Victorian Square still proves to be a great gathering place for locals and visitors alike, with plenty of all-ages events and festivals surround good food, brews, and fun. If you’re not on the playa covered in dust and watching the man burn this Labor Day, be sure to chow down on some delicious pork barbequed to perfection during the Best of the West Rib Cook-Off in Victorian Square in early September and rock out to Mumbo Gumbo, then go back a couple weeks later to enjoy 39 North’s 3rd Thursday event.
A couple days after that, head over to the Sparks Marina to join in on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and then check out the new Lighthouse Coffee that moved on the other side of the building at 325 Harbour Cove Drive. Finally, end the month at a ski movie premiere of Romance at the Moment Skis Factory in Sparks’ industrial area.
September 2: Mumbo Gumbo Plays at the Rib Cook-Off
Ushering in the tail end of the Best of the West Rib Cook-Off, Mumbo Gumbo will be bringing down the house in Victorian Square on September 2, Labor Day. This septet from Sacramento plays a mix of Cajun, country, folk, bluegrass, Americana, and classic rock music and has produced nine booty-shaking albums. On the final day of the Best of the West Rib Cook-Off, Delta Cat will be playing on the Plaza Stage starting at 11am followed by the Rib Cook-Off awards at 2pm, then Mumbo Gumbo will play until 4:30pm. For the full Best of the West Rib Cook-Off music lineup and schedule, visit https://nuggetribcookoff.com/.
September 19: 3rd Thursday in Victorian Square
The third Thursday of the month is September 19 which means that art, craft, and food vendors will be gathering in Victorian Square to showcase their goods during this regular 39 North event. Combining the best of Last Friday and the 39 North Marketplace rolled up into one big monthly shindig, 3rd Thursday features amazing local artists, live music, and crafty makers in the heart of Downtown Sparks. This fun community-centric event is made possible through a collaboration with the City of Sparks, Sierra Arts, Sparks Museum & Cultural Center, and the State of Nevada.
September 22: Reno-Sparks Walk to End Alzheimer’s
In the last 20 years, deaths related to Alzheimer’s disease have increased 145 percent and one in three seniors dies from this debilitating disease. Fortunately, there is hope through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s- a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funds for those suffering from the memory loss disease to help with support, care, and research. On September 22, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is coming to the Sparks Marina where people of all ages and abilities can come together towards the cause. To give a donation, join a team, or sign up, then visit act.alz.org/renosparks2019. On the day of, registration opens at 8am, a ceremony will be held at 9am, and the Walk begins at 9:30am.
September 28: Level 1 Ski Movie Premiere of Romance at Moment Skis Factory
Reno-Sparks’ favorite ski company, Moment Skis Factory, is getting winter lovers pumped for when the snow flies by hosting a ski movie premiere at their warehouse at 1060 Marietta Way. On September 28 from 7pm-11:30pm, bring your camping chair and watch Level 1’s ski flicks “Romance” and “Zig Zag” while those 21 and up can sip on unique craft beers from Great Basin, Lead Dog Brewing, The Depot, and more. The cost is $15 for those 21 and up and $10 for those underage/non-drinkers with proceeds going towards The Holland Project.
Check out the New Lighthouse Coffee
My favorite coffee shop in Sparks, Lighthouse Coffee, moved from one side of the Harbor Cove building to the other without compromising their flavor or style. This is the perfect place to get a pick-me-up on the water that features delectable locally made treats, beers on tap, and most importantly, locally roasted coffee, shakes, and smoothies. It’s the perfect place to relax between meetings, join up with friends, or get some work/studying done. To view their other locations, visit lighthousecoffeeshop.com.
