August is bursting with excitement and entertainment for all! Immerse yourself in the rich history of the region, take a moment to unwind, and let the cool jazz melodies set the perfect ambiance as you embark on a short drive to savor the best BBQ west of the Mississippi.
The Dangberg Ranch’s 2023 Summer Festival is a must-visit, featuring beloved Chautauquans. The Jazz & Beyon Festival offers a range of musical flavors to suit every taste, whether it’s big band, jazz combo, bluegrass, tango, Latin, or blues. Local residents Shannon Allen and Kylie Koerner have created a charming turquoise vintage trailer called CV Flyte, fostering community togetherness and making lasting memories for Carson Valley families.
Additionally, don’t miss out on Genoa’s wine walk, organized by the Genoa Gallery and benefiting Austin’s House Charity—an enchanting way to spend a summer evening. And of course, the tantalizing aroma of BBQ will lead you to the annual rib cook-off in Downtown Sparks, where culinary delights await. Get ready for a month packed with fun events that cater to everyone’s interests!
Evening Chautauqua at Dangberg Ranch
- When: Wednesdays, August 2, 9, and 23, 2023
- Where: Dangberg Ranch, 1450 NV SR-88, Minden
Dangberg Ranch’s 2023 Summer Festival will host some of your favorite Chautauquans! Come visit with Agnes Train Janssen, one of the first curators of the Nevada State Museum, portrayed by Anita Watson, or with Mary Perkins Bradbury, portrayed by Kim Harris, Mary was tried, convicted, and sentenced to hang as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, next is Chuck Yeager, the record-setting test pilot, portrayed by Doug Mishler. This is your chance to learn and be entertained by historic figures from the past. Space is limited so be sure to purchase your tickets online, $15 for ages 17 and older and free for ages 16 and under.
Jazz & Beyond Festival
- When: Friday, August 4 – Sunday, August 20, 2023
- Where: Historic Downtown Business District, N. Carson St., Carson City
What’s your musical flavor – big band, jazz combo, bluegrass, tango, Latin, blues? You can take your pick during the Jazz & Beyond Festival in the Capital City! Besides the live music during this 15-day festival you’ll also get to enjoy art, film, and dance performances. Many venues will be hosting a live show – the McFadden Plaza, Capital Amphitheater, A to Zen Studios, Comma Coffee Courtyard, and the Brewery Arts Center and all for free!
Wind Down Wednesday
- When: Wednesday, August 23, 2023
- Where: Heritage Park, 1447 Courthouse Alley, Gardnerville
Locals Shannon Allen and Kylie Koerner are helping Carson Valley families make memories with their adorable turquoise vintage trailer, CV Flyte, and fun ideas that bring the community together. Shannon and Kylie enjoy a good party so be sure to join them from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Wind Down Wednesday and enjoy food trucks, live music, beverages and good old fashioned family fun.
4th Fridays Genoa Wine Walk
- When: Friday, August 25, 2023
- Where: Historic Genoa, Main St., Genoa
Hosted by the Genoa Gallery and benefitting Austin’s House Charity Genoa’s wine walk is a great way to spend a summer evening. From 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. start at either The Genoa Gallery or Genoa Spa & Boutique, $20 will get you a 2023 Genoa Wine Walk Glass and wristband. Then you’re off to stroll Main Street and visit wine makers, artists and vendors pouring multiple varieties of wine. Cheers!
Chopper Magazine’s Virginia City Roundup Motorcycle Rodeo
- When: Saturday, August 26, 2023
- Where: Virginia City Fairgrounds, 458 F St., Virginia City
Here’s a combo for you…motorcycles, bulls and broncs – Chopper Magazine is hosting this wild event at the Virginia City Fairgrounds! Check out the custom motorcycle show, with Showcase Builders displaying their custom builds, an amateur rodeo, and live music. Follow @choppersmagazine on Instagram for up-to-the-minute 2023 event details of what is to be sure a wild and wooly western weekend in Virginia City!
2023 Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off
- When: Wednesday, August 30 – Monday, September 4, 2023
- Where: Downtown Sparks, Victorian Ave., Sparks
If the smell of BBQ is in the air you know it’s time for the annual rib cook off in Downtown Sparks. This is the Super bowl of rib competitions and a great way to wind down your summer over Labor Day weekend. Bring your appetite because there’s over 250,000 pounds of ribs barbecued over the course of the festival with two dozen of the best BBQ teams competing. You may purchase tickets for the VIP Rib Village, settle in at the multiple seating areas, or bring your own set up for fun outdoor dining then peruse the huge arts & crafts fair, or take in one of the many live concerts. This is a mouthwatering event you can’t miss!