Trip Ideas

nightlife events in Nevada County - people painting as part of paint n' sip

One Night Wonders – Exploring the Hidden Side of Nevada County

Every day in Nevada County is a celebration of our unique mountain town cultures. From après ski in Truckee to live music in Nevada City you'd find in Greenwich Village, Nevada County is the place for offbeat entertainment and one night wonders.

Tips & Resources

Stay tuned to all the latest art events by visiting Nevada County Arts Council.

Explore our Events calendar to see what’s happening all across the county.

By Laura Petersen

You’ve hit the trails, explored the galleries, visited the museums, and shopped the historic downtowns. Now you’re ready to kick back with a little night life. But where to go for something beyond the norm? Good news. You’re in Nevada County where we’re a creative bunch who know how to throw a warm party full of cheer even on the coldest, darkest, bleakest nights of winter. Whether your jam is Karaoke, trivia, artsy films, social sketches, or drag queen bingo – Nevada County is the place for offbeat entertainment and one night wonders.

Drag Queen Bingo! Oh my!

The National Exchange Hotel

211 Broad Street
Nevada City
Website
Instagram profile: @nationalexchangehotel

Image appears courtesy: National Exchange Hotel

Meet up in the historic National Bar every third Wednesday from 9 to 11 pm. for Drag Queen Bingo! Hosted by the most famous drag queens south-east of the Yuba River.

Space is limited and may sell out quickly. Participants are encouraged to reserve dinner before 8 pm in Lola for a full dinner menu.

Tickets $25

Sing Your Heart Out! Karaoke & Open Mic Nights

Gary’s Place

158 Mill Street
Grass Valley

The locals love this old saloon in downtown Grass Valley (across from the Del Oro) for Karaoke every Saturday and Monday evening. Swing by the pub for time and details.

Grass Valley Brewing Co.

141 E. Main Street
Grass Valley
Website
Instagram profile: @gvbrew

Stop by this locally owned craft brewery for a pint or two Thursday evenings and stay for Karaoke night.

Wild Eye Pub

535 Mill Street
Grass Valley
Website
Instagram profile: @wild.eye.pub

Rotating lineup of local entertainment including Open Mic Nights, Music Cabaret, and Poetry Crashers.

The Center for the Arts

Off Center Stage
315 Richardson Street
Grass Valley
Website
Instagram Profile: @thecenterforthearts

Join your friends (and make new ones!) on select Wednesdays 7 to 9:30 pm at The Center for Open Mic Night in the Black Box Theater. Participation sign up is at the bar.

It’s Trivia Night!

Grass Valley Brewing Co.

141 E. Main Street
Grass Valley
Website
Instagram profile: @gvbrew

Every Thursday, bring friends for a tasty brew or two and a round of Trivia. Different themes every week, from 90s Music to Harry Potter. Rotates with Karaoke Nights. Check Instagram for updates.

Alibi Ale Works

10069 Bridge Street
Truckee
Website
Instagram profile: @alibialeworks

Girl enjoying Pretzel Mustache at Alibi Ale Works in Truckee
Image appears courtesy: Alibi Ale Works

This public house in Truckee is open seven days a week and offers a lively communal atmosphere with seating inside and out, great pub food, and an extensive beer and wine menu. Trivia Night and Millennial Hipster Bullsh*t Bingo takes place on Tuesday evenings at 6 pm. For the latest information regarding their events with their Facebook page.

RMU Truckee

10292 Donner Pass Road
Truckee
Website
Instagram profile: @rmu.mtn.co

Warm up on a cold evening for trivia, Karaoke, or Open Mic on Tuesdays. What’s not to love about this local hangout with tons of beer on tap, great burgers, sliders, and salad nicoise. You can even get your bike tuned up in the shop downstairs or check out the ski shop upstairs!

Gold Vibe Kombuchary

12615 Charles Drive
Grass Valley
Website
Instagram profile: @goldvibebooch

nightlife events in Nevada County - people painting as part of paint n' sip
Image appears courtesy: Gold Vibe Kombuchary

Team up with friends and put your knowledge to the test for a night of trivia at Gold Vibe. Each team is limited to up to five people and there is a $5 buy-in for each participant. There are cash prizes and more for winners!

Find the Kombuchary near the county airport for a robust calendar of music, dancing and Karaoke, too, not to mention house-made hard kombucha and craft beer on tap!  

Stay tuned to all the latest art events & others by visiting our community calendar.

Movie Night

The Onyx Theatre

107 Argall Way
Nevada City
Website
Instagram profile: @the_onyx_theatre

A premier Independent Film House for 21+ audience with a focus on independent, foreign language, and documentary film. You’ll love the intimate theaters and cozy, plush velvet chairs. A curated menu includes beer, wine, and organic popcorn with real butter. Check out listings at Onyx Downtown in the historic Nevada Theatre! For more about this theatre and all the others in the area, be sure to read our article – The World Is A Stage – Guide To Theatres Of Nevada County

Laura-Petersen

Laura Petersen

Laura Petersen has a passion for storytelling and for two decades has chronicled the people and places of Northern California. Fascinated by folk who make a rustic livelihood from the land, her writing examines the complexities of human relationships with nature through topics such as sustainability, food and farming, arts & culture and outdoor recreation. In 2018, she founded Hiking For Good and can regularly be found hiking on trails in Nevada County. Read her work at https://muckrack.com/lpetersenmedia and contact her at laurapetersenmedia@gmail.com

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