NEVADA CITY, Calif. -   Summer Nights in Nevada City is an outdoor festival of art and music in one of the Northern Sierra’s most colorful and picturesque small towns.

The 2010 edition of Summer Nights will be held on Wednesday evenings, July 14, 21 and 28, in historic downtown Nevada City.

Located just 60 miles from Sacramento (80 miles from Reno), Nevada City is a convenient country getaway, with wide choices in lodging, dining and outdoor recreation.

During Summer Nights, the town’s landmark downtown historic district is closed to motorized traffic and filled with music, arts, crafts, classic cars, food, drink and even pony rides.  

Downtown specialty shops and restaurants are open for Summer Nights, with many offering special treats and surprises.  Leading Sierra foothills musicians perform on five outdoor stages throughout the downtown area.   Hours are 6-9 p.m.  There is no admission charge.

As one of Nevada City’s most popular gatherings, Summer Nights draws good crowds, so a shuttle service to the historic district is being made available.  A $5 parking and shuttle service (children 12 and under are free) connects the expansive parking lots at the Nevada County Government Center on Highway 49 to the downtown historic district.  Shuttle hours are 5:30 until 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday.

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.

The 20th Annual Summer Nights celebration is sponsored by the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce.  For information, call (530) 265-2692 or (800) 655-NJOY. 

Online information is available at Nevada City Chamber of Commerce website

 
Entertainment Schedule
Summer Nights in Nevada City,  2010

July 14:
Cracker Jack Jazz, Troupe Al Ama, Starpeople Band, the Nut Boyze, Remley.

July 21:
Cool Heat, Then Again, Troupe Al Ama, Ivan Najera, George Souza.

July 28:
Ludi’s Swingin Jazz, John Girton, Lorraine Gervais, Cracker Jack Jazz, Runnin’ 4-cover, Troupe Al Ama.