With everything from beef “fries,” to 2,000 year old artifacts, to shaved heads, Reno Tahoe USA is the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day celebration destination!

Rocky Mountain Oyster Festival & St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 17, Virginia City

Often referred to as “The Testicle Festival,” this fun filled cook-off is by far the most unique way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Professional and amateur cooks will gather in Virginia City to compete for the most creative and appealing way to prepare the delightful delicacies known as beef “fries” (yep – those are beef and sheep testicles). Prizes include $500 for the best tasting recipe, as well as $250 for the most creative dish, best presentation and best booth. The fun continues with marching leprechauns and dazzling floats during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicking off at noon!

Celtic Heritage Exhibit & Celebrations

February 18 – April 30, Sparks Heritage Museum

The Celtic Heritage Exhibit is a unique compilation of over 30 different people’s private collections and features artifacts dating back as far as 30-40 AD. For the next three months visitors will have the opportunity to learn about Celtic traditions and customs, not only in the Museum but through dance and music performances in the Cultural Center, including:

• March 4, 1-4 pm – The Blachette Irish Dancers, Celtic Session Musicians and others will perform at a reception for The Sons & Daughters of Erin and honor the “Irish Person of the Year”
• March 17 – Victorian Square St. Patrick’s Day Music & Festivities
• April 21 – Scottish Clans Reception & Celtic Jam

St. Patrick’s Day Beer Crawl

March 17, Club Cal Neva

Dust off your green top hats and join the shenanigans at Club Cal Neva where $10 gets you an array of drinks throughout the casino; including, Irish whiskey shot, Killian’s Red, Irish Car Bomb, Melon Bomb and much more! Don’t miss the costume contest where $100 will be awarded to the most traditional, most sexy and most outrageous costumes.  The crawling begins at 5 pm.

St. Patrick’s Day Wine Walk

March 17, Downtown Reno

Grab your friends and start your St. Patrick’s Day celebration early with an afternoon of wine tasting along the Truckee River and neighboring streets. Pick up your wine glass, map and ID bracelet for $20 at any of the 33 participating merchants. The St. Paddy’s Day fun kicks off at 2 pm!

St. Baldrick’s Day

March 17, Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center

This St. Patrick’s Day, be brave and go bald in support of kids fighting cancer. Hosted by the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation, the 6^th annual event has raised over $675,000 and shaved more than 770 heads in northern Nevada, making it one the largest St. Baldrick’s Day celebrations in the world! Show your support from 5-8 pm.

St. Patty’s Parties

March 17, Eldorado Hotel Casino

The Eldorado Hotel Casino is going green with St. Patties Patty’s Parties. Celebrate the luck of the Irish at BuBinga Lounge where you’ll party the night away while dancing to the beats of (((xmfredie))), Roni Romance, Jessica the Ripper and VJ A-Jay  starting at 10 pm. At The Brew Brother’s St. Patrick’s Day Bash, rock out to your favorite top 40 hits performed live by Alias followed by late night sets from DJ D. Rek. The bash begins at 9 pm.

Everyone is Irish

March 12 – 18, Silver Legacy Resort Casino

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, each of the bars at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino will serve up special Irish inspired drinks; including, green beer and Irish drop kicks, from Monday, March 12 to Sunday, March 18. You’re bound to work up an appetite during all the bar hopping so stop by Sterling’s Seafood Steakhouse, Flavors the Buffet or Fresh Express for a delicious Irish cuisine on Saint Patty’s Day.

Green Party

March 17, EDGE Nightclub

EDGE Nightclub inside the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino is turning up the heat this St. Patrick’s Day with the Green Party. Enjoy Jameson, Guinness and Car Bomb specials all night, and receive complementary cover when you show up in your best green attire.

A Metal Madness St. Patrick Celebration

March 17, The Underground

If you’re looking for a head banging, face melting St. Patrick’s Day celebration, The Underground has the perfect party for you. Rock out to the hard hitting sounds of As They Sleep, Nightshade, It Lies Within, Cranium and Nevermute while enjoying $5 PBJs, $3 Guinness and $2 whiskey shots, plus receive a FREE green beer when you wear green! The show kicks off at 8 pm.

Celebrate Parti Gras – The New Giant Mardi Gras Celebration

February 17 – 21, at John Ascuaga’s Nugget

This five-day massive celebration includes free concerts, Parti Gras casino parades, showgirls, free hats & beads, Mardi Gras face art and caricature artists.  John’s Club players can win their share of $20,000 throughout Parti Gras with hot seat giveaways, cash drawings and trips for two to New Orleans.  Plus, the Rotisserie Buffet will take on the “N’awlins” theme for the weekend with favorites like dirty rice and jambalaya.  There will be New Orleans style food specials in all of the Nugget’s restaurants as well.

BONUS: Guests who stay February 17, 18, or 19 can take advantage of a $97 one night special which includes 2 free drinks with Parti Gras souvenir glasses.

Mardi Gras Dance Party

February 18, at The Ramada

The Reno Blues Society’s will continue to show off their party planning skills with the 18^th annual Mardi Gras Dance Party – featuring award winning recording artist, Sista Monica. High energy, heartfelt lyrics and an awesome band backing this dynamic singer will prove to be one of the best RBS Mardi Gras Dance Parties!

The Big Easy is Coming to Silver Legacy

February 21

Not to be missed: the Fat Tuesday feasts at Sterling’s Seafood Steakhouse, Fairchild’s Oyster Bar and Café Sedona. You best be hungry.

We all know Mardi Gras would not be complete without some quality adult libations! Available at all Silver Legacy bars enjoy Pat O’brien style Hurricane’s and Mardi Gras Punch for just $5.

Fat Tuesday Mardi Crawl

February 21 – Squaw Valley

Start the Mardi Crawl at KT Base Bar at 2pm with the Samba Stilt Circus and cruise through the Village to 5 other locations for drink and food specials in honor of Fat Tuesday.

Party the Night Away at Reno Mardi Gras

February 21 – Reno Ballroom

At the 20th annual Rotary Club of Reno event, enjoy festive traditions; including, dancing, indulging in rich food and drink, and dressing in the finest Mardi Gras attire. Local restaurants will team up with over a dozen wineries, offering delectable treats and pouring over 60 types of wine! Buy your tickets at the doors of the Reno Ballroom for $50. Doors open at 6pm.

From a pampered day at a spa to a romantic stay in a luxurious suite – plus divine dining options and North Lake Tahoe getaway specials – Reno Tahoe USA has everything you need to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day. And don’t worry, we’ll let your one and only think it was all your idea.

For a romantic and relaxing celebration, delight you and your sweetheart to an exclusive Valentine’s treatment at Spa Atlantis. Indulge in the hour long Grand Marnier Pedicure complete with a coconut milk soak, hydrating chocolate mask, and hand and foot massage with orange blossom body butter; all for $80. Experience the passion of the Hawaiian Islands with the Lomi Lomi: Tropical Romance massage and let all your stress and tension melt away with the deep, rhythmic kneading along your body.  Prices for this unique massage range from: $130 single or $270 couples for 60 minutes, or $160 single or $330 couples for 90 minutes. And make sure you have Kiss-ably Soft Lips for your Valentine with a complementary collagen lip plumping treatment with every facial booked in February.

Treat your amour to a passionate getaway at the Eldorado Hotel Casino with the special ‘VICP’ – Very Important Couple’s Package for $159; featuring two tickets to the intimate new show Benise – Nights of Fire and a night in the Player’s Spa Suite. Turn up the romance with hand dipped chocolate strawberries and a bottle of champagne for only $40.

The Silver Legacy Resort Casino wants to help you romantics create an unforgettable night with that special someone, and you won’t even have to leave your suite. Starting at $259, the Romance Package includes a one night stay in the luxurious Spa Suite, an in-room dinner, bottle of champagne and delectable strawberries and cream or chocolate dipped strawberries. If you’re in the mood to step out for dinner, substitute the in-room meal, champagne and strawberries for a $125 credit to Sterling’s Steakhouse. Either way, it will be a Valentine’s Day you and your loved one will cherish for years to come.

Romance is in the air at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino with the All You Need is Love package including a night’s stay in a Deluxe Peppermill room or Tuscan Suite, two 50 minute massages at Spa Toscana and dinner for two at Bimini Steakhouse. Rates for this very special Valentine’s Day start at $279.

John Ascuaga’s Nugget is offering a Suite Deal for your Sweetheart, starting at $104.99. For one exciting night, enjoy a stay in a beautiful Premier East Tower Suite and a $60 dining credit to any restaurant or in-room dining.

Mix country music superstars, today’s hottest DJs, comedy legends, hard hitting bands and a splash of Black Dot Vodka, and you get one unforgettable weekend in Reno Tahoe USA.

County music stars are taking over Reno this Friday.

Clint Black, one of the music industry’s top names, brings his world-renowned country style to the Silver Legacy at 8:00 p.m. Black, renowned for his voice and guitar playing, has also mastered the drums and harmonica, which makes for a show like no other. Tickets start at $42.50.

Female vocalist great Terri Clark is set to perform an acoustic show at Cargo inside CommRow  at 8:00p.m. Known for her beautiful voice and country flair, Clark has sold over four million albums during her unprecedented career, boasting nearly a dozen Top Ten hits including “Better Things to Do.” Don’t miss her unplugged an intimate show with tickets starting at $23.50.

This Saturday, BuBinga Lounge inside the Eldorado Hotel Casino invites you to “Rock the Dot” with Black Dot Vodka and special host, DJ Parweezy (AKA Mr. Bollywood). Don’t miss the hottest party in Reno as a star-studded DJ lineup ignites the dance floor. DJ Rancan, DJ Love-One and Dholi Amar Gill will join resident DJs Roni Romance, (((xmfredie))) and Jessica the Ripper  for a night full the finest beats and luscious drinks. The party kicks off at 10:00p.m. with a $10 cover.

If you’re in the mood for some big laughs before you hit the dance floor, be sure to catch Bill Maher at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino. Maher’s combination of brutal honesty and political satire has earned him his own shows on Comedy Central and HBO, as well as 22 Emmy nominations.  Maher takes to the Grand Exposition Hall stage Saturday at 8p.m. for a night of unforgettable comedy. Tickets start at $45.50.

Likewise on Saturday, comedic greats Bobby Slayton and Bobby Collins will have you laughing off the edge of your seat at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Preforming his own unique style of standup for almost 30 years, Bobby Slayton is often regarded as the “Pit bull of Comedy” because of his hilarious and energetic performance.  Having opened for showbiz greats such as Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, Bobby Collins is legend in the comedy world. He performs more than 200 stand-up shows a year, bringing his laughs to millions of people. This evening of side-splitting jokes starts at 9:00p.m. in the Celebrity Showroom for only $20.

For you head bangers and metalcore enthusiasts alike, Attack Attack! will rock the Knitting Factory stage on Saturday with special guests The Ghost Inside, Sleeping with Sirens, Chunk! NO Captain Chunk! and Dream on Dreamer.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and tickets start at $18.00.

The Big Game might be in Indianapolis, but the real Super Bowl XLVI action is right here, in Reno Tahoe, on February 5! Not only will you watch the New England Patriots battle against the New York Giants on massive screens, you’ll also enjoy great food, prizes and even NFL cheerleaders!

Watch Tom Brady and Eli Manning go head-to-head at the Super Stadium Bash XLVI hosted by the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in the Tuscany Events Center. For $55, enjoy Bud and Bud Light draft beer at every table, all-you-can-eat stadium food buffet, a Super Stadium Bash t-shirt and mug, exciting prizes every quarter and a meet and greet with the Budweiser Girls!

The Super Bowl fun kicks off before the game even starts at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa with a special Oakland Raiderette Cheerleader meet and greet on the Paradise Terrace from 2-3 pm. After getting your picture taken with the beautiful Raiderettes, catch all the hard hitting action on HDTVs throughout the casino or on 13-feet screens in the comfort of the Race & Sports Book, all while enjoying specials on your favorite stadium food and beer!

The Silver Legacy Resort Casino is throwing the largest Big Game Party in northern  Nevada at the Downtown Reno Ballroom. Hosted by KOZZ’s Smith and McClain, you won’t miss a play or knee-slapping commercial while watching the grid-iron action on multiple giant screens. For $40, enjoy a complimentary drink, all-you-can-eat buffet, big game hat, prizes and Budweiser swag!

At the Eldorado Hotel Casino, every seat is the best seat in the house as they open up the award-winning Broadway style showroom to host the 2012 NFL Championship party, featuring stadium style seating!  Tickets for a reserved seat are $25, and include a drink, stadium food and a souvenir hat commemorating the game. If enjoying delicious micro-brews while watching the action is more your style, head over to The Brew Brothers where you’ll find eighteen big screen TVs; mouthwatering burgers, salads and pizzas; and of course, hand crafted beers. Be sure to keep your eyes open for appearances by former NFL players Frank Hawkins, Dan McGwire, Quinn Early and former Harlem Globetrotter, Eathan O’Bryant.

We may have just finished ringing in 2012, but January 23 marks another New Year, the Year of the Dragon! According to Chinese tradition, the Year of the Dragon will bring exhilaration, excitement and intensity; everything you can expect to find in Reno Tahoe. So say goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and welcome in the Dragon with great celebrations!

The Peppermill Resort Spa Casino is welcoming in the Year of the Dragon with Our Chinese Heart – Eternal Melody on January 28. Preforming in the Tuscany Events Center, Our Chinese Heart is a classic variety show complete with singers, musicians and comedians.  Before enjoying the show, or any time between January 23 and 29, indulge in a special Chinese New Year menu at Chi, featuring braised fish maw, Chinese broccoli stir fry and a wide variety of other delicious dishes.

Join the Chinese New Year CelebrAsian at the Eldorado Hotel Casino where you’ll discover traditional Chinese specialties in The Buffet from January 23-28. Feast on customary dishes; including, barbeque pork spare ribs, Hong Kong style fried fish, roasted duck and Mongolian lamb. The celebration continues with magnificent White Crane Lion Dances winding through the mezzanine and casino floor for all to see on January 27-29 and February 2-5.

The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is celebrating the Chinese New Year throughout the entire month of January with dining specials at Toucan Charlie’s Buffet & Grille, Purple Parrot and Bistro Napa. Also, collect commemorative Year of the Dragon chips and a limited edition t-shirt while playing your favorite casino games. On January 28, join the Chinese Association of Northern Nevada for the Reno Chinese New Year Celebration on the casino floor, where a traditional Lion Dance promises to be the highlight of the evening!

Celebrate the transition from the Year of the Rabbit to the Year of the Dragon with food, traditional dances and fun at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino. Treat yourself to Chinese delicacies, such as Fat Choy and stir fry rice cakes, from January 27 to February 12 at Café Sedona and Flavors! the Buffet. During this 15 day celebration, be sure to catch one of the many dazzling Lion Dances near the iconic mining rig.

At the Grand Sierra Resort, you’ll find everything from a magic show to a Feng Shui workshop during the Lantern Festival, February 3-5. The Grand Theater will be full of Chinese entertainment as Chin-Chin mystifies all with his astonishing magic on Friday, February 3, and the Lion Dance-Dance Off takes over the theater the following night.  But that’s not all! Learn all about Feng Shui from Sasha Lee, test your cultural knowledge during the Lantern Riddle Contest, and enjoy the live music of violinist CryWolffs! and acoustic soloist Wilson Wong.

For a truly unique Chinese New Year celebration,  head up to Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe where you will not only  enjoy discounts on Asian food, drinks and an amazing day on the slopes, but will also see the skiing dragon make its way down the mountain!

For a far from expected New Year’s celebration, join one of the many exciting parties in downtown Reno. From Go-Go dancers and gowns, to fireworks and fake mustaches, we have everything you need to make this a New Year’s Eve you won’t forget – or remember.

It may be cold outside, but inside the Eldorado Hotel Casino it’s heating up at BuBinga Lounge. Hosting a special New Year’s Eve Black and White Bash, (((xm fedie))), Roni Romance and Jessica the Ripper will be spinning well into the New Year. One cover gets you into Brew Brothers and Roxy’s Bar and Lounge, both venues are entertaining with live music and DJ’s, plus party favors, a balloon drop and toast at midnight. Cin Cin offers a more laid back celebration where you can enjoy artisan cocktails while relaxing with friends.

Ring in the New Year with the hottest Brazilian dancers inside the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. You won’t have to visit the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro to feel the heat. To start the countdown to midnight, Atlantis’ Party Patrol will roam the casino floor to hand out hats, tiaras, and noise makers! The festive parade starts at 10pm and travels through the casino floor. FREE entertainment, FREE Champagne, FREE party favors, a casino-wide balloon drop, plus everyone is a winner! This is one party that would be hard to turn your back on.

Silver Legacy Resort Casino is  on New Year’s Eve with DJ’s, dancing and dueling pianos. Enjoy one of the hottest dance parties in town, along with complimentary party favors and a midnight champagne toast at the “Rockin’ the Dome Dance Party,” hosted by DJ Kentot. Or, celebrate the New Year “island style” at Rub Bullions Island Bar, featuring the outrageous dueling pianos. If you’re looking for a dance experience with bottle service, check out Aura Lounge where you can party the night away.

Party, sip and boogie at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino with three parties to choose from that will ring in the New Year in style. Dance into the New Year with DJ Chris English while enjoying vintage cocktails at VINTEDGE presented by EDGE – guest will receive party favors including masquerade masks and mustaches. The Club 90 band sets the mood for an evening of dancing, mingling, libations, party favors and a champagne toast at the Capri Ballroom Bash. If you’re feeling lucky, party on the casino floor. Groove to the sounds of Soul Experience at the Cabaret Lounge or jam to an energetic selection of popular music at the Terrace Lounge.

Get wild in Sammy’s Showroom inside Harrah’s Reno, where Go-Go dancers and a DJ blasting your favorite hits will fill the night with excitement. Sapphire Lounge will also help you celebrate the dawning of the New Year with music, dancing and drink specials.

For you high school juniors and seniors, welcome 2012 in New York City fashion at NYC NYE hosted by Cargo inside CommRow. Dance to the music of DJ Max, sip on specialty non-alcoholic drinks while munching on New York street food, and toast with sparkling cider at midnight while watching the ball drop on the big screen.

Glitterdome Presents and The Knitting Factory have joined forces to bring you VIP New Years Eve 2012! The epic night is hosting 6 different acts, Go-Go dancers, dragonfly aerials and exotic treats.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a New Year’s Eve celebration without fireworks. Take on the tradition and join thousands under the Reno arch to bring in the New Year as Reno lights up the sky with dazzling pyrotechnics.

By, Cody Haener

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is offering series of special discounts, in exchange for charitable donations during this year’s Holly Jolly Days!

Contributions will be donated to a number of deserving local charities, spanning the entire community. Charities include: The Salvation Army, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, Evelyn Mount Community Outreach Food Drive, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada and Toys for Tots!

Holly Jolly Days runs until Friday, December 23^rd.

Bring in two non-perishable food items (per person) to receive:

Café Alfresco

o   2-4-1 Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza or Made-to-order Pasta

Manhattan Deli for Two for $20

o   Enjoy Two Select Menu Items, Two Drinks and a Dessert to Share

Purple Parrot $6.99 (midnight-6am)

o   Choice of: NY Steak and Eggs, Ham & Cheese Omelet, Gyro Sandwich or BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

Toucan Charlie’s Buffet & Grille (excludes Sunday Brunch)

o   2-4-1 Breakfast or Lunch or $5-off Dinner Buffet Nightly

Gift Shop

o   20% Discount

Club Paradise Desk

o   Free Slot Tournament Bonus Entry

Bring in a new winter coat to receive:

Spa Atlantis

o   $10 Spa or Salon Gift Certificate

Bring in a new and unwrapped toy or two non-perishable food items to receive:

Fun Center

o   $5 Game Card with a minimum $5 purchase

Just as the chaos of the holiday season mounts to its apex, the Reno downtown bar district will get its annual visit from over 4,000-5,000 pub-crawling Santas, and various other holiday spirited costumes, ready to spread holiday cheer for charity.

The evening begins precisely at 7:30pm…ish at several locations, where red-suit clad men and women meet to pick up their maps and joyfully wassail through the downtown district, stopping at over 30 selected locations, bringing the joy of giving to revelers along the way.

The charity event, free to participants, is expected to bring in about $5,000 to donorschoose.org. The participating venues along the route are asked to donate to the “Claus,” and as a reward for their generosity, they receive a visit from the crawlers.

The evening pauses for a moment to sing Christmas carols under the Reno Arch at midnight, and then the decking of the halls continues until dawn’s early light.

Santas are going to need a little more than milk and cookies to get through this night… From Naughty Elfs to Sleigh Shots, there are drink specials for all to have a good night.

The fastest way to get on Santa’s naughty list is by drinking and driving. The Silver Legacy is offering an early holiday present giving deluxe rooms Friday and Saturday for $62 a night, and $50 Sunday night. Plus, 10% of each hotel purchase to the Claus! Group Code is Santa11.

Before you hit the bars, hit the slopes only 30min away at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe for the Santa Ski Crawl December 10!

Wondering where you can get a 2011 Commemorative Cup? We made list, and checked it twice…

Chocolate Walrus
Junkee’s Clothing Exchange
Prism Magic
3rd Street
Shooters Saloon
Wurk
Duffy’s Ale House
Doc Holliday’s
Siena Hotel Casino
Men Wielding Fire
Imperial Lounge
Waterfall
Ole Bridge Pub
El Cortez Lounge
Tonic Lounge
Se7en West St. Market
Pizza Reno
Chocolate Bar
Java Jungle/Jungle Vino
Sierra Tap House
Whiskey Bar
Pin Up Pub
The Lincoln Lounge
Davidson’s Distillery
Louis Basque Corner
Abby’s Highway 40
Club Underground
Biggest Little City Club
Red Rock Studio
Strega Bar
St. James Infirmary
Studio on 4th
Pioneer Underground
West Second Street

For more information, visit www.renosantacrawl.com.

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without everyone’s favorite tale of the Nutcracker. The whole family will enjoy this classic ballet as sugar plumb fairies and mice dance through a young girl’s dream to the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky. Enjoy this favorite, showing every weekend leading up to the holidays, at one of the many performances here in Reno.

December 3 – 4

The Nutcracker – Peninsula Ballet Theatre Of San Mateo California

Grand Sierra Resort & Casino

December 9 – 11

The Nutcracker – A.V.A. Ballet Theatre

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

December 17 – 24

The Nutcracker – RDC Nutcracker Performance Tour

John Ascuaga’s Nugget, Celebrity Showroom

Written by, Cody Haener