Founded in 1991, Nevada City Summer Nights May Well Be the Ultimate Street Soiree

Founded in 1991, Nevada City Summer Nights May Well Be the Ultimate Street Soiree

By Pamela Biery

NEVADA CITY, CA. June 25, 2019—If you stay around the Sierra Nevada Foothills long enough, you realize that there is bound to be a certain amount of blending between fact and fiction—after all, there was a reason Mark Twain and Bret Harte loved this place.

So when I asked how Nevada City’s Summer Nights got started in 1991, it was sort of expected that there would be a bit of legend along with the tale. So far, however, most people who were there, chose to stay mum and let what goes on in Nevada City, stay in Nevada City.

The event, which lights up the town each July for three sequential Wednesday nights—this year July 17th, 24th and 31st—has its roots in day-dreaming about those ‘hot summer nights’ in Mexico, where people come out after siesta and enjoy a pleasant evening with music, socializing, street food and often dancing. So it was that Pat Dyer (Utopian Stone Jeweler), Greg Cook (Friar Tuck restaurant founder) and Cathy Whittlesey (Chamber of Commerce ED) decided it was time to take these ‘South of the Border’ concepts and combine them with the successful Victorian Christmas style event—but with a focus on family-friendly summer fun and entertainment, rather than shopping. Summer Nights was an immediate success, and for many, is their favorite Nevada City tradition. Streets close, bands sprinkled throughout town play, and together with great food and craft vendors create an unmistakable, pure summer atmosphere. Add some vintage cars, a face painter, and well, you’ve got quite a mix...

This year will be another music-filled street soiree. So if you haven’t ever been, it’s time to check it out. If you are a regular attendee, then you know this is an event not to be missed.

2019 Nevada City Summer Nights

6 pm to 9:30 pm

Downtown Nevada City

Free and Open to the Public

JULY 17

Running ‘4 Cover

Cousin Cricket

Troupe Al Ama

David Ayala

Gary & Eva

Ludi Hinrichs Jazz

John Girton

JULY 24

In the Moment

Ivan Najera

Bob Woods Trio

World Beatnix

David Ayala

Troupe Al Ama

JULY 31

Star People Band

Stephen Holland

Troupe Al Ama

George Souza

David Ayala

Sgt. Funky

The Summer Nights celebration is sponsored by the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce. For information, call (530) 265-2692 or (800) 655-NJOY. www.nevadacitychamber.com

Getting There

Nevada City is located at the 2,500-foot elevation on the forested western slope of the Sierra Nevada. Summer days and evenings are cooler than in the Sacramento Valley.

From Sacramento, take eastbound Interstate 80 to Auburn and Highway 49 north to Nevada City. It’s a one-hour drive from the capital. From Marysville and the north valley, take eastbound Highway 20. From Reno and Lake Tahoe, take westbound I-80 and state route 20.

Take the Shuttle to Downtown

Drop your group off in town and then park your car and catch the Shuttle from the Nevada County Government Center, 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City CA 95959.

Shuttle costs $5 for adults and children 15 and over. Children under 15 ride free. Return journeys are free for all. Dogs are allowed on the shuttle, on a leash or in your lap. Shuttle hours are 5:30-10:00 pm each Wednesday.

Photo Caption: Nevada City’s Summer Nights for 2019 continues a great tradition with a family-friendly street soiree featuring free live entertainment, face-painting, vintage cars and many vendors. Downtown Nevada City July 17th, 24th and 31st from 6-9: 30pm .