It’s hard to ignore that prices are going up—but that doesn’t mean you can’t afford to have fun this summer. The Reno-Tahoe region offers plenty of attractions and diversions to accommodate most budgets. Here’s a calendar of upcoming events to keep you busy all season long.
ARTOWN: The citywide arts festival celebrates its 30th anniversary with concerts, theatrical performances, art shows, children’s arts programs and many other free and ticketed events throughout July. This year, some Artown events will move to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park while Wingfield Park is closed during bridge construction. Attendees can create spirit-animal-inspired face masks at a guided workshop during Artown’s Opening Day festivities starting at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 1, followed by a homecoming performance by world-beats ensemble Sol’Jibe at 7:30 p.m. Clarence Bekker and the C-Bees will headline Artown Closing Night at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 31. Opening and closing shows take place at the Nevada State Bank Stage in the former Great Basin Adventure area of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St. Admission is free. Visit artown.org.
AMERICAN CENTURY CHAMPIONSHIP: More than 80 sports stars and Hollywood entertainers will participate in the 36th annual celebrity golf tournament. The event, which also raises funds for local and national charities, distributes a purse of $600,000. The tourney gets under way with practice rounds on Wednesday and Thursday, July 9 and 10, followed by competitive play Friday-Sunday, July 11-13, at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, 180 Lake Parkway, Stateline. Tickets are $40 on Wednesday and Thursday, and $50 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A pass for all five days is $150. Kids age 10 and younger get in free with a paying adult. Visit americancenturychampionship.com.
BE MY NEIGHBOR DAY: PBS Reno hosts its annual family-friendly community event promoting early childhood education, health, safety and the importance of kindness and sharing. There will be vendors, food trucks, live performances and photo opportunities with Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat, the stars of the children’s TV program Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, July 19, at Idlewild Park, 1900 Idlewild Drive. Admission is free. Visit www.pbsreno.org/events/be-my-neighbor-day.
BEST IN THE WEST NUGGET RIB COOK-OFF: More than 20 barbecue cooks compete for $19,500 in cash and bragging rights to the “best ribs in the West.” Enjoy a wide variety of ribs and other barbecued delights for sale; browse through arts and crafts vendor tents; play in the kids’ area; and enjoy live music and entertainment on two stages, including main stage headliners Ying Yang Twins, Tim Montana, Sister Hazel, Revisiting Creedence, Collin Raye and Red Hot Tribute. The end-of-summer bash kicks off on Wednesday, Aug. 27, and runs through Monday, Sept. 1, at Victorian Square, along Victorian Avenue, between 14th Street and Pyramid Way, in Sparks. Festival admission is free. Visit www.nuggetribcookoff.com.
BBQ, BREWS & BLUES: The 28th annual barbecue and beer festival offers St. Louis-style barbecue ribs, smoked beef brisket, pulled pork and all the fixin’s, as well as a wide selection of brews and beverages from more than 50 microbreweries. The street party features arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and rock and blues acts performing from 3 to 10 p.m., Friday, June 13; and noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, June 14, outside the Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus casinos on North Virginia Street in downtown Reno. Festival admission is free. Ticket price for the Tap Tent, which includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and unlimited beer or beverages, is $145. Beer tasting packages are $35.50-$63.50. Visit www.caesars.com/reno/events/bbq-brews-and-blues-festival.
BIGGEST LITTLE WING FEST: Cooks will prepare more than 20,000 pounds of chicken wings to be devoured and judged as they compete for cash prizes and first-place honors during the 11th annual cook-off. The weekend festival features free concerts, a craft fair and fun activities, including the barnyard folly relay race, face painting, camel rides and bungee jumping. The festival takes place from 1 to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 25; and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, outside the Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus casinos on North Virginia Street in downtown Reno. Festival admission is free. Visit www.caesars.com/reno/events/wing-fest.
BOWERS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association presents its 39th annual gathering in Washoe Valley. The three-day event includes camping, kids’ activities, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a country supper on Friday, a contra dance on Saturday, and performances by Rebecca Frazier, Never Come Down, The Town Howlers, Bay Area Special, Keith Little Trio, Toby and the Reno Grass, The Rough Edges, Coyote Crossing, The Monday Night Volunteers and Sunday Go to Meetin’. Festival hours are 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23; and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 24, at Bowers Mansion Regional Park, 4005 Bowers Mansion Road, New Washoe City. Tickets are $15-$150. Early bird weekend passes are $110-$140 until June 30. Visit www.nnba.org/bowersbluegrassfestival.
BREWS, JAZZ & FUNK FEST: Enjoy a variety of beers for sale from local and regional breweries, including Alibi Ale Works, BrewBilt Brewing, FiftyFifty Brewing Co. and Truckee Brewing Co. The Floozies, Scott Pemberton O Theory, Pressing Strings, Dúo Dinámico and other bands will perform on three stages. Proceeds from the event benefit the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. Festival hours are 1 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, at The Village at Palisades Tahoe, 1750 Village East Road, Olympic Valley, Calif. Tickets are $20 in advance and $28 day of. Admission is free for kids 12 and younger. Visit www.palisadestahoe.com.
BURNING MAN: The temporary city dedicated to “community, art, self-expression and self-reliance” returns to the Black Rock Desert. This year’s theme is “Tomorrow Today,” to showcase “Burning Man’s global culture of art and innovation.” The end-of-summer gathering starts Sunday, Aug. 24, and runs through Monday, Sept. 1. Tickets are $650 and up. Visit burningman.org.
CAPITAL CITY BREWFEST: The annual beer festival and fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Carson City features more than two dozen craft brewers and food trucks, along with live music on Curry Street. The event takes place from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, at Curry Street and Bob McFadden Plaza in downtown Carson City. Beer tasting tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Visit capitalcitybrewfest.com.
CELTIC NIGHT: Nevada Society of Scottish Clans and the Sons and Daughters of Erin, Northern Nevada, present their annual joint celebration of Celtic culture and heritage as part of this year’s Artown festival. Enjoy an evening of music, dance and more with performances by Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band, Plastic Paddy, Sierra Silverstrings, Battle Born Highland Dancers, McKeever Irish Dancers, Scotty Cozen, Karrie O’Neill and Kat MacMartin, followed by headliner Culann’s Hounds. The party starts at 4 p.m., Friday, July 11, at Reno Public Market, 299 E. Plumb Lane. Admission is free. Visit www.renopublicmarket.com or www.nvssc.org.
CLASSICAL TAHOE: The music festival features four weeks of outdoor orchestra, jazz, chamber music and family concerts in Incline Village. The Brubeck Jazz Summit series runs July 13-18, followed by the Classical Tahoe Festival Orchestra series July 25-Aug. 9, and the Chamber Music at Classical Tahoe series July 27-Aug. 10. The festival also offers the Classical Tahoe Gala on Saturday, July 12, Music in the Park Truckee with the Classical Tahoe Ensemble on Wednesday, July 23, and the Family Concert and Music Maker’s Faire on Saturday, Aug. 9. Most of the concerts take place at the Classical Tahoe Ricardi Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, at Lake Tahoe, 291 Country Club Drive, Incline Village. Tickets are $5-$200. Visit classicaltahoe.org.
DANCING IN THE STREETS: This street party transforms Midtown into a vibrant hub of live music, art, dance and culture. Multiple stages will feature local and national artists across genres. There will be street performers, flash mobs, dance lessons, roller skating, food trucks and more. The free outdoor event starts at 4 p.m., Saturday, July 12, in Midtown. Visit www.renomidtown.com/dancinginthestreets.
FALLON CANTALOUPE FESTIVAL AND COUNTRY FAIR: The 40th annual festival celebrates Fallon’s agricultural past and present, showcases local talent, and promotes Nevada businesses, as well as agricultural education. Event highlights include fair exhibits, carnival rides, contests, rodeo, a farmers’ market, kids’ activities, vendors and live music. The fair is open from 1 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Aug. 22; 9 a.m. to midnight, Saturday, Aug. 23; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 24, at the Churchill County Fairgrounds, 325 Sheckler Road, Fallon. Tickets are $6-$25. Visit www.falloncantaloupefestival.com.
FATHER’S DAY POWWOW: Learn about Northern Nevada’s Native American tribes and the stories of those who attended the Stewart Indian School at the annual Father’s Day Powwow, which features arts and crafts, food vendors and hundreds of costumed dancers accompanied by traditional drummers. Grand entry performances start at 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 13; 1 and 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 14; and noon, Sunday, June 15, at 5500 Snyder Ave., Carson City. Call 775-687-7608, or visit visitcarsoncity.com/events/fathers-day-powwow.
FEED THE CAMEL: Enjoy an after-work meal under the canopy of shady trees during the summertime food truck event. The midweek gathering takes place from 5 to 8:30 p.m., every Wednesday, June 4-Sept. 3, outside of the McKinley Arts and Culture Center, 925 Riverside Drive. Visit www.facebook.com/feedthecamel or www.instagram.com/feedthecamel.
GAMBLERS RUN FESTIVAL: The third annual festival features three days of music, gambling, and local food and craft vendors. The Brothers Comatose and Paul Thorn will perform at the kickoff party on Thursday, July 24. Beats Antique, Thumpasaurus, Pixie and the Partygrass Boys, Squeaky Feet and Smokey the Groove play on the first night of the festival on Friday, July 25. Papadosio, Monophonics, My Son the Hurricane, Magoo and Sundays at Midnight close out the event on Saturday, July 26. Gates open at 2 p.m. on Thursday; and 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the Crystal Bay Casino, 14 Highway 28, Crystal Bay. Single-day passes are $60.88-$72.44; a two-day pass is $118.70. Visit www.crystalbaycasino.com/gamblers-run-music-festival.
GREAT GATSBY FESTIVAL: The 38th annual living history event celebrates the life and times of the Prohibition Era through classic cars displays, vendors with 1920 wares for sale, live jazz, tours of the Pope House, and a tea and fashion show. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 9-10, at the Tallac Historic Site, 1 Valhalla Drive, South Lake Tahoe. Prices vary. Festival admission is free. Gatsby tea and fashion show tickets are $TBA. Visit valhallatahoe.com or taylortallac.org/great-gatsby-festival.
HARMONY ON THE RIVER: Reno Philharmonic and the city of Reno presents this free weekly concert series with music ranging from classical to jazz. Performances start at 6 p.m., every Tuesday, June 3-Aug. 26, at the West Street Plaza, 220 W. First St. Visit www.reno.gov.
HIGH SIERRA MUSIC FESTIVAL: The 33rd festival features a mix of national and international acts across multiple genres including bluegrass, roots rock, folk, jazz, country and blues. This year’s lineup features ALO, Amy Helm Band, Andy Frasco and the U.N., Bamba Wassoulou Groove, Barker and Genfan, Barr Brothers and many others. Attendees can camp; participate in playshops, yoga sessions or kids’ activities; and shop a variety of arts and crafts and food vendors. The festival runs Thursday, July 3, through Sunday, July 6, at Plumas County Fairgrounds, 204 Fairground Road, Quincy, Calif. Festival passes are $35-$392, with separate vehicle and RV passes starting at $51. Late night shows are $30-$88. Visit www.highsierramusic.com.
HOT AUGUST NIGHTS: The 39th annual celebration of classic cars and rock ’n’ roll starts off in Virginia City with the official kickoff event on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 1-2. The weekend party features free live music, cruises and a show ’n’ shine along C Street. The main event gets under way on Monday, Aug. 4, in Reno. Festivities include live music, classic car displays, nightly cruises, drag races, show ’n’ shine competitions, a swap meet, the Motorsport Auction Group (MAG) Auction, the grand finale parade and more, through Sunday, Aug. 10, at the University of Nevada, Reno, campus and other locations in Reno and Sparks. Admission is free to most events. Visit hotaugustnights.net.
JIMMY BUFFETT TRIBUTE CONCERT: The National Automobile Museum transforms its patio into a tropical getaway at this tribute to singer Jimmy Buffett starring Garratt Wilkin and the Parrotheads. The beachfront bash features food trucks, games, raffles and more starting at 6 p.m., Saturday, July 12, at 1 Museum Drive. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for museum members. Visit www.automuseum.org.
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION: The Northern Nevada Black Cultural Awareness Society presents its 37th annual Juneteenth celebration, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. The all-ages event features food, games, vendors, an introduction to the new Miss Juneteenth and a tribute to singer Frankie Beverly. The celebration runs from noon to 6 p.m., Thursday, June 19, at the Glow Plaza, J Resort, 670 W. Fourth St. Admission is free. Visit www.facebook.com/NNBCAS or www.instagram.com/nnbcas.
LADY LUCK TATTOO ARTS EXPO: M.O.M. Productions and Body Graphics Tattoo present the 19th annual expo featuring tattoo artists, vendors, exhibits and contests, from 2 to 10 p.m., Friday, May 30; noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, May 31; and noon to 7 p.m., Sunday, June 1, at the Grand Exposition Hall, and the Gold and Silver Room at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino, 407 N. Virginia St. Tickets are $20 per day, with free admission for kids age 14 and younger accompanied by a paying adult. Visit tattoopgh.com/ladyluck.html.
LAKE TAHOE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE: The 51st annual showcase features some of the world’s most well-preserved and restored wooden boats. This year’s event celebrates “100 Years of Gar Wood Boats.” Tickets are $45 for a one-day pass, $60 for a two-day pass, and $60-$250 for upgrades. Admission is free for kids age 12 and younger. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 8; and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9 at Obexer’s Boat Company, 5300 W. Lake Blvd., Homewood, Calif. Visit laketahoeconcours.com.
LAKE TAHOE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: The festival returns for its 53rd season with the mainstage productions of William Shakespeare’s gender-bending comedy Twelfth Night and Rick Elice’s play Peter and the Starcatcher, based on a novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. on alternating days, Tuesday through Sunday, July 5-Aug. 24. Tickets are $22-$75 for gallery seating, and $110-$690 for premium seats or table seating. The Showcase Series, featuring classical, jazz and rock concerts, as well as a ballet performance, starts at 7:30 p.m. on most Mondays and select Tuesdays, July 7-Aug. 25. Tickets range from $32-$125. A Nevada State Parks entrance pass ($10-$15) is required to enter and park at Sand Harbor. All performances take place on the William Edward Trepp Stage, Sand Harbor State Park, 2005 Highway 28, Incline Village. Visit laketahoeshakespeare.com.
LAZY 5 MUSIC SERIES: The 20th annual summer concert series opens with an all-day celebration featuring craft vendors from the Great American Craft Fair, a classic car show presented by the Obsolete Iron Car Club, a kids’ zone, food trucks and four sets of live music from Dom and Friends, Nick Eng and White Water, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 7. Beatles Flashback, Blu Egyptian and Blues Monsters, among other acts, are scheduled to play this summer. The shows start at 6:30 p.m., every Wednesday through Aug. 13, at Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Way, Sparks. Visit www.washoecounty.gov/parks/calendar.php.
LEVITT AMP CONCERT SERIES: The ninth annual summer music series kicks off with a performance by ’60s-inspired indie rock band The McCharmlys on Saturday, June 21. Paige and the Overtones, Curley Taylor, Greg Gilmore and The Mexican Standoff are some of the acts scheduled to play this summer. The weekly event starts at 7 p.m., every Saturday through Aug. 23, outside Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St., Carson City. Visit breweryarts.org.
MANIA—BEATLES TRIBUTE CONCERT: Twist, shout and re-live the magic of Beatlemania at this tribute concert to the Fab Four. The show starts at 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2, at the National Automobile Museum, 1 Museum Drive. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for museum members. Visit automuseum.org.
MOVIES IN THE PARK: The Cordillera International Film Festival, in partnership with Bill Pearce Motors, presents the 30th annual film series as part of Artown. The Friday night event starts off with A Goofy Movie with special guest Bill Farmer on July 11. The series continues with a showing of Jumanji on July 18 and concludes with a mystery world premiere of a top-secret film on July 25. Screenings start at 7:30 p.m. at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St. Admission is free. Visit www.ciffnv.org or artown.org.
NEVADA STATE FAIR: Dating back to 1874, Nevada’s state fair features thrill rides and games, food vendors and plenty of carnival fare, including cotton candy, funnel cakes and other treats, contests, activities, live music and other entertainment. Fair hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday, June 5, through Sunday, June 8, at Mills Park, 1111 E. William St., Carson City. Admission is free, and there is free parking at Mills Park and Carson High School, 1111 N. Saliman Road. Visit nevadastatefair.org.
NIGHT IN THE COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL: The 23rd annual festival features camping, contests and tournaments, and three days and nights of live performances by national, regional and local country music artists. Headlining acts include Joe Nichols and Elvie Shane on Thursday, July 24; Brantley Gilbert, Ashley McBryde, Chase Matthew and Drew Baldridge on Friday, July 25; and Koe Wetzel, Wyatt Flores, Ole 60 and Bayker Blankenship on Saturday, July 26. The event takes place at The Grange, 100 Highway 95A, Yerington. One-day festival passes are $112-$139; a three-day pass is $247. Visit nightinthecountrynv.org.
NORTHERN NEVADA INTERNATIONAL CENTER GLOBAL EXPO: Connect with new people and explore languages, traditions, artwork, fashion and music from all around the world at the third annual event organized by the Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC), a nonprofit organization affiliated with the University of Nevada, Reno. The Artown event starts at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 15 at the Quad, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia St. Admission is free. Visit artown.org
or unr.edu/nnic.
NORTHERN NEVADA INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL: Dragon boat teams race across the Marina while spectators cheer them on. The event also features vendors and exhibitors in the Health and Wellness Village, Food Truck Bazaar and Cultural Expo. The event takes place on Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Sparks Marina, 300 Howard Drive, Sparks. Festival admission is free. Visit gwndragonboat.com/festivals/northern-nevada-international-dragon-boat-festival.
OFF THE RAILS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: OffBeat Music Society and the city of Reno present a family-friendly monthly concert series, which kicks off with performances by Killer Whale and Glamour Muscle on Friday, June 27, followed by Spacehall Sound Machine and Nightbrain on Friday, July 18, and Family Worship Center and Subtle Lovers on Friday, Aug. 29. The free shows start at 6 p.m. at Locomotion Plaza/Downtown Reno ReTrac Plaza, 301 N. Virginia St. Visit downtownreno.org/event/off-the-rails-august-locomotion-plaza.
PATRIOTIC POPS AT THE FIELD: Conductor Jason Altieri leads the Reno Philharmonic in this star-spangled salute to America featuring a mix of patriotic marches, pop favorites and more. Eric Henry Andersen and Friends will open the evening’s program. A fireworks show will follow later that night (weather permitting). The concert starts at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 3, at Greater Nevada Field, 250 Evans Ave. Tickets are $15-$50. Visit renophil.com/patriotic-pops-at-the-field.
POLLINATOR PALOOZA: The Nevada State Museum and Bee City USA #76 celebrate Pollinator Month with the inaugural festival in downtown Carson City. The event starts at the Nevada State Museum at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, June 21, with sidewalk chalk art on the westside walkway, followed by face painting, pollinator-themed crafts and a Nevada Pollinator Curator’s Corner at 9 a.m. in the Dema Guinn Concourse and Loftin Park. The costumed Pollinator Parade starts at 10 a.m. from Loftin Park and proceeds along Carson Street through the downtown corridor. More activities start at 1 p.m. at the Carson Mall, 1313 S. Carson St. Free activities take place in the Dema Guinn Concourse, Loftin Park and westside parking area at the Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St., Carson City. Admission to museum exhibit galleries is $10 for adults and free for members and children age 17 and younger. Visit www.carsonnvmuseum.org/event/pollinator-palooza-at-the-nevada-state-museum.
POPS ON THE RIVER: The Reno Phil presents its 30th annual fundraising event as part of Artown. The evening will feature a costume contest and table-decorating contests, raffle prizes, a live auction and a performance by the Reno Philharmonic led by music director Laura Jackson. The concert celebrates “Icons: The Voices That Changed Music,” and starts at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 12, at the Great Basin Adventure area of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St. General admission tickets are $30. Visit renophil.com/pops30thanniversary.
PROGRAMS ON THE PORCH: The Wednesday night concert series opens with music by Rough Edges on June 4, followed by High West Bluegrass on June 11, Coyote Crossing on June 18 and Sage Creek on June 25. Bring a blanket or chair. Performances start at 7 p.m. in front of Bowers Mansion, 4005 Bowers Mansion Road, New Washoe City. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Visit www.washoecounty.gov/parks.
PUNK ROCK PRIDE: Reno Punk Rock Flea Market presents its second annual all-ages event showcasing queer artists, musicians, performers and vendors. There will be a drag performance, tarot readings, a possum pile clothing exchange, mutual aid groups and music by Opaque Opioids and Glitter Ghost, among others. The festivities last from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 21, at Note-Able Music Therapy Services, 2590 Orovada St. General admission tickets are $10 in advance and $15 day of show. Admission is free for kids ages 12 and younger. Visit www.rprfm.org or www.facebook.com/rprfm.
RAGECON: The 10th annual tabletop gaming convention features exhibitors, tournaments, special guests and more. Gaming is open all weekend for 24 hours a day starting at 10 a.m., Friday, June 27, and ending at 10 p.m., Sunday, June 29, at the Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. Second St. Admission badges are $40-$90. Visit www.ragecon.com.
RAINBOW RUN, ROCK & ROLL: Part of Truckee Pride Week, the festival includes a 5k fun run/walk, a shortened course for those on wheels, live musical performances, local art vendors, community booths, food trucks and more. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, June 1, at Truckee River Regional Park, 10500 Brockway Road, Truckee, Calif. Festival admission is free; entry into the run is $30-$45. Visit www.tahoeexpeditionacademy.org/rrrr.
RENO BASQUE FESTIVAL: The 57th annual celebration of Basque culture and heritage features traditional food, music, folk dances, weightlifting and wood-chopping exhibitions. Arts and crafts will be available for purchase. Admission is free. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 19, at the McKinley Arts and Culture Center, 925 Riverside Drive. Visit renobasqueclub.org or artown.org.
RENO RIVER FESTIVAL: The annual celebration of outdoor adventure and fun on the Truckee River offers three days of activities, attractions and entertainment, including the Reno Tahoe Adventure Park, Yoga in the Park, Art on the Rocks, Vendor Village, Food Fest and Rubber Duck Scavenger Hunt. Twenty four music acts will perform on two stages with headliners Spin Doctors on May 30, Alien Ant Farm on May 31, and IrieFuse on June 1. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, May 30; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, May 31; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, June 1, at Idlewild Park, 2055 Idlewild Drive. A three-day festival pass is $12; admission is free for kids age 17 and younger. Entry fees range $25-$180 for the Great Reno River Rally, Bucket Golf Tournament, Hops and Happiness Tour and other festival events. Visit renoriverfestival.com.
RENO RODEO: Dubbed the “wildest, richest rodeo in the West,” the 106th annual event includes a cattle drive, Xtreme Bull riding, a drill team and other rodeo competitions, a kids’ rodeo, carnival rides and more from Thursday, June 19, through Saturday, June 28. Tickets are $17-$32. Scotty McCreery will headline the K-Bull 98.1 Reno Rodeo Kickoff Concert on Wednesday, June 18. Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 on the day of the event. The rodeo takes place at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, 1350 N. Wells Ave. Visit renorodeo.com.
RENO STREET FOOD—FOOD TRUCK EVENTS: The annual food truck event expands to Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at three different locations. Choose from multiple rotating food, dessert and drink vendors. Bring a blanket or chair, and relax on the grass while enjoying live music. Food Truck Friday takes place from 4 to 9 p.m., June 6-Aug. 29, at Idlewild Park, 1900 Idlewild Drive. Food Truck Wednesday is from 4 to 8 p.m., June 11-Aug. 6, at Cyan Park, 2121 Long Meadow Drive, Reno. Food Truck Thursday runs from 4 to 8 p.m., June 12-Aug. 7, at North Valleys Regional Park, 8085 Silver Lake Road, Reno. Visit www.facebook.com/RenoStreetFood.
RENO TAHOE ODYSSEY: The Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure (RTO) is a relay from Reno to Lake Tahoe and back to Reno, making a 178-mile loop around the Reno-Tahoe region. It starts Saturday, May 30, at the Glow Plaza at the J Resort, and goes along the Truckee River in downtown Reno, and passes through Truckee, Tahoe City, South Lake Tahoe, Genoa, Carson City and Virginia City before returning to Reno and finishing back at the Glow Plaza, on Sunday, May 31. The course is divided into 36 legs or segments, with each leg averaging about five miles. Visit renotahoeodyssey.com.
ROLLIN’ RENO: The outdoor roller-skating event expands to five nights a week this summer. The grand opening party features live music, local artisans, food and drink trucks, a classic car display, activities and all-day skating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, June 14, at City Plaza (aka Believe Plaza), 30 N. Virginia St. Entry is $5 (card or Apple Pay only) for skate rental, and free if you bring your own skates. Visit downtownreno.org/rollinreno.
SIERRA NEVADA LAVENDER AND HONEY FESTIVAL: The eighth annual event celebrates all things lavender and honey. There will be demonstrations and educational exhibits by lavender growers and beekeepers, food made with lavender and honey, a lavender bonnet and honey hat contest, arts and crafts booths, a chalk walk and live music and entertainment, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 13, at Idlewild Park, 1900 Idlewild Drive. Admission is free. No pets, except service dogs, will be allowed on the festival grounds. Visit www.lavenderandhoneyfest.com.
SILVER AGE COMIC CON: The pop-culture and comic convention is a family-friendly event that celebrates comic books, movies, fantasy and sci-fi, superheroes, collectibles and more. Special guests scheduled to appear include Adam Baldwin, Amy Allen, Tony Oliver, Jon St. John, Floydman Sumner and Luis Rivera, among other actors, artists and cosplayers. The event is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, July 12-13, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St. Tickets are $10-$75. Entry is free for kids age 12 and younger accompanied by a paying adult. Visit www.silveragecomiccon.com.
SLAVIC FESTIVAL CONCERT: The Balalaika and Domra Association of America (BDAA) will hold its 45th annual conference in Reno. Members of the BDAA will perform orchestral pieces featuring the balalaika, domra, bayan and other associated instruments at a concert open to the public. The musicians will be joined by instrumental virtuosos, folk singers and traditional Slavic dancers at the concert, which starts at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 12, at Circus Circus, 500 N. Sierra St. Tickets are $15-$28. Visit artown.org or www.altbdaa.com.
STANDUP COMEDY NIGHT WITH ADAM CAROLLA: The comedian and car enthusiast returns to the National Automobile Museum for an evening of laughs, classic cars and his personal Paul Newman race car collection. A VIP meet and greet starts at 6 p.m., followed by the main show at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 1 Museum Drive. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $50 for the VIP meet and greet. Visit automusuem.org.
STAR-SPANGLED SPARKS: Celebrate Independence Day with arts and crafts booths, food and drink vendors, live entertainment and a fireworks display shot off the rooftops of the Nugget Casino Resort. The fun begins at 3 p.m., Friday, July 4, along Victorian Avenue in downtown Sparks. The fireworks show starts after 9:45 p.m. (wind conditions permitting). Admission is free. Visit williamsltd.com/star-spangled-sparks-4th-festival-crafts or www.cnty.com/nugget.
STREET VIBRATIONS SPRING RALLY: The 16th annual motorcycle celebration condenses the elements of the larger Fall Rally into one weekend. There will be motorcycle shows, live entertainment, poker runs and vendors selling motorcycle gear and related items. The motorcycle rally takes place Friday through Sunday, June 6-8, along C Street in Virginia City. Free festival admission. Visit www.visitrenotahoe.com/events/street-vibrations-spring-rally-2025
SUMMER FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL: Arts for All Nevada presents a fun-filled day of creativity for the whole family. Explore the Lake Mansion; participate in arts and crafts activities; meet local historian Patty Cafferata, and more. The Artown event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, July 12, at the Lake Mansion Arts and Cultural Center, 250 Court St. Admission is free. Visit www.artsforallnevada.org.
SUMMER STARGAZING NIGHTS: Astronomy experts will offer guided telescope viewings, and attendees can learn all about constellations and deep sky objects, all in a peaceful setting out in the Red Rock hills, far from city lights, from 9 to 10:30 p.m. on Fridays, May 30, June 27, July 25, and Aug. 15 at Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary, 1265 Deerlodge Road. Tickets are $20-$40 (includes same-day admission to park). Visit animalark.org.
TRUCKEE PRIDE WEEK: The second annual festival celebrates Pride Month and Truckee’s LGBTQIA+ community with a week of activities and events across the Truckee-Tahoe region. The celebration starts with Tahoe Expedition Academy’s Rainbow Run, Rock & Roll 5k fun run/walk/roll on the Truckee River Legacy Trail, followed by a kickoff event at the Sunset Lounge inside the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe on Sunday, June 1. Other highlights include Punk Pride and Sparkle Bike Night on Thursday, June 5, Clear the Path: A Pride Trail Stewardship Day on Friday, June 6, Community Picnic and Film Screening and It’s Camp! Queer Ascent Party featuring Pattie Gonia on Saturday, June 7, and Drag Brunch on Sunday, June 8. Locations and prices vary. Visit truckeepride.org.
VALHALLA RENAISSANCE FAIRE: Enjoy two weekends of action-packed shows, music, dancing, jesters, Shakespearean vignettes, choreographed battles, vendors and more. The theme for the first weekend is “Pirate Invasion.” The following weekend is “Masquerade and Fantasy.” Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16 and 23; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 17 and 24, at Tahoe Valley Campground, 1175 Melba Drive, South Lake Tahoe, Calif. Tickets are $15-25. Admission is free for kids age 6 and younger. Visit valhallafaire.com or www.facebook.com/valhallafaire.
VIRGINIA CITY ODDITIES SHOW: Explore Mackay Mansion, and stroll the gardens where weirdness and wonder collide during a sideshow of visual and performance art presented by the Menagerie Oddities Market. Vendors will sell unusual wares, including bones, bugs, taxidermy, bizarre art, strange home decor, unique fine jewelry, collectibles, medical specimens and antiques. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 7; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, June 8, at the Mackay Mansion Museum, 291 S. D St., Virginia City. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door (not including museum tours). A two-day pass is $45. Free entry for kids under age 5. Museum tours are $7-$14. Visit www.therealmackaymansion.com or www.themenagerieodditiesmarket.com.