The event of a lifetime is brewing on the sacred Paiute tribal land, on the shores of Pyramid Lake.

Over 6,000 people are expected to gather at Pyramid Lake this weekend, May 17 – 21, for the five-day Symbiosis Gathering. The gathering is looking to co-create a visionary village directly in the path of the 2012 solar eclipse. The path of the eclipse will sweep directly over Pyramid Lake, making it one of the best places in the world to view this astronomical event on May 20.

The auspicious event marks the first major lakeside gathering permitted by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in over 25 years.  To honor the alignment of the Earth, Moon and Sun, Symbiosis will bring together an epic lineup of over 70 innovative artists, musicians and teachers for a gathering intended to inspire and inform personal evolution and planetary healing.  Five days of music will feature a full-ranged music festival; including, live bands, electronic, dubstep, techno, trance, house, downtemple, sacred, world, kirtan and much more. From yoga to hula, mycology to neurology, prana to permaculture, the gathering will also offer an array of speakers, workshops and presentations for mind, body and spirit.  The full lineup of artists and teachers can be found on pyramideclipse.com. Find photos of previous Symbiosis Gatherings at pyramideclipse.com./gallery. Tickets still available!

Darth Vader and a fleet of “Imperial Stormtroopers” return to the 31st annual Great Reno Balloon Race, the largest free hot-air ballooning event in the world. Set for Sept. 7-9, 2012 at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, Reno, Nev., another milestone includes the most special shaped balloons in a decade. First time balloons confirmed to date include “Shark,” “Planet Earth,” “Pondemonium” and “Strawberry Heights.” Look to the Reno skies for the return of fan favorites “Smokey Bear,” “Sushi,” “Party Panda” and “Soccer Ball.”

“How does the largest free hot-air ballooning event in the world, top itself each year? Simple. We bring in more special shape balloons and offer more,” Pete Copeland, executive director of the Great Reno Balloon Race said. “Right now our goal is to confirm our special shape balloons and determine our final number. It’s been very positive and it looks like for the first time in several years we’ll see more than 100 balloons. We’re also adding more family focused activities, new concessions and a new layout to enhance the overall festival feel and total experience for the event.”

The 86-foot tall Darth Vader balloon, which depicts the infamous black helmet from the Star Wars villain, travels from Belgium and is making its second flight at the Great Reno Balloon Race. Exclusive rides for the Darth Vader balloon and balloons during Dawn Patrol will be auctioned off on eBay.com starting in July.

The “Sushi” and “Shark” balloons will be tethered this year for the Children’s Cabinet, so at-risk kids can experience team building and the joy of a hot-air balloon flight.

For information about The Great Reno Balloon Race including reserved VIP parking passes, volunteering and sponsorship contact 775-826-1181 or visit online www.renoballoon.com.

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.

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.

Whether you’re planning your next vacation to Reno Tahoe, or you’re a local in need of a stay-cation, you will love these incredible deals.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Coming for a Special Event? Save with one of the many hotels who offer event packages! To name a few, John Ascuaga’s Nugget has packages for Street Vibrations and the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa has packages for Thunder From Down Under.

ROMANTIC GETAWAY

Maybe a romantic stay in the Biggest Little City with that significant other is more what you’re looking for? If so, these generous offers from the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino and Silver Legacy Resort Casino will sweep you off your feet. Take advantage of these dueling discounts on everything you need for a sizzling stay; including, your room, dinner, chocolate covered strawberries and couples massage.

FAMILY FIRST

Recover from a brain freeze after scarfing down a waffle cone, play in the arcades, or hit the slopes with these unique packages designed for families.

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino We are Family Package

Circus Circus Vacation Ski and Midway Package

SHOW ME SOME LOVE

Eldorado Hotel Casino is offering room packages for those looking to see one of their hit shows Peter Pan or Hairspray!

LAKE TAHOE

Lake Tahoe is a pristine vacation destination where you can enjoy your favorite summer or winter activities among the beautiful surroundings of crystal clear water, towering pine trees and the often snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. From kayaking and paddle boarding to skiing and spa treatments, there are endless savings in Tahoe.

SKI TAHOE

With an abundance of world-class ski resorts and unsurpassed conditions, Reno Tahoe is one of the most sought-after winter sports destinations on the globe. Now combine our excellent skiing/snowboarding with the pleasure of staying at the luxurious Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and you’re in for a getaway you’ll never forget.  Experience it for yourself with these great ski packages that will get you on the slopes without breaking the bank.

From weekend getaways to week-long retreats, the possibilities for a great time are endless in Reno-Tahoe. Here are few more deals to make your trip even better:

Grand Sierra Resort Golf Packages

Eldorado Hotel Casino Extended Stay Packages

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino Wine and Dine Package

Written by, Cody Haener

The more than 25,000 motorcycle enthusiasts will roar into Reno for Street Vibrations, the 4^th largest motorcycle event in the nation, September 21 – 25. Vendors, entertainment and stunt shows are back on the streets of downtown Reno, the Sparks venue has been expanded and Chester’s Reno Harley-Davidson and Virginia City will all be rocking with live entertainment and vendors selling all things motorcycle.

Registered Participants will Ride in Style with Preferred Treatment

Anyone can enjoy live entertainment at all Street Vibrations venues, food vendors, motorcycle clothing vendors, aftermarket bike items, and an impressive lineup of concerts, but some thrills are exclusively for registered participants only.

Registered Street Vibrations VIP’s go on poker runs and walks and take exclusive tours to various scenic locations.  They can participate in ride-in-shows, bike competitions and bike games, getting your bike fix for the weekend. And, you’ll be treated like a celebrity as VIPs can enjoy three VIP parties and preferred parking with a 5-day parking pass. The VIP’s also receive an official event participant T-shirt and an official event Ride Pin.

Street Vibrations Favorites – you won’t want to miss these!

• The tattoo expo is always well attended.  If you’re after body art, this is the place to have some of the best work in the nation done by some of the finest tattoo artists.
• America’s Finest Custom Bike Builders Expo returns to the Silver Legacy’s Silver Baron Room – and it’s free!
• Sparks Victorian Square will host the factory big rigs.  There will be more rigs than ever, more vendors, more food and beverage and more stages for entertainment.
• The Battle Born Derby Demons will again star in an all-girl roller derby match at the Rink on the River in downtown Reno.
• Fireworks will light the sky from the roof of the Silver Legacy on both Friday and Saturday night in downtown Reno.

The Motorcycle Stunt Shows are featuring the nation’s biggest show-offs.

• High flying LivFast Freestyle Motocross Aerial Stunt Shows will perform at the Street Vibrations Sparks venue September 22 – 24 with three shows daily.

Team members use mathematical calculations to determine the length and the height of their jumps at each location (even professional bikers use physics after high school).

Typically the riders and their motorcycles fly 70 feet through the air, 40-50 feet off the ground, landing on what appears to be a postage stamp. If that’s not electrifying enough, during jumps, team members hang onto motorcycle handlebars, seats and frames, and frequently perform mid-air flips.

• Joining LivFast in Sparks will be JBX Freestyle Motorcycle Stunt Team based out of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.  Known for their “sick tricks” this impressive sport bike stunt team will have jaws-dropping in the crowd. JBX will perform September 22 – 24 at the Sparks Victorian Square site.
• John Stotts Globe of Death from Las Vegas will perform at break-neck speed inside a steel ball September 22 – 25 in downtown Reno with several shows daily.

“It takes control, speed, balance and timing along with great peripheral vision to avoid mistakes,” Stotts says.  “The fun part is stopping.”

NEW This Year

• Hog Town Dance Hall Bar and Grill on the Eldorado Special Events Plaza right in the middle of all the action on Virginia Street near the Reno Arch.
• Bike Corral inside the Reno Ballroom for those who want to sell their motorcycle.  This is free for registered motorcycle participants.
• Ceremonial Flag Raisings by the 2/360^th Field Artillery Training Support Battalion out of Sharpe Army Depot in the San Joaquin Valley of Calif. are planned at 6 p.m. Friday in Sparks and at 6 p.m. Saturday in downtown Reno.
• A new competition takes center stage on Sat., Sept. 24. Let yourself be heard in Victorian Square in Sparks with the Kuryakyn “Bagger Sound Off” competition.  Prizes will be awarded for the best sound system and Best in Show. Register at the Kuryakyn factor rig in Sparks.
• Street Vibrations will be hosting an arm wrestling competition at 1 p.m. Sat., Sept. 24 in the Reno Ballroom.  Both men and women are welcome to compete – or to just watch.  There will be a trophy for first place in each weight class.

Major Concert Entertainment

• Carlos Santana band featuring Michael Franti and Spearhead will perform at the Reno Events Center in downtown Reno.  Tickets range from $49.50 to 99.50.

Bike Giveaways

• Three bikes will be given away in Reno and Sparks.  An Arlen Ness Custom Bike will go to the winner at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks on Saturday night.  The winner of the Silver Legacy’s bike will be named on Sunday afternoon.

Street Vibrations will announce the winner of the Harley-Davidson FXDC Dyna Super Custom on the Jagermeister Super State Sunday at 5 p.m. in Sparks.  Tickets for a chance to win the Street Vibrations bike are $5 each.  A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales goes to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Institute.

Questions?

For a detailed schedule on Street Vibrations activities, visit www.roadshowsreno.com. For questions call Roadshows, producer of Street Vibrations at 775-329-7469.

The 2^nd annual Torchmate Ultra4 Reno Stampede race will be held this week on September 10 and 11 at Exit 28 Motorsports just outside of Reno, Nevada. There will be multiple parties and events for fans and drivers throughout the week at both Exit 28 Motorsports and the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV. The unlimited 4 wheel drive vehicles known as Ultra4 cars have already begun descending upon Reno.  For those that haven’t seen an Ultra4 race in person, this is a great opportunity to see extreme horsepower at its finest. These cars are capable of speeds in excess of 100 MPH and are able to traverse some of the most treacherous rocky terrain, and this year’s race features a brand new short course section to watch these powerful vehicles soar through the air.

The Ultra4 Torchmate Reno Stampede was created by the founders of King of The Hammers, which is regularly referred to as “the hardest one day off-road race in the world.” With more than 120 miles of brutal course laid out and only 8 hours to finish, The Torchmate Reno Stampede will prove to be just as hard, if not harder than this year’s King of The Hammers. Only 19 of 50 cars finished The Stampede last year and this year’s race is nearly double the miles. This weekend’s race will definitely test the limits of both Ultra4 cars and their drivers.

Some of the biggest names in Ultra4 Racing will be on hand this weekend, including this year’s King of The Hammers winner and current Ultra4 Series leader, Monster Energy’s Shannon Campbell and Torchmate Racing’s JT Taylor and Jesse Haines. Last year’s King of the Hammers winner, Loren Healy,  and Aussie Ben Napier who is currently 2^nd in the 2011 Ultra4 series will also be racing this weekend.

Spectators will have their choice of viewing areas. Exit 32’s spectator area offers a short course section, views of the valley for high-speed racing and live action in the pits and concession areas. Exit 28 offers the gnarly rock crawl section known as Giant’s Throne where many spectators saw tons of carnage and rollovers at last year’s event. Spectators are encouraged to bring camp chairs and binoculars and will be able to travel between the two spectator areas. Admission is free on Friday for qualifying rounds and $20 for adults, and $10 for children on Saturday.  Fans will be able to save $5 on admission if they purchase their tickets Friday during the qualifying rounds!

Summer is coming to an end and school will be back in full swing before you know it, but before you hit the books, come take advantage of all Reno Tahoe has to offer this holiday weekend to end your summer with a bang!

What better way to kick-off your Labor Day weekend than hitting The Beach? Grab your board shorts and bikinis and head over to the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino for Plunge Thursday. Relax next to the pool while enjoying drink specials from Skyy Vodka and Coors as guest DJs spin the hottest tracks.

If you’re hungry for one last summer BBQ, join the thousands that gather every year at Victorian Square in Sparks for the country’s most prestigious rib eating festival, The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off. Enjoy finger-lickin’ ribs prepared by top cooks from across the nation as well as live music on the Main Concert Stage every night. This Labor Day favorite takes place August 31 – September 5.

Get your last laughs for the summer with comedians Dante Nero and K-von at Silver Legacy’s Catch a Rising Star. Funny man Dante Nero has been featured on Chappell’s Show and had a role in the hit movie Fighting, while K-von, star of the MTV’s “Disaster Date” has been featured on SHOWTIME and recently came off a two-year comedy tour. Performing August 30 through September 4, these comedic up and comers will have you in tears from laughter.

Enjoy this last holiday weekend of freedom in Reno-Tahoe!

Written by, Cody Haener

August 29 – September 5, over 50,000 participants gather to create Black Rock City in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. They depart one week later, having created unbelievable artistic experiences, and having left no trace whatsoever.

Live video from your Android device on Ustream

If you’re heading to the playa for Burning Man and need to know what to bring and where to get it we have you covered. Here is a list of tips and shops in the Reno-Sparks area where you will find the essentials to make your visit to Black Rock City smooth and memorable.

Weather

For those of you who don’t know desert weather, the days are hot and the nights are cold.

Daytime temperatures routinely exceed 100º F. Sunscreen, lip balm and skin lotion are your three best friends on the playa. Drinking up to one gallon of water per person per day is the rule of thumb. Remember to eat proper salty foods to prevent electrolyte imbalance.

Some signs that you may not be drinking enough water:

• You don’t carry a water bottle with you at all times.
• You swill instead of drinking deeply.
• You wait to drink until you’re thirsty – too late!
• Your urine is anything but clear and abundant.
• You become cranky.

Overnight lows in the 40’s can seem exceptionally cold after extensive daytime sun, so you’ll want to bring warm clothing and a good sleeping bag.

High recommendation: bring goggles. Dust storms can prowl the playa in packs or sweep in a broadened front across the plain at any moment.

Clothing

Outfits are crucial on the playa. Burners are encouraged to express themselves and wear what may not normally be accepted around town and at the office – so get creative.  By visiting these clothing stores and costume shops, you will find everything you’ll need from EL-wire kits to exotic fabrics to create the perfect ensemble:

The Melting Pot World Emporium

PolyEsther’s Costume Boutique

Junkee Clothing Exchange

Chocolate Walrus

Prism Magic Clothing & Imports

Bikes

A bicycle (with a bike light) is vital for enjoying the vast and burgeoning metropolis. Remember, Black Rock City turns into a decent size “town” with over 50,000 people. Here are a few shops where you can pick up your playa transportation:

Black Rock Bicycles

Bicycle Bananas

Reno Bike Project

Great Basin Bicycles

Food

It is crucial to bring plenty of food and water with you on your Burning Man journey so stop by these great retailers to stock up before you head out:

Save Mart Supermarket – 525 Keystone Ave.

Trader Joe’s – 5035 South McCarran Blvd.

Whole Foods Market – 6139 South Virginia St.

Simply Water- 1070 Gentry Way

Gear

The only thing sold on the playa is ice and coffee, so don’t forget any camping necessities such as tents, flashlights, batteries, shade, and water containers. Check out:

Cabelas

Scheels

Twin City Surplus

Sierra Trading Post

For more tips, check out the Survival Guide.

Check out our pictures from last year on Flickr.