20+ Casinos
18+
Breweries in Reno Tahoe (plus several distilleries!)
15+
Ski resorts in the area
50+
Golf courses in the area
2,076
Light bulbs make up the Reno Arch
300
Days of sunshine a year on average
50+
Outdoor festivals per year
Miles of hiking trails
Nonstop flights 20+
Miles of shoreline in Lake Tahoe 15+ Museums
Public art installations 100+
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AMPLIFY YOUR VISIT AFTER THE SUN SETS BY SAMPLING THE VARIETY OF DUSK-TO-DAWN ACTION IN RENO TAHOE.
The MidTown District is home to several favorite local bars offering great drinks and exciting atmospheres. Cypress, a bar and live music venue, features local and national touring acts. Gather around the firepit at Z Bar and take in murals by local artists. Death & Taxes, Chapel Tavern and Rum Sugar Lime have extensive cocktail menus that rotate often.
For those who like a lot of choices, Victorian Square in Sparks is the place to be. Within a few blocks, you’ll find a variety of local restaurants, wine bars, classic dives with lots of character and breweries like Great Basin Brewing Company. Plus, you’ll be a short walk to the Nugget Casino Resort where you can catch a show, test your luck at table games or grab some late night grub.
Check out The Eddy, an outdoor beer garden located along the Truckee River where you can play bocce, oversized Jenga and cornhole. Just down the street is Virginia Street Brewhouse which serves up food and drinks and is home to theme parties and live entertainment.
Whether you’re a fan of live music, Broadway shows or eclectic local theater, Reno Tahoe is home to several venues with an always-full calendar of great events. The Reno Events Center, Nugget Event Center and Grand Theatre host major headlining acts year-round. The stages at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts and The Theatre are home to lively, world-class entertainment nearly every night of the year.
J Resort’s Reno Neon Line is an up-and-coming arts and culture hub, home to art installations, a live music venue and exciting gaming. You’ll find awe-inspiring art straight from Black Rock City and neon signs from Reno’s historic landmarks. Take a walk after the sun sets to bask in the neon glow, or check the calendar for Glow Plaza's live music events to keep you dancing all night long.
Feeling lucky? There’s no better place to play than Reno Tahoe. Casino guests can try their luck at everything from classic slot machines to sports betting and exciting table games. Reno Tahoe’s casino resorts are also packed with amenities like luxurious hotel rooms, spas, restaurants, bars and nightlife venues to take your visit to the next level.
Who doesn’t like live music? In Reno Tahoe, we enjoy our live music like a glass of fine wine or a cold beer, so give it to us straight up. This region attracts some of the biggest names across all genres of music, from country to rock and pop and everything in between.
Incline Village is home to two iconic Tahoe destinations – Sand Harbor State Park and the Flume Trail. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach at Sand Harbor, taking in the view of the Sierra Nevada and the impressive granite boulders that line the shore. Or, head out on the water with kayaks or paddleboards available for rent at the park. If a hike or bike ride is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the views you’ll find along the Flume Trail, running from Spooner Lake to Incline Village.
East of downtown Sparks you’ll find the Sparks Marina, with access to fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sandy beaches and a walking path, all set against views of Mt. Rose. This diverse outdoor recreation area is located just minutes from Reno. After a day at the marina, grab dinner at Sparks Water Bar or refuel with coffee from Lighthouse Coffee.
Explore the region’s heritage and the outdoors at Pyramid Lake, 40 miles northeast of Reno. The lake is located on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation and is the largest remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan. After purchasing a tribal permit, you can enjoy the lake’s world-class fishing or learn from a Paiute fishing guide. Whether you want to see the rare Cui-ui fish or just take in the spectacular landscape, remember to be respectful and leave no trace.
Find year-round recreation on the Truckee River, which connects Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, and runs through the heart of downtown Reno. Whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing and tubing the river are all exciting options to try while visiting Reno Tahoe. Hike or bike along the Truckee River via the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail, with easily accessible sections along the entire river.
BaseCamp, at Whitney Peak Hotel in downtown Reno, is home to the tallest outdoor climbing wall in North America, reaching 164 feet over the Reno Arch. Scale the wall for unparalleled views of downtown and the surrounding mountains. Inside, you’ll find a 7,000-square-foot bouldering park, complete with an area just for kids.
Located just past the Mt. Rose Summit, Tahoe Meadows offers access to trails that wind their way through open meadows and pine forests – perfect for hiking and snowshoeing, making it a popular destination during every season. For spectacular lake views, hike or snowshoe to Chickadee Ridge. This area gets its name from the chickadees that will happily take birdseed from the palm of your hand during the winter months.
Primarily a food hall featuring a collection of locally-owned eateries, Reno's newest dining space, Reno Public Market, is also a hidden gem for retail therapy. Home to local shops, this space is your go-to for unique pieces that will have all your friends asking, "Where did you get that?!"
Did you know that Sparks is home to the world’s largest all-sports store? It’s so big that you can fit a 65-foot-tall Ferris wheel, two 16,000-gallon aquariums, 32+ flavors of fudge in the Fudge Factory, 14 presidents in the Walk of Presidents, a NASCAR Simulator and a 35-foot-tall wildlife mountain inside. Even if you’re just window shopping, a trip to Scheels is worth adding to your Sparks itinerary.
Find one-of-a-kind shopping minutes from downtown Reno on Dickerson Road. Whether you’re looking for a vintage find, indoor plants or locally-crafted ceramics, Dickerson Road is your go-to for eclectic pieces. The street is even home to CoAuto, an auto repair shop and art gallery featuring paintings, ceramics, handmade jewelry and photography rolled into one. You won’t find that anywhere else!
Reno Tahoe is a culturally vibrant region full of art, bursting with creativity and inspiration. With more than 100 murals in MidTown and art installations straight from the Playa throughout downtown Reno, the Riverwalk District and downtown Sparks, there are hidden gems to discover around every corner. Opt for a leisurely self-guided tour on foot or explore by bike and be amazed by the extensive public art scene.
Founded in 1931, the Nevada Museum of Art is the only art museum in the state accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. For nearly 80 years, the Nevada Museum of Art has provided significant arts education programming for the public, school-aged youth, teachers and artists in Northern Nevada. Get inspired by the museum’s rotating exhibitions featuring national and international artists, as well as their permanent collections. Enjoy brunch or a snack at the museum’s cafe during your visit.
Recognized as “One of America’s Top Ten Automobile Museums,” the National Automobile Museum features an exceptional collection of more than 200 vehicles and rotating exhibits for car lovers, movie fanatics and history buffs of all ages. Expect an impressive display of vintage, classic and special interest automobiles, dynamic race cars, Hollywood stars, and rare, one-of-a-kind wonders from around the world.
Reno Tahoe is a road trip lover’s dream. No matter which direction you’re traveling from, there are unique and memorable stops along the way, making the journey almost as much fun as the destination. Before hitting the road, it’s always a good idea to check road conditions, especially if you’re making the trip in the winter months. During snowy winters, the highways to Reno may have chain controls or even close for periods of time to keep travelers safe. For current road conditions, visit Caltrans at dot.ca.gov or NDOT at dot.nv.gov, depending on which direction you’re coming from.
SCAN TO BEGIN PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO
When you’re planning your trip to Reno, you might be wondering what to pack and how to best prepare. Since the region has four distinct seasons, your packing list will vary based on when you choose to visit. The key is to always bring layers, since the temperatures can vary several degrees between downtown Reno and the shores of Lake Tahoe. And even during the summer months, when the sun goes down, there might be a chill in the air.
REVIEW THE 5-DAY FORECAST AND GET PACKING TIPS HERE.
Want a souvenir to commemorate your epic Reno Tahoe adventures? We’ve got you covered! Visit the Reno Tahoe Visitor Center, located inside Home Means Nevada, in downtown Reno for branded t-shirts and gear. If you’re looking for something more custom, design your own bigtruck® hat with Reno Tahoe patches at bigtruck.com.
THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY IN RENO TAHOE.
THE FUN STARTS HERE!
Every destination claims to have great events, but Reno Tahoe takes it to a whole new level with hundreds of spectacular options to choose from. Although spontaneity is embraced here, these events deserve a spot on your calendar in permanent ink. Known by many as “The Iconics,” these events are entertainment staples and reflect what we’re all about here in Reno Tahoe. Find the Iconic Events on the Special Events Calendar denoted with an asterisk. From Shakespeare on a sandy beach at Lake Tahoe to 10 days of bucking broncos and steer decorating to hot air balloons floating above the Reno skyline – there’s something for everyone. So whether you’re planning a trip this week, this month or next year, check them out and elevate your fun factor. And don’t miss our full calendar of annual events for even more fun.
CHECK OUT THE FULL LINEUP OF EVENTS
GET IN ON THE ACTION WITH OUR LINEUP OF ANNUAL EVENTS.
Reno Tahoe is home to some pretty special events. From music festivals and concerts to motorsports and rodeos to pub crawls and cook-offs, there’s something for every appetite (literally and figuratively!).
But don’t stop here. This is just a taste of Northern Nevada’s special events, there’s plenty more to do all year long.
Reno Latin Dance Festival
The Sheep Show
Brew HaHa
FEBRUARY
Eagles & Agriculture
AMA Arenacross Championships
SnowFest!
Leprechaun Crawl
Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry
Reno Jazz Festival
Virginia City Grand Prix
Chili on the Comstock
The Biggest Little Block Party in the World
Strange Brew Festival
Street Vibrations Spring Rally
Reno River Festival*
Reno-Tahoe Odyssey
BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival*
Reno Rodeo*
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival*
Artown*
Dancing in the Streets
Sierra Nevada Lavender & Honey Festival
Classical Tahoe
Biggest Little Wing Fest
Bass Camp Festival
Hot August Nights*
Water Lantern Festival
Burning Man*
Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off*
Northern Nevada International Dragon Boat Festival
Numaga Indian Days
The Great Reno Balloon Race*
International Camel and Ostrich Races
Northern Nevada Pride
Reno Tahoe International Art Show
Legends of Beer Festival
Street Vibrations Fall Rally*
Cordillera International Film Festival
Candy Dance
OffBeat Music Festival
Reno Ukelele Festival
THE ROW’S Great Italian Festival*
World Famous Outhouse Races
Reno Zombie Crawl
Dark Corner Haunted House
Wobble Before You Gobble
Scheels Turkey Trot
39 North Pole Village
Sparks Hometowne Christmas Celebration
Reno Santa Pub Crawl
Northern Lights Festival
Tahoe Film Fest
A high desert landscape set against the Sierra Nevada mountains, Reno has unlimited potential for residents and visitors alike to discover more special events, outdoor recreation, urban art culture, breathtaking vistas and an average of 300 days of serotonin-boosting sunshine every year. Here, you can pursue your ambitious goals – and how you do it is totally up to you! As a cultural destination with a resilient community, it’s no surprise Reno was recognized as one of the “Happiest Towns to Live in the U.S.” by Outside Magazine in 2023.
With warm days and plenty of sunshine, summers are second to none. Head to Lake Tahoe or search for a spot along the Truckee River and spend the day getting your dose of sunshine and cool water. Whether you’re itching to try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing or whitewater rafting, we have plenty of water activities to explore. In the summer,
grab your clubs and get ready to play a round (or two!) at one of the more than 50 golf courses within an hour’s drive of Reno. Take advantage of our available terrain and climb a mountain for a glorious view, or explore miles of trails through Northern Nevada’s high desert.
Reno Tahoe is proud to celebrate and support inclusivity in our region, in efforts to create a welcoming community for local businesses, residents and visitors alike. The 2023 Municipal Equality Index gave Reno a score of 100/100 for its policies and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. Northern Nevada Pride is welcomed annually with a parade, festival and live entertainment through downtown Reno. The event is produced by and supports the efforts of Our Center, Reno’s local LGBTQ+ community center.
High Fives Foundation empowers athletes with disabilities by providing hope and resources to get them back to their outdoor activity of choice. Set on a former golf course, numerous trails at Sierra Vista Mountain Bike Park have been groomed and carved out to accommodate adaptive cyclists. Lake Tahoe is a treasure that all visitors should be able to enjoy and the recent addition of an all-terrain Trackchair at Sand Harbor means more park access for those with mobility challenges. The chair was made possible thanks to a donation by the Bronco Wild Fund, which donated chairs to 18 state parks around the country. Check out adaptive equipment rentals through the City of Reno and other accessible parks and trails in the region.
Running through the heart of the city, the Truckee River offers outdoor recreation in the middle of downtown, and is the ideal place for activities like fly fishing, kayaking or rafting within city limits. Looking for something more remote? Venture a few hours north of Reno for quiet, wide-open spaces in the Black Rock Desert. Thousands of people come together to form Black Rock City each year during Burning Man, but the playa is open for exploration year-round. Or set your sights to new heights when you climb to the top of Whitney Peak Hotel’s outdoor climbing wall, the Guinness Book of World Record’s Tallest Artificial Climbing Wall, overlooking the famous Reno Arch.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ONE OF THE HAPPIEST TOWNS
Feeling inspired? We’ve got you covered. From the energy of the city center to the peace of the desert, our landscape provides unlimited potential for art and exploration. This group of friends from Matador Network knows well enough that adventure doesn’t end at the city limits, so follow along as they take their creativity through downtown Reno all the way to the Black Rock Desert.
Get ready to bring more energy on your next trip to Reno. Whether you’re painting the town, lighting up the night or looking for your creative spark, we guarantee you can do it here. So get out there and let your imagination run wild because there’s no end to the inspiration when it comes to the boundless beauty waiting to be found in Reno Tahoe.
A team who shines together stays together. With a little inspiration from a neon artist who shared the story of electric art, these three friends decided to take the creative process into their own hands. What better way to light up the night than making art in the Biggest Little City. Take a walk downtown after the sun goes down and it won’t take long to find neon treasures around every corner, from the twinkly lights of the Reno Arch and casinos to the larger-than-life art installations along J Resort’s Reno Neon Line, the night comes to life in Reno Tahoe.
Beyond the hustle and bustle of the city, those looking for some quiet and wide-open spaces can venture into the Black Rock Desert. This 1,000-square-mile desert is just a few hours north of Reno, and trust us when we say both the journey and the destination are worth the drive. Each year during Burning Man, thousands of people come together to form Black Rock City, giving this stretch of road the nickname Burner Byway. The Black Rock Desert is open for exploration the rest of the year as well, inviting those with adventurous spirits to take advantage of the magic of its vast expanses. Between the miles of the playa and the unbelievable expanse of dark night skies, you’ll truly feel like you’re on another planet.
If you choose to answer the call of the desert, make sure you are prepared before putting it in drive and following the GPS to the wild beyond. The Black Rock Desert is remote with little to no cell service and it isn’t recommended that you drive onto the playa if it’s muddy (you’ll thank us for saving you a serious tow truck bill!). Its remoteness is part of the beauty so take it all in – the sunsets, wild horses, hidden hot springs and dark night skies.
In the heart of the Black Rock Desert lies the man-made marvel – Fly Geyser. Depending on the time of year and time of day, Fly Geyser reveals a rainbow of colors that pop against the desert landscape. Plan ahead and schedule a Fly Geyser Nature Walk with Friends of Black Rock High Rock to get a closer view.
The colors and dramatic size of Fly Geyser were an inspiration for these friends who used the geyser, desert and dark skies as a canvas for colorful light art. Whether you’re interested in creating a masterpiece with light or just want to take in the vastness of the Milky Way, Fly Geyser and the surrounding desert are the perfect destinations.
Embrace your inner child as you explore the desert’s open spaces. You can sing, dance and create, with no end in sight. Take it from the Burners, this is a judgment-free place where you’re allowed to play your own way. Don’t forget to capture your desert memories on camera. After all, this is a place that needs to be seen to be believed. So go ahead, play how you want on this nearly-endless playa, and let your creative juices flow!
When the sun goes down, it’s your chance to create art that shines almost as bright as the stars themselves. Practice your star gazing or try your hand at some astrophotography. Whatever you do, let the desert sky inspire you. The night is yours for the taking.
The desert is full of hidden gems. Gaze upon majestic wild horses, dip your toes in a natural hot spring, or take a drive at sunset to soak in the view. You might just be surprised by all the unexpected beauty the playa had to offer. Next time you’re craving an escape, either to tap into your artistic side, re-energize, or reconnect with yourself and nature, Reno Tahoe has the perfect itinerary to check it all off your list.
CHECK OUT THE FULL LIST OF ITINERARIES
PUB CRAWLS AND WINE WALKS
Reno Tahoe takes their pub crawls and wine walks very seriously. This is probably why 15,000 zombies perform Thriller every October and why just as many Santas, elves and reindeer flock the streets of downtown Reno every December. Read below for a few of our most popular Reno pub crawls, but please check the events calendar for a complete listing of all pub crawls and wine walks in Reno.
LEPRECHAUN CRAWL
The Reno Leprechaun Crawl is the best Irish celebration this side of the Emerald Isle! Join thousands of St. Paddy’s Day lovers at over 25 downtown locations. Wear green and have a rockin’ good time!
ZOMBIE CRAWL
The Zombie Crawl takes place every (you guessed it) October! This is the kind of event that you absolutely have to cross off your bucket list, and the cool thing is, you can do it AFTER you kick the bucket! Every year, over 15,000 people from around the world converge on downtown Reno for the biggest and best party of the year!
SANTA CRAWL
Every year in December, downtown Reno plays host to the Santa Crawl. Now, this pub crawl isn’t like your normal crawl; it’s the largest Santa-themed pub crawl in the country! The convergence of thousands of holiday-themed costumes and festivities is something you have to see to believe.
RENO WINE WALKS
The Riverwalk District hosts the popular Reno Wine Walk every third Saturday of the month. Visit any of the participating Riverwalk District merchants on Wine Walk day to get a map of Wine Walk merchants. With your wine-tasting ticket and valid photo ID, you’ll receive a wine glass, map and a wristband that allows you to sample wine at any participating merchant. This event has been voted “Best Monthly Event by Reno News & Review” – and for good reason!
VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR TO SEE ALL OUR OTHER AMAZING THEMED CRAWLS.
Art installations, sculptures and murals punctuate Reno’s urban landscape. Take a leisurely stroll or hop on two wheels and explore MidTown or downtown to find locally-made pieces of artwork, art installations straight from Black Rock City or other unique findings.
City Plaza, located downtown at the corner of First and South Virginia St., is home to two former Burning Man pieces –BELIEVE and Space Whale.
BELIEVE is made of 4-foot-thick steel and spans 70 feet wide. It’s become a favorite attraction for locals and visitors alike, providing a like-worthy photo for your Instagram feed. Space Whale is a life-sized stained glass and steel sculpture of a humpback whale mother and calf. The 50-foot-tall installation is the creation of Matt Schultz, a Reno local, and Android Jones of Colorado.
We LOVE murals in Reno! Downtown and the MidTown District are home to more than 100 larger-than-life murals, painted by local, national and international artists. In addition to captivating the eye, these murals add color and creativity to Reno’s urban landscapes. Simply let your curiosity lead you around town to find your favorite masterpiece.
The Sculpture Garden in Bicentennial Park was a partnership between the Reno Arts & Culture Commission and the Rotary Club of Reno. Visitors can walk through six sculptures alongside the Truckee River and can experience a self-guided audio tour by dialing the number located at the base of the sculpture. Experience the sculptures and their beautiful surroundings at Bicentennial Park on the Truckee River, across from the main island of Wingfield Park.
J Resort’s Reno Neon Line consists of several Burning Man sculptures including Desert Guard, Rearing Horse, Bloom and SQUARED. Stretching from West St. to Keystone Ave. and Interstate 80 south to West Second St., visitors can interact with various sculptures. The art installations will be rotated out every two years so make sure you stop by J Resort’s Reno Neon Line next time you’re in town.
The Sparks Art Walk is a public art experience in Victorian Square in downtown Sparks. This curated collection will regularly rotate and features art pieces by local and regional artists. Current pieces include Identity Awareness, which first appeared at Burning Man, Sagebrush Bee, made from steel, concrete and pennies, and other large-scale art installations, as well as a mural.
Find even more unique art pieces around the Biggest Little City with this comprehensive Public Art map, which includes sculptures and murals, as well as bike racks and signal boxes that have been created to add to the city’s aesthetic. Or take a month-long tour of all the city’s art during Artown, taking place every July.
DOWNLOAD THE PUBLIC ART MAP
Located in downtown Reno, The Glow Plaza is a unique outdoor venue, complete with a state-of-the-art stage, a variety of live music and events, and food trucks galore. Their outdoor summer series is open to all ages and features an eclectic mix of musicians and bands on Friday and Saturday nights. Catch epic concerts, year-round events such as Reno Night Market, and annual events like the Cinco de Mayo celebration and Oktoberfest taking place throughout the year. Experience 3-D wonders and interact with a large collection of original Burning Man sculptures nearby at the J Resort’s Reno Neon Line.
The Generator is an inclusive art space, maker space and community space for anyone who wants to make art and be part of a creative community. The Generator is also a hub for many Burning Man artists and is often the last stop for pieces before they hit the Playa. The Space Whale now located in Reno’s City Plaza? That was made at The Generator in 2016! As a guest, you can join a workshop to tap into your creative side and learn fun new skills like welding, painting, leatherwork and aerial silks. Tours are also available five days a week.
Despite what the name suggests, Bowl Incline is much more than a bowling alley. This Incline Village staple is also home to an arcade, bocce ball court, axe throwing, karaoke and more, making it easy to keep the good times going after a day around the lake. Your crew can find their second wind with a drink at one of the three bars or a bite at the on-site restaurant where award-winning chef Sam Choy puts his famous Hawaiian twist on diner classics. Looking for a more intimate experience? Incline Bowl offers three separate event spaces for your next private event.
RURAL NEVADA
If you’ve never explored beyond the Reno city limits, or the only time you’ve ventured into rural Nevada was for Burning Man, you’re missing out on a hidden gem. Gerlach, known as “the fastest town on the planet” is home to the land speed record and is the final sign of civilization before Burners hit the playa. Here you’ll find only a few bars of service, but you’re sure to have an unforgettable time bellying up at the local watering hole, taking a tour of Fly Geyser with Friends of Black Rock-High Rock or exploring nearby hotsprings.
Long gone are the days when Reno could be considered Las Vegas’ little brother. While we’re still proud of our thriving casino culture, Reno is so much more than that. These days, we wear many hats including being your basecamp for outdoor adventure, a dream for foodies and craft beer afficionados, a playground for arts and culture lovers, and the ultimate events destination.
Just east of Reno, Sparks, Nevada offers a wide array of events and attractions. Star Spangled Sparks, Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off, Hot August Nights and Hometowne Christmas Parade are just a few of the events that attract thousands of attendees each year.
Incline Village is located on the northeast shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe, less than an hour from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. This quaint mountain town offers all of the amenities you would expect from a vacation destination nestled in the Sierra Nevada. From access to year-round outdoor activities to dining, shopping and entertainment, there is something for every visitor, no matter the season.
Although it is known to many as “home,” you can see no one lives there year-round. The Black Rock is home to Burning Man’s Black Rock City and is a place where you can be who you want without judgment. Even after 70,000 people leave the pop-up city every September, you can still find the good vibes, energy and creativity in the open spaces.
A 30-minute drive from Reno, Carson City is its own best attraction, and a leisurely walk through its historic neighborhoods is the best way to get acquainted with Nevada’s capital city at the base of the Sierra Nevada.
Blessed with sparkling natural beauty, Lake Tahoe is considered the jewel of the Sierra Nevada and has been named one of the best adventure vacations, one of the best family vacations and one of the best ski vacations in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
Roughly 20 miles southeast of Reno lies a little nugget of history in Virginia City. Most famous for the Comstock Lode, this historic town in the Northern Nevada region was a booming mining establishment for several decades in the mid-1800s.
If you’re heading to Truckee for a day trip or simply stopping on your way to Reno, Truckee has something fun for everyone. Just north of Lake Tahoe in the High Sierra, Truckee, CA is a small mountain town with big energy that is loaded with plenty of things to do, including hidden gems and outdoor activities.
