2018 Reno Tahoe Events & Festivals - DO NOT SHARE

FESTIVALS 2018

Photo credit: Marcella Rostagni & Hot August Nights

THE ICONICS 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 12-13

Reno River Festival renoriverfestival.com

June 14-23

Reno Rodeo renorodeo.com The Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival eldoradoreno.com

June 15-16 July 1-31

Artown renoisartown.com Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival laketahoeshakespeare.com Barracuda Championship, PGA TOUR Golf Tournament barracudachampionship.com

July 30-August 5 August 7-12

Hot August Nights hotaugustnights.net Burning Man burningman.org Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off nuggetribcookoff.com

August 26-September 3

August 29-September 3

The Great Reno Balloon Race renoballoon.com

Photo credit: Strotz Photography

July 6-August 26

September 7-9

National Championship Air Races airrace.org

September 12-16

Street Vibrations Fall Rally roadshowsreno.com

September 26-30

The Eldorado Great Italian Festival eldoradoreno.com

October 6-7

This is just the tip of the iceberg! Check out VisitRenoTahoe.com and discover your next reason to plan a trip.

Cover photo: Tom Robinson

E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Reno Latin Dance Fest January 4-7 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 many more. renolatindancefest.com

SnowFest! North Lake Tahoe March 1-11 North Lake Tahoe It’s one of the largest winter carnivals in the West, featuring 10 fun-filled days of parades, parties, fireworks, a polar bear swim, races, theater, the SnowFest Queen and more. tahoesnowfest.org Shrine Circus March 2-4 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages! Enjoy exotic animals, trapeze acts, motorcycles, clowns, face painting, lions, tigers and more. Proceeds benefit philanthropy projects to help children. kerakshrine.com/circus

USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships January 9-14 Reno The nation’s best racers converge at Rancho San Rafael Park to tackle a technically challenging and physically demanding course, featuring hills, sand pits, mud and obstacles. The combination of cycling, stunt riding, running and scrambling over obstacles is a thrilling spectator experience. renocx.com

Monster Jam March 9-11 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center It’s the hottest, edge-of-your-seat, live motor sports event on the planet and largest touring family show in North America!

Watch as 1500 HP monster trucks fly 30 feet in the air, flattening anything in their path. monsterjam.com

The Sheep Show January 18-20 Reno-Sparks Convention Center The Wild Sheep Foundation hosts the largest conservation and mountain hunting convention. Enjoy exhibitors, entertainers and educational events, as well as online, silent and live auctions. Open to the public. wildsheepfoundation.org

McKinney Cup USSA Far West Masters March 10-11 Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe Watch some of the fastest master skiers face off during two days of Giant Slalom on Silver Dollar, one of the best GS hills in the league’s schedule, featuring a long course with interesting terrain. skirose.com

Eagles & Agriculture January 25-28 Carson Valley Explore the interaction between eagles and other raptors while 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

Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry March 17 Virginia City This historic mining town goes “nuts” for St. Patrick’s Day, as folks line up to sample tasty testes prepared by chefs competing for bragging rights. Top off the fun with a parade. visitvirginiacitynv.com/events

Brew HaHa February 16 Downtown Sparks Enjoy all-you-can-responsibly-drink at the 23rd annual event.

Sample more than 100 types of beer from local, regional and national breweries while enjoying great live music. nuggetcasinoresort.com

Photo credit: Josh Heji

Alpenglow Sports Mountain Festival Winter February 17-25 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/mountainfestivalwinter

WinterWonderGrass Tahoe April 6-8 Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows 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. winterwondergrasstahoe.com

E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Biggest Little Half Marathon/10K/5K April 14 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

Downtown River Run Marathon April 29 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 1 mile junior run. downtownriverrun.com Reno Ukulele Festival May 2-5 Reno The 10th 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 Photo credit: Shaun Astor

Comstock Arabian Association Spring Fiesta Horse Show May 4-6 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Arabian and Half-Arabian horses compete in a variety of classes, including dressage, Western dressage, halter, hunter country English, reining and more. Three action-packed days are free to the public to enjoy as these beautiful animals compete. Sanctioned by the Arabian Horse Association. comstockarabianassociation.com

Reno Jazz Festival April 26-28 Reno Enjoy one of the world’s largest and most enduring celebrations of jazz, featuring concerts, competitions and a festival showcase. This year’s guest artists include the genre-smashing band, The Bad Plus Joshua Redman, as well as the acclaimed UNR faculty ensemble, The Collective. unr.edu/rjf

AMSOIL Arenacross April 28-29 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center The most intense motorcycle racing event on the planet.

Fearless athletes compete on man-made dirt battlegrounds for three days of high-speed, high-flying, fierce racing competition. The Reno event is part of a 12-round series for the coveted Ricky Carmichael Cup. arenacross.com Virginia City Grand Prix April 28-29 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

Photo credit: Tamara Bailey

Genoa Western Heritage Day April 28 Genoa Porch concerts, Native American demonstrations, Western music and Chautauqua performances highlight this event.

Enjoy dinner and music at the Genoa Fire Station, featuring Saddle Cats and Dave Stamey. visitcarsonvalley.org

Endurofest, Presented by IRC Tire May 5-6 Sparks Extreme Enduro is back at Wild West Motorsports Park. See some of the nation’s top motorcycle enduro athletes battle it out over insane man-made obstacles and giant boulder gardens. Amateur races, IRC Tire training courses, camping and live entertainment will add to the weekend festivities. elevatedaction.com/endurofest

Cinco de Mayo Festival May 5-6 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

E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Reno Sculpture Fest May 11-13 Downtown Reno Set against the backdrop of the Truckee River in Reno City Plaza, talented artists fabricate interactive sculptures that stand 6’ to 14’ tall. These temporary installations provide an opportunity to intuitively experience, imagine and connect with each piece. Enjoy live music, food trucks, artist interaction and the magic of art. renosculpturefest.com

Hot August Nights Spring Fever Revival May 18-19 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 beauties from bygone eras line the streets. Revel in show-n-shines, food and beverage vendors, memorabilia, free live entertainment and more.

Car registrants have a chance to be chosen as the official poster car. hotaugustnights.net

Photo credit: David Marshall

Strange Brew Festival May 19 Downtown Reno Beer geeks can expect the unexpected at this celebration of uniquely crafted drafts from local breweries. These exclusive beers will be complimented with live music, food trucks and more! strangebrewfestival.com

Reno River Festival May 12-13 Downtown Reno It’s the highly anticipated kickoff 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’s 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, craft beer village, Kids Village and more than 100 vendors. renoriverfestival.com

Chili on the Comstock May 19-20 Virginia City This event hosts more than 30 of the best chili cookers in the West, featuring all your favorite, tantalizing chili flavors. Enjoy the Fireball Saloon Crawl and family-friendly activities. visitvirginiacitynv.com/events Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure June 1-2 Reno, Lake Tahoe and surrounding regions Ideally suited for 12-person teams, runners cover a 178mile course that is divided into 36 legs of varying lengths and difficulty. The course starts in downtown Reno and travels along the Truckee River, climbs up to Lake Tahoe, through the Northern Nevada high desert and back to Reno. Additionally, there are two single-day relay options available: Capital Odyssey Relay (63 miles) and Comstock Odyssey Relay (29 miles). renotahoeodyssey.com

Nitro Circus Live 10 Year Anniversary Tour May 18 Reno A fully choreographed live spectacular with FMX, BMX, skateboard, inline and scooter athletes performing skillful but insane stunts on a range of contraptions. The daredevil tricks are both mind-blowing and thrilling. nitrocircus.com AMGEN Tour of California May 18 Stateline The women’s Queen Stage features one of the biggest climbs in the UCI Women’s World Tour, while Stage 6 for the men is a challenging mountain stage with an uphill finish. amgentourofcalifornia.com

Street Vibrations Spring Rally June 1-3 Downtown Reno After a long winter, it’s time to liberate your Harley from hibernation with a weekend of motorcycle fun! There will be live entertainment on six stages, bike games, poker runs, 80+ vendor booths, VIP motorcycle participant parties and more. Outdoor concerts and vendors are free to the public.

Registration open to all motorcycles. roadshowsreno.com

E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Reno Craft Beer Week June 2-9 Reno and Sparks Reno’s beer culture is thriving and this celebration of fine ales and lagers produced and served by regional breweries and brewpubs is perfect for beer aficionados. Enjoy beer dinners and food pairings, tap takeovers, craft beer cocktail tastings, beer walks and more. The festivities include Backwash, northern Nevada’s premier competition for home brewers. renocraftbeerweek.com

Photo credit: Cameron Kelly

SuperCrawl – Rock Crawling World Championship June 9-10 Sparks The biggest rock crawling event in the world will feature 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

America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride – Lake Tahoe June 3 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. Two ride distances accommodate riders of varying abilities, with a 72-mile Lake Shore Tour and 100-mile Century. bikethewest.com A Taste of the Comstock: Food, Whiskey and Single Jack Competition June 9 Virginia City Get a taste of the town’s heritage, from its mining history and delicious food to museum tours and whiskey tastings.

Savor the history of the Comstock and relish in the experience of the way it was in its heyday. visitvirginiacitynv.com/events Tough Mudder June 9-10 Northstar California Boasting some of the steepest, fiercest climbs and most rugged, rocky cross-country trails in America, Mother Nature and the course design team collaborate to tumultuously test your threshold for pain with world-class obstacles. This team-oriented event places camaraderie over finisher rankings. toughmudder.com

PRCA Xtreme Bulls June 14 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. Enjoy the nonstop action at this opening night of the Reno Rodeo. renorodeo.com Reno Rodeo June 14-23 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center It’s the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West,” with 10 nights of the best rodeo competition in the country, featuring 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 The Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival June 15-16 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

E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Stewart Father’s Day Powwow June 15-17 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 15-24 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 U.S. Open of Watercross June 16-17 Sparks The Pro Watercross National Tour returns to the Sparks Marina for the high-speed thrill of motorsports on water.

The top U.S. and international athletes race handle bar-tohandle bar, utilizing some of the most advanced equipment and technology that pushes their watercraft to speeds of more than 90 mph. prowatercross.com

Bob Feist Invitational Team Roping Week June 18-21 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Enjoy four days of outstanding team roping that include the Bob Feist Invitational, the “richest one-day” event featuring 100 of the world’s best open teams, the #11 Reno MillionDollar Invitational, the #12 High Desert Showdown and the All-Around Women’s Championship. BFI Week is part of the Reno Rodeo, “The Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West.” bfiweek.com

Midtown Art Walk: 10 Year Celebration June 28 Reno A vibrant arts scene makes a community thrive. This free annual event showcases Reno’s astonishing culture and revitalization. Local artists are paired with merchants to uniquely blend art, food and live performances, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the energetic and popular Midtown District. midtownartwalk.com Artown June 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. renoisartown.com

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, a patriotic bike parade, craft vendors, and a wide array of food and drink choices. nuggetcasinoresort.com Fourth of July July 4 Reno, Lake Tahoe and Virginia City Independence Day and fireworks go hand-in-hand, and Reno Tahoe will not disappoint the pyrotechnic fans.

There are a multitude of celebrations around the region, with some offering parades, picnics and other daytime activities, in addition to evening fireworks. visitrenotahoe.com

E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series July 21 Sparks The ultimate form of high-horsepower, extreme turns and door-to-door racing that is nationally televised. Top professional racers and crossover celebrity athletes, like Jeremy McGrath, Brian Deegan, Ricky Johnson and Twitch, have taken their turn behind the wheel. Appreciative fans enjoy the high-flying action and unobstructed views from the grandstands at the Wild West Motorsports Park. lucasoiloffroad.com

Biggest Little City Wing Fest July 6-7 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 tantalize the palates of festival goers. Free live entertainment, street fair, crafts and memorabilia vendors. silverlegacy.com Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival July 6-August 26 Incline Village Imagine enjoying extraordinary entertainment while sitting under the stars on the shore of Sand Harbor State Park, with Lake Tahoe in the background. The festival’s 46th season offers two shows: Macbeth, Shakespeare’s towering tragedy, and Beehive: The 60s Musical, offBroadway’s groovy retro-hit revue, created by Larry Gallagher. laketahoeshakespeare.com American Century Championship July 10-15 Stateline See your favorite sports and entertainment celebrities while enjoying magnificent views. The event is the nation’s most prestigious and richest celebrity golf tournament. americancenturychampionship.com 24-Hour Mural Marathon July 14-15 Downtown Reno Watch art in action at this unique competition. With just 24 hours at their disposal, seven talented artists create original, wall-sized murals on the exterior of Circus Circus in downtown Reno. Enjoy music and food as the muralists’ artwork comes to life. Murals will remain art installations for one year, delighting passersby. circusreno.com

Photo credit: Circus Circus Reno

Reno Basque Festival July 21 Downtown Reno The Basque culture has an important legacy in northern Nevada’s history and tradition. Join the fun 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

Wanderlust Squaw Valley July 19-22 Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows 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

Donner Lake Triathlon July 21-22 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 Classical Tahoe July 27-August 12 Incline Village It’s the seventh wondrous season of orchestral and chamber music concerts. Fifty-five world-renowned soloist and orchestral musicians, drawn from the greatest orchestras of North America and beyond, gather to perform under the artistic direction of Conductor Joel Revzen. classicaltahoe.org

E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Compression! Art and Fire July 28 Downtown Reno A unique celebration of the arts incorporating fire.

Enjoy dance performances, skills workshops, visual and interactive art, pressurized flame devices, Playa art projects, Burning Man mutant vehicles, a fire sculpture garden, large-scale flame effects, art and vendor booths.

This event is free to the public. controlledburnreno.com Northern Nevada Pride July 28 Downtown Reno A celebration of LGBTQ 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

Barracuda Championship July 30-August 5 Reno This year marks the 20th anniversary of hosting first class professional athletes in Reno Tahoe. This tournament is a player favorite and the only one 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 and two-time winner J.J. Henry have competed. The stunning Montrêux Golf & Country Club provides a spectacular backdrop for the action, and there are fan enhancements for the entire family. barracudachampionship.com Virginia City Official Hot August Nights Kickoff August 3-4 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 32nd anniversary. hotaugustnights.net

Hot August Nights August 7-12 Reno and Sparks It’s a blast from the past, featuring classic automobiles and rock ‘n’ roll. This premier 32nd annual event is a car enthusiast’s dream, with show-n-shines, nightly cruises, classic car auction, swap meet, drag races & burnouts, vintage trailer show-n-shine, Autocross, drifting 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 Vintage Trailer Revival August 7-12 Reno Adding another layer of nostalgia and competition to Hot August Nights, check out gorgeous campers and trailers made on or before 1976. Held at Rancho San Rafael Park, owners of these classic beauties will camp at the park and participate in a show-n-shine. hotaugustnights.net

Hot August Nights Auction Presented by Motorsport Auction Group August 9-11 Reno-Sparks Convention Center This impressive collector car auction will feature 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. motorsportauctiongroup.com Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance August 10-11 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 blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Held at Obexer’s Boat Company, the two-day show is open to the public. laketahoeconcours.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 Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival August 11-12 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 Northern Nevada Dragon Boat Festival August 18 Sparks Bring the family to Sparks Marina to watch an ancient Chinese sport and tradition. Colorful dragon boats feature teams of 20 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 19 Incline Village Put your fitness abilities to the test with full, sprint or duathlon competitions to choose from. Swim in famous Lake Tahoe, followed by an extreme mountain bike ride skirting the mountainside overlooking the lake, then finish with a scenic trail run. bigblueadventure.com Reno Aloha Festival August 25-26 Downtown Reno Experience the Pacific Islands in dance, music and mouthwatering food. Shop the many islander merchants while the kids enjoy Keiki Village offering fun interactive activities. Attend educational workshops and learn how to play the ukulele, hula or even speak the Hawaiian language renoalohafestival.com

Virginia City Rodeo / Charreada August 25-26 Virginia City A weekend of rough and tough family fun! See bull riders, wild broncs, mutton bustin’, motorcycle jumping and more.

Featuring a Charreada, or Mexican Rodeo, on Sunday. visitvirginiacitynv.com/events Burning Man August 26-September 3 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 29-September 3 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 30th 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 31-September Hungry Valley The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony hosts its nationally acclaimed powwow for the 32nd 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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E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Civil War Days September 1-3 Virginia City History comes to life as the Great Civil War reenactors create epic battles throughout this historic mining town as part of the Labor Day Parade. visitvirginiacitynv.com/events The Great Depressurization September 3-6 Reno Enjoy a variety of events and activities curated around the arts, music, food and local culture. Extend the experience and decompress after a week on the Black Rock Desert. greatdepressurization.com The Great Reno Balloon Race September 7-9 Reno The world’s largest free hot-air ballooning event is one of Reno’s most colorful and awe-inspiring events. Nearly 100 balloons 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. Enjoy a wide selection of food, merchandise and crafters, as well as uplifting music to complement this celebration of flight. renoballoon.com International Camel & Ostrich Races September 7-9 Virginia City This annual tradition dates back to the 1950s, and features jockeys maneuvering camels, ostriches and zebras around a track in this historic mining town. A hilarious racing spectacle the entire family will enjoy. visitvirginiacitynv.com/events

Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival September 7-9 Northstar California Enjoy three full days of cooking seminars and demonstrations, culinary competitions, wine tastings, a Farm to Tahoe dinner, live music, a gourmet marketplace and more! gotahoenorth.com/events/annual-events/laketahoe-food-and-wine

Tour de Tahoe – Bike Big Blue September 9 Stateline An opportunity to ride 72 miles of Lake Tahoe’s spectacular shoreline, including an 800-foot climb overlooking scenic Emerald Bay. Cyclists enjoy great food and participant support stations. bikethewest.com Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity September 10-16 Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Honor 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, fence work and the Wild Filly Futurity! Shoppers will enjoy a Western trade show and horse sales. renosnafflebitfuturity.com

National Championship Air Races September 12-16 Reno 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 of more than 500 mph. Enjoy unique vendors, and up-close access to pilots, planes and crew in the “Pits.” Also appearing is the National Drone Racing Championship. airrace.org Nevada’s Best Taco Fest September 15-16 Downtown Reno Enjoy Nevada’s best tacos, burritos, churros, salsas and other dishes from local vendors. In addition to yummy eats, there’s live music, Lucha Libre wrestling, a Chihuahua beauty pageant, tequila tasting, contests and activities.

Free admission. wild1029.com/wild-events

E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Edible Pedal 100 September 16 Carson City and Lake Tahoe 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 in scenic Washoe Valley. Outstanding locallysourced food at rest stops and a post-ride barbecue make for a memorable and delicious event. ediblepedal100.org RenoCross September 19 Reno America’s biggest cyclocross race and the largest cross race outside of Europe makes its Reno debut at Rancho San Rafael Park. Part of the Interbike show, this spectatorfriendly sport features top-level competition among pro men and women. Cross racing is mostly off-road, with racers encountering grass, dirt, mud, gravel, sand, and a slew of barriers and obstacles. renocross.com Street Vibrations Fall Rally September 26-30 Downtown Reno Enjoy HOG heaven at this celebration of music, metal and motorcycles. It’s the last great motorcycle rally of the season and this event takes it to a new level, with live entertainment on six outdoor stages, more than 250 vendors, bike scavenger hunts and poker runs, a fireworks display in downtown Reno, America’s Finest Custom Bike Builder’s Expo, and a tattoo expo. The event is free to the public to enjoy. Registration is open to all motorcycles. roadshowsreno.com

Genoa Candy Dance September 29-30 Genoa Relish in the small-town spirit of this ultimate candy and craft festival that features more than 300 exhibitors and 3,000 pounds of Genoa’s fabulous homemade candy. genoanevada.org Spartan Race: Tahoe Beast September 29-30 Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows 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 CANFEST October TBA Sparks Enjoy unlimited beer samples, live music, a silent disco, food and vendors at the 10th anniversary of Reno’s “Original Canned Beer Festival.” Featuring microbreweries from across the country, representing more than 100 different brews. Canned beer is better than ever, and this event is the perfect opportunity to sample the best craft brews to crack open! canfestbeer.com

Fastest Gun Alive World Championship October 4-7 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 at speeds calculated within fractions of a second. cowboyfastdraw.com Nevadafest 2018 – A Celebration of Nevada Craft Beer September 29 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

Holi Festival of Colors October 6 Reno Enjoy an afternoon of social merriment at the world’s happiest transformational event. Experience interactive dance, live Mantra bands, DJs, yoga instruction, cuisine, free hugs, the throwing of colors and “lotsa” love. festivalofcolorsusa.com

E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Reno Celtic Celebration October 6-7 Reno Delight in Celtic activities and performances, including pipe bands, Scottish and Irish dancers, clan tents, historical reenactments, games, Celtic critters, children’s games, food and drink, and Celtic merchandise. renoceltic.org

Redrun October 13 Virginia City The historic mining town transforms into a zombie apocalypse. Runners delve into haunted century-old buildings, mines, famous landmarks and other chilling locations. To find your path, you must discover the clues and crack the code. Named as one of the nation’s top 10 zombie events by Yahoo! redrunvc.com

World Championship Outhouse Races October 6-7 Virginia City This hilarious Comstock tradition dates to a time when outdoor plumbing was outlawed and angry residents took their outhouses to the streets in protest. Today, teams of costumed outhouse racers are pitted against each other in an all-out potty race. visitvirginiacitynv.com

Reno Bites Restaurant Week October 8-14 Reno Discover the area’s distinctive culinary culture created by skilled chefs - your stomach will thank you. The 7th annual event features experiential, food-focused events 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 12-14 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 Quadzilla Dare for the hearty. laketahoemarathon.com

Photo credit: Lorna Mildice

The Eldorado Great Italian Festival October 6-7 Downtown Reno For the 37th 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 weekend also features craft vendors, lots of delicious food vendors and other activities. eldoradoreno.com

ULTRA4 National Championship October 19-20 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 20-21 Reno When autumn chill fills the air, nothing says fall quite like a steaming hot bowl of chili. The festival features the World Championship Chili Cook-off competition, coupled with local and regional craft beer. Bring your appetite to sample some seriously good chili from the best chili makers around. Free admission to the public to enjoy live entertainment and vendors. grandsierraresort.com/beerchilifest PumpkinPalooza 2018 October 21 Sparks Victorian Square Named a “Top Fall Event” in 2017 by Food Network Magazine, the event is chock-full of good old-fashioned family fun. Celebrate autumn with wholesome activities guaranteed to produce smiles, including a pumpkin race, family costume parade, carnival games, contests, live entertainment, pumpkin decorating and more. pumpkinpalooza.org

E V E N T S & F E S TI VA L S Crafts for Christmas November 23-25 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

Wrangler/Professional’s Choice ACTRA National Finals October 21-27 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

Tahoe Film Fest November 29-December 2 North Lake Tahoe Enjoy a carefully curated 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

Nevada Day Parade October 27 Carson City The huge procession in this 80th annual event is the largest formal statehood celebration in the nation and kicks off with a hot-air balloon launch and military flyover, followed by about 200 parade entries, including floats, marching bands and entertainment. nevadaday.visitcarsoncity.com

Sparks Annual Hometowne Christmas Celebration November 30-December 1 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/christmasparade

Reno AerialFest November 3-5 Reno “Innovative” and “daring athleticism” best describe these graceful dancers in the air. Focused around the aerial arts, this festival will offer workshops about safety, artistry, technique and more. This competition is sure to leave spectators with an appreciation of the boundary-pushing genre of aerial art. renoaerialfest.com

Photo credit: Nikki Neumann

Off Beat Music Festival November 8-10 Downtown Reno An event showcasing northern Nevada’s growing music scene with performances spread throughout Midtown and downtown. Music showcases spotlight more than 100 international, national, regional and local artists in nearly 20 participating venues. Discover your new favorite band while you discover Reno! offbeatreno.com

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

39 North Pole December 6-8 Sparks Victorian Square Downtown Sparks becomes a sparkling winter wonderland.

Stroll through holiday lights and enjoy visits with Santa and children’s activities. 39northdowntown.com/39-north-pole/ Nevada Chamber Music Festival December 26-31 Reno Enjoy 11 unique concerts showcasing world-class musicians and the very best in classical music. Artists include leading players from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic. Held in two intimate locations that enhance your connection to the music, the festival culminates with a New Year’s Eve celebration. renochamberorchestra.org

FO O D & D R I N K

T H E M E D PU B C R AW L S

Reno Beer Crawl

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’s extraordinary pub crawl scene. Dress up, squad up, and grab a cup.

If you’re in Reno on the fourth Saturday of the month, you will inevitably enter the wacky world of the Reno Beer Crawl. Purchase a commemorative cup and receive drink specials at up to 20 locations. It’s an easy walk, or crawl, throughout downtown Reno. renobeercrawl.com

Reno Mardi Crawl crawlreno.com Reno Leprechaun Crawl crawlreno.com

Food Trucks

Food trucks are taking gourmet to the parks and streets of Reno, creating seasonal outdoor food courts. Some offer live entertainment, beverage options, children’s activities and local crafters!

Photo credit: David Marshall

Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, crafts, yard art, clothing, specialty foods and pet products. Locations include the Sands Regency in downtown Reno, Summit Mall, California Avenue and 39 North Marketplace on Victorian Avenue in Sparks. Markets take place in the summer and early fall. shirleysfarmersmarkets.com

• Reno Street Food – Food Truck Friday Every Friday evening, May 18-September 28 Idlewild Park renofoodtruckfriday.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 28 and October 6

Photo credit: David Marshall

• Feed the Camel Every Wednesday evening, June 6-August 29 Riverwalk District – McKinley Arts & Culture Center facebook.com/Feed-The-Camel-256832417824677

March 17

Reno Epic Sci-Fi Crawl crawlreno.com

June 2

Superhero Crawl superherocrawl.com

July 14

Reno Zombie Crawl crawlreno.com

October 20

Reno Santa Pub Crawl renosantacrawl.com

Farmers Markets

February 10

December 15

S P O R TI N G E V E N T S & F U N R U N S The crack of the bat. A spike of the ball. Dressing up in crazy costumes to run a themed 5K. Whatever you’re into, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more unexpected take on the sporting life than in Reno Tahoe.

Elevate the Stage elevatethestage.com

January 12-14

Senior Softball USA Rock-n-Reno Challenge Cup seniorsoftball.com

UCS Spirit National Pole Vault Summit polevaultsummit.com

January 11-13

Jam On It Memorial Day Tournament jamonit.org

January 27-28

Athletx Youth Baseball Nationals baseballnationals.com

Greater Reno USBC Youth City Tournament grsusbc.com

Reno-Tahoe Senior Winter Games January 30-February 14 reno.gov/government/departments/parks-recreationcommunity-services/seniors/senior-games

February 11

Reno Run 4 Love renorun4love.com Big Sky Conference Basketball Championships roadtoreno.com

March 5-10 March 2-4

NCVA Girls Golden State Qualifier ncva.com

March 9-11

PBA Regional Non-Champions Tournament pba.com/tours/regional/west

USBC Senior Championships bowl.com/seniorchamp

Nor Cal Summer Jubilee Tournament norcalbowling.com/index.html

Dublin Dirty – Irish Softball dublindirty.com

March 17-18

Pam Buckner Open pambuckneropen.com

Storm Youth Championships stormbowling.com/syc

March 23-25

Dirty Wookie 10K desertskyadventures.com

NCVA Far Western National Qualifier April 21-23 & April 27-29 ncva.com/girls/tournaments/far-western-national-qualifier NCVA Girls Power League Region Championship ncva.com/girls/league-play/power-league

May 12-13

July 6-8 July 16-21

July 27-28 July 31-August 3 August 13-15

SIRS Senior Tournament sirinc.org/bowling

March 11

April 19-30

June 15-21 & June 22-28

Reno Junior/Adult Invitational Bowling Tournament renojradult.net

Leprechaun Race race178.com/leprechaunrace

USBC Women’s Championships Tournament bowl.com/womenschamp

May 26-28

Triple Crown Sports 10U/12U World Series triplecrownsports.com

March 10

April 5-8

May 23-June 4

Coors Light Boneyard Blast XII boneyardblast.com

Sparks Shamrock Shuffle crawlreno.com

Flo Reno Worlds Championships worldofwrestling-roller.com

May 19-20

AAU Pacific District Girls Championship jamonit.org

September 21-23

Storm Open Festival of Bowling October 4-November 4 visitrenotahoe.com/event-venues/national-bowling-stadium/ storm-open-festival-bowling

International Gay Bowlers Organization Mid-Year Tournament igbo.org

October 13-14 October 28

November 9-11

Reno’s Wobble Before You Gobble 10K/5K desertskyadventures.com

November 22

Scheels Turkey Trot cityofsparks.us/event/turkey-trot

November 22

National Junior Olympic Cross-Country Championships usatf.org

December 8

THE ICONICS OF 2019 We’re all about living in the moment, but some things are worth looking ahead to. Mark your calendars for 2019’s iconic Reno Tahoe events.

May 11-12, 2019

Reno River Festival renoriverfestival.com

June 20-29, 2019

Reno Rodeo (100th Anniversary) renorodeo.com

June 14-15, 2019 July 1-31, 2019

Artown renoisartown.com

July-August, 2019

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival laketahoeshakespeare.com

Summer 2019

Barracuda Championship barracudachampionship.com

August 6-11, 2019

Hot August Nights hotaugustnights.net Burning Man burningman.org Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off nuggetribcookoff.com

August 25-September 2, 2019

August 28-September 2, 2019

The Great Reno Balloon Race renoballoon.com National Championship Air Races airrace.org Street Vibrations Fall Rally roadshowsreno.com

September 6-8, 2019

September 11-15, 2019 September 25-29, 2019

The Eldorado Great Italian Festival eldoradoreno.com

October 12-13, 2019

Disclaimer: Information contained in this brochure is believed to be accurate at the time of printing but is subject to change.

Photo credit: Cornelius Photography

The Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival eldoradoreno.com

Oregon

395

Sacramento 80

Nevada

R E NO SPARKS

80

Carson City

LAKE TAHOE

San Francisco

U ta h

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE.

California

Idaho

Las Vegas

395

Los Angeles

PYRAMID LAKE

To Gerlach

Sutcliffe Pyramid Hwy.

447

Nixon

SPARKS 89

To Sacramento, San Francisco

CALIFORNIA NEVADA

Truckee

80 DONNER LAKE

267 89

Fernley

431

Kings Beach

Northstar

Easy to visit.

Hard to leave behind.

80

RENO

341 95A

Incline Village

395 Crystal Bay

Tahoe Vista

Squaw Valley

Virginia City

580

28 28

Dayton

WASHOE LAKE

Alpine Meadows Tahoe City

Silver Springs

Fallon

50

LAKE TAHOE

Carson City

LAKE LAHONTAN

Homewood

206 Meeks Bay

Zephyr Cove

89

N

Genoa

50

207

95A

Emerald Bay

Stateline

South Lake Tahoe

88

88

Gardnerville

A A D I A N R EV N IFO L A C

89

50

Minden

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 in 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

01/2018 | 50M