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 9, 2021
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art & Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
In anticipation of this spring’s “Victorian Radicals: From the Pre-Raphaelites to the Arts & Crafts Movement,” escape into the era through Victorian literature. This month and next, this online book club will discuss Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, following the story of a young orphan in Victorian England. In February, the group will discuss the first half of the novel, followed by the second meeting on March 9. All participants will be automatically registered for the second discussion. For registration support or questions, email christian.davies@nevadaart.org. Cost: $10.
Grandparent Virtual Class
- When: 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2021
- Where: Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
This class shows grandparents how to offer support and assistance to a new family while discussing current trends in birth practices and infant care. Grandparents will learn about newborn care, safe sleep environments, breastfeeding, car seats, product safety, and more. Cost: Free. Please register here.
Galentine’s Sip + Shop
- When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2021
- Where: The Village at Rancharrah, 7100 Rancharrah Parkway, Reno
- More information
Treat yourself to a ladies’ night out with a local goods marketplace full of female makers — and a menu of sips and snacks for a Galentine’s sip + shop. There will be refreshments and appetizers from Hosted Charcuterie, gourmet confections from Tandem Chocolates, live music, tarot card readings, a flower bar, and a photo booth in an indoor/outdoor space. Tickets cost $35 and include a complimentary beverage, a charcuterie plate, a sweet treat, and access to the photo booth and flower bar.
Virtual Art Afternoon: Workshop and Social for Seniors
- When: 1-2:30 p.m. Friday, February 12, 2021
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art & Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
Instructor Carol Raphel will share perspectives on several works from the museum’s collections and will facilitate a lively group discussion and virtual workshop. Participants will need to have Zoom and will need to be able to use their camera function on Zoom. Projects will have a supplies list, which will be shared the week of the workshop. Cost: $10.
Tot Snow Trots
- When: 10 a.m.-noon Friday, February 12, 2021
- Where: Forested area near Mt. Rose Ski Resort
- More information
Have a little kiddo that wants to play in the snow? Bring them to Tot Snow Trot days to learn about snow science and winter adaptations while playing in a winter wonderland. Tot Snow Trots is for children aged 3-7. COVID-19 safety precautions will be strictly enforced.
History in the Buff Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt
- When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, February 12, 2021–Sunday, February 14, 2021
- Where: Wilbur D. May Museum, 1595 N. Sierra St., Reno
- More information
Bring your sweetheart to the Wilbur D. May Museum for an after-hours grown-up on the scavenger hunt. Armed with wine, couples will follow clues and search for risqué artifacts and tasteful nudes hidden in plain sight in the museum’s eclectic collection Reservations are required. Time slots are limited to preserve social distancing. Ages 21+. Admission includes one wine token and one long-stemmed red rose per person. Cost: $50 per couple. Call 775-785-5961 to RSVP.
Paint & Sip: Our Colorful People by Stacey Brown
- When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, February 18, 2021
- Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St., Reno
- More information
Receive one-on-one creative guidance to paint your own 16″ x 20″ canvas masterpiece in a class for all levels of artistic talent. The class is limited to six participants to ensure the best learning experience and maintain social distancing. Face coverings are required to attend class. This class takes place in the Garden Pavilion. Accessible street parking is available on Flint Street.
Family Guided Snowshoe Hikes
- When: Saturday, February 20, 2021
- Where: Various Locations around Mount Rose Highway, Reno
- More information
The Family Guided Hike series continues into winter on snowshoes. While exploring on our snowshoes, learn about winter ecology, adaptations, and snow science. There will be activities for kids, and the trips will be held in various locations. Cost: $20 per person, with snowshoes included. COVID-19 safety protocols will be required. Details here.