Grab your train whistle and conductor hat and get ready for a Saturday full of locomotive fun! Commemorating the vehicle that helped build America, May 12 has been declared National Train Day. With a rich history of railroads, there’s no better place to celebrate than Reno Tahoe.

Ride the Mckeen Motorcar- Nevada State Railroad Museum

Take a step back in time and celebrate National Train Day with a ride on the vintage McKeen motorcar at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. From 1910 to 1945, the McKeen took passengers between Carson City and Minden on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. This treasured piece of Nevada history was donated to Nevada State Rail Road Museum where it underwent a decade of serious restoration. In 2010, the 70 ft. gas powered motorcar returned to the railroad and now takes a new generation of passengers on a limited number of rides each year.  Don’t miss your chance to climb aboard the only operating McKeen motorcar in the world for an unforgettable ride through Carson City!

Rides run from 10 am to 4 pm. $10 for adults (12 years and up), $5 for children (4 to 11 years) and FREE for children 3 years and younger.

Reno Sparks Railroad Days – Reno Amtrak Station

A fun-filled day for families and rail fans alike, Reno Sparks Railroad Days is a celebration of America’s love of locomotives. The Galena Jazz Band and New Chorale Singers kick off the festivities with a lively welcome as the California Zephyr #5W rolls into the station. The revelry continues with exhibits from the Union Pacific Railroad, Nevada Railroad Museum and Virginia & Truckee Railroad, as well as model train displays, refreshments and music. Join the excitement from 8 am to 4 pm and show your passion for one of the nation’s first forms of transportation. Admission is FREE!

For more information on National Train Day and other exciting adventures in Reno Tahoe, visit our events calendar at VisitRenoTahoe.com.

If you’re in the mood for gut-busting humor that will have you hunched over from laughter, then you’re in luck because Reno Tahoe has a lineup of standup stars ranging from new talents whose careers are just beginning to heat up, to a seasoned veteran who has brought smiles to faces for five decades (and selling pudd’n pops).

Sean Peabody

April 21

Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, comedic up and comer Sean Peabody has become a favorite in Reno Tahoe, and his success continues to grow as he tours all around the west coast. His energetic and relatable style of comedy has earned him opening acts for standup greats such as, Robin Williams, Eddie Griffin and D.C. Curry.

Mark G.

April 26 & 28

Armed with quick wits and an inviting personality, Mark G. is renowned for making his audience feel like close friends while bringing them to tears with his side-splitting humor. His journey as a comedian began in San Francisco, performing on any open microphones he could find. With a desire to expand his comedic repertoire, he enrolled in an improvisation institute where he developed his ability to make each set a unique experience for his fans. His career has taken him everywhere from Canada to Korea and his next stop is right here in Reno!

Lisa Lampanelli

April 28

Crowned as the “Queen of Mean,” Lisa Lampanelli is one of standup comedy’s brightest stars, winning praise from comedy legend Jim Carey calling her “more than a standup – a standout.” Lampanelli gained notoriety as a regular guest on Comedy Central’s Roasts where she unleashed her no-holds-barred humor on stars such as, Pamela Anderson, Chevy Chase and Donald Trump. Join Lisa Lampanelli at the Silver Legacy for an evening packed with laughs where no subject is taboo.

Stephen Lynch

May 5

From serenading audiences about his ailing grandfather and the inheritance his demise will bring, to singing tales of his unorthodox teaching style that led to him being fired from an elementary school, Stephen Lynch has earned a loyal fan following with his unique blend of music and hilarious stories. Lynch earned national exposure with his Comedy Central Presents special, which lead to performances with Jay Mohr, Jeff Foxworthy, Mitch Hedberg and now a performance in The Biggest Little City.

Bill Cosby

May 18

There are few entertainers who have enjoyed careers comparable to Bill Cosby’s, with achievements that span from three Emmy Awards for his role in the espionage series I Spy, to the creation of the hit cartoon Fat Albert and the Crosby Kids, to his best-selling book Fatherhood. Help welcome this comedic legend to Reno for a night full of nostalgia and laughs you won’t soon forget.

George Lopez

May 25

With a career encompassing television, standup, film, and most recently, late-night TV, George Lopez is a multi-talented giant in the comedy world. His groundbreaking show, The George Lopez Show, ran for six seasons and elevated him to stardom, eventually leading to his talk show on TBS, Lopez Tonight. Now he is taking to the Silver Legacy Stage for a performance full of amusing observations and satire you won’t want to miss.

Living in one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet, we do what we can to maintain it. Earth Day in Reno Tahoe is big. Drawing crowds by the thousands big.

Earth Day Reno – Idlewild Park

April 22

Celebrations have taken place in Idewild Park along the Truckee River for the past 40 years. The 2012 theme is inspired by the recycling symbol focusing on three major components of Earth Day: The Natural World, Many Cultures, and Green Technologies. The event features live music and entertainment from around the globe, green workshops, children’s activities, and artwork enforcing sustainable cooperative habits. The event is from 9am – 5pm, and it’s always FREE! (Please keep pets at home in accordance with City of Reno regulations.)

Tahoe Truckee Earth Day Festival – Squaw Valley

April 21

Rejoice and promote the region’s unique beauty at this free event. Friends and families will enjoy games, arts and crafts, world dancers, and seminars on alternative energy, sustainability and forest health. The event runs from 9am – 5pm. Grab a pen and paper, and check out the full schedule here!

Share a ride, help Carve Out Carbon and WIN ski tickets!

Now until April 21

Zimride is partnering with Sierra Business Council to offer big rewards for carpooling. Anyone who Zimrides to Squaw Valley on or before Earth day, Sat. April 21st, will be entered to win one of eight full day ski passes to Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows. Additionally, drivers will have access to special VIP parking area a short walk to the slopes. Zimride is the cheapest, greenest, and most social way to travel.

Spring is officially here, but the change in season isn’t the only thing heating up Reno Tahoe USA this April. Here are the nightlife highlights for this month.

EDGE Nightspot

April 7 – Platinum Party

Bud Light Platinum hosts the flashiest party in Reno, featuring DJ Reflex dropping the hottest beats all night long. Guests sporting platinum will receive complementary cover and the best platinum outfit of the evening will win a platinum and diamond pendant from Precision Diamonds!

Doors open at 10 pm. $20 cover.

April 13, 20 & 27 – Biggest Little City DJ Battle

Local DJ’s go head to head on April 13 and 20, battling their way to finals on April 27 where four finalists will take on resident DJ Chris English. The winner will take home $1,000 and earn an opening set for DJ Spryte Aiight the following night.

Doors open at 10 pm. $20 cover.

April 28 – DJ Spryte

Hailing from Chicago, DJ Spryte brings his house heavy style to EDGE with the champion of the Biggest Little City DJ Battle.

Doors open at 10 pm. $20 cover.

Beer Fest

April 13 – Reno Ballroom

Join the Nevada Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Chapter for the 18^th annual Beer Fest, featuring over 60 different brews! This is your chance to use those party skills for a good cause as the proceeds will go towards undergraduate scholarships at the University of Nevada, Reno. Enjoy as much beer as you can drink in a commemorative glass, entertainment by DJ Ryon and a raffle.

Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door.

DJ Ikon

April 14 – BuBinga Lounge

DJ Ikon returns to the Eldorado Hotel Casino for a night of high energy excitement and dancing. After growing up in Lake Tahoe and attending college in Reno, DJ Icon has become a powerhouse on the Las Vegas strip, claiming residencies at a number of the hottest nightclubs in Sin City, including Pure and Haze. Now he is making a homecoming appearance at BuBinga Lounge for a special Addiction Saturday, which promises to be a party you won’t want to miss.

Doors open at 10 pm. $10 cover.

Rusko

April 22 – Knitting Factory

Dubstep guru, Rusko, takes to the Knitting Factory stage for a night of bass thumping original tracks, such as, “Woo Boost,” and “Hold On.”

Doors open at 7 pm/ Show at 8 pm. Tickets are $29.

Sunday may be April Fool’s Day, but chaos, Kelly, and stamps are not things we mess around with. Here’s what’s happening this weekend in Reno Tahoe USA.

Antsy for the weekend? Problem solved! (We are too). On March 29, start your weekend early and make some ruckus at the Jeff Dunham’s Controlled Chaos Tour. Don’t spend all your energy laughing uncontrollably, you’ll need it.

With the huge snow fall this past month, it’s fitting to host the Avalanche Tour Friday, March 30.

Man’s best friends are determined to show how well they know their tricks in Reno March 30 – April 1. The dogs at AKC National Agility Championships 2012 will be competing for more than a Scooby-snack.

The Reno Ukulele Festival is happening all weekend, March 30-April 1! Taking the stage to kick-off the festival is David Lindley and the Quiet American on Friday. Then March 31, Kris Fuchigami and the Ukulele All-Stars will rock your socks off. Didn’t think ukes could rock? You do now.

Superstar Kelly Clarkson is stealing the spotlight March 31 at the Reno Events Center, while a Hong Kong Cantopop singer and actress Joey Yung will show the audience at the Peppermill why she’s won the title of JSG’s “Most Popular Female Singer.”

Happy 50^th Club Cal Neva! Celebrating 50 Years March 31 – April 1, the Club Cal Neva is handing out so many party favors, you’ll forget who’s birthday you’re celebrating.

Calling all women, scrapbooking fanatics, and spiritual enthusiasts: conventions are not in short supply this weekend. Nevada Women’s Expo , Rubber Stamp Events , and the Psychic Fair are going on around town this Saturday and Sunday.

You think that was a lot of events? We have more. Check out our events calendar for a complete listing.

Reno Tahoe Comedy invites you to LoL with the Ladies of Laughter on March 31^st and April 1^st at the Pioneer Underground located on 100 South Virginia, St. in Reno, NV. Enjoy the perfect date night, we offer a full bar with no drink minimum in a beautiful, smoke-free theater setting. Sunday’s event is titled Luxury & Laughs and will include free mini-manicures from Happy Foot Spa & Nail. Hors d’oeuvres will be served from some of our favorite restaurants.

This all-female group of comedians will be headlined by Susan Jones. Voted Washington’s funniest comic, Susan Jones brings her 20 years of comedy and radio experience to the stage with some seriously funny girl talk. Larger than life, Susan uses her attitude and experiences with size acceptance and being a single mom to deliver consistently funny, crowd pleasing performances.

Hosting the Saturday shows is comedian Susan Maletta. Susan Maletta is a sassy and silly stand-up comedian who creates an instant connection with her audience that delights the spirit yet can sometimes pollute the mind. Hosting the Sunday show is comedian Bahiyyih Mudd. From Motherhood to Anger Management Bahiyyih will take it to a hilarious and honest point. There will also be special guest comedians in all the shows.

Tickets for this event are $12 in advance and $16 the day of the show. Get more information and buy tickets at www.renotahoecomedy.com. Tickets are also available at the Pioneer Center for the Arts box office from 11am – 6pm Monday through Friday and at the Pioneer Underground on show nights between 7pm and 11pm. Fees may apply. No refunds. For a complete Reno Tahoe Comedy schedule, go to www.renotahoecomedy.com.

Spring has arrived and summer is inching closer. REI-Reno is pleased to partner with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for the return of the April Speakers Series. This year’s presentations will include information for everybody, but, in particular, we will give attention to hikers and mountain bikers.  Get expert information on where to go, what to bring with you and how to have fun while respecting others and the environment.

All in all, this should be a spectacular not-to-be-missed series.  Here are details on each presentation:

1. “Trail Tactics for The TRT,” Wednesday, April 4, from 6:30 to 8pm

We kickoff this season’s Spring Speaker Series with tips and tricks for segment hiking or day hiking the 165 mile Tahoe Rim Trail.  We will give detailed information on each trail segment.  Questions such as: What amenities are available?  Is there a better place to start/finish?  Do I need permits?  May I bring my dog?  Any special attractions?  Anything I should be aware of? . . .and much more.  This presentation by TRTA staff will be invaluable for planning a fun and safe hike around the Lake.

2. “Mountain Biking the TRT,” Wednesday, April 11, from 6:30 to 8pm

The Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) is a multi-use trail open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.  This presentation will focus on the unmatched mountain biking opportunities for all levels of rider experience.  In this presentation we will discuss the various trail characteristics, including sights, skill levels, gear requirements, trail rules, regulations, etiquette, time and safety considerations.  The TRT mountain bike trails are only a part of the mountain bike terrain offered in the Tahoe Basin. We will include in our discussion other trail opportunities that you will not want to miss.

3.   “The Properly Equipped Hiker,” Wednesday, April 18, from 6:30 to 8pm.

This presentation is essential for both segment and thru-hikers.  REI hiking experts will discuss gear, clothing and back country skills that will help you enjoy your time on the trail.  They will also help you to distinguish between essential gear versus what gear is nice to have.  Gear and clothing selections will also be reviewed for weight, cost, durability and ease of use considerations.  This session will also serve as an unveiling of the newest in 2012 gear.  Backcountry skills will focus on hydration techniques, navigational skills and Leave No Trace principles.  Combine this class with the first class and you will be ready to hit the Tahoe Rim Trail this summer, dressed and outfitted for success.

4.   “Trail Repairs and Mountain Bike Gear,” Wednesday, April 25, from 6:30 to 8pm.

Mountain bikers will be stoked about this session.  It will not only focus on the latest after-market gear, but will include typical trail repairs, as well as how to inspect your bike before your ride.  REI’s bike experts will go over the essentials of a pre-ride inspection, which will keep you safer on the seat this summer.  They will cover typical trail repairs including: flat tires, bent spokes, broken cables, suspension problems, chain issues, derailleur malfunctions, etc.  They will also cover your options if your bike cannot be repaired.  Gear will be discussed from a number of points of view so that you can decide what is best for your style of riding.  Combine this class with the second class and you will be ready for some Flume Trail fun in 2012.

March Madness is here, and with it comes great hotel room specials, deals on food and drinks, and big money bracket winnings! From the first tip-off to the championship team cutting down the celebratory net, all the college basketball excitement is in Reno Tahoe!

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

Join the March Mayhem at the Atlantis Race & Sports Book and Sports Bar & Lounge where you’ll catch all the NCAA action on the countless HD flat-screens while enjoying great food and drink specials, including:

Sliders $5.00                               Fish & Chips $5.00
Classic Hamburger $5.00         Hot Dog $4.50
Chicken wings $5.00                 French Fries $2.50
Onion Rings $2.50                     Microbrews on Draft $3.00-$2.00

Everybody loves an underdog story, and with the Upset Special, you’ll get paid $100 CASH each time a lower seeded team takes down a higher seed (so don’t get too worked up if a dark-horse busts your bracket). And from March 15-18, receive a free drawing ticket for every $100 wagered on the tournament!

Silver Legacy Resort Casino

Think you have the perfect bracket this year? Put it to the test during Silver Legacy’s March Mania and see if you have what it takes to win the $100,000 Ultimate Bracket Challenge, where the more winners you choose, the bigger you win. Make up to $10,000 for first place, or correctly predict 60 out of 63 games and win the $100,000 Bracket Bonus! Don’t miss the hoop hysteria at The Zone, Reno’s March Mania Headquarters, complete with giant screen viewing, stadium seating and food and drink specials.

Eldorado Hotel Casino

Now through March 18, March Madness 2012 is sweeping across the Eldorado. Take advantage of the slam dunk room rates starting at $89 for the weekend, or upgrade to a suite with the “Suite Escape,” starting at $139. On the casino floor, enjoy $25 daily unlimited drink badges along with special food stations, and you won’t miss a single jump shot or layup with more the 150 HDTVs viewing every game. Be sure to enter your March Madness bracket for a shot a $10,000, or make over 60 correct picks and win the $100,000 Bracket Buster Challenge!

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino

The Peppermill wants to hook you and three guests up with the Hoops Hysteria Four for Four VIP Package, including:

• Two-night stay in a Tuscany Suite
• $200 Dining Credit to your choice of 10 restaurants
• Cover, Table and Bottle Service Friday or Saturday night at EDGE nightspot

Enter for your chance to win and watch the NCAA Division College Basketball Finals in VIP style at the Peppermill Sportsbook.

Today Reno Tahoe USA released the details of a new tourism marketing campaign that asks the simple question, “What’s your passion?”

According to Christopher Baum, RSCVA President and CEO, “The campaign is designed to inform potential visitors that whatever their personal passion, Reno Tahoe USA has what they’re looking for. If she loves a day at the spa and he wants to golf eighteen holes – or he loves to kayak and she loves blackjack – they can both fulfill their personal passions in the Reno/Sparks/Tahoe area by day… before getting together for some passion of a different type by night.”

The campaign is meant to appeal to adventure seekers, festival fanatics, nature lovers, entertainment connoisseurs, professional shoppers, gaming fans, sports nuts, romantics and urban explorers of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles.

“In Reno Tahoe USA, ALL well-behaved visitors are encouraged to pursue their passions in winter, spring, summer and fall,” said Baum.

The campaign is based upon the region’s new brand positioning statement, which represents the essence of the destination today and into the future, according to Baum.

“Reno Tahoe USA is a friendly, four season resort destination – in a spectacular natural setting – that offers world class attractions, activities and events to excite the passions of almost anyone.”

Thirty-two billboard ads asking drivers to remember their passions will be strategically located throughout the Bay Area.

Extensive radio spots, on all of the top stations in those markets, will continue to challenge listeners to live out their passions in Reno Tahoe USA.

A print campaign launches in May in upscale publications such as Southwest Airlines’ Spirit, San Francisco and Sacramento magazines. Special inserts will also run in AAA’s VIA and in Sunset magazine.

Partner properties, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Circus Circus Reno, John Ascuaga’s Nugget and Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, are lending support through the creation of “Passion Packages” that provide an easy way for visitors to purchase multiple activities along with their guestroom. All radio, billboard and magazine advertisements direct prospects to go to VisitRenoTahoe.com, where information about our region and specifics about the four partner resorts and their special packages are prominently featured.

“Residents of the Reno/Sparks/Tahoe area are passionate about our region, and I am confident that there are thousands of new visitors from nearby California – and elsewhere – who will respond to the same natural beauty, friendly environment and variety of things to do that those of us fortunate to live here year-round get to enjoy every day,” according to Baum. “Everybody has something that makes their face smile and their heart beat a little faster, and I can’t think of another resort destination in America that can offer as many signature events, unique activities and cool venues as Reno Tahoe USA.”

Understanding a holiday centered on inserting an extra day into the calendar year, and then taking it out for 3 years, but not on years divisible by 100, unless they’re evenly divisible by 400, all so the vernal equinox (aka full moon) remains on or close to March 21, is quite the quizzical concept. But now that you have the gist, plus information that can only be used in leap year pick-up lines, let’s move forward with how Reno Tahoe celebrates most holidays – parties and discounts!

Masquerade Bash at Aura Lounge

Enter this sleek and sophisticated soiree for just $10, or wear a mask and get in for $7. Don’t have a stash of masks lying around the house? A professional face painter will be painting masks throughout the evening. If wearing a decorated mask doesn’t boost your ego, liquid courage will finish the trick. Sip secret recipe concoctions of themed drinks; including, Phantom, The Ball and Jester.

$29 Leap Year Lift Tickets at Diamond Peak

Savor your extra day on the slopes! Diamond Peak is celebrating the day by offering $29 all day tickets. (Only valid 2/29/12)

$29 room night at John Ascuaga’s Nugget

Leaping on to a luxury hotel bed is so much sweeter when the price is cheaper! Take advantage of this one night rate of $29 on February 29th only.

$29 Leap Year Tickets at Alpine and Squaw Valley

$29 Leap Day tickets are on sale until 2/28 at midnight! Enjoy those freshies on Leap Day!

Eldorado Leap Year Savings email

Celebrate Leap Year with savings! Be sure to sign up to receive their emails… you won’t want to miss the Leap Year Savings email tomorrow. Sign up by midnight 2/29.

Garage Boys at The Brew Brothers

The Garage Boys are a high energy band based out of Vegas playing at The Brew Brothers Feb 29 – March 4. Show starts at 10pm.