Here comes the sun
Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center will mark the summer solstice with a weekend of indoor and outdoor activities. Early risers are invited to view the sunrise from the top floor of the West Stadium Parking Garage behind the planetarium starting at 5:30 a.m., Friday, June 20, or stop by later in the day to mark the actual moment of the summer solstice at 7:42 p.m., when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted closest to the sun, resulting in the longest day of the year. There will be free, safe viewings of the sun using solar telescopes and protective glasses at noon, Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21. The planetarium will offer a simulated sunset experience in the Star Theatre, followed by an exclusive screening of Our Living Sun starting at 8 p.m. on both nights. Fleischmann Planetarium is located on the north end of the University of Nevada, Reno, campus, 1664 N. Virginia St. Full-dome shows are $15 for general admission; $10 for seniors, service members and students; and free for members. Visit www.unr.edu/planetarium or www.facebook.com/UNRplanetarium.
All a-flutter
Give a shout out to the birds, bees, butterflies and other important pollinators this weekend with two local events taking place during National Pollinator Week. The Nevada State Museum and Bee City USA No. 76 will hold the inaugural Pollinator Palooza in downtown Carson City. The event starts at the Nevada State Museum at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, June 21, with sidewalk chalk art on the westside walkway, followed by face painting, pollinator-themed crafts and a Nevada Pollinator Curator’s Corner at 9 a.m. in the Dema Guinn Concourse and Loftin Park. The costumed Pollinator Parade starts at 10 a.m. from Loftin Park and proceeds along Carson Street through the downtown corridor. More activities start at 1 p.m. at the Carson Mall, 1313 S. Carson St. Free activities take place in the Dema Guinn Concourse, Loftin Park and westside parking area at the Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St., Carson City. Admission to museum exhibit galleries is $10 for adults, and free for members and children age 17 and younger. Visit www.carsonnvmuseum.org/event/pollinator-palooza-at-the-nevada-state-museum. The University of Nevada, Reno, Extension and the Biggest Little Bee City USA will offer the Northern Nevada Pollinator Garden Tour. Participants can visit public pollinator demonstration gardens in Reno, Carson City, Gardnerville and Minden. Docents will be on hand in each garden to answer questions and provide tips for creating your own pollinator gardens. Many locations will also have fun activities for kids. Tour hours are 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Sunday, June 22. The event is free, but you must register online to receive a ticket and get a Google link to locations. Go to www.eventbrite.com/e/northern-nevada-pollinator-garden-tour-tickets-1344668001189?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Hug a bug
Discover the fascinating world of insects and arachnids during Invertebrate Day at Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary. This event offers hands-on learning and nature-based fun centered around some of Nevada’s most underrated creatures. Pick up a custom field guide and explore the sanctuary while searching for insect clues and fun facts about Nevada’s native invertebrates. Those who complete the guide can turn it in for a prize. Get an up-close look at Animal Ark’s invertebrate ambassadors, including giant African millipedes, a desert tarantula and a scorpion. There will also be a craft station, a bug identification station, a web-weaving game and an insect obstacle course. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, June 21, at Animal Ark, 1265 Deerlodge Road. Tickets are $22 for adults; $20 for seniors; $16 for children under age 12 and free for infants/babies. Call 775-475-9626, or go to www.animalark.org.
Pride and joy
Reno Punk Rock Flea Market presents its second annual Punk Rock Pride, an all-ages event showcasing queer artists, musicians, performers and vendors. The festivities include a possum pile clothing exchange, kids’ crafts, puppet theater, tarot readings, a drag show performance by Vertigo and Friends, glow jam by fire performance troupe Controlled Burn and live music by Opaque Opioids, Glitter Ghost and Name Change Form. The event takes place from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 21, at Note-Able Music Therapy Services, 2590 Orvada St. General admission tickets are $10 in advance, and $15 day of show. Admission is free for kids ages 12 and younger. Visit www.rprfm.org or www.facebook.com/rprfm.
Have a bite
The 30th annual Taste of Downtown showcases the culinary scene, local shops, galleries and live music in the heart of historic downtown Carson City. Tickets include a “taste” at each participating vendor. Jakota Wass, Life in the Fast Lane and DJ Melissa will provide the tunes. Tastings will take place from 5:30 to 9 p.m., with live music until 10 p.m., on Saturday, June 21, along Carson Street between Robinson and Fifth streets. Advance tickets are $48. Proceeds from the event help support Advocates to End Domestic Violence. Visit www.tasteofdowntowncarson.com.
Retro cool
Indie-rock band The McCharmlys will play two shows in the area this weekend. The Santa Ana, Calif., quintet plays a fusion of doo-wop, surf, beat and ’60s-style rock ‘n’ roll with a sound that bridges the past and present. The group hits the stage at 8 p.m., Friday, June 20, at the Reno Public Market, 299 E. Plumb Lane. Go to www.renopublicmarket.com. They will also kick off the ninth annual Levitt AMP Concert Series in Carson City. The show starts at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 21, outside Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St. Admission is free to both shows. Visit breweryarts.org.
Americana dream
Enjoy Chautauqua performances, concerts and presentations by authors and speakers at the annual Dangberg Summer Festival, which runs through September. Old West Trio (pictured) will play songs of the American cowboy beginning at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 19. Tickets are $20. Author and historian Mark McLaughlin will present “True Tales From Tahoe” at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 21. Roopa Mohan will portray Kasturba Gandhi, civil rights activist and wife of Mahatma Gandhi, starting at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 25. Tickets are $15 and free for youth age 16 and younger. Kim Harris will portray Sarah Althea Hill, mistress to Comstock millionaire William Sharon. The free show starts at 10 a.m., Friday, June 27. Bring your own seating. Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park is located at 1450 Highway 88, Minden. Check out dangberg.org for a list of upcoming performances.
Shall we play a game?
Whether you’re an OG or a newb, there’s something to appeal to gamers of all levels at RAGECON. The 10th annual tabletop gaming convention features board games, card games, dice games, miniatures and role-playing games. Shop for games, accessories and unique crafts in the exhibitor hall; play in tournaments; get a chance to meet renowned game designers and prominent media personalities from the tabletop world; try new games for a chance to take them home; or test out unreleased games and give feedback to designers. Gaming runs from 10 a.m., Friday, June 27, through 10 p.m., Sunday, June 29, at the Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. Second St. One-day admission badges are $40-$55. A three-day badge is $90. Visit www.ragecon.com for more details.
11 Days a Week is compiled and written by Kelley Lang. Want your event included in 11 Days a Week? Email 11days@renonr.com for consideration. Email advertising@renonr.com for advertising info!
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