RENO TAHOE
EVENTS & FESTIVALS 2020
FEATURED INSIDE THE ICONICS 2020 EVENTS & FESTIVALS ONGOING EVENTS THEMED BAR CRAWLS THE ICONICS 2021 RENO TAHOE AREA MAP
THE ICONICS 2020 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. May 9-10
Reno River Festival renoriverfestival.com The Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival eldoradoreno.com
June 12-13
Reno Rodeo renorodeo.com
June 18-27 June 29-July 5
Barracuda Championship, PGA TOUR Golf Tournament barracudachampionship.com
July 1-July 31
Artown artown.org Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival laketahoeshakespearefestival.com
July 3-August 23 August 4-9
Hot August Nights hotaugustnights.net Burning Man burningman.org
August 30-September 7
Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off nuggetribcookoff.com
September 2-7
The Great Reno Balloon Race renoballoon.com
September 11-13
National Championship Air Races airrace.org
September 16-20
Street Vibrations Fall Rally roadshowsreno.com
September 24-27
The Eldorado Great Italian Festival eldoradoreno.com
October 10-11
The fun doesn’t stop here. Check out VisitRenoTahoe.com and discover your next reason to plan a trip. Cover photo credit: Andrew Wyatt, Artown 25th Anniversary
Reno Latin Dance Fest January 9-12 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
Photo credit: Kathy Port
The Sheep Show January 16-18 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
Eagles & Agriculture January 23-26 Carson Valley Since 2001, the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce has orchestrated this signature event. The annual weekend-long event showcases raptors and wildlife, the wide-open spaces the ranching community affords us, and the cutest little calves you have ever seen. carsonvalleynv.org/pages/eaglesag Brew HaHa January 25 Downtown Sparks Enjoy all-you-can-responsibly-drink at the 25th annual event. Sample more than 100 types of beer from local, regional and national breweries, while enjoying great live music. nuggetcasinoresort.com SCI Annual Hunters’ Convention February 5-8 Reno-Sparks Convention Center This hunters’ haven features the ultimate sportsmen’s marketplace. Manufacturers, retailers, 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
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Alpenglow Sports Mountain Festival February 15-23 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 8 North Lake Tahoe This 10-day mountain 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, live entertainment, fireworks and more. tahoesnowfest.org Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry March 14 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
Leprechaun Race March 15 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 20-22 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 27-29 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 Reno Jazz Festival April 23-25 Reno It’s one of the largest and most enduring celebrations of jazz, featuring concerts, competitions, clinics and a festival showcase. Headliner artists include acclaimed jazz vocalist and Grammy nominee Jazzmeia Horn as well as vibraphonist-composer-pianist Joel Ross, performing with the University of Nevada, Reno’s faculty ensemble, The Collective. unr.edu/rjf Genoa Western Heritage Days April 24-26 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. genoanevada.org Virginia City Grand Prix April 25-26 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
Comstock Arabian Association Spring Fiesta Horse Show Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
May 1-3
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
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S IRC Endurofest May 1-3 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, racing on one of America’s toughest dirt bike courses, tackling unwalkable hills, giant rock gardens and gnarly man-made obstacles. elevatedaction.com/endurofest Cinco de Mayo Festival May 2-3 Reno A celebration of Hispanic heritage with popular Latin 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 3 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
Dine the District May 9 Riverwalk District Take a self-guided tour along the beautiful Truckee River while sampling tasty cuisine and intertwining savory dishes with sweet treats at various local hotspots. All participants are eligible to enter a prize-packed raffle at the end of the event! renoriverwalk.org/food-tour Reno River Festival May 9-10 Downtown Reno It’s the highly anticipated kick-off to the special events season. The Reno River Festival takes outdoor adventure to a whole new level with family-friendly rides and attractions, a craft beer experience, a summer wine village, live music by nationally-recognized artists, whitewater competitions, a moving concert through the streets of Reno and much more! renoriverfestival.com
Hot August Nights Spring Fever Revival May 15-16 Downtown Reno In advance of the premier summertime classic car event, downtown Reno hums with the sound of powerful engines and dreamy sights as classic cars from the bygone eras line Virginia Street. Revel in show-n-shines, food vendors, free live entertainment and more. Participants also get a chance of being chosen as the upcoming poster car! hotaugustnights.net
American Heritage West May 16 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center This bucking bull event gives competitors the opportunity to compete at the highest level of competition with highvalue prizes. While evening events are ticketed to watch derby and classic bulls, the daytime events are free to the public. americanbuckingbull.com Northern Nevada Celtic Celebration May 16 Reno Delight in Celtic culture and activities, including Scottish Heavy Athletics, bagpipes, Scottish and Irish dancers, clan tents, historical reenactments, Celtic critters, children’s games, food and Celtic merchandise. renoceltic.org Chili on the Comstock May 16-17 Virginia City More than 30 of the best chili cookers in the West battle to win your vote and the competition. Wash down that delicious chili with beer from Virginia City and Northern Nevada’s craft breweries. visitvirginiacitynv.com
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Reno-Tahoe Odyssey May 29-30 Relay Run Adventure Reno, Lake Tahoe and surrounding regions Celebrating its 16th year, the RTO 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 and around Lake Tahoe, winds through the Northern Nevada high desert, then back to Reno. There are also two single-day relay options available: Capital Odyssey Relay (54 miles) and Comstock Odyssey Relay (30 miles). renotahoeodyssey.com Reno Ukulele Festival June 3-6 Sparks The 12th annual festival is one of the largest events of its kind and celebrates the growing popularity of the diminutive instrument. Experience premium workshops, concerts, a large vendor marketplace and special daytime entertainment. playuke.net Nevada State Fair June 4-7 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 a newly added Home & Garden Show! nevadastatefair.org Street Vibrations Spring Rally June 5-7 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 Reno Art Fest June 5-7 Downtown Reno Downtown Reno comes alive with color and inspiring original works of two and three-dimensional fine art. Friday night will host an art car show-n-shine while Saturday night ignites with Fire Fest, a fire art performance. artechreno.org
Biggest Little Invitational June 6 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 America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride – Lake Tahoe June 7 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 boat cruise option. bikethewest.com The Great Eldorado BBQ, June 12-13 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, and food booths offer savory cuisine. eldoradoreno.com
SuperCrawl – Rock Crawling June 13-14 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 PRCA Xtreme Bulls June 18 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. prorodeo.com/prca-xtreme-bulls Reno Rodeo June 18-27 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center It’s the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West!” Enjoy 10 nights of the best rodeo competition in the country, featuring more than 750 professional athletes. Enjoy 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, Businessman Steer Decorating and Mutton Bustin’. renorodeo.com Stewart Father’s Day Powwow June 19-21 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 craft vendors. Admission is free. stewartindianschool.com
Adventure Sports Week June 19-28 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
Bob Feist Invitational Team Roping Week June 20-25 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. bfiweek.com Bass Camp in the Park June 27 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
Dragon Lights Reno June 27-August 2 Reno Dragon Lights Reno is returning to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in the summer of 2020 with completely new and fully illuminated lantern displays and even more exciting stage performances. The festival will also host food vendors and fun activities for all ages. dragonlightsreno.com Sierra Nevada Lavender & Honey Festival June 28 Sparks Victorian Square In its fourth “scent-sational” year, this festival celebrates all things lavender and honey. Enjoy themed food and drink, the finest in artisan vendors, live music, children’s activities and of course, lots of lavender and honey. lavenderandhoneyfest.com
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Barracuda Championship June 29-July 5 Truckee The 22nd annual event is a favorite among PGA TOUR professionals and the only tournament to feature the Modified Stableford format, encouraging pros to “go for it.” Notable players such as John Daly, Gary Woodland, Padraig Harrington, Jon Rahm, Jason Day, and two-time champion, J.J. Henry have competed. With so much more to offer than golf, this family-friendly event has something for everyone! barracudachampionship.com Artown July 1-31 Reno Proudly celebrating its 25th anniversary season, this festival brings the arts to life and features more than 500 multi-disciplinary 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 Biggest Little City Wing Fest July 3-4 Downtown Reno Chicken 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. silverlegacyreno.com Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival July 3-August 23 Incline Village Imagine enjoying extraordinary entertainment while sitting under the stars on the shores of Sand Harbor State Park, with Lake Tahoe in the background. The festival’s 48th season offers two shows - “Much Ado About Nothing,” Shakespeare’s battle of wits and wills, and the smash-hit musical “Mama Mia.” Enjoy al fresco dining at one of the most scenic venues in the world. laketahoeshakespeare.com
Photo credit: Joy Strotz
Fourth of July Celebrations July 4 With a multitude of celebrations around the region, there’s no shortage of patriotism in Reno Tahoe! Find even more activities at visitrenotahoe.com. Star Spangled Sparks Sparks Victorian Square nuggetcasinoresort.com Incline Village & Crystal Bay Independence Day Celebration Incline Beach gotahoenorth.com Fourth of July on the Comstock Virginia City visitvirginiacitynv.com Region 3 Championship and July 5-11 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 and the exceptionally popular Native Costume rides! arabianhorses3.org American Century Celebrity July 7-12 Golf Championship Stateline See your favorite sports and entertainment celebrities while enjoying magnificent views of Lake Tahoe. The event is considered the nation’s most prestigious and richest celebrity golf tournament. americancenturychampionship.com
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Reno Chalk Art and Music Festival July 10-12 Reno Watch in awe as chalk paintings come to life at the 5th 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 Classical Tahoe July 11-August 15 Incline Village Experience world-class musicians from the Metropolitan Opera and other great orchestras with guest soloists, including the sensational American Soprano, Nadine Sierra, and the Brubeck Brothers Quartet. Under the direction of Maestro Joel Revzen, 2020 selections include Brahms, Schumann and Tchaikovsky. classicaltahoe.org
Photo credit: Court Leve
Wanderlust Squaw Valley July 16-19 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 18 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 18-19 Truckee A favorite of many athletes, the triathlon offers sprint, half triathlon and an Olympic distance course to test your high-altitude 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
Cordillera International Film Festival July 23-26 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
Photo credit: David Marshall
Northern Nevada Pride July 25 Downtown Reno A celebration of the LGBTQ community and allies! This downtown festival includes a colorful parade, art, entertainment, performances, vendors, resources, food and PRIDE for all ages. Join your local community for a full day of love and inclusion in the heart of downtown Reno. northernnevadapride.org
Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series July 25 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 course racing, side attractions, concessions, contests and the Fully Loaded Kids Zone. 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 25 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
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Pacific Coast Cutting Horse July 27-August 1 Association Road to Reno Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center The sport of cutting is the most popular Western equine sport in the country, providing exciting displays of agility for riders and spectators alike. Bring the whole family for free admission to watch the performances and shop vendors throughout the whole week. pccha.com Virginia City Official July 31-August 1 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 34th anniversary. Walk the historic streets to see an array of cars and enjoy free, daily entertainment. hotaugustnights.net TaHoeNalu Paddle Festival August 1-2 Kings Beach In its 14th year, the Lithia Reno Subaru TaHoeNalu Paddle Festival is the oldest Stand Up Paddle event in the world. The festival offers events for all ages and skill levels. Board rentals and guided tours are also available. tahoenalu.com
Hot August Nights August 4-9 Reno and Sparks It’s a blast from the past, featuring classic automobiles and rock ‘n’ roll. This premier 34th annual event is a car enthusiast’s dream, with show-n-shines, nightly cruises, a classic car auction, swap meet, drag races, burnouts and so much 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 6-8 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 Jazz & Beyond – August 7-23 Carson City Music and Art Festival Carson City A summer tradition that 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
Marlette Lake 50K and 10 Miler August 9 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 15 Sparks Celebrate an ancient Chinese sporting tradition with the family at Sparks Marina! Each beautifully designed dragon boat features teams of 20 paddlers and a ceremonial drummer racing to the finish line. You’ll also find a health and wellness village, vendors, food trucks and artist exhibitions. gwndragonboat.com/nevada XTERRA Lake Tahoe August 15 Incline Village This is the all-time classic off-road triathlon course. Racers start in famous Lake Tahoe, followed by an extreme mountain bike ride, which skirts the mountainside overlooking the lake, and finishes with a scenic trail run. bigblueadventure.com/xterra-lake-tahoe/
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Goldmine – Battle of the Breeds August 19-23 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Experience four days filled with the largest gathering of multiple breeds of horses on the west coast! The show will include two arenas with Quarter Horses, Paint Horses, Appaloosas, Pintos and other breeds competing in ranch horse events sanctioned by World Ranch Horse Association, as well as shopping on Vendor Row. southwestshowmanagement.com Reno Aloha Festival August 22 Downtown Reno Experience the culture of the Hawaiian Islands with dance, music and mouthwatering food. Shop 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
Fiesta Del Charro August 22 Virginia City Don your boots and cowboy hat for a fun-filled fiesta set in Nevada’s historic mining town! Explore the streets of the Old West before celebrating the exciting charro tradition with a rodeo and live music. visitvirginiacitynv.com/events Burning Man August 30-September 7 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 September 2-7 Nugget Rib Cook-Off 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 32nd annual event transforms the Labor Day holiday into a six-day, mustattend culinary, music, craft and end-of-summer affair. Enjoy the finest ribs from across the nation! nuggetribcookoff.com
Numaga Indian Days Pow Wow September 3-6 Hungry Valley The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony hosts its nationallyacclaimed pow wow. 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 The Great Depressurization September 6-13 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 11-13 Reno The world’s largest FREE hot-air ballooning event is one of Reno’s most colorful and awe-inspiring events. Upwards of 100 balloons, including special shapes, participate in this family-friendly event. The trademark Dawn Patrol and Glow Shows provide amazing spectacles as balloons glow and twinkle across the pre-dawn sky. Spectators enjoy a wide selection of food, merchandise and crafters, as well as uplifting music to compliment this celebration of flight. renoballoon.com
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Reno Greek Festival September 11-13 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 11-13 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 61st annual event is a comical racing spectacle that the entire family will enjoy. visitvirginiacitynv.com
Reno Running Fest September 12-13 Reno There’s something for everyone with two days of running and walking options. Saturday features the 3rd annual Reno Mile, Dog Mile and Fun Mile heats. On Sunday, the 52nd 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 13 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 a boat cruise option is also available. Cyclists enjoy great food and participant support stations. bikethewest.com
Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity September 13-20 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 equines compete in herd work, rein work and fence work. It 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 National Championship Air Races September 16-20 Reno It’s the most unique air racing event in the world and an experience you’ll never forget. This electrifying one-ofa-kind event combines the world’s fastest motorsport with spectacular military and civilian air entertainment. Witness a full complementing air show, military displays, racing “pits”, and unique vendors and exhibitors. airrace.org
Street Vibrations Fall Rally September 24-27 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, poker runs, a spectacular fireworks display, custom bike auction, bike builder’s show and competition, and a tattoo expo. Entertainment, vendors and exhibits are free to the public. Bike registration is open to all motorcycles and there are plenty of ride opportunities to explore the beautiful region. roadshowsreno.com
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Spartan World Championship September 26-27 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 Genoa Candy Dance September 26-27 Genoa Since 1919, Nevada’s oldest permanent settlement has hosted the candy and craft event. Visitors can enjoy two days of more than 300 craft vendors, the Saturday night dinner and dance, and 3,000 pounds of homemade candy in the beautifully quaint town of Genoa, NV. genoanevada.org Off Beat Music Festival October 1-3 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 heart of Midtown. offbeatreno.com World Championship of Cowboy Fast Draw October 1-4 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
Hauntober October 1-31 Virginia City The month of October is a celebration of all things spooky in one of America’s most haunted towns. From ghost tours and cemetery tours to pumpkin patch trains and a Goblin Parade, there’s no better place to be than in Virginia City during the month of October. visitvirginiacitynv.com
Downtown River Run October 3 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 Aviation Roundup October 3-4 Minden Carson Valley’s premier airshow, the 2020 Aviation Roundup will host the USAF Thunderbirds. The event, now producing its sixth performance, is an action-packed, family-friendly event, featuring air show performers, performance and military aircraft, static displays and more. aviationroundup.com World Championship Outhouse Races October 3-4 Virginia City This hilarious Comstock tradition dates to a time when outdoor plumbing was outlawed 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 Lake Tahoe Marathon+ October 9-11 Lake Tahoe Three days of running fun for competitors of all ages and abilities. Highlights include the Cal-Neva Marathon, the three-day Tahoe Triple Marathon and the Lake Tahoe Midnight 72 Mile Express for the hearty. laketahoemarathon.com The Eldorado Great Italian Festival October 10-11 Downtown Reno For the 39th year, the sights, sounds and flavors of Italy come to life in downtown Reno. 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
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Grand Sierra Beer and Chili Festival October 17-18 Reno What happens when tasty cold beers and live music meet spicy hot bowls of chili? That’s right, party time! This October it’s time to don the comfy pants, grab your best buds, and head on over to the Grand Sierra Resort’s annual Beer and Chili Festival. gsrbeerandchili.com Wrangler/Professional’s Choice October 18-24 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 ULTRA4 National Championship October 23-24 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
PumpkinPalooza October 24-25 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 including a pumpkin derby, family costume parade, carnival-style games, contests, live entertainment, pumpkin decorating and more. pumpkinpalooza.org
Dirty Wookie 10K October 25 Reno Just in time for Halloween, don your Chewbacca garb and celebrate all things wookie in this epic run or walk along the Truckee River. Participants receive cool gifts, including a free post-event Dirty Wookie Brown Ale from the Brewer’s Cabinet. desertskyadventures.com Nevada Day Parade October 31 Carson City The huge procession in this 82nd annual event is the largest formal statehood celebration in the nation. Celebrating Nevada’s 156th birthday in its capital city, 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 Veterans Day Parade November 11 Downtown Reno The parade marches through the heart of downtown Reno, honoring those who have sacrificed to protect our country. ROTC units, marching bands and flag-waving citizens line the streets to show their patriotism. reno.gov
Challenge of Champions Tour, November 14 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
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Reno’s Wobble Before You Gobble November 26 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 with 10K, 5K and 1M distances. desertskyadventures.com
Scheels Turkey Trot November 26 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 before you treat yourself to tasty turkey and holiday treats. cityofsparks.us/events/ Crafts for Christmas November 27-29 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. Don’t miss the magical Marnell Holiday Tree Lighting on November 27! nuggetcasinoresort.com Northern Lights Festival December 1-31 North Lake Tahoe More than 30 family-friendly events will put you in the holiday spirit, including Tahoe Film Fest, Pray for Snow Party, Santa Crawl, tree lighting, TOCCOTA Tahoe Symphony, Diamond Peak Ski Resort party, brunch with Santa and more. northernlightstahoe.com
Christmas on the Comstock December 1-31 Virginia City The month-long festivities include a parade, concerts, tours, a play, Santa Claus, carriage rides, Christmas trains, a Christmas Challenge town-wide activity, shopping and much more. It’s a real-life vintage Christmas celebration embracing a slower pace and filled with lights and decorated local shops. visitvirginiacitynv.com Tahoe Film Fest December 3-6 North Lake Tahoe Enjoy a selection of new and impactful environmental films, American Independent films and special screenings that strive to provoke discussion and evoke empathy, while celebrating maverick filmmakers with innovative ideas. tahoefilmfest.org Sparks Annual Hometowne December 4-5 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. On Friday evening there is 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/ 39 North Pole Village December 10-12 Sparks Victorian Square Downtown Sparks becomes a sparkling winter wonderland. The 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
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
E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S
ONGOING EVENTS
Outdoor Markets Meet local farmers and vendors, and shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, crafts, clothing, specialty foods and fun activities. There are locations at Victorian Square in Sparks, around downtown Reno, and south Reno. Markets take place in the summer and early fall, with a Riverside Street market held year-round. 39northdowntown.com ; shirleysfarmersmarkets.com ; renofarmersmarket.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. Find fun for the whole family with live entertainment, beverage options, children’s activities and more! • Reno Street Food – Food Truck Friday Every Friday evening, May 15-September 25 Idlewild Park renofoodtruckfriday.com • Feed the Camel Every Wednesday evening, June 3-August 26 Riverwalk District – McKinley Arts & Culture Center facebook.com/Feed-The-Camel
Food & Drink Tours There’s no better way to get familiar with the Biggest Little City than by indulging in local eateries and popular hangout spots. Between Reno’s downtown, Riverwalk District and newly renovated Midtown District, you have a chance to get a taste of the local experience year-round. • Wine Walk Every 3rd Saturday of the month Riverwalk District renoriverwalk.org • Beer Crawl Every 4th Saturday of the month Downtown Reno renobeercrawl.com • Reno Food Tours Reservations for tour available April-October Downtown Reno and Midtown District renofoodwalks.com
T H E M E D BA R C R AW L S An army of zombies cutting a rug to “Thriller” under the iconic Reno arch? Thousands of Santas celebrating 20 years of downtown Reno tradition and holiday revelry? 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 Onesie Crawl crawlreno.com Reno Leprechaun Crawl crawlreno.com Superhero Crawl crawlreno.com
February 8 March 14 July 18
A Very Potter Crawl crawlreno.com
September 19
Reno Zombie Crawl crawlreno.com
October 24
Reno Santa Pub Crawl renosantacrawl.com
December 12
Discover even more themed bar-hopping events by checking out these websites for information as it updates. crawlreno.com; facebook.com/sparkspubcrawls
Photo credit: David Marshall Photo credit: David Marshall
THE ICONICS OF 2021 Save the dates for these extraordinary iconic events. 2021 will be here before you know it! May 8-9, 2021
Reno River Festival renoriverfestival.com The Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival eldoradoreno.com
June 11-12, 2021
Reno Rodeo renorodeo.com
June 17-26, 2021 July 1-31, 2021
Artown artown.org Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival laketahoeshakespeare.com Barracuda Championship, PGA TOUR Golf Tournament barracudachampionship.com
July 2021
August 3-8, 2021
Hot August Nights hotaugustnights.net Burning Man burningman.org
July-August, 2021
August 29-September 6, 2021
Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off nuggetribcookoff.com
September 1-6, 2021
The Great Reno Balloon Race renoballoon.com
September 10-12, 2021
National Championship Air Races airrace.org
September 15-19, 2021
Street Vibrations Fall Rally roadshowsreno.com
September 23-26, 2021
Eldorado Great Italian Festival eldoradoreno.com
October 9-10, 2021
Disclaimer: Information contained in this brochure is believed to be accurate at the time of printing but is subject to change.
Photo credit: Courtney Ropp
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
01/2020 | 45M