RENO TAHOE
events and
festivals 2011
WHAT’S A
bighorn sheep TO DO?
THERE ARE A MOUNTAIN OF EVENTS IN
RENO
TAHOE
AND
IT
WASN’T
POSSIBLE TO INCLUDE THEM ALL IN THIS BROCHURE. FOR A COMPLETE LIST, CHECK
OUT
VISITRENOTAHOE.COM.
DON’T WORRY, YOU CAN THANK ME WHEN YOU GET HERE.
2011 Events & Festivals Wine Walks Every third Saturday of the month from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, the Riverwalk Merchants Association hosts the popular Wine Walk along the Truckee River and neighboring streets in the downtown Riverwalk District. Not only is it a delightful way to discover Reno’s scenic river corridor, but a different charity benefits each month. renoriver.org
Pub Crawls A friendly rendezvous at any of Reno Tahoe’s local watering holes is always a good time, but when you throw outlandish costumes into the mix, a good time becomes an unforgettable one. If you’re in Reno on the fourth Saturday of the month, you will inevitably, and luckily, enter the wacky world of the Reno Pub Crawl. A few times a year, Reno really spices things up with themed crawls that include thousands of people dressed in their best Santainspired suits or superheroes trying to save the world one drink at a time, in the dorkiest costume possible. visitrenotahoe.com
Vampire Crawl – February Superhero Crawl – July Zombie Crawl – October Santa Crawl – December
February 5
Biggest Little Tailgate Party Downtown Reno
A Super Bowl XLV party extraordinaire that features a $1 Million Football Toss and Beer Pong, tailgating contest for Best Decorated, Most Spirited and Super Fan 2011, as well as cheerleading and marching band contests. You’ll keep toasty with a hot bowl of chili during the Biggest Little Tailgate Chili Cook-off. silverlegacy.com
February 26
TransWorld TransAM
Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort Sponsored by TransWorld SNOWboarding magazine, this multi-stop amateur tour is hosted by the most progressive park resorts in the country. Some of the happiest amateur riders on Earth will push each other in a fun jam-style environment for a chance to win a TransAM trophy and bragging rights! northstarattahoe.com/events
March 4–13
SnowFest of North Lake Tahoe, Truckee Commemorating its 30th anniversary in 2011, SnowFest is a celebration of life in the High Sierra. North Lake Tahoe comes alive with ten fun-filled days and nights jam-packed with more than 60 events and activities for all ages. Highlights include a torchlight parade, laser show and fireworks, polar bear swim, two community parades, Dog Pull, Wacky Human Bowling, Bump & Jump Hanger Party, a snow palace and much more. Celebrate the fun and frolic of winter! tahoesnowfestival.com
March 12
Dummy Downhill, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe Mt. Rose opens the gate to high-flying speed demons of every shape and size with ONE catch, NO live pulse can accompany any entry. Witness pure lunacy as dummies (dolls, not people) compete for the best run. It’s one of the most popular events at the resort and guarantees a knee-slapping good time. mtrose.com/events
March 12
Mountain Oyster Festival and St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Virginia City Have a ball at Virginia City’s eclectic, and popular, gourmet event often referred to as “The Testicle Festival.” Cooks compete for appealing ways of preparing these delightful delicacies, and you’ll be amazed at how good they taste. Top off the fun with the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and it’s the making of a memorable day with friends and family. visitvirginiacitynv.com
March 18–20
Take the Lake – A.M. Open Triple Air Jumpline, Alpine Meadows The best skiers and snowboarders in the country compete in the hottest Open Triple Air Jumpline Competition, trying to impress some of the industry’s top X Games and Dew Tour judges. Spend three fun-filled days enjoying the powder, after parties, spectator contests and more! skialpine.com/lake-tahoe-events/take-the-lake
April 2–3
Nevada Women’s Expo
Reno-Sparks Convention Center The premier consumer show for women! Clear the weekend for a fun, friendly and interactive event, filled with entertainment, shopping, educational demonstrations, samples, networking and fabulous door prizes. nevadawomensexpo.com
April 30–May 1
Cinco de Mayo Festival, Reno Celebrate Mexican heritage and Latino culture with two days of live entertainment; popular Latin musicians, amateur boxing, Mexican dancing horse performances and a children’s playground. There will be Mexican food from top local restaurants, arts, crafts and much more. cincodemayoreno.com
May 5–8
Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival Genoa
This second annual event rides into Nevada’s oldest settlement: the historic town of Genoa. Experience the unique ranching heritage, and enjoy award winning poets, balladeers and juried western art galleries. There are more than 30 programs and presentations, from saddle makin’ to dutch oven cookin’. cowboypoetrygenoa.com
May 6–8
Reno River Festival, Downtown Reno The eighth annual festival, America’s premier whitewater event, takes place in the heart of downtown Reno, at the Truckee River Whitewater Park. Known for attracting top whitewater athletes from around the world, this year will be more entertaining than ever with the “Run Amuck” fun run, where competitors get down and dirty in an obstaclefilled run through downtown Reno, the Stand Up Paddle Board race and whitewater competitions. The Reno River Festival also features a variety of food and beverage, live entertainment and an expo featuring the hottest outdoor products on the market. renoriverfestival.com
David Calvert, Calvert Photography
May 8
Sparks Arts in Bloom Festival Downtown Sparks
Treat Mom to a special day strolling among artisans, shopping the region’s finest artwork and enjoying fine food and popular entertainment. The ninth annual festival showcases the region’s top artists of oil and watercolor paintings, woodwork, jewelry and unique hand-crafted items. Celebrity hand-painted plates will be auctioned to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation. sparksrec.com
May 13–15
Spring Wings Bird Festival, Fallon The Lahontan Valley Wetlands, surrounding Fallon, offer outstanding birding hot spots. Professionals from the Lahontan Audubon Society, US Fish & Wildlife Service and Nevada Department of Wildlife will lead birding and wildlife tours. springwings.org
May 15–16
Amgen Tour of California, Lake Tahoe The Lake Tahoe stage of this premier American cycling race is the biggest sporting event to hit the region since the Olympics! This Tour de Francestyle race features 18 world-renowned cycling teams, competing on miles of beautiful terrain. On May 15, a sea of jerseys will race one and a half times around the lake (starting at South Lake Tahoe and finishing at Northstar-at-Tahoe). Squaw Valley hosts the start of Stage 2 on May 16. gotahoenorth.com/amgen
May 28–October 30
Virginia & Truckee Railroad, Carson City History steams into action when the V&T Railroad rumbles along 16 miles of restored track, connecting Carson City and Virginia City, traveling the same route as the miners did in the 1860s during the Comstock silver era. The route offers breathtaking views with occasional sightings of wild mustangs, passing abandoned mines, old cemeteries and chugging through two tunnels. visitcarsoncity.com
June 3–4
Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Reno and Lake Tahoe
The Reno-Tahoe Odyssey relay run is a mighty challenge! The race is ideally suited for 12-person teams, competing on a 178-mile course that is divided into 36 legs of varying lengths and difficulty. Sound impossible? Not when there are hundreds of people cheering for you along the way! The course climbs over 2800 feet as runners pass rivers, streams and beautiful Lake Tahoe. renotahoeodyssey.com
June 3–5
Sands Eurofest 2011, Downtown Reno Terrible’s Sands Regency hosts the 13th annual Eurofest celebration. Enjoy live music from the headliner band: Los Angeles’ Celtic rock n’ rollers, The Young Dubliners. Sample European cuisine; including grilled bratwurst, chorizo Basque sandwiches and Swedish meatballs with spaetzle. A huge selection of beers will quench your thirst. sandsregency.com
June 3–5
Street Vibrations Spring Rally Downtown Sparks
After a long winter, it’s time to liberate your Harley from hibernation and enjoy a weekend of motorcycle fun! Street Vibrations Spring Rally condenses the excitement of the successful Fall Rally into one weekend at Sparks’ Victorian Square. The fifth annual event features live entertainment, bike games, competition ride-in shows, poker runs and walks, vendor booths, VIP motorcycle participant parties and more. roadshowsreno.com
June 3–6
Patty Sheehan & Friends at Hidden Valley Country Club, Reno Attend the first, and friendliest, professional golf tournament of 2011, hosted by LPGA golfer and World Golf Hall of Famer Patty Sheehan. Forty of the greatest women golfers of our time compete at the beautiful Hidden Valley Country Club. Fans will enjoy the personable disposition of the Legends Tour players; including, Nancy Lopez, JoAnne Carner, Jan Stephenson, 2011 US Solheim Cup Captain Rosie Jones and Reno’s own Patty Sheehan. thelegendstour.com
June 5
America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride South Lake Tahoe
This 20th annual event has built a reputation for its spectacular scenery. Mark Twain called Lake Tahoe “the fairest picture the whole earth affords,” and what a way to enjoy its beauty by participating in a bike riding event. Several categories are offered: Boat Cruise/35-mile fun ride, a 72-mile ride around the perimeter of Lake Tahoe, and a full 100-mile century ride. bikethewest.com/AMBBR.html
June 9–12
Octane Fest, Fallon See the stars of off-road racing at this four-day motor sport jamboree. Octane Fest is a motor sports extravaganza; featuring, NHRA/Top Gun drag racing, IMCA oval dirt track racing, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derby, mud bogs, TUFF Truck, rock crawl and freestyle motocross. Music, show-and-shine, a motorsports swap meet and vendor show compliment the racing action. octanefest.com
June 9–August 18
Sparks Hometowne Farmer’s Market Downtown Sparks
If you like it fresh, then attend this weekly summertime celebration of food and family fun! Local, regional and out-of-state produce and a variety of seasonal items will tempt your taste buds. There is live music, food and beverage, arts and crafts, flowers and community booths. The Market runs every Thursday from June 9 through August 18 (except for August 11). sparksrec.com
June 13–15
Carson City Rendezvous, Carson City Nevada history comes alive at Mills Park during this salute to the Silver State, featuring events and activities for the entire family. Free admission includes the mountain man camp, Native American dancing, Nevada gunfighters show, Pony Express reenactment, stagecoach ride, arts and crafts vendors and western music. visitcarsoncity.com
June 16–19
Reno Film Festival, Downtown Reno It’s all about film fun! The 11th annual festival features premieres, classics and shorts. Enjoy educational panels, workshops, filmmakers, actors, celebrity guests, Reno’s own Indie Short Film and Lumpier All-School Film Fest competitions and receptions. renofilmfestival.com
June 16
PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour
Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center The only officially sanctioned bull riding tour of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Xtreme Bulls kicks off the 92nd annual Reno Rodeo with high energy and non-stop action. Pro rodeo’s top 40 bull riders have a chance to qualify for the season-end Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, on some of the rankest bulls the world has to offer. With pyrotechnics, Xtreme action, rock ’n roll, eight seconds of the best pro bull riding and a sizeable purse, fans are on their feet the whole evening. renorodeo.com or xtremebulls.com
June 16–25
Reno Rodeo
Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Experience the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West!” The Reno Rodeo is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned sporting event, and draws more than 750 professional athletes competing for $500,000 in prize money. Enjoy all of the fan favorites; including, two world-class team roping events, professional bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bronco riding. The exciting western action features an authentic cattle drive, parade, Double RR Marketplace for western shopping, food, carnival and Mutton Bustin’. renorodeo.com
June 24–25
The Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival, Downtown Reno Fire up the grills, tap the kegs and crank up the tunes for Reno’s best summer kick-off party! Virginia Street will be rockin’ with live blues entertainment, amazing food and more than 40 microbrews from around the world — over 100 specialty beers to sample. Food booths will line Virginia Street, serving savory dishes such as hot-off-thegrill American favorites, tacos and Korean barbecue. The Eldorado’s award-winning food will also be served, including Gregg’s Q Pit and Geno’s N.Y. Steak Flatbread stand! eldoradoreno.com
June 25
XTERRA Tahoe City Off-Road Triathlon Tahoe City
Celebrate the natural environment of North Lake Tahoe’s terrain, trails and blue water. This off-road triathlon covers some of the area’s most treasured mountain bike trails, as well as a swim in beautiful Lake Tahoe. bigblueadventure.com
June 26–30
The Nevada Humanities Chautauqua: 20th Anniversary Celebration, Reno Chautauqua is an entertaining history theater in which audiences have an opportunity to interact with infamous people from the past. The 2011 program features such characters as Meriwether Lewis, Henry VIII and César Chávez. The evening event takes place at the outdoor Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch. nevadahumanities.org
July 1–31
Artown, Reno It started 16 years ago with a dream and the word “Art.” Now, Reno is Artown. It captures the imagination and celebrates distinguished artists from across the world, all for the sake of cultural diversity and artistic innovation. For the entire month of July, the festival offers nearly 400 events and many are free. Artown showcases music, theater, dance, film, visual and performing arts. It has been called one of the most comprehensive art festivals in the country by the National Endowment for the Arts. From October through April, the Encore Series features unique national artists, providing an additional opportunity to experience new genres of music, dance, theater and other art forms. renoisartown.com
July 1–31
Art Slaves Show and Sale Downtown Reno
Art Slaves is a group exhibition featuring fine art, music and written works created by communication professionals from the Truckee Meadows. The art will be on display throughout the month of July in downtown Reno. aafreno.com
July 1–4
Red, White and Tahoe Blue
Incline Village and Crystal Bay The fifth annual Red, White and Tahoe Blue celebration observes our nation’s birthday with four days of time-honored activities; including, a community parade, rubber ducky race, dunk tank, wine and cheese event, community breakfasts, concerts, carnival on the green, ice cream social, barbecues and more. The fun culminates with Lake Tahoe’s most spectacular fireworks display on July 4th. redwhiteandtahoeblue.com
July 2–4
The Great International Chicken Wing Society Cook-Off, Downtown Reno The 10th annual event is the spiciest, most affordable 4th of July festival to hit Downtown Reno. Sample the best sauces, taste top-notch wings, watch the best in the business compete for poultry pride and enjoy free entertainment. Restaurants and bars compete to see who has the best sauce, with the general public invited to judge the “taster” wings (Chicken Hawks) and crown this year’s champ. Don’t miss the fireworks show on Sunday evening! thegreatinternationalchickenwingsociety.com
July 4
Fourth of July, Reno and Lake Tahoe Independence Day and fireworks go hand in hand, and Reno Tahoe USA will not disappoint the pyrotechnic fans. There are a multitude of celebrations around the region to choose from, with some offering parades, picnics and other daytime activities, in addition to evening fireworks. visitrenotahoe.com
July 4
Star Spangled Sparks at the Marina Sparks
It’s a fun family way to celebrate our nation’s birthday. The event kicks off with free hot air balloon rides and a $3 all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. Activities include a fun-run-walk around the Sparks Marina, Model Dairy Milk Carton Boat Races, military fly-over and opening ceremonies and the Sparks’ Got Talent Competition. Enjoy arts, crafts and food booths, plus a large “free” ride area for children of all ages. northernnevadachamber.org
July 4
Star Spangled Sparks Fireworks at Victorian Square, Downtown Sparks The region’s longest, most spectacular fireworks display is set off from the roof of John Ascuaga’s Nugget, while thousands of revelers celebrate the 4th of July on Victorian Square below. The event features live entertainment for the whole family, a kid’s area and an array of food choices. janugget.com
July 12–17
American Century Celebrity Golf Championship South Lake Tahoe
Cheer for more than 80 of your favorite sports and entertainment celebrities at the 22nd annual event, considered to be the nation’s most prestigious and richest celebrity golf tournament. Held at Edgewood Golf Course, Lake Tahoe provides a stunning backdrop for this popular event which boasts a $600,000 prize purse. The impressive list of past tournament celebrities and athletes includes Michael Jordan, John Elway, Jim McMahon, Donald Trump and Ray Romano. tahoecelebritygolf.com
July 15–August 21
Shakespeare Festival, Incline Village Imagine sitting under the stars and on a sandy white beach at Sand Harbor as Shakespeare comes to life. An enchanting outdoor theater is nestled within a natural amphitheater, with the indescribable beauty of Lake Tahoe in the background. Gourmet food and wine tastings are available, or you can pack your own picnic. Enjoy live music, in addition to a Shakespeare classic. laketahoeshakespeare.com
July 17
Donner Lake Triathlon, Truckee Swim, bike and run at this historic and scenic alpine lake, located just 40 miles west of Reno. The triathlon offers a Sprint and International Distance course to test your high-altitude athletic skills. bigblueadventure.com
July 23
Reno Basque Festival, Downtown Reno The Basque culture is a big part of Reno history and tradition. Celebrate Reno’s Basque heritage with traditional food, music and dancing, weight carrying contest, wood chopping demo, war cry contest, Basque cooking tips and games for children. renobasqueclub.org
July 27–31
Tour de Nez, Reno and Lake Tahoe It’s a true celebration of all things cycling — the Italian obsession, the low-rider, the messenger subculture, the tricks of the BMX, the cruisers, the bells, even the spandex! For five days, the Tour de Nez tips its hat to the two-wheeled wonder. From the NRC Pro State Race to the Clunker Classic, this event takes Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe on a wild ride. See USA Cycling’s greatest riders cruise the streets of downtown Reno and the mountain roads of Lake Tahoe. It’s the “Biggest Little” cycling event in the country. tourdenez.org
July/August
Lake Tahoe Music Festival North Lake Tahoe
From Blues to Bach and beyond, the Lake Tahoe Music Festival combines stimulating sounds beneath a blanket of stars, with the beauty of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra as the backdrop. The 28th annual festival offers exciting contemporary and orchestral artists for a concert season that should not be missed. tahoemusic.org
August 1–7
Reno-Tahoe Open, Reno Recognized as a favorite stop on the PGA Tour by its members, the 13th annual Reno-Tahoe Open is one of only 47 stops on the PGA Tour. Offering a $3.5 million prize purse, the tournament is also part of the race for the FedEx Cup. There are two proam tournaments in addition to top notch PGA Tour action coupled with fun fan enhancements. It’s an experience the entire family can enjoy! Montrêux Golf & Country Club is northern Nevada’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Golf Course and provides a challenging, yet beautiful, test for the PGA Tour pros. renotahoeopen.com
August 5–7
Silver Dollar Classic Car Show Carson City
Carson City turns up the heat at the Silver Dollar Classic with hundreds of vintage cars, live music, barbecue and casino tournaments. The weekend lineup includes a street dance, show ‘n shine, Kit Carson Walking Tour in the city’s historic district, poker run and a special surprise event on Saturday evening! visitcarsoncity.com
August 7–9
Hot August Nights, South Lake Tahoe Celebrate America’s love affair with classic cars and rock ’n roll. Free family entertainment, automotive exhibits, vendors, outdoor stages with live music from the ’50s and ’60s, awards and competitions. hotaugustnights.net/south laketahoeexperience.html
August 9–14
Hot August Nights Reno and Sparks
During Hot August Nights, cars are “cherry” and cruisin’ is “cool.” More than 800,000 people flock to the largest classic car and nostalgia event in the United States. Cars are the stars and rock ‘n roll rules through dozens of concerts, controlled cruises, show-n-shines, a sock hop and much more! Plenty of shopping can be found at the Silver Car Auction, Big Boy Toy Store and Hot August Nights Swap Meet. hotaugustnights.net
August 12–13
Concours d’Elegance Wooden Boat Show, Carnelian Bay Be a part of Lake Tahoe’s classic history! The 39th annual Lake Tahoe Concours is one of the most prestigious wooden boat shows in North America, drawing more than 100 antique and classic boat entries and 5000 spectators. The meticulously restored entries include historic lakers and launches, some dating back to 1915; pre and post-WWII racers and runabouts; utility boats; and flashy Rivas. laketahoeconcours.com
August 19–20
Reno Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering Reno
Soroptimist International of Reno presents the sixth Annual Reno Cowboy & Music Gathering, a celebration of the cowboy traditions and its influence on western culture. The event features toe-tapping country-western music, vivid cowboy poetry peppered with stand-up country humor, a delicious barbecue dinner and refreshments. Entertainers include Brenn Hill, Larry Maurice, The Cross Town Cowboys and Baxter Black. The concerts will be held at the outdoor Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch. renocowboypoetry.org
August 19–21
Western States Wild Horse and Burro Expo, Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Wild mustangs and burros are an iconic symbol of the old West, and a large population still roams the open ranges of Nevada. These remarkable creatures are the stars of this annual horse show, which also offers education, clinics, entertainment, shopping and demonstrations. wildhorseandburroexpo.com
August 20
Reno Gay Pride 15th Annual Festival Downtown Reno
The 15th annual festival is planned to be the largest gathering of LGBT people in Northern Nevada. There’s an additional sense of pride, enthusiasm and community celebration as Circus Circus, Rockstar Energy Drink and The Knitting Factory have partnered to offer a great line-up of entertainment. renogaypride.com
August 24–28
Nevada Territory Wild West Fair
Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Experience the oldest and longest-running event in the state, dating all the way back to the 1870s! The Nevada Territory Wild West Fair is “A Statewide Heritage of the Nevada State Fair,” and features traditional activities; such as, livestock shows, auctions, agricultural events, exhibits, carnival rides and live entertainment. The event honors the legacies of the pioneer men and women who first founded the Silver State, and allows visitors to experience the old West with a mining camp, western frontier town, civil war town and camp, Native American village, railroad yard, mountain men encampment and stagecoach rides. nvstatefair.com
August 27
Lake in the Sky Air Show South Lake Tahoe
The 22nd annual celebration of the High Sierra’s one-day air show takes place at the Lake Tahoe Airport. The action starts with a pancake breakfast, followed by top aerobatic demonstrations, military fly-bys, aircraft displays and more. lakeintheskyairshow.com
August 27
XTERRA Lake Tahoe Off-Road Triathlon Lake Tahoe
This is one of the all-time classic Xterra courses. Swim in famous Lake Tahoe, followed by an extreme mountain bike ride through Tunnel Creek, along the Flume Trail, and finishing with a gorgeous scenic trail run. bigblueadventure.com
August 29–September 5
Burning Man, Black Rock Desert Tens of thousands of people gather in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, north of Gerlach on the “playa,” to create Black Rock City: a temporary metropolis dedicated to self-reliance, self-expression, community and art. When this counterculture event ends
with the “burning of the man,” there will be no evidence that this temporary city even existed. While it’s true that Burning Man is not for the faint of heart, with some research, preparation and planning, it’s an experience and opportunity beyond your wildest dreams. In Black Rock City, you won’t be the weirdest kid in the classroom and you’ll become a part of the growing community of Burners who are active year-round. burningman.com
August 31–September 5
Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off Downtown Sparks
If you love ribs, don’t miss the country’s favorite festival, hosted by John Ascuaga’s Nugget! Thousands of visitors make their way to Victorian Square to experience the biggest and most prestigious rib cook-off in the United States. Back for its 23rd year, it’s the perfect way to say goodbye to summer. Delight in finger-licking ribs with the country’s best cooks, shop hundreds of craft and vendor booths and enjoy free entertainment, including nightly headline acts on the Main Concert Stage. nuggetribcookoff.com
September 7–11
Ultra4 Stampede, Reno Ultra4 combines the speed of desert racing with the endurance of rock crawling, and attracts teams from the United States, Canada and Australia. The world-class race terrain of Exit 28 Motorsports brings the excitement and atmosphere of King of the Hammers-style racing to the next level! In addition to race events, enjoy parties, a bikini car wash, vendor midway, 4x4 show and shine, cruise and 4x4 club challenge. ultra4stampede.com
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Taylor
September 9–11
The Great Reno Balloon Race, Reno Celebrating 30 years, it is one of Reno’s most colorful and spectacular events. More than 100 of the nation’s top hot air balloonists participate in multiple competitions in a mass ascension. A trademark of the race is the Dawn Patrol, which takes place before the sun rises and provides an amazing spectacle as balloons glow and twinkle against the dark sky. A wide selection of food, crafts, art and souvenirs awaits spectators, along with wonderfully, uplifting music to complement this celebration of R a ce alloon B o n flight. renoballoon.com e re at R
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September 9–11
International Camel Races, Virginia City In true Virginia City spirit, the races began as a hoax in 1959, when the Territorial Enterprise wrote a fictitious article about the city’s “Camel Races.” But in 1960, the first real race took place and director John Huston charged to victory on a camel borrowed from the San Francisco zoo. This annual tradition (in its 52nd year) features both camel and ostrich racing, as jockeys from around the globe converge to compete for trophies and bragging rights. visitvirginiacitynv.com
September 9–11
Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort It’s a party for your palate! The 26th annual festival is packed with tummy teasers; including, grape stomps, cooking demonstrations, food and wine seminars, ultra-premium wine tastings, live entertainment, winemaker dinner and celebrity chef luncheons and dinners. On the final day, the region’s top chefs compete for the coveted Gold Medal by preparing a competition dish that is paired with a premium wine. tahoefoodandwine.com
September 11
Tour de Tahoe – Bike Big Blue South Lake Tahoe
The ninth annual race provides an opportunity to cycle around 72 miles of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, including an 800-foot climb overlooking scenic Emerald Bay. The event offers great food, participant support stations, the famous sightseeing boat cruise and a 35-mile fun run. bikethewest.com/tourdetahoe/.html
September 14–18
The National Championship Air Races Reno
The 48th annual event, which happens to be the world’s longest running air race, is the only closedcourse pylon racing event in the world. Six different race plane classes battle just 60 feet from the ground, with the Unlimited and Jet classes reaching speeds over 500 mph! Besides the on-yourfeet action of the races, spectators have close-up access to racing aircraft, pilots and crews in the “pits.” There’s a worldclass airshow, a large static aircraft display and great concessions. Experience the action of the “World’s Fastest Motorsport!” airrace.org
September 21–25
Street Vibrations Fall Rally Reno and Sparks
Enjoy HOG heaven at this celebration of music, metal and motorcycles. It’s so big, it rocks at locations throughout the region; including, downtown Reno, Victorian Square in Sparks, the Harley-Davidson dealerships in Carson City and Reno, Virginia City and Lake Tahoe. Everyone knows that the “Biggest Little City in the World” offers unparalleled entertainment, but this event takes it to a new level with
live entertainment on outdoor stages, parades, ride-in shows, stunt shows and bike cruises. Don’t miss America’s Finest Custom Bike Builder’s Expo to view the latest creations, and the Tattoo Expo for body art extraordinaire. Street Vibrations is open to all motorcycles. roadshowsreno.com
September 22–25
Lake Tahoe Marathon, South Lake Tahoe Athletes that want to test their skills in the High Sierra enjoy three days of nirvana, and a multitude of events to choose from; including, a marathon, marathon walk, two and five-person marathon relays, 20-mile power walk, half marathon, 5K and 10K runs, three-day triple marathon, three-day triathlon and a 20-mile bike race. Other heart-pounding activities include kayak races, swim events and speed golf. laketahoemarathon.com
September 24–25
Candy Dance, Genoa The annual Genoa Candy Dance is a craft fair and social event like none other, and is the perfect way to start your holiday gift shopping. Relish the smalltown spirit at this ultimate candy and craft festival that features more than 350 exhibitors and 40,000 pounds of Genoa’s fabulous homemade candy. Genoa is just 40 miles south of Reno, and admission to the fair is free. genoanevada.org
September 30–October 2
Beretta’s Fastest Gun Alive: World Championship of Cowboy Fast Draw Fallon
The American West was unlike any other culture in history, and you can relive the excitement of gunfighters at the World Championships. Cowboy Fast Draw is a western-themed shooting sport, and is as exciting as dropping the clutch on a dragster! It is a timed sport using single action .45 caliber westernstyle six shooters with wax bullets. More than 200 competitors from around the world compete for the title “Fastest Gun Alive.” cowboyfastdraw.com
October 1–2
Reno Celtic Celebration, Reno Delight in Celtic activities and performances for all ages; including, pipe bands, Scottish and Irish dancers, Celtic musicians, Highland games, Celtic critters at the animal village, kid’s games, food and drink and Celtic merchandise. Held at Bartley Ranch. renoceltic.org
October 1–2
World Championship Outhouse Races Virginia City
It’s an adventure back in time as this hilarious Comstock tradition pits teams of costumed outhouse racers against each other. One person rides and the remaining team members push, pull or drag the decorated outhouses down the race track. On Saturday, the outrageous Outhouse Parade features Virginia City’s famous “Plungerettes.” visitvirginiacitynv.com
October 8–9
The Eldorado Great Italian Festival Downtown Reno
Celebrate the food, culture, music and traditions of Italy, with Reno’s final street festival of the season! Free activities and entertainment highlight the festival’s main focus, which is delicious and authentic homemade Italian food! The event also features grape stomping, sauce cook-offs, bocce ball and a kids’ gelato-eating contest. From accordions to swing and other Italian musical displays, the entertainment at the 30th annual Great Eldorado Italian Festival will please everyone! eldoradoreno.com
October 16–23
Wrangler/Professionals Choice ACTRA National Finals Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
Members of the American Cowboys Team Roping Association converge in Reno to compete at the National Finals. Contestants are from 12 western states, Hawaii and Canada, and range in age from teenagers to folks in their 80s, each having a dream of becoming a national champion. Spectators can also enjoy vendors and a western art show. actra.org
October 22
Carson City Ghost Walk, Carson City Spirits of the past are the featured attraction during this guided walking tour of Carson City’s historic district. Ghost hunters of all ages are invited to encounter spirits and spine-tingling surprises. Stops along the Kit Carson Trail include the area’s most notable haunted locations. visitcarsoncity.com
October 29
Nevada Day Parade, Carson City Celebrate the Silver State’s 147th birthday in Nevada’s capital. The slate of festivities includes one of the largest parades in any state, a music and arts
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show, RSVP Carnival, pancake breakfast, Nevada Day Classic Run/Walk, World Championship Single Jack Drilling Contest, Beard Contest, annual chili feed, free community concert and more! It’s a birthday celebration you won’t want to miss. nevadaday.com
November 11
Veterans Day Parade, Downtown Reno The parade marches through the heart of downtown Reno and honors those who have sacrificed to protect our country. ROTC units, marching bands and flag-waving citizens turn out in force. reno.gov
November 25–26
Holiday Jazz Festival, Incline Village Ring in the holiday season in style with this annual celebration of music, at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. This two-day festival features today’s most talented jazz musicians in live evening performances. The Hyatt is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe, so the setting is spectacular. What an extraordinary way to kick off the holiday season! laketahoe.hyatt.com
December 2–3
Sparks Hometowne Christmas Downtown Sparks
It’s a wonderful weekend of traditional activities that the entire family will enjoy, including a spectacular tree lighting ceremony and the 25th annual Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade. The event features a unique theme each year and historically includes more than 100 parade entries. sparksrec.com
December 3
Christmas on the Comstock Parade of Lights, Virginia City Kick off the holiday season in historic Virginia City. Established in 1861, it became the richest mining town in the world when gold and silver were discovered beneath the city. This quaint community hosts an early evening Christmas parade, in which the floats and marching bands must incorporate lights. It’s a celebration of the holidays with a hometown ambiance. visitvirginiacitynv.com
December 28–31
Nevada Chamber Music Festival, Reno Presented by the Reno Chamber Orchestra, the eighth annual festival is a nine-concert series, including a New Year’s Eve performance. The concerts feature some of the world’s finest classical musicians performing chamber music masterpieces. There is no other festival of this type during the holiday season, so the renowned musicians are drawn to Reno for the privilege of performing with each other, making great music and enjoying the natural beauty of Reno Tahoe. renochamberorchestra.org
Don’t blame the bighorn sheep! Event dates and times are subject to change. Please go to VisitRenoTahoe.com for the latest information.
2012 Event Dates May 4–7
Reno River Festival
June 1–3
Street Vibrations Spring Rally
June 14–23 Reno Rodeo
July 1–31 Artown
July/August
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
August
Reno Tahoe Open
August 7–11
Hot August Nights
August 29–September 3
Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off
September 6–9
Great Reno Balloon Race
September 12–16
National Championship Air Races
September 19–23
Street Vibrations Fall Rally
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Meeks Bay
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Illustrations by Kimber Moore Design
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visitrenotahoe.com
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