Happy Friday, Reno. In today’s edition: Affordable housing community opens, Home for the Holidays, Handmade Holiday Faire, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Big step for housing: Ulysses Development Group opened The Ridge at Sun Valley, a 195-unit affordable community, Nevada’s first to use Home Means Nevada Initiative financing, with amenities and energy-efficient design for renters — read the full story.

Fuel tax funds at work: The RTC of Washoe County held a ribbon-cutting celebrating completed Veterans Roundabout upgrades, adding a second eastbound lane, better lighting and crosswalk signals to boost safety and traffic flow — see what’s changed at the roundabout.

Shaping future of surplus land: The Reno City Council approved selling a former ReTRAC parcel at 333 Galletti Way to Cemex for about $1.32 million and will seek developer proposals for three other city-owned sites — see what’s planned next.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Experience Mountainfilm on Tour short films
• Enjoy Santa photos, tree lightings, fireworks
• Enjoy charity fights under Christmas lights
• Shop local gifts and meet Santa
• Party with thousands at Reno Santa Crawl
• See why December’s the best time to try new hearing aids
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%

🫶 We got your back

Future-ready star theater: Fleischmann Planetarium is gearing up for its biggest upgrade in a decade: a new 9-meter Cosm CX LED dome with brighter, higher‑res, 180-degree views. Renovations are slated to start Feb 2026 with a tentative August reopening. During closure, the planetarium will run a mobile dome on campus and around Nevada. Funded by the Gillemot Foundation; community can still sponsor panels. See what’s planned.

Opening slopes to all: Sky Tavern has launched its holiday It’s NOT a Dream campaign to fund scholarships that keep kids skiing affordably. The nonprofit also named Chris “Toph” Brown as CEO and executive director. Every participant receives some scholarship, with donor support covering most costs that can top $1,000 per season. Season passes are on sale. Learn how you can help.

Lager lovers, rejoice: Grab a seat by the chain-link brewhouse view at Pigeon Head Brewery, then work through a dozen-plus taps, plus a guest cider. Board games, cornhole, and local art keep the vibe casual and fun.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy that targets regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify your identity and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🏠 Home for the Holidays @ Greater Nevada Field | Friday (12/5) at 5:00pm – Bundle up and stroll the downtown ballpark for a six-night holiday takeover that offers a festive holiday experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a vendor village, unique tree lightings, and occasional fireworks.

🎗 3rd Annual Blitz for a Cause @ TBA | Friday (12/5) at 6:00pm – A pop-up speakeasy fundraiser supporting The Children’s Cabinet, featuring a day-of location reveal, a themed drink, heavy appetizers, bingo entertainment, and a costume contest.

This weekend

🐾 Meet Santa Paws @ SPCA of Northern Nevada Thrift Store | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Skip the mall chaos and snag free pet photos with Santa at the SPCA thrift on Moana. Shop real bargains afterward, grab a bite from Taster’s Paradise, and enjoy shopping that supports local rescue efforts.

🥂 Winter Gala Annual Fundraiser @ The Ballroom of Reno | Saturday (12/6) at 4:30pm – Break out the good shoes and your charitable spirit for TBOR’s Winter Gala, a fundraiser where the non-profit ballroom community takes the spotlight. Expect smooth waltzes, sharp turns, and an evening of performances that support ongoing dance programs.

🎸 Jingle Bell Rock @ Eldorado Casino Reno | Saturday (12/6) at 7:00pm – Get ready to rock around the Christmas tree—Vegas style. This high-energy holiday show brings the sparkle, the nostalgia, and just enough attitude to keep the season spicy. Snag your tickets through the approved sellers, bring an adult if you’re a minor, a high-energy holiday show with music, dance, and festive production elements.

✂️ Handmade Holiday Faire @ Urban Roots | Sunday (12/7) at 11:00am – Whether you want a cozy drink or gifts that don’t scream big-box, Urban Roots’ Handmade Holiday Faire delivers crafts to make, Mrs. Claus storytime, Santa pics, and a local makers market. It’s free, festive, and outdoorsy, so bring the kids, your tote, and good cheer.

🎷 Home for the Holidays Concert @ University of Nevada | Sunday (12/7) at 2:00pm – Think you know the holiday standards? Reno Jazz Orchestra proves it with a big band spin, guest vocalists, and Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra setting the mood at Nightingale Concert Hall. Classic cheer, local talent, and none of that parking-lot caroling, so grab seats now.

🌵 High Desert Holidays @ Hug High School | Sunday (12/7) at 2:00pm – Holiday season in the high desert means live voices, not mall speakers. High Desert Harmony and guests are serving an a cappella concert packed with cozy classics, crisp harmonies, an a cappella concert featuring classic holiday harmonies. Bring your cheer, leave the shopping stress.

Next week

👗 Reno Clothing Swap @ Wildflower on 7th | Tuesday (12/9) at 5:30pm – Time to ditch the “meh” pieces in your closet and upgrade to something that actually sparks joy. Bring your gently used clothes, browse the racks, and discover new-to-you treasures without spending a dime. All styles, sizes, and fashion moods are welcome—because great outfits shouldn’t come with gatekeeping.

🏆 AIANN Awards Gala @ The Brewer’s Cabinet | Tuesday (12/9) at 6:00pm – Breaking out the black tie, this bi-annual awards gala is celebrating standout projects, the folks behind them, and our town’s knack for getting things done. Expect clinking glasses, short speeches, and good company, otherwise known as a grown-up night out worth polishing your shoes.

☘️ Live Music – Traditional Irish Session @ Ceol Irish Pub | Tuesday (12/9) at 7:00pm – If your week needs more fiddles and fewer emails, slip into a proper traditional Irish session with reels, jigs, and that one guy who swears he can play the spoons. Expect pints, toe-tapping, and plenty of craic, the real kind, not the tourist stuff.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/6 Souls of Mischief and more @ Cargo Concert Hall – 7 pm
• 12/6 Everyday Outlaw @ Cypress – 8 pm
• 12/7 Gavin DeGraw @ Grand Theater – 8 pm
• 12/10 Jackson and the Janks @ 40 Mile Saloon – 8 pm
• 12/12 Jamey Johnson @ Grand Sierra Resort – 8 pm
• 12/12 Hypho and more @ Dead Ringer – 10 pm
• 12/13 You’ll Never Escape the Fruitcake @ National Automobile Museum – 2 pm
• 12/13 Whitney Myer and more @ Sierra Arts Riverside Gallery – 8 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Reno edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Samantha Saquella (RE/MAX Professionals-Reno)

Fourteen rare acres in central Reno, perched on a high plateau with cinematic skyline and valley panoramas by day and a city light show at night. Over 19,000 square feet of Venetian plaster drama, rotunda entry, towering fireplace, and floor to ceiling glass. Rare stones, exotic woods, coffered and barreled ceilings, limestone portals, columns, and ironclad windows with custom shades.

A resort style primary wing joins an executive office, while a circular sunken bar links to wine cellar and billiards. Add chef’s kitchen, theater, gym, three poolside suites, storage, 8 car garages, pool and spa, plus Nevada’s tax perks.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →