Week of June 5, 2024
From the editor’s desk
I first moved to Reno in the winter of 2004-05. I lived in a little house not far from downtown—close enough that, come June, I realized I could poke my head out the door on any given Saturday and hear whichever festival sounds were coming from Wingfield Park that weekend. If it sounded like something I wanted to hear more of, I’d pack up my then-toddler and a picnic, and we’d walk over to the park to watch kayakers race, dance to a live band, or catch a summer movie night on a blanket. It was easy to run into friends, splash in the Truckee River, and while away an afternoon or evening amid the festivities. That is how summer in Reno wormed its way into my heart.
Our summer entertainment/festival/outdoor scene is still one of my favorite things about living here. That’s probably why I’m so enthusiastic about the June RN&R. It contains our annual Summer Guide, chock full of advice on fun things to do in our region in June, July and August.
Veteran RN&R events maven Kelley Lang compiled a long list of events that’ll have you covered no matter what your interests. Movie + TV guy Bob Grimm’s report on summer blockbusters will help you navigate through this year’s big crop of lackluster features and find the gems. We also have advice on which plays to see this summer, and where to catch a cold beer on a welcoming patio—plus some updates on new programs and amenities from our region’s parks. Scroll down for links to all of these.
Be sure to pick up a paper copy of the June RN&R at one of your favorite coffee shops, drug stores, gas stations, bars or other establishments.
Given that I don’t live within earshot of Wingfield Park anymore, and I’ve had to upgrade from the poke-my-head-out-the-door method of knowing which festivals are on, I’m keeping my Summer Guide on the breakfast table all summer long.
—Kris Vagner, managing editor
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From the RN&R
Summer in Reno: It’s one of the best things ever
By Kris Vagner
May 30, 2024
For every erratic, tedious, endless-feeling spring, there is a payoff like no other: Reno’s summer, one of my favorite things in this world.
The Summer Movie Preview: The season of blockbusters is off to a tepid start. With a few exceptions, it will remain tepid.
By Bob Grimm
May 31, 2024
It looks like a season of lackluster blockbusters. Bob Grimm’s got the details.
Summer Event Guide
By Kelley Lang
May 30, 2024
Pack a hat, a water bottle and sunblock, and get out of your air-conditioned abode this summer. Here’s a roundup of upcoming events to help you plan the next three months.
Summer beer drinking: Four favorite spots to grab a pint outdoors
By Steven Mahaffey
May 31, 2024
The snow atop the Sierra vanishes like the foam atop an idle beer. Paddleboards replace skis in cars racks, and outdoor furniture is stripped of its covers. With the sun comes a thirst for adventure and a thirst for beer.
Summer performing arts: A sampling of 10 shows to catch onstage this season
By Kris Vagner
May 31, 2024
This summer’s theater highlights include an array of musicals and an assortment of LGBTQ+-flavored stories and songs.
The perks of parks: New and notable for 2024: adaptive sports, upgraded kids’ spaces, a new pool complex and more!
By David Rodriguez
May 31, 2024
There’s new playground equipment at Paradise Park, the Moana Springs Community Aquatics and Fitness Center is slated to open in August; plus more summer parks news.
The sun sets on Sundance: The owner and patrons are sad to say goodbye, but celebrate 39 years of good times
By Frank X. Mullen
June 1, 2024
A fond farewell: Sundance Books & Music is now closed. Owner Christine Kelly and customers talked with Frank X. Mullen about what this long-revered store and literary hub meant to them.
Improved access: Another virtual abortion provider has expanded into Nevada
By Kris Vagner
June 5, 2024
One more medication abortion option has reached Nevada. “I think what it does is open up access to the people who may not even feel comfortable going to a clinic,” said Dr. Chelsea Travers.
Streetalk: What taste or smell do you most associate with summer?
By David Robert
June 4, 2024
We asked our readers about their summertime memories.
What HOPES is hoping for: The nonprofit health group’s CEO talks about why and how a new clinic came about
By Kris Vagner
June 4, 2024
As Northern Nevada HOPES opened its new East Fourth Street campus, CEO Sharon Chamberlain spoke about the need for a new facility and why philanthropist MacKenzie Scott decided to make a $6 million contribution.
A great look at a great: ‘Jim Henson: Idea Man’ packs a lifetime of great moments into less than two hours
By Bob Grimm
June 3, 2024
Jim Henson: Idea Man covers the career of the great Muppet creator from his start as a teenager directing puppets at a local TV station, through the creation of his pioneering films The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.
A good watch: ‘The Beach Boys’ is a compelling documentary, despite the absence of a lot of info
By Bob Grimm
June 3, 2024
Disney+’s The Beach Boys presents the story well—but it leaves out a whole lot of interesting stuff.
About the June print edition crossword puzzle …
By Jimmy Boegle
June 3, 2024
The clues for the puzzle were correct. The grid for the puzzle was not. Sorry! Here’s the correct puzzle.
Taste of the town: Reno Food & Drink Week, Food Truck fridays and more!
By Maude Ballinger
June 3, 2024
The fifth annual Reno Food & Drink Week kicks off, plus more local food news
June Astronomy: The month brings bright planets, nice views of the Milky Way and the summer solstice
By Robert Victor
June 3, 2024
How and where to spot a close Mercury-Jupiter pair, plus more June astronomy highlights
Editor’s note: Less informed in the information age
By Kris Vagner
June 2, 2024
Much as the internet, in its first 30 years, has connected us with countless sources of information, the info clutter has made it harder to stay on top of some of what’s happening right around me.
A note from the publisher: An awards announcement shows the fragility of the newspaper world
By Jimmy Boegle
May 31, 2024
Good news: The RN&R is a finalist in three categories in a national awards contest. Bad news: The finalists lists reveals continuing troubled times for newspapers.
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