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

Reno-Tahoe International Airport will be hosting the first American Indian exhibit in its history and invites the public to the opening reception on Monday, November 14, 2011 from 6:00-7:30pm.  Governor Brian Sandoval, Washoe Tribal Chairwoman Wanda Batchelor and Chairman Wayne Burke from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe are scheduled to speak, accompanied by performances of local American Indian artists.

The exhibit opens during November, National American Indian Heritage Month.  Governor Sandoval has also proclaimed November as American Indian Heritage Month in Nevada.

“We are very pleased that the Nevada Indian Commission could facilitate this project,” said Sherry Rupert, Executive Director of the Commission.  “The partnership we have with the Nevada Arts Council and the Indian Territory made this initial exhibit possible.”

The Nevada Indian Commission worked with the Arts Council’s Folklife Program and the Nevada Indian Territory to develop a special edition of the Arts Council’s “What Continues the Dream” traveling exhibit and includes posters drawn from the pages of the gallery guide and photographs of powwow dancers in their colorful regalia; an Indian Territory graphic display; and hand-crafted cultural objects provided by the Nevada Indian Commission. The exhibit will be on display in the Connector Collections Gallery on the second floor, between the B and C gates through January 22, 2012.

“An American Indian cultural exhibit at our airport has been highly anticipated and a long time coming,” added Rupert.  “When a visitor enters the airport they should know they are in the lands of the Washoe, Paiute and Shoshone people.”

The Indian Commission’s mission is to ensure the well-being of American Indian citizens statewide through development and enhancement of the government-to-government relationship between the State of Nevada and Indian Tribes, and through education for a greater cultural understanding of the state’s first citizens.  The Commission was established in 1965 to be the conduit between the Governor and the 27 federally-recognized Nevada tribes.

Paiute Elder Ralph Burns will provide the opening prayer.  Burns is the recipient of the 2011 Nevada Heritage Award, which honors Nevada folk artists and tradition bearers who are the finest and most influential masters of their particular art forms and who have had a significant impact on the people and communities of the state.  Gayle Johnson a Bishop Paiute Tribal Member will provide the Paiute Flag Song and Red Hawk Warriors along with various Powwow dancers will be on hand to celebrate the evening.

For information on the Nevada Indian Commission visit www.nic.nv.gov and for more information on the Nevada Arts Council and the Indian Territory please visit www.nac.nevadaculture.org and www.NevadaIndianTerritory.com.

This Veteran’s Day our local businesses would like to give back to those who fought for us. A few of these selected deals are this weekend only, but most you can enjoy year round. Check them out!

At CommRow – Veterans (this weekend) and active military (always) climb FREE

Sparks Heritage Museum – FREE Admission for Veterans

Harrah’s Reno – This Veteran’s Day all active duty and retired military will receive a FREE Carvings or Forrest Buffet!

Circus Circus Reno Military Discount

John Ascuaga’s Nugget Military Discount

Silver Legacy Military Discount

Veteran’s Day Parade 11-11-11

*For discounts, must show valid military/veteran’s ID. If you know of other great discounts for our military, please comment!

11/5
Cyndi Lauper – Don’t miss the chance to hear Cyndi sing her new Blues songs along with all of her original hits including “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”

Ends 11/13
Hairspray – Its last week in town, Hairspray is going to go big – and we’re not just talking about the hair.

11/4-11/6
Disney on Ice Presents: Treasure Trove – See all your favorite Disney stars in this magical performance.

11/5
Weird Al Yankovic – The biggest selling comedy recording artist of all time has returned to demolish the pop landscape with Alpocalypse, his first full-length studio album in nearly five years.

11/5
Mike Winfield – Reno Tahoe Comedy presents Mike Windfield from NBC’s “The Office.”

11/11
Wynonna – Wynonna always gets her point across whether she’s using her rich, commanding voice to sing one of her countless hits or sitting down with her unflinching honesty for a bold appearance with her fans.

11/11
Veterans Day Parade – March through the heart of downtown Reno and honors those who have sacrificed to protect our country. ROTC units, marching bands and flag-waving citizens turn out in force.

11/11-11/12
CANFEST – More than 30 breweries from around the world will be offering up their canned creations to beer enthusiasts.

11/11 – 11/12

Gordon Lightfoot – this legendary singer/songwriter has achieved international success with his music, helping define the folk-pop sound of the 60s-70s.

11/11 – 11/13
UNR Ski Swap – No better way to get ready for the upcoming ski season than buying all your gear up to 70% off!

11/12
FREE Saturday at the Nevada Museum of Art – every 2^nd Saturday of the month is Free at the Art Museum.

For more events, check out our events calendar.

Family and friends can enjoy a day at the Museum for FREE on the Second Saturday of each month. In November and December visitors can enjoy the Museum’s signature photography collection The Altered Landscape: Photographs of a Changing Environment. Make an afternoon of it and stop by Café Museé for lunch. Find some early holiday gifts at the Museum Store – full of unique toys, stationery and glass items.

•         November 12 / 10 am – 5 pm

•         December 10 / 10 am – 5 pm

Second Saturdays are FREE thanks to the Nightingale Family Foundation

Visit the museum’s website at http://www.nevadaart.org for more information.

MAPES HOTEL SITE

The original Mapes Hotel, a grand beauty of a building near the Truckee River, was haunted for decades by an unknown spirit. After it was torn down, the same presence has been reported lingering near the ice rink on the spot of the old hotel that is set up in the winter months.

GOLD HILL HOTEL

A few miles out of Virginia City is the little town of Gold Hill.  This is the town where the actual gold strikes began just prior to the biggest gold and silver strike ever (called the Comstock Lode) occurred in Virginia City.

Gold Hill has its share of mines that are still under the ground.  The Yellow Jacket mine, the Commons mine and all the rest are still here.  Miners were killed in some of these mines due to accidents.  Right behind the Gold Hill Hotel is the Yellow Jacket mine.  The miners didn’t have electricity with which to do their work.  They had to use candlelight.  Oxygen was limited underground and the gases that emanated from under the ground combined and fires were a constant danger.  Unfortunately, a fire broke out in the Yellow Jacket mine in 1873 and 37 miners were killed and were left buried at the bottom of the mine shafts behind this hotel.

THE OLD WASHOE CLUB

~ AKA ~

The Millionaires Club

“Locals and tourists rub shoulders and swap stories at The Old Washoe Club. Originally called The Millionaires Club, it was built so that nouveau riche gentlemen might enjoy the pleasures of wealth, in comfort and style. At one time, the building was even used to store corpses when the ground was frozen too solid for digging graves.

“Three ghosts haunt The Old Washoe Club; A lovely, blonde apparition, known as the lady in blue, the specter of a scared little girl, and a grizzled prospector who occasionally cadges drinks from unsuspecting patrons. Ladies be warned, the door to the women’s room locks and unlocks itself.” – Janice Oberding, Suite 101 Article.

These stories and more are part of the Old Washoe Club.  What people don’t know is that there are two totally different sites of the Old Washoe Club.  There are two different “parts” to the Old Washoe Club.  There is the bar and snack bar downstairs.  There you will find the winding staircase.  This staircase was the original front door to The Millionaires Club.  This would be where respectable men turned millionaires would be greeted.  Behind the scenes was where the real action took place.

OVERNIGHT GHOST HUNTING EVENT

Halloween is just around the corner! Spend it with us as we Ghost Hunt and attempt to communicate with the lovely spirits here at St. Mary’s Art Center, fondly known as The St. Mary Louise Hospital, established in 1876 located in Virginia City, NV.  Mark your calendar and make your reservation now. Price includes overnight accommodations plus we have a special 2 nighter package as well.  Go to the following link for more info and to purchase your ticket.

http://www.virginiacityparanormal.com/upcoming-events.html

If you’re looking for a place to take the kids, dog, or that costume you’ve been meticulously planning since last year, you’ve clicked to the right spot.

Friday, Oct 28

Trick or Treat Street

• Bring your trick or treaters to the Circus Circus midway for our free and safe Trick or Treat Street where kids of all ages will enjoy free candy, prizes, and complimentary child ID.

Saturday, Oct 29

Monsters and Mayhem

• Guys, ghouls and ghosts will scare up some wicked fun in downtown Reno’s Riverwalk District during the 5th annual Riverwalk Merchants Halloween Hollow event. This year’s theme is “Monsters and Mayhem” and costumes are heavily encouraged. Halloween fun is kicked up a notch with free family games, trick-or-treating, live music, a doggie costume contest and more at the West Street Plaza Halloween Weekend. This year we have also included a special trick-or-treat route for your pets. Maps can be downloaded from renoriver.org/halloween the week of the event or picked up the day of the event at the Riverwalk booth.

Halloween Hoedown

• Make the Nugget your place for Halloween fun this year! Join us in the Casino Cabaret  for our Halloween Hoedown featuring:$1,000 costume contest: $500 1st place, $300 2nd place, and $200 3rd place, FREE live music with Rick Hays & American Steel, $1 Coors, Coors Light, Margarita or Bloody Mary for patrons in costume and KBUL 98 FM live radio remote.

Spooky Slots Tournament

• Don’t chicken out of this slot tournament at Harrah’s Reno, $25,000 is one the line!

Atlantis’ Frighteningly Fun Costume Contest

• Show off your spooky, spunky and spirited side at Atlantis’ Frighteningly Fun Costume Contest! Come dressed in your best Halloween digs for our FREE Costume Contest and you could win your share of $1,000 in Cash & Prizes! Themes include: Most Original, Funniest, Best Casino Theme, Scariest, Best Couple and Best Overall.

Sunday, Oct 30

Atlantis Fun Center’s Spooktacular Halloween Party

• Reveal your funky, funny and frightening side at the Atlantis Fun Center’s Spooktacular Halloween Party on Sunday, October 30, 2011.  Bring your kids, dressed in their best Halloween costumes, for an all-day safe Trick-or-Treating event and FREE Costume Contest.

Atlantis’ Frighteningly Fun Costume Contest

• Show off your spooky, spunky and spirited side at Atlantis’ Frighteningly Fun Costume Contest! Come dressed in your best Halloween digs for our FREE Costume Contest and you could win your share of $1,000 in Cash & Prizes! Themes include: Most Original, Funniest, Best Casino Theme, Scariest, Best Couple and Best Overall.

Monday, Oct 31

Atlantis’ Frighteningly Fun Costume Contest

• Show off your spooky, spunky and spirited side at Atlantis’ Frighteningly Fun Costume Contest! Come dressed in your best Halloween digs for our FREE Costume Contest and you could win your share of $1,000 in Cash & Prizes! Themes include: Most Original, Funniest, Best Casino Theme, Scariest, Best Couple and Best Overall.

Looking for a night out on the town with your crew? Check out our list of 2011 Halloween Hotspots.

The newest issue of Nevada Magazine features the one and only, Reno Tahoe! We couldn’t help but share these breath-taking images and well written articles on our favorite destination. Features in the magazine include the area’s top ski resorts (including the largest ski resort in the US!), the Black Rock Desert beyond Burning Man (their photos will wow you), lakes, parks, towns, venues…. everything you’d want to know!

Want your own copy? Take advantage of Groupon’s 50% off deal through 10/22! http://www.groupon.com/deals/nevada-magazine-2 .

Jason Aldean, Chris Young and Thompson Square are coming to Reno Tahoe Oct 23! The concert has been sold out for awhile, but we found tickets – for FREE! (Nope, this is not a scam.)

Circus Circus Reno will be hosting The My Kinda Party Tour Ticket Giveaway October 20-22 from 5-10pm. TEN tickets will be given away every day with multiple chances to win. Do the math, that’s 30 tickets!

RECOGNIZE NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH WITH A BENEFITING SPA TREATMENT

For the month of October, Spa Atlantis will offer Breast Cancer Survivors a Complimentary 30-Minute Spa Treatment.  Survivors may choose a 30-minute version of the “Peppermint Hope” Massage, Facial, Manicure or Pedicure.

In addition to recognizing those personally affected by Breast Cancer, we invite you to “Think Pink” and try a signature “Peppermint Hope” Spa Treatment. Five dollars from any of the “Peppermint Hope” Spa Treatments will go to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure in Northern Nevada.

Reservations are necessary, as limited times and dates are available. Please call 775.954.4135.

THINK PINK SPA PACKAGE

Spa Toscana is honoring Breast Cancer Awareness month with a special “Think Pink” spa package. Enjoy an 80-minute Cherries Jubilee Enzyme Facial and a 50-minute Me! Bath “Ice Cream” Manicure or Pedicure (50-minutes) for only $250!

HAVE A “PINK DRINK” FOR THE CURE

Silver Legacy Resort Casino and the Northern Nevada Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure have teamed up this month to support local breast cancer programs with two pink drinks. Now through November 11, Silver Legacy will donate 50 cents of each Passionately Pink Pomegranate Martini or Komen Pink Ribbon Cocktail served in Drinx, Silver Baron and Aura Lounge. So when you enjoy a tasty martini or tropical pink rum libation, you are helping the largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to fight breast cancer in our community.

Don’t miss your chance to “Drink Pink” for the cure at Silver Legacy. Learn more about this and all the great gaming, entertainment and dining promotions at www.silverlegacy.com or by calling 1-800-MUST-SEE (687-8733) OR 775-325-7401.

GO PINK

Shop Pink! The Summit is going pink throughout October in support of Breast Cancer awareness and prevention. Download the Shop Pink Passport for exclusive offers and promotions from select stores at The Summit. Plus learn about special events and programs happening throughout the month including Restaurant Week, Shop & Learn and Corks & Cleavage Wine Walk.

Download the Shop Pink Passport

Pink is Beautiful: Friday, October 14 from noon to 9PM

Restaurant Week: Monday, October 17 through Sunday, October 23

Download the flier for Carino’s and Buffalo Wild Wings

Wear it Again Soiree: Saturday, October 22 from 5:30-8:30PM

Shop & Learn: Sunday, October 23 from 9-11AM

Check back for more information or call 853-7800.