RENO TAHOE
EVENTS & FESTIVALS 2019
THE ICONICS We know how to let the good times roll! 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 13 events deserve a spot on your calendar in permanent ink. May 11-12
Reno River Festival renoriverfestival.com The Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival eldoradoreno.com
June 14-15 June 20-29
100th Annual Reno Rodeo renorodeo.com
July 1-July 31
Artown artown.org Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival laketahoeshakespeare.com Barracuda Championship, PGA TOUR Golf Tournament barracudachampionship.com
July 22-July 28 August 6-11
Hot August Nights hotaugustnights.net Burning Man burningman.org Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off nuggetribcookoff.com
July 5-August 25
August 25-September 2
August 28-September 2
The Great Reno Balloon Race renoballoon.com
September 6-8
National Championship Air Races airrace.org
September 11-15
Street Vibrations Fall Rally roadshowsreno.com
September 25-29
The Eldorado Great Italian Festival eldoradoreno.com
October 12-13
The fun doesn’t stop here. Check out VisitRenoTahoe.com and discover your next reason to plan a trip. Cover photo credit: James Crawshaw, Reno Rodeo 100 Year Anniversary
Reno Latin Dance Fest January 3-6 Downtown Reno A Latin dance festival featuring beginner boot camps, workshops, dance parties and the world-class Dance Showcase. A large variety of instructional dance workshops will be offered, including Bachata, Salsa, Cha Cha, Hip Hop and more. renolatindancefest.com SCI Annual Hunters’ Convention January 9-12 Reno-Sparks Convention Center This hunters’ haven features the ultimate sportsmen’s marketplace. Manufacturers, retailers, and guides and outfitters from around the world display products you won’t see anywhere else. It’s a dynamic and diverse show that every hunter should attend. showsci.org
Photo credit: Kathy Port
Eagles & Agriculture January 24-27 Carson Valley Explore the interaction between eagles and other raptors in Carson Valley during the height of the viewing season. Tour area ranches accompanied by expert birders and historians. Enjoy a wildlife photography class and the popular Owl Prowl and Falconers Dinner where guests can get up close to a variety of raptors. carsonvalleynv.org/pages/eaglesag
Brew HaHa January 26 Downtown Sparks Enjoy all-you-can-responsibly-drink at the 24th annual event. Sample more than 100 types of beer from local, regional and national breweries, while enjoying great live music. nuggetcasinoresort.com The Sheep Show February 7-9 Reno-Sparks Convention Center The Wild Sheep Foundation hosts the largest conservation and mountain hunting convention, featuring hundreds of exhibitors, entertainers and educational events, as well as online, silent and live auctions. The expo is open to the public. wildsheepfoundation.org
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Reno Run 4 Love February 10 Reno Run with someone you love or love to run with. This fourmile race through downtown Reno is the ideal start to an early Valentine’s Day celebration and includes a sweet after party with champagne, chocolate, music and more! desertskyadventures.com Alpenglow Sports Mountain Festival February 16-24 North Lake Tahoe A nine-day celebration of human-powered mountain sports that includes racing, guided backcountry tours, avalanche safety, natural history excursions and Nordic instruction. alpenglowsports.com/mountainfestival SnowFest! February 28-March 10 North Lake Tahoe Commemorating its 38th year, this 10-day mountain Mardi Gras festival is packed with events for all ages. Celebrate life in the High Sierra with activities such as a parade, Polar Bear Swim, dog pull, hot wing eating contest, fireworks and more. tahoesnowfest.org Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry March 16 Virginia City Go “nuts” for St. Patrick’s Day in historic Virginia City as folks line up to sample tasty testes prepared by chefs competing for bragging rights. Top off the fun with a parade, saloon crawl and more. visitvirginiacitynv.com/events Leprechaun Race March 17 Reno Yes, there is an actual leprechaun! Every runner who beats the green elf across the finish line receives a special prize. This easy 5K run or walk traverses Reno’s vibrant and historic neighborhoods and can be enjoyed by the entire family. race178.com/leprechaunrace
Monster Jam March 22-24 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center It’s the hottest edge-of-your-seat, live motorsports event on the planet and largest touring family show in North America! Fan favorites such as Grave Digger, El Toro Loco and Monster Mutt fly 30 feet in the air, flattening anything in their path. monsterjam.com
WinterWonderGrass Tahoe March 29-31 Squaw Valley Music fans are in for a treat at this boutique winter music festival, featuring lively bluegrass and acoustic roots music, craft beer, wine, spirits and food. The outdoor gathering focuses on sustainability, support of the arts and local nonprofits. winterwondergrass.com/squaw Downtown River Run Marathon April 6 Reno Runners start under the iconic Reno Arch and run along the scenic Truckee River. It’s a Boston-qualifying marathon and has been voted Nevada’s top marathon. Other run distances include a half marathon, 10K, 5K and one-mile junior run. reno5000.com Reno Jazz Festival April 25-27 Reno It’s one of the largest and most enduring celebrations of jazz, featuring concerts, competitions and a festival showcase. Headliner artists include the Melissa Aldana Quartet, a Chilean tenor saxophonist and her band, as well as Walter Smith III, a composer and tenor saxophonist performing with the UNR faculty ensemble, The Collective. unr.edu/rjf Genoa Western Heritage Day April 26-28 Genoa Free daytime activities that are fun for the entire family. Highlights include porch concerts, Native American demonstrations, Western music, animal demonstrations, cowboy church and Chautauqua performances, as well as ticketed event concerts. visitcarsonvalley.org
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Virginia City Grand Prix April 27-28 Virginia City The world-famous outlaw motorcycle race starts in the historic mining town of Virginia City, then winds its way through the surrounding rocky hills for 4½ hours of rugged racing, with speeds of up to 90 mph. vcgp.com Reno Ukulele Festival May 1-4 Reno The 11th annual festival is one of the largest events of its kind and celebrates the growing popularity of the diminutive instrument. Experience outstanding workshops, two incredible concerts, open-mic performances, organized jams, large vendor marketplace and special daytime entertainment. ukulele.cafe Comstock Arabian Association May 3-5 Spring Fiesta Horse Show Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Arabian and Half-Arabian horses compete in a variety of classes, including dressage, Western dressage, halter, hunter, country English, Western, reining and more. Three action-packed days are free to the public to watch these beautiful animals compete. Sanctioned by the Arabian Horse Association. comstockarabianassociation.com IRC Endurofest May 4 Sparks Part of the AMA Extreme Off-Road Series, extreme Enduro returns to Wild West Motorsports Park. The nation’s top motorcycle Enduro athletes battle for the AMA Nevada State Championship, tackling insane man-made obstacles and giant boulder gardens, as well as amateur races and IRC Tire training courses. elevatedaction.com/endurofest
Photo credit: Ben Birk
Cinco de Mayo Festival May 4-5 Reno A celebration of Hispanic heritage with popular Mexican bands, dancing horses, Latin dancers, amateur boxing, free face painting, games and prizes, carnival rides, food and a variety of vendors. cincodemayoreno.com
Biggest Little Half Marathon/10K/5K May 5 Reno An epic adventure starting under the historic Reno Arch, then traversing along the Truckee River and through incredible parks and communities of Reno. Enjoy beautiful views of snowcapped mountains and downtown Reno. desertskyadventures.com Reno River Festival May 11-12 Downtown Reno It’s the highly anticipated kick-off to the special events season. From freestyle to slalom and everything in between, the world’s best kayakers converge at Wingfield Park and the Truckee River for an action-packed weekend of whitewater competition. There are a ton of cool activities, including free live music, the Reno Tahoe Adventure Park, where you can zip-line across the river, the Reno River Roll costumed bike tour, the craft beer village, Kids Village and more than 100 vendors. renoriverfestival.com AMGEN Tour of California May 13 Stateline The men’s Stage 2 race is a challenging mountain stage that winds through the Sierra Nevada with an uphill finish at South Lake Tahoe. amgentourofcalifornia.com
Photo credit: Marcello Rostagni
Hot August Nights Spring Fever Revival May 17-18 Downtown Reno In advance of the premier summer classic car event, downtown Reno hums with the sound of powerful engines and dreamy sights as classic cars from bygone eras line Virginia Street. Revel in show-n-shines, food and beverage vendors, free live entertainment and more. Car registrants have a chance to be selected as the upcoming poster car. hotaugustnights.net
Northern Nevada Celtic Celebration May 18 Reno Delight in Celtic culture and activities, including Scottish Heavy Athletics, pipe bands, Scottish and Irish dancers, clan tents, historical reenactments, games, Celtic critters, children’s games, food and drink and Celtic merchandise. renoceltic.org
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Chili on the Comstock May 18-19 Virginia City More than 30 of the best chili cookers in the West compete to win your vote. Enjoy tantalizing chili flavors and other snacks, family-friendly activities and the Fireball Saloon Crawl. visitvirginiacitynv.com/events
Cuisine, Corks and Craft Festival May 24-26 Downtown Sparks This free festival, inside the Nugget Casino Resort, includes a daily expo with a variety of culinary vendors, arts and crafts, mixologists, free cooking demonstrations, farmto-table presentations, live entertainment and more. nuggetcasinoresort.com Reno-Tahoe Odyssey May 31-June 1 Relay Run Adventure Reno, Lake Tahoe and surrounding regions Celebrating its 15th year, this unique experience takes relay teams through an incredibly beautiful and diverse 178-mile course. The course starts in downtown Reno and travels along the Truckee River, climbs up to Lake Tahoe, winds through the northern Nevada high desert, then back to Reno. Teams are typically 12 people, each running three legs of the 36-leg course. There are also two single-day relay options available: Capital Odyssey Relay (54 miles) and Comstock Odyssey Relay (29 miles). renotahoeodyssey.com America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride – Lake Tahoe June 2 Stateline This bike riding event is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe and is known for its spectacular scenery as well as great food and support. Three distances accommodate riders of varying abilities, including 100-mile and 72-mile rides, and a 35-mile ride and a boat cruise option. Limited to 3,000 participants. bikethewest.com
Nevada State Fair June 6-9 Carson City A guaranteed great time for the entire family, and admission is free. Held at Mills Park in Nevada’s state capital, the fair features four days of fun, entertainment, carnival rides, culture, music, tasty food and more! nevadastatefair.org
Street Vibrations Spring Rally June 7-9 Downtown Reno After a long winter, it’s time to liberate your Harley from hibernation and enjoy a weekend of motorcycle fun at one of the first rallies of the season! Downtown Reno rocks with live entertainment on six stages, bike games, poker runs, more than 80 vendor booths, VIP motorcycle participant parties and more. Outdoor entertainment, vendors and exhibits are free to the public. Registration is open to all motorcycles and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful region. roadshowsreno.com Biggest Little Invitational June 8 Reno This craft beer festival showcases the best of the best in the brewery world at scenic Bartley Ranch Regional Park. Enjoy unlimited pours of more than 60 beers, music, food vendors and good old-fashioned lawn games. thebiggestlittleinvitational.com SuperCrawl – Rock Crawling June 8-9 World Championship Sparks The biggest rock crawling event in the world features more than 70 professional and amateur teams from five countries competing for the world championship. The action also includes pro drivers battling insane obstacles for the title of SuperCrawl champion. The heart-pumping action takes place at the Wild West Motorsports Park. supercrawl.rocks
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S The Great Eldorado BBQ, June 14-15 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! The festival is equal parts barbecue block party, music festival and microbrew tasting event, with more than 50 microbrews from around the world. Two stages feature nonstop rock and blues, while food booths offer savory cuisine. eldoradoreno.com Stewart Father’s Day Powwow June 14-16 Carson City Bring the entire family to experience American Indian heritage, history and pride. The former Stewart Indian School (1890-1980) comes alive with more than 100 dancers, Indian tacos, and arts and crafts vendors. Admission is free. stewartindianschool.com Adventure Sports Week June 14-23 North Lake Tahoe Challenge yourself with competitive events that include trail running, mountain biking, triathlon, stand-up paddleboarding and swimming. Free guided hikes, films, music and children’s activities are also available. adventuresportsweektahoe.com
Photo credit: Lefrak Photography
PRCA Xtreme Bulls June 20 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the tour showcases Pro Rodeo’s top bull riders from the PRCA world standings riding some of the rankest bulls the world has to offer. Fans will enjoy high energy and nonstop action at this opening night of the Reno Rodeo. renorodeo.com
Reno Rodeo June 20-29 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center It’s the 100th anniversary of the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West!” Enjoy 10 nights of the best rodeo competition in the country, with more than 750 professional athletes. Enjoy the fan favorites, including two world-class team roping events, professional bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc and bareback riding. The exciting Western action also features an authentic cattle drive, parade, Double R Marketplace for Western shopping, food, carnival, Mustang Makeover and Mutton Bustin’. renorodeo.com Bob Feist Invitational Team Roping Week June 22-27 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Enjoy five days of outstanding team roping, including the “richest one-day” competition of the world’s best 100 open teams. Highlights include the Bob Feist Invitational, the Reno Million #11 Roping, the High Desert #12 Roping and the All-Girl Challenge. BFI Week is part of the Reno Rodeo, “The Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West.” bfiweek.com Sierra Nevada Lavender & Honey Festival June 23 Sparks Victorian Square In its third “scent-sational” year, this festival celebrates all things lavender and honey. Enjoy arts and crafts, themed food, live music, children’s activities and even lavender and honey beer from a local brewer. Experience the finest in local agriculture and independent businesses. lavenderandhoneyfest.com Bass Camp in the Park June 29 Reno The Dancetronauts Bass Station Stage rolls into Wingfield Park in downtown Reno to host an afternoon and evening of electronic music under the stars, complete with SFX. The festival welcomes all ages to enjoy the vendor village, food trucks, live art, merchandise and a ton of fun in the sun! basscampfest.com
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Artown July 1-31 Reno July in Reno means one thing – Artown! Inspiring community through the arts since 1996, this festival brings the arts to life and features more than 500 multidisciplinary events of live music, dance, theater, visual arts, workshops and art walks, the majority of which are free. The National Endowment for the Arts has called Artown one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the country. artown.org Star Spangled Sparks July 4 Sparks Victorian Square The region’s longest, most spectacular fireworks display is set off from the roof of the Nugget Casino Resort while thousands of revelers celebrate Independence Day on Victorian Square below. The event features live entertainment for the whole family, craft vendors, and a wide array of food and drink choices. nuggetcasinoresort.com
Incline Village & Crystal Bay July 4 Independence Day Celebration Incline Beach Independence Day and fireworks go hand-in-hand, and watching fireworks from a beach on beautiful Lake Tahoe will not disappoint pyrotechnic fans. gotahoenorth.com Fourth of July July 4 Reno, Lake Tahoe and Virginia City There are a multitude of celebrations around the region to celebrate our nation’s birthday, with some offering parades, picnics and other daytime activities, in addition to evening fireworks. visitrenotahoe.com
Biggest Little City Wing Fest July 5-6 Downtown Reno Wing lovers will gather in downtown Reno to sample outstanding sauces and top-notch wings. Competitors from award-winning local and regional restaurants will tantalize the palates of festival goers. Enjoy free live entertainment, street fair, crafts and memorabilia vendors. www.silverlegacyreno.com Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival July 5-August 25 Incline Village Imagine enjoying extraordinary entertainment while sitting under the stars on the shores of Sand Harbor State Park – all with Lake Tahoe in the background. The festival’s 47th season offers two shows: “The Taming of the Shrew,” Shakespeare’s uproarious battle of the sexes, and “Million Dollar Quartet,” a Tony-winning rock ‘n’ roll tribute. Enjoy al fresco dining at one of the most scenic venues in the world. laketahoeshakespeare.com
Photo credit: Joy Strotz
Classical Tahoe July 6-August 11 Incline Village World-class musicians and soloists from the Metropolitan Opera, as well as other great orchestras from North America and beyond, perform classical and jazz music in an intimate concert pavilion. Under the direction of Conductor Joel Revzen, 2019 selections include Copland, Mozart and Stravinsky. The Classical Tahoe Music Institute offers free educational programs and multi-generational and family events. classicaltahoe.org
Region 3 Championship and July 8-13 Last Chance Arabian Horse Shows Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center The entire family will enjoy watching this equine competition featuring magnificent, versatile and beautiful Arabian horses. Free to the public, the event showcases various classes such as Western riding, English riding and the exceptionally popular Native Costume rides! arabianhorses3.org
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S American Century Celebrity July 9-14 Golf Championship Stateline See your favorite sports and entertainment celebrities while enjoying magnificent views. The event is considered the nation’s most prestigious and richest celebrity golf tournament. americancenturychampionship.com Reno Chalk Art and Music Festival July 12-14 Reno Watch in awe as chalk paintings come to life at the 4th annual festival presented by Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. Using pavement for canvas, artists create spectacular masterpieces that you must see to believe! Three fun-filled days of art, food, live entertainment, artisan crafters and more! atlantiscasino.com/chalk
Photo credit: Dana Childs
Reno Art Fest July 12-14 Downtown Reno Downtown Reno comes alive with color and inspiring, original works of two and three-dimensional fine art. Interact with artists, browse art sales, and enjoy live entertainment and food trucks. On Saturday evening, Fire Fest will feature aerialists and a variety of fire performers. artechreno.org 24-Hour Mural Marathon July 13-14 Downtown Reno In conjunction with Reno Art Fest, watch art come to life in this unique competition. With just 24 hours at their disposal, seven gifted artists create original, wall-sized murals on the exterior of Circus Circus Reno. artechreno.org Wanderlust Squaw Valley July 18-21 Squaw Valley A celebration of mindful thinking and participatory gathering. A remarkable group of yoga teachers, musicians, speakers, artists and chefs retreat to an awe-inspiring resort with breathtaking scenery. wanderlust.com/festivals/squaw-valley
Reno Basque Festival July 20 Downtown Reno The Basque culture has an important legacy in northern Nevada’s history and tradition. Celebrate Reno’s Basque heritage at Wingfield Park with traditional food, music, dancing, weight carrying contest, wood chopping demonstration, war cry contest, Basque cooking and children’s games. renobasqueclub.org Donner Lake Triathlon July 20-21 Truckee A favorite of many athletes, the triathlon offers sprint, half triathlon and an Olympic distance course to test your highaltitude athletic skills. Kids triathlon and Aquabike options are also available. The beautiful scenery of Donner Lake ensures a great time for the entire family. donnerlaketri.com Barracuda Championship July 22-28 Reno The 21st annual event is a favorite among PGA TOUR golfers and the only tournament to feature the exciting Modified Stableford format, encouraging PGA TOUR professionals to “go for it.” Notable players such as John Daly, Geoff Ogilvy, Padraig Harrington, Jon Rahm, Jason Day and two-time champion J.J. Henry have competed. The idyllic Montrêux Golf & Country Club provides a picturesque backdrop for exciting play and the Patio on the 18th Green offers spectacular views of the finishing hole that all golf fans can enjoy! barracudachampionship.com
Cordillera International Film Festival July 25-28 Reno and Sparks Celebrating the art of film, there’s something for every movie lover. The festival features more than 50 films from the world’s best emerging and established filmmakers. Highlighted events include a red carpet ceremony, “Meet the Filmmakers” party, Movies in the Park during Artown, celebrity panels and an awards banquet. ciffnv.org
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Northern Nevada Pride July 27 Downtown Reno A celebration of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and friends joining together in pride that includes a parade, entertainment on multiple stages, performance art, vendors and community services information. The festival takes place at Wingfield Park in downtown Reno and is packed with fun for all ages. northernnevadapride.org Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series July 27 Silver State Showdown Sparks The ultimate form of high-horsepower, extreme turns and door-to-door racing blasts into town for an evening race. Fun for the entire family, there’s plenty of high-flying short track racing, side attractions, concessions, memorabilia, contests and prizes. Don’t miss this night of roaring, fender-bashing, high-octane insanity on wheels at the Wild West Motorsports Park! lucasoiloffroad.com
Reno-Sparks Water Lantern Festival July 27-28 Sparks An event filled with fun, happiness, hope and memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Come with friends, family or neighbors, or go solo and meet new friends. The evening will be magical and peaceful as the soft glow of floating lanterns reflect upon the water at Sparks Marina. waterlanternfestival.com/reno.php Virginia City Official August 2-3 Hot August Nights Kickoff Virginia City Step back in time to revel in the sights and sounds of yesteryear. This Comstock town comes alive with rumbling engines and nostalgic tunes to kick off the event’s 33rd anniversary. Walk the historic streets to see an array of cars and enjoy free, daily entertainment. hotaugustnights.net
Hot August Nights August 6-11 Reno and Sparks It’s a blast from the past, featuring classic automobiles and rock ‘n’ roll. This premier 33rd annual event is a car enthusiast’s dream, with show-n-shines, nightly cruises, classic car auction, swap meet, drag races and burnouts, Autocross and more. The action is revved up with free, live nightly music and headliner entertainment, showcasing songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s. hotaugustnights.net Hot August Nights Auction August 8-10 Presented by Motorsport Auction Group Reno-Sparks Convention Center This impressive collector car auction features street rods, classics, special interest cars and exotic vehicles. In addition to the indoor auction, a multitude of automotiverelated vendors and exhibitors will be featured. hotaugustnights.net Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance August 9-10 Homewood It’s the most prestigious wooden boat show in North America and features more than 60 of the world’s finest wooden boats, set against the backdrop of the deep, clear waters of Lake Tahoe. Held at Obexer’s Boat Company, the two-day show is open to the public. laketahoeconcours.com Jazz & Beyond – August 9-25 Carson City Music and Art Festival Carson City This summer tradition offers more than 60 free events, featuring more than 100 musicians and artists. Art, film, dance and music are showcased throughout the community, including jazz, blues, Latin and bluegrass tunes. jazzcarsoncity.com
Photo credit: Jeff Freeman
Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival August 10-11 Kings Beach Experience the oldest and longest-running stand-up paddle race in the country, featuring a reception party, live concert, free paddle clinics and demos. Voted the “Best SUP Event” in the country by Outdoor Magazine. tahoenalu.com
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Marlette Lake 50K and 10 Miler August 11 Lake Tahoe Athletes can enjoy an adventurous romp through some of the most scenic and challenging trails surrounding Marlette Lake and Spooner Lake. The trail runs feature epic views of Lake Tahoe, canyons and surrounding peaks. tahoetrailrunning.com/marlette-50k Northern Nevada Dragon Boat Festival August 17 Sparks Bring the family to Sparks Marina to watch an ancient Chinese sport and tradition. Colorful dragon boats feature teams of synchronized paddlers as the ceremonial drummer provides the rhythmic pulse. This annual festival features all-day competition, vendors, exhibitors, health and wellness village, food trucks and more. gwndragonboat.com/nevada
XTERRA Lake Tahoe August 17 Incline Village Put your outdoor fitness abilities to the test with triathlon, sprint, 5K/10K or duathlon competitions to choose from. Swim in famous Lake Tahoe, followed by an extreme mountain bike ride, which skirts the mountainside overlooking the lake, before finishing with a scenic trail run. bigblueadventure.com Reno Aloha Festival August 24 Downtown Reno Experience the Hawaiian Islands with dance, music and mouthwatering food. Shop the Hawaiian vendors and let the kids enjoy Keiki Village, which offers fun interactive activities. Attend educational workshops and learn the basics of hula, the Hawaiian language and how to play the ukulele. renoalohafestival.com Virginia City Rodeo and Fiesta Del Charro August 24-25 Virginia City Don your boots and cowboy hat and enjoy a weekend of rodeo fun in a historic mining town! There’s a longhorn cattle drive through downtown, bull riders, wild broncs, mutton busting and the Fiesta Del Charro, a Mexican Rodeo. visitvirginiacitynv.com/events
Burning Man August 25-September 2 Black Rock Desert Burning Man is a practice in community and an annual gathering of more than 60,000 “Burners” who meet in the Black Rock Desert of northern Nevada to create art, exchange ideas and participate in the burning of the Man, a symbol whose meaning is as varied as the attendees themselves. Self-reliance and self-expression are encouraged in the temporary metropolis of Black Rock City. burningman.org
Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off August 28-September 2 Sparks Victorian Square If you love ribs and barbecue, then head to Victorian Square for the country’s best rib competition. Hosted by the Nugget Casino Resort, the 31st annual event transforms the Labor Day holiday into a six-day, must-attend culinary, music, craft and end-of-summer affair. Enjoy the finest ribs from across the nation! nuggetribcookoff.com Numaga Indian Days Pow Wow August 29-September Hungry Valley The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony hosts its nationally acclaimed pow wow for the 33rd year. This free, family event features the best Native American dancers, singers and drummers in the country. Vendors sell traditional Native foods and stunning handcrafted silverwork, beadwork, baskets and American Indian art. rsic.org
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Civil War Days August 31-September 2 and Battle Train Virginia City History comes to life as the Great Civil War Reenactors bring epic battles to this historic mining town as part of the Labor Day Parade. visitvirginiacitynv.com/events
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S The Great Depressurization September 2-9 Reno After a week on the Black Rock Desert, this is a great way for Burners to extend their experience, decompress and connect with friends for a few more days. Enjoy a variety of events and activities curated around music, comedy, pool parties and fun late-night happenings. greatdepressurization.com The Great Reno Balloon Race September 6-8 Reno The world’s largest free hot-air ballooning event is one of Reno’s most colorful and awe-inspiring events. Nearly 100 balloons, including special shapes, participate in this family-friendly event. The trademark Dawn Patrol, Glow Show and the Super Glow Show provide amazing spectacles as balloons glow and twinkle against the pre-dawn sky. Spectators enjoy a wide selection of food, merchandise and crafters, as well as uplifting music to complement this celebration of flight. renoballoon.com Reno Greek Festival September 6-8 Reno Be Greek for the weekend! For nearly 40 years, authentic Greek cuisine has infused the neighborhood with delicious scents of oregano, olive oil and lemon. Bring the entire family and enjoy traditional food, dance, music, desserts and imports in an entertaining Mediterranean atmosphere. renogreekfest.com International Camel & Ostrich Races September 6-8 Virginia City This hilarious annual tradition dates to the 1950s, and features jockeys maneuvering camels, ostriches and zebras around a track in this historic mining town. The 60th annual event is a comical racing spectacle that the entire family will enjoy. visitvirginiacitynv.com/events
Reno Running Fest September 7-8 Virginia City There’s something for everyone with two days of running and walking options. Saturday features the Reno Mile, Dog Mile and Fun Mile heats. On Sunday, the 51st Annual Journal Jog 8K run/walk hits the streets. Participate both days and earn a special medal for your effort! race178.com/reno-running-fest Tour de Tahoe – Bike Big Blue September 8 Stateline Don’t miss an opportunity to ride 72 miles of Lake Tahoe’s spectacular shoreline, including an 800-foot climb overlooking scenic Emerald Bay. A 35-mile ride with boat cruise option is also available. Cyclists enjoy great food and participant support stations. bikethewest.com Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity September 8-15 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center This adrenaline-charged event is a must-see for horse enthusiasts and honors the Spanish Vaquero’s horse training methods dating back to the early American West. Three-year-old equine athletes compete in herd work, rein work and fence work. Also features the Wild Spayed Filly Futurity, showcasing mustangs trained in the reined cow horse ways. Shoppers can enjoy a Western trade show and horse sales. renosnafflebitfuturity.com
Photo credit: U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds
National Championship Air Races September 11-15 Reno It’s the most unique air racing event in the world and an experience you’ll never forget, featuring the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds performing loud and proud! This electrifying, one-of-a-kind event combines the world’s fastest motorsport with spectacular military and civilian air entertainment. Witness head-to-head competition and the roar of engines performing at maximum torque as six classes of race planes battle just 50 feet from the ground, some reaching speeds more than 500 mph. Enjoy unique vendors and up-close access to pilots, planes and crew in the “Pits.” airrace.org
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Edible Pedal 100 September 15 Carson City and Genoa A bike ride featuring routes for all levels of riders, including five race distances of 10, 32, 50, 74 and 100-mile courses, all starting at Bower’s Mansion in scenic Washoe Valley. Outstanding locally-sourced food at rest stops and a postride barbecue make for a memorable and delicious event. ediblepedal100.org RenoCross Cyclocross Race September 18 Reno America’s biggest cyclocross race takes place at Rancho San Rafael Park. This spectator-friendly sport features UCI C1 top-level pro competitors. Cross racing is mostly off-road, with racers encountering grass, dirt, mud, gravel, sand, and a slew of barriers and obstacles. renocross.com Holi Festival of Colors September 21 Reno Enjoy an afternoon of social merriment at the world’s happiest transformational event. Experience interactive dance, live Mantra bands, DJs, yoga instruction, cuisine, the throwing of colors, free hugs and “lotsa” love. festivalofcolorsusa.com Street Vibrations Fall Rally September 25-29 Downtown Reno Enjoy this celebration of music, metal and motorcycles. It’s the last great motorcycle rally of the season and this downtown Reno event takes it to a new level with live entertainment on six outdoor stages, more than 250 vendors, scavenger hunts and poker runs, spectacular fireworks display, custom bike auction, bike builder’s show and competition, and a tattoo expo. The event is free for the public to enjoy entertainment, vendors and exhibits. Bike registration is open to all motorcycles and there’s plenty of ride opportunities to explore the beautiful region. roadshowsreno.com
Spartan World Championship September 27-29 Squaw Valley The world’s ultimate obstacle race pushes athletes out of their comfort zone to test their strength, perseverance and grit. The beastly 12-mile course features more than 30 obstacles, including mud, barbed wire, fire and mountains. Test your mettle! spartan.com Nevadafest 2019 – A Celebration of Nevada Craft Beer September 28 Downtown Reno Everything goes better with craft beer! This afternoon celebration of amazing Nevada breweries overflows with sudsy succulence, food trucks, live music and outdoor games. Hosted by the Nevada Craft Brewers Association at Wingfield Park. nvfest.com Genoa Candy Dance September 28-29 Genoa Celebrating its 100th anniversary, relish in the small-town spirit of Nevada’s oldest permanent settlement. This ultimate candy and craft festival features more than 300 vendors and 3,000 pounds of Genoa’s fabulous, homemade candy. genoanevada.org
Photo credit: Tony Contini
Off Beat Music Festival October 3-5 Midtown Reno This “music festival crawl” showcases over 100 performances of the best homegrown musicians, regional bands and nationally-recognized artists! There are new songs to discover at unique and intimate locations around the core of Midtown, creating a charged energy that will never be heard the same way again. offbeatreno.com
Fastest Gun Alive World Championship October 3-6 Fallon Cowboy fast draw enthusiasts from around the world compete with single action, Western-style revolvers to determine “The Fastest Gun Alive.” Competitors dress in Old West clothing and shoot wax bullets with speeds calculated within fractions of a second. cowboyfastdraw.com
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Southern Fare on the Square October 5-6 Sparks Victorian Square Experience the sounds and flavors of the South at this free street festival on Victorian Square in Sparks. Southern food is the sweetest and most sultry taste around, not to mention the hospitality. Be sure to enjoy all the fixins with food & drink vendors, craft beer, live music and entertainment, crafters and a VIP beer garden. nuggetcasinoresort.com World Championship Outhouse Races October 5-6 Virginia City This hilarious Comstock tradition dates to a time when outdoor plumbing was prohibited and angry residents took to the streets in protest with their outhouses. A tradition was born, which pits teams of costumed outhouse racers in an all-out potty race. visitvirginiacitynv.com/events Reno Bites Restaurant Week October 7-20 Reno Discover the area’s distinctive culinary culture created by skilled chefs – your stomach will thank you. The 8th annual event features experiential, food-focused activities and dining specials at dozens of local restaurants. Don’t miss the exhilarating Chef Showdown, which pits the area’s top chefs for bragging rights and prizes. renobitesweek.com Lake Tahoe Marathon+ October 11-13 Lake Tahoe It’s three days of running fun for competitors of all ages and abilities. Highlights include the Cal-Neva Marathon, the three-day Triple Marathon and the Lake Tahoe Midnight 72 Mile Express for the hearty. laketahoemarathon.com
Redrun October 12 Virginia City The historic mining town transforms into a zombie apocalypse. Runners delve into haunted century-old buildings, mines and other chilling landmarks. To find your path, you must discover the clues and crack the code. Named one of the nation’s top 10 zombie events by Yahoo! redrunvc.com
The Eldorado Great Italian Festival October 12-13 Downtown Reno For the 38th year, the sights, sounds and flavors of Italy come to life in downtown Reno. Held on Columbus Day weekend, the festival celebrates Italian culture with free live entertainment, a sauce cooking contest and, of course, pasta – lots of pasta. The fun-filled weekend also features craft vendors, lots of delicious food vendors and other activities. eldoradoreno.com
ULTRA4 National Championship October 18-19 Sparks ULTRA4 trucks are a combination of high-speed desert race vehicles and 4WD rock crawlers – the same vehicles that compete at King of the Hammers! The challenging course includes extreme rock obstacles with race teams holding nothing back for the season finale. Enjoy views of the entire course from the comfort of grandstand seating at the Wild West Motorsports Park. ultra4racing.com Grand Sierra Beer and Chili Festival October 19-20 Reno Nothing beats a tasty cold beer, a bowl of spicy chili and awesome live music – it’s the perfect way to enjoy a weekend! Savor beer tastings from dozens of local, regional and national craft beer favorites and slurp your way through delicious chili samples. Then explore market stalls featuring quality goods from more than 75 vendors and dance away the afternoon to live music. gsrbeerandchili.com PumpkinPalooza October 20 Sparks Victorian Square Named a “Top Fall Event” by Food Network Magazine, the event is packed with good old-fashioned family fun. Celebrate autumn with activities guaranteed to produce smiles, including a pumpkin race, family costume parade, carnival-style games, contests, live entertainment, pumpkin decorating and more. pumpkinpalooza.org
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Wrangler/Professional’s Choice October 20-26 ACTRA National Finals Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Members of the American Cowboy Team Roping Association compete at the National Finals. Contestants range in age from teens to folks in their 80s, and each has a dream of becoming a national champion. Enjoy Western shopping, featuring clothing, jewelry, furniture, décor and art. Free spectator admission. actra.org Nevada Day Parade October 26 Carson City The huge procession in this 81st annual event is the largest formal statehood celebration in the nation. Celebrating Nevada’s 155th birthday, it kicks off with a hot-air balloon launch and military flyover, followed by about 200 parade entries, including floats, marching bands and lots of entertainment. nevadaday.com Dirty Wookie 10K October 27 Reno Just in time for Halloween, don your Chewbacca garb and celebrate all things wookie in this epic run or walk. Participants receive cool gifts, including a free postevent Dirty Wookie Brown Ale from the Brewer’s Cabinet. desertskyadventures.com
Photo credit: Shaun Astor
Reno Pop Culture Con November 8-10 Reno-Sparks Convention Center This fan-focused extravaganza features the best in pop culture entertainment! Meet some of the biggest names in sci-fi and YA literature as well as comic artists, writers and celebrity guests. Shop for collectibles, attend panels or visit the Pop Culture Classroom’s Kids Lab. Channel your inner pop culture character and cosplay – no one will judge your fandom or costuming skills! renopopculturecon.com
Challenge of Champions Tour, November 9 Battle of the States Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Intentionally climbing on the back of a twisting, bucking, 2,000-pound mass of muscle may sound crazy, but not for these professional bull riders from the Pacific Northwest. Catch the excitement of one of rodeo’s most popular sports. challengeofchampionstour.com/reno.html Veterans Day Parade November 11 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
Photo credit: Shaun Astor
Reno’s Wobble Before You Gobble 10K/5K November 28 Reno Kick off your Thanksgiving festivities in the heart of downtown Reno and along the scenic Truckee River with this fun run, walk or wobble. It’s a great way to build your appetite before the family feast! desertskyadventures.com
Scheels Turkey Trot November 28 Sparks Before you settle in for a day of feasting and football, head to Scheels for a large serving of healthy family fun. Choose the timed 10K or an untimed two-mile walk, and burn pre-feast calories. cityofsparks.us/events/ Crafts for Christmas November 29-December 1 Downtown Sparks Browse more than 100 craft and gift booths at this annual marketplace, featuring local and regional vendors. Enjoy live demonstrations, musical performances and visits with Santa. It’s a great alternative to Black Friday shopping! nuggetcasinoresort.com
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Northern Lights Festival December 1-31 Incline Village, Crystal Bay More than 30 family-friendly events will put you in the holiday spirit, including Tahoe Film Fest, Paint for Snow Party, Santa Crawl, tree lighting, TOCCOTA Tahoe Symphony, Diamond Peak Ski Resort party, brunch with Santa and more. northernlightstahoe.com 39 North Pole Village December 5-7 Sparks Victorian Square Downtown Sparks becomes a sparkling winter wonderland. The 5th annual festival features thousands of twinkling lights and displays, holiday shopping in a heated pavilion, food, family activities, and good ol’ holiday cheer. 39northdowntown.com
Tahoe Film Fest December 5-8 North Lake Tahoe Enjoy a selection of new and exciting environmental films, American Independent films and special screenings. No medium provokes discussion and evokes empathy like film, especially those of maverick filmmakers with innovative ideas. tahoefilmfest.org Sparks Annual Hometowne December 6-7 Christmas Celebration Sparks Victorian Square It’s a weekend of traditional activities and a great way to kick off the spirit of the holiday season. Friday evening has a tree lighting ceremony with free entertainment and treats. Saturday’s activities include the annual Christmas parade with floats, marching bands, adorable animals and Santa. cityofsparks.us/events/ Nevada Chamber December 26-January 1 Music Festival Reno Enjoy unique concerts featuring some of the finest musicians in the world performing the great works of chamber music. Held in intimate locations that enhance your connection to the music, the festival culminates with a New Year’s Eve celebration and a New Year’s Day concert. renochamberorchestra.org
FO O D & D R I N K
Farmers Markets
Interact with farmers and vendors, and shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, crafts, yard art, clothing, specialty foods, and pet products. There are locations at Victorian Square in Sparks, California Avenue near downtown Reno, and south Reno. Markets take place in the summer and early fall. 39northdowntown.com ; shirleysfarmersmarkets.com
Food Trucks
Who says you need four walls to enjoy delicious, artisan food? Food trucks are taking gourmet to the parks and streets of Reno, creating seasonal outdoor food courts, including one of the top 10 largest weekly food truck events in the country. Some offer live entertainment, beverage options, children’s activities and local crafters! • Reno Street Food – Food Truck Friday Every Friday evening, May 17-September 27 Idlewild Park renofoodtruckfriday.com • Feed the Camel Every Wednesday evening, June-August Riverwalk District – McKinley Arts & Culture Center facebook.com/Feed-The-Camel-256832417824677
Reno Beer Crawl Downtown Reno
If you’re in Reno on the fourth Saturday of the month, enjoy this fresh and exciting way to enjoy the area at your pace, featuring unique, original and top artisanal beers. Purchase a commemorative cup and receive drink specials at up to 15 locations, all within an easy walk of downtown Reno. renobeercrawl.com
Reno Riverwalk District
There are a variety of unique options in dining, entertainment, shopping and scenic beauty along the Truckee River and neighboring streets in downtown Reno. A wonderful way to discover this eclectic area is by participating in a wine walk or food tour. renoriver.org • Wine Walk Every third Saturday of the month, year-round • Dine the District Food Tour April 27
T H E M E D PU B C R AW L S An army of zombies cutting a rug to “Thriller?” Thousands of Santas spreading good cheer under the Reno Arch? It’s nothing out of the ordinary for Reno Tahoe’s extraordinary pub crawl scene. And a good time becomes an unforgettable one when you throw outlandish costumes into the mix. So, dress up, squad up and grab a cup! Reno Leprechaun Crawl crawlreno.com Superhero Crawl superherocrawl.com Reno Pirate Crawl crawlreno.com Reno Zombie Crawl crawlreno.com Reno Santa Pub Crawl renosantacrawl.com
March 16 July 13 August 17 October 19 December 14
Here are more outlandish themed crawls to experience, but dates were not available at the time of printing. Check out these websites for more information. crawlreno.com; facebook.com/sparkspubcrawls Mardi Crawl Reno Epic Sci-Fi Crawl Cowboy Crawl Reno Pride Rainbow Crawl
The Very Potter Crawl Tipsyland Crawl Onesie Crawl Ugly Sweater Crawl
Photo credit: David Marshall Photo credit: David Marshall
THE ICONICS OF 2020 Save the dates for these extraordinary iconic events. 2020 will be here before you know it! May 9-10, 2020
Reno River Festival renoriverfestival.com The Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival eldoradoreno.com
June 12-13, 2020
Reno Rodeo renorodeo.com
June 18-27, 2020 July 1-31, 2020
Artown artown.org Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival laketahoeshakespeare.com Barracuda Championship, PGA TOUR Golf Tournament barracudachampionship.com
July 2020
August 4-9, 2020
Hot August Nights hotaugustnights.net Burning Man burningman.org
July-August, 2020
August 30-September 7, 2020
Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off nuggetribcookoff.com
September 2-7, 2020
The Great Reno Balloon Race renoballoon.com
September 11-13, 2020
National Championship Air Races airrace.org
September 16-20, 2020
Street Vibrations Fall Rally roadshowsreno.com
September 23-27, 2020
Eldorado Great Italian Festival eldoradoreno.com
October 10-11, 2020
Disclaimer: Information contained in this brochure is believed to be accurate at the time of printing but is subject to change.
Photo Credit: Joy Strotz
Photo Credit: Funk Brothers
CHOOSE YOU ADVENTURE. PYRAMID LAKE Sutcliffe
SPARKS 89
To Sacramento, San Francisco
CALIFORNIA NEVADA
Truckee
80 DONNER LAKE
80
RENO
267 89
431
Kings Beach
Northstar
3
Incline Village
395 Crystal Bay
Tahoe Vista
Squaw Valley
580
28 28
WAS LAK
Alpine Meadows Tahoe City
LAKE TAHOE
Cars Cit
Homewood
206 Meeks Bay
Zephyr Cove
89
Genoa
50
207 Emerald Bay
Stateline
South Lake Tahoe
88
88
A A D I A N R EV N IFO L A C
89
50
Oregon
395
Sacramento 80
Nevada
R EN O SPARKS
80
Carson City
L AKE T AH O E
San Francisco
U ta h
UR .
California
Idaho
Las Vegas
395
Los Angeles To Gerlach Pyramid Hwy.
447
Nixon
S
Easy to visit. Hard to leave behind.
Fernley
341 95A
Virginia City
Dayton
SHOE KE
Silver Springs
Fallon
50
son ty
LAKE LAHONTAN
N
95A
Minden Gardnerville
395 Yerington
580
The path to the top is never straight. But the flight to Reno Tahoe? Well, that’s another story. Reno-Tahoe International Airport plays host to more than 100 daily flights and dozens of nonstops from all over the nation. That means there’s no excuse for excuses. If you’d rather steer the course, we’re a short road trip from just about anywhere on the West Coast. Find your own adventure by taking either Highway 395 or I-80 all the way to Reno Tahoe. Getting here is easy; leaving here, not so much. VisitRenoTahoe.com
01/2019 | 45M