Off the Couch: A guide of events and entertainment in Carson Country

Today

- The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off at John Ascuaga's Nugget and Victorian Square, Sparks, features live music by Mumbo Gumbo on today, Mark Chesnutt Friday, Robert Earl Keen Saturday, War on Sunday, plus arts and crafts fair. Call 356-3300.

- 15th Annual Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe Festival, Churchill County fairgrounds. Concert tonight featuring The Grass Root. For information, call 423-2544.

- Model Train Display at 1279 Bodie Court, Gardnerville Ranchos, 6:30-9 p.m. Through Monday. Call 265-5863.

- Lou Rawls and John Padon perform at John Ascuaga's Celebrity Showroom, 8 p.m. Call 356-3300.

- Third Eye Blind, Nine Days perform at the Reno Hilton Outdoor Amphitheater, 7:30 p.m. Call 789-2285.

- James Brown performs at Caesars Tahoe, 9:30 p.m., $45, $55. Through Saturday. Call (800) 648-3353.

- Rob Hanna performs his salute to Rod Stewart at the Brews Brothers inside the Eldorado Hotel, Reno at 10 p.m. Friday/Saturday, 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Call 786-5700.

- Annual Carson Valley Bocce Bash at the Carson Valley Inn's Shannon Ballroom, 7-10 p.m. Through Monday. Call 783-6625.

Saturday

- Steam up for Labor Day weekend at the Nevada State Railroad Museum on South Carson Street, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., features train pulled by locomotive No. 25. Fare is $2.50 adults, .50 children 6-11, under 6 free. Refreshments supplied by the Marine Corps League 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 687-6953.

- Final Tri-Holiday Sweepstakes race for late model sportsman's division at Silver State Raceway, features a 150-lap main event for drivers from several western states, 50-laps for the maverick division. Gates open at 5, qualifying at 6, racing at 7:30 p.m. Call 885-2079 or visit www.silverstateraceway.com.

- Zsa Zsa Padilla/Martin Nievera perform at the Silver Legacy City Center Pavilion at 8 p.m. both shows. Call 329-4777.

- Lake Tahoe Summer Music Festival presents a American Salute at Sand Harbor. Call (530) 583-3101 for tickets.

- Cat and Kitten Adoption Day, noon-3 p.m. at About Face Graphics and Design, 847 Tanager, Incline Village. Sponsored by Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation. Call (775) 833-2319.

- The Kirkwood 10k, one-mile fun run and 5k. Registration 8:30 a.m. at Red Cliff's Day Lodge, race starts at 10. Preregister by calling (209) 258-4444.

- Labor Day activities at Incline Village/Crystal Bay include a Music Festival and Art Show. Call (800) 468-2463.

- Commons Beach Summer Street Fair, Tahoe City, North Shore Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., features more than 20 vendors with a variety of merchandise, food and refreshments. Call (775) 787-6083.

- Carrot Top performs at the Silver Legacy Grande Exposition Hall 8 p.m. both shows. Call 329-4777.

- Furniture, Antiques, Collectibles, Crafts and Yard sale at the Roberts House, 1207 N. Carson St., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, sponsored by Nevada Landmarks Society. Call 887-8865, 882-1277.

- Nevada Artist's Association outdoor art show in the space between the Capitol Building and Legislative Building, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 885-7072.

Sunday

- Carson City First United Methodist Church street dance at the church 6-10 p.m. For youth of all ages. Live music, food and soda. Call 882-1436.

- Elks Flea Market & Pancake Breakfast, 7-11:30 a.m. for the breakfast; Flea Market is 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., old Copeland Lumber Yard area, Minden/Gardnerville city line. Call 267-2408.

- A rooftop party at Harvey's Resort & Casino, South Lake Tahoe starting at 6:30 p.m. Featuring Mumbo Gumbo, Classic Corvette Car Show, fireworks and a barbecue. Tickets $25 per person. Call (800) 553-1022.

- Doug Robinson presents Climber as Visionary Slide Show/Lecture, 8 p.m., cost $5 per person. Reservations: (209) 258-7357.

Monday

- Labor Day