Reno has made July one of the most special months of the year since 1996, thanks to Artown. An annual month-long celebration of all things arts in the summer, Artown brings music, dance, theater, history and more to the public.
Artown is bigger than ever in 2022, with 600 multidisciplinary arts events this July. For a complete list of events, visit artown.org.
Thursday Nights at Bartley Ranch
There’s music galore during Artown, but Thursday nights are bringing a very special set of musicians to Bartley Ranch Regional Park. On July 7, the trio of harmonizing siblings Girl Name Tom, who won The Voice last year, will sing the night away. Tickets start at $45. The Manhattan Transfer, the 10-time Grammy Award-winning legends of vocal jazz, are celebrating five decades of performances on July 14. Tickets start at $50. On July 21, jazz and soul great Dee Dee Bridgewater, with The Memphis Soulphony, will perform an evening of tunes from her latest album, Memphis … Yes, I’m Ready. Tickets start at $45. On July 28, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Elvin Bishop and Grammy Award-winning harmonica master Charlie Musselwhite will combine talents and tastes onstage. Tickets start at $50. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
Family Programming
Artown is truly fun for the whole family, and there are events tailored to entertain every age group in your troupe! At 9:30 a.m., most Mondays through Fridays throughout July, children ages 6-12 can experience a diverse sampling of arts thanks to Discover the Arts, which features arts education, engagement and interactivity; most events are at the McKinley Arts and Culture Center. Activities include ballet, comedy, musical theater, hula, watercoloring and more. All events are free; check artown.org for specifics.
On Saturday, July 2, at 4 and 6 p.m., and on Sunday, July 3, at 11 a.m., experience the wow factor of San Francisco’s acclaimed one-ring Circus Bella at Idlewild Park. Admission is free!
At 3 p.m., Saturday, July 16, The Missoula Children’s Theatre—with the help of numerous local kids—presents Little Red Riding Hood at Wooster High School. Tickets are $10.
At 11 a.m., Saturday, July 30, it’s Family Saturday at the Sparks Library. Come on down, and create a family crest or flag. Admission is free for kids and families ages 4+.
Festivals Within a Festival
Wondering how to get even more arts into your arts festival? Well, just add more arts festivals! It’s festival-ception!
On Friday, July 8, through Sunday, July 10, enjoy all that the Reno Chalk Art and Music Festival has to offer. It’s located at the Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa; come and check out work from some amazing chalk artists, alongside live music and food.
At 10 a.m., Sunday, July 17, all dog lovers better get themselves to the McKinley Arts and Culture Center for the 22nd annual Art Paws. Come out and celebrate K-9s with help from local artists, jewelers, music and the “Bone-ified” beer garden. Of course, dogs are welcome.
At 6 p.m., Sunday, July 17, get ready to praise the Lord at Gospel Fest 2022. Hear how gospel music has evolved, and catch a variety of performers giving their take on the genre, at Wingfield Park.
Attention garlic fans: The fourth annual Reno Garlic Fest, hosted at the Dick Taylor Park, will take place at 3 p.m., Saturday, July 30. Whether you grow garlic or simply eat it, come on out to support local farmers. All of these festivals are free to attend.
Historic Walking Tours
The Historic Reno Preservation Society is providing a number of different informative guided walking tours throughout the city during Artown. At 9 a.m., Saturday, July 2, starting at the National Automobile Museum, learn all about the silver screen during Movie Footprints. Walk where the stars walked; visit some film locations; and celebrate movie magic in downtown Reno. At 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 5, pay your respects to notable Reno burials and learn the history of local gravesites during the Hillside Cemetery walking tour. Meet at the Knights of Pythias Hall, and visit some of Reno’s most historic cemeteries.
At 9 a.m., Saturday, July 16, meet at the Sparks Museum and Cultural Center tolearn how downtown Sparks has evolved from a railroad hub to a successful redevelopment area during the Downtown Sparks walking tour. At 9 a.m., Saturday, July 23, get a unique education about the Truckee River during the Truckee River All the Time tour. Meet at the Wild River Grille. All walking tours are $10, or free for Historic Reno Preservation Society members; get more info at historicreno.org.
Film, Film, Film!
Who doesn’t love a good movie? Artown is filled with a variety of film events for lovers of any genre, and viewers of every age. Fridays at 9 p.m., head to Wingfield Park for Christmas-themed Movies in the Park. Catch The Nightmare Before Christmas (July 8), Elf (July 15), A Christmas Story (July 22), and a series of short films (July 29). All movies are free!
Do you enjoy creepy animated films? Check out the Festival of Surreal Animation at 7 p.m., Friday, July 22, at the Spanish Springs Library in Sparks. Admission is free.
Boo! It’s Thrills and Chills, the award-winning scary short-film festival, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 28; prepare for a spooky evening of horror movies and more at the Galaxy IMAX Luxury Plus Theaters in Sparks. Tickets are $10.
From Thursday, July 28, through Sunday, July 31, Hollywood comes to Northern Nevada. The Cordillera International Film Festival is Nevada’s largest premiere film festival, bringing 150+ films, celebrity panels, red carpet premieres, parties, workshops and more. Tickets range from free to $500. For tickets, visit ciffnv.org