Cool off with your family at Washoe Lake State park

If you're looking for some quiet entertainment this weekend, consider Washoe Lake State Park, a gem of green quiet and beauty about four miles from Carson City. Last Sunday, the park, complete with picnic tables, barbecue grills and plenty of cooling shade trees, was practically deserted. One couple napped on blankets in a shady spot. Admission is only $4 per car. While the lake is down a good bit, the park still offers a fine view of Slide Mountain across Highway 395.

Virginia City's "Cathouse"

Sounds like fun at Piper's Opera House this weekend and next as an assortment of local actors stage the musical "Cathouse Afternoon."

The musical by Will Rose looks back on early days in Virginia City, when a bunch of do-gooders seeks to run the local hookers out of town. It get complicated when the judge is in the middle - enjoying the favors of said hookers while engaged to a member of the upright morals society.

Tickets are $20, and showtime is 7 p.m. Call (775) 847-7150.

Shakespeare roils on

If Washoe State Park doesn't grab you, consider "Macbeth" and "A Comedy of Errors," continuing at Sand Harbor. "Macbeth" is one of Shakespeare's deepest and darkest tragedies with an outstanding cast.

"Errors" uses the twins gimmick for laughs. "Macbeth" is on Saturday night, with "Comedy" on Friday and Sunday. Curtain time is 7:30, but get there early for the best seats.

Teach the kids a little Shakespeare during the Festival's Young Shakespeare program. It features a performance of "The Tempest," a whimsical fairy tale-like play featuring a ship-wrecked group of travelers who encounter a monster, a fairy and a magician on during their stay on a "deserted" island.

Catch the last two free performances Aug. 11-12 at 10 a.m. at the Truckee River Regional Park Amphitheater. Advance reservations are required so go to www.laketahoeshakespeare.com to get tickets.

Crooning Cowboys

Larry Maurice and John Tyson will croon cowboy tunes Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Brewery Performance Hall.

The two will also offer poetry, storytelling and history.

Tickets are $15 general, $12 members, seniors and students. Call 883-1976.

When wood was king

The era of wooden boats returns to Lake Tahoe through Wednesday with the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation's Wooden Boat Week and Concours d'Elegance at Tahoe City.

The old boats have been shined and polished to perfection. These boats are famous around the world.

Judging of these beauties will be at Sierra Boat Co. at Carnelian Bay. At-the-gate tickets are available. Call (530) 581-4700.