RENO - SPARKS  EVENTS  GUIDE

A CALENDAR OF YEARLY EVENTS IN THE RENO-SPARKS AREA

& SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

      PLEA SE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY EVENT

 

JANUARY:

New Years Eve Fireworks

Downtown Casinos

 

FEBRUARY:

Reno Blues Society's Mardi Gras Dance Party

Held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Held in Virginia City on the Saturday Before St. Patrick’s Day

Tahoe Snow Festival

Starting the last weekend in February, and running for 10 Days
with games, events, and a parade.

 

MARCH:

Nevada Women’s Expo

Held at the Reno Convention Center

APRIL:

Big Reno Gun Show

Held at the Grand Sierra Resort Casino

Reno Jazz Festival

Held at the University of Nevada. Reno

The 46th Annual Reno Jazz Festival features Lee Konitz and The Collective, Roy Haynes
Quartet, Festival Showcase and Awards Ceremony, educational clinics and two full days
of competition performances featuring Middle School, High School, and College Groups
from around the west.  Passes and individual tickets available.

 

MAY:

Cinco de Mayo Festival

Held at Victorian Square - Downtown Sparks

This celebration of Mexican culture is a two-day event featuring a variety of popular
national and local entertainment with food, craft, and informational booths.

Reno River Festival  

The annual Reno River Festival has quickly become one of the largest and most popular
whitewater festivals in the country.  Now in its 5^th year, the festival attracts some of the
world’s top record holders and is held at the Truckee River Whitewater Park in downtown
Reno.  The whitewater course totals 2,600 feet of class 2 and 3 rapids, on a difficulty scale 
from 1 to 6, and includes north and south channels that surround an island with 7,000
tons of smooth flat rocks along the shores for easy river access and spectator seating.

Bartley Ranch Summer Concerts

Starts in Late May Thru The End of August

Bartley Ranch Regional Park - Hawkins Amphitheater

 

JUNE:

Sparks Hometowne Farmers Market

Runs June Thru August

The market features more than 100 vendors offering fresh-picked produce, breads,
pastries and gourmet foods, plus cooking demonstrations, live entertainment and
unique items for the home and garden. The Farmers Market is held on Thursday
evenings from 4 to 9 p.m. at Victorian Square in Sparks.

Americas Most Beautiful Bike Ride

This 18th annual ride around Lake Tahoe has built a reputation for its spectacular
scenery, as well as for its great support. Held annually the first Sunday in June, the
event includes a boat cruise, 35-mile fun ride and a 72-mile ride around the lake, as
well as a 100-mile “century” ride.

The course circles the lake with a challenging 800-foot climb to a vista point overlooking
serene Emerald Bay . Proceeds benefit the Lake Tahoe Bikeway, a program dedicated to
building interconnecting bike lanes and trails around Lake Tahoe , and is the culmination
of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America’s National Team-in-Training spring
fund-raising program.

 Rollin’ On  The River

 Runs June Thru August

 Friday Night Free Concerts in the Wingfield Park Amphitheater next to the Truckee River.

Street Vibrations Spring Rally

Street Vibrations Spring Fever Rally condenses the excitement of Street Vibrations into
one weekend in Sparks, Victorian Square.  It’s the second annual event and will include
the Controlled Burn Fire Dancers, live entertainment, bike games, competition ride-in
shows, poker runs and walks, more than 80 vendors, VIP parties for participants and
much more.

Carson City Rendezvous

This event is a rendezvous of all things “Wild West” including a Mountain Man
Encampment, Civil War Reenactments, Cowboy Stunt Shows, Camel Rides, Pueblo de
Nevada Village, a Blacksmithing Competition, Native American Dancing, Live Music,
Arts and Crafts.

Reno Rodeo - The Wildest - Richest Rodeo in the West

Reno Rodeo is now a 10-day event in its 89th year and is a PRCA (Professional Rodeo
Cowboys Association) sanctioned sporting event.  Reno Rodeo is a Non-Profit
organization made up over 500 volunteers.  Over 120,000 fans will be in attendance.

Wrangler World’s Greatest Roper

The Wrangler World’s Greatest Roper is one of Pro Rodeo’s most unique events, and
is patterned after the highly successful Wrangler Timed Event Championship — The
event is a true all-around test of roping skills.

Nevada Humanities Chautauqua Festival

Celebrating its 17th anniversary, The 2008 Chautauqua focused on Abraham Lincoln
and the Civil War.  The Great Basin Chautauqua Festival also incorporates Young
Chautauqua that includes children aged eight to 18 who research and develop
characters for six months before performing in front of the festival audience. 
Located at the Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch Regoinal Park.

Great BBQ, Brew, & Blues Festival

Hosted by the Eldorado Hotel & Casino

 

 JULY:

Artown

Artown brings the outer reaches of imagination to the center of attention in a calendar
noted by the National Endowment for the Arts as one of the most comprehensive festival
offerings in the country.  Each July, Artown asks all who will to leave the beaten path for
arts unknown, to join with distinguished artists from down the street, across the country,
and around the world for a month-long celebration of cultural diversity and artistic
innovation.  To experience the best and the latest in visual, performing and humanities
arts-more than 350 events, all counted-from those who want nothing more than to
entertain, to inspire, and yes, to impress the 350,000 people that experience our festival
annually.

Fourth  Of  July

It wouldn't be Independence Day without fireworks and Reno-Tahoe takes pyrotechnics
to a whole new level.  Catch firework shows at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno;
The Star Spangled Sparks event at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks;
Carson City's Cavalcade of Spectaculars at Mills Park;
Or at any of four Lake Tahoe locations including; Kings Beach, Tahoe City, Incline Village,
and South Lake Tahoe.

Great International Chicken Wing Society's Annual Chicken Wing Cook-off

Get ready for the Great International Chicken Wing Society's 7th Annual Chicken Wing
Cook-off Event in Downtown Reno held on the 1st Saturday in July!  Information on
how you can enter your special sauce in this years event

Region III Championship Arabian Horse Show

Reno Sparks Livestock Events Center


Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

Introducing the 2009 Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival summer season - a year that
aims to be the most exciting, diverse and engaging in the event's 37 year history.
Offering a varied program each summer featuring Shakespearean classics.

Tahoe Arts Festival

The annual Tahoe Arts Festival celebrates the best in visiual and performing arts at
the Cal-Neva Resort, Spa and Casino in Crystal Bay in North Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe Music Festival

Sit back and relax under the stars as the Lake Tahoe Music Festival celebrates its
27th anniversary of bringing exciting contemporary artists to venues in the North
Lake Tahoe area.

42nd Annual Reno Basque Festival

Celebrate Reno's Basque heritage at this annual event featuring traditional food,
dancing, a Basque Mass, and games for children and adults, in addition to sporting competitions including soka tira (tug-of-war), wood chopping and weight lifting.

Crossroads of the West Gun Show

Reno-Sparks Convention Center

Reno-Tahoe PGA Open

The Legends of the Sparks Marina Reno-Tahoe Open invites you to join in the PGA
action at Montraux Golf & Country Club during its 10th annual tournament.  Known
for its history-making moments.

 

AUGUST:

Silver Dollar Car Classic

The Silver Dollar Car Classic offers a Spectacular Fireworks Show, a Treasure Hunt,
Drive-In Movies, Champion Speedway Parade Laps, Contests, Prizes, and the Country's
only $1 Million Poker Run.  Help celebrate the show's 13 years of Classic Cars,
Speedway Excitement, and Hot-Rod Magic.
 

Hot August Nights

This nationally recognized annual celebration of vintage music and autos returns for
another famous cruise on the streets of Reno....

Shine your Chevy, Detail your Deuce Coupe, and Hustle your Hot Rod over to Reno and
Sparks'  Hot August Nights for a celebration of America's love affair with cars, and
Rock & Roll. 

Featuring: Thousands of Classic Cars;  Top Entertainers of the 50s and 60s;  Car Auctions:
Poker Runs;  Drag Races; and Parades;  This event is the best of the best for car lovers.

This 'Blast from the Past', allows Baby Boomers to relive the 'Happy Days', and it
provides an opportunity for those who didn't experience the wonderful '50's and '60's
years first-hand, to enjoy the era.

During Hot August Nights, the cars are 'cherry' and cruisin' is 'too cool'.  More than
800,000 people flock to this Event where cars are the stars, and rock 'n roll rules
through dozens of concerts -- most of them free -- throughout the Event.

There is a Prom night, where you can take your sweetheart and dance the night away.
Controlled cruises and show-n-shines, where you can watch rolling Rembrandts on
display.  If you are looking for parts for your car or a classic to take home there is a
Swap Meet, the Big Boy's Toy Store, and the 'Silver' Auction.  So much to do, so much
to see, make your plans to visit Hot August Nights today!

Reno Gay Pride Parade and Festival

Join the fun at Reno's 13th. Annual Gay Pride Celebration to be held in Wingfield Park.

Reno-Tahoe Blues Festival

Offering a total festival experience including food, merchandise and fun in a beautiful
outdoor park setting.  The Blues Fest has played host to some of the biggest names in
Rhythm and Blues, including:  Patti LaBelle; Chaka Khan; Shemekia Copeland; Eddie
Cotton; Gladys Knight; Etta James; Blind Boys of Alabama;  Keb Mo; and Sista Monica.

Reno  Greek_Festival

Celebrate with Reno's Greek Community at this annual event featuring traditional food,
dancing, and games for children and adults.  Held at Saint Anthony’s Greek Orthodox
Church - 4795 Lakeside Drive

Nevada State Fair

Visit the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center from Noon to Midnight for Exhibits and
Events, Entertainment, Rides, Carnival Games and more.

Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off

Held the Last Weekend in August at Spark's Victorian Square

Hosted By: John Ascuaga’s Nugget Hotel & Casino

Burning Man Festival

Every year, tens of thousands of participants gather to create ' Black Rock City' in the
Black Rock Desert of Nevada, dedicated to Self-Expression, Self-Reliance, and Art as
the basis and center of the community.

SEPTEMBER:

50th. Annual Virginia City International Camel Races

While they're not known for thier speed and agility, these 'Desert Troopers' hit the
racetrack as a nostalgic reminder of the Comstock Lode's bonanza days.  In addition
to the Camel, Ostrich, and Emu races, there are numerous Specialty Acts, Daily Parades,
and more.

The Great Reno Balloon Race

The Great Reno Balloon Race is the Largest Free Hot Air Ballooning Event in the Nation. During three days in early September, you can look up into the Reno skies and see a
rainbow of hot air balloons soaring about.  From its humble beginnings in 1982, with just
20 balloons, The Great Reno Balloon Race has taken flight with more than 100 balloons
each year.  Taking place just a few miles north of downtown Reno, the event enchants
both young and old with its vibrant colors and inspiring music.

A trademark of the race is its 'Dawn Patrol' that takes place as the sun rises and provides
an amazing spectacle as balloons glow, twinkle, and fly along with choreographed music.

More than just an exhibition of gorgeous flying machines, The Great Reno Balloon Race brings together the nation's top balloonists competing in events.

Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival

This fantastic annual event festival is a feast for the senses, appealing to locals and
visitors alike for over 20 years. Past events have included wine tasting, special dinners,
cooking contests, cocktail making seminars, raffles and auctions, celebrity appearances
and much more!

Tour de Tahoe Bike Big Blue

This 7th annual bike ride challenges riders with a 72-mile ride around Lake Tahoe,
including an 800-foot climb overlooking Emerald Bay.

Another opportunity to ride around beautiful Lake Tahoe’s 72-mile shoreline. And,
just like the Spring ride, Tour de Tahoe around the Lake offers spectacular scenery,
great food and support.  It also offers Tahoe's  famous sightseeing Boat Cruise, and
a 35-Mile Fun Ride.  This is a great opportunity to enjoy the end of Summer on the
roadways around Lake Tahoe.  Limited to 2000 participants.

National Championship Air Races

The World's Longest Running Air Race is the only place where you can see five days of
Real Air Racing, among Six Classes of Aircraft, that reach speeds of more than 500 miles
per hour!

The event also features military static and historic airplane displays along with jaw
dropping aerobatic exhibitions.  While enjoying the races, spectators can visit the pits
and watch race teams work on the airplanes, get autographs from their favorite race
pilots, browse hundreds of vendor booths, and take pleasure in a wide variety of food
and beverages.
 

Oktoberfest 

The Silver Club in Sparks hosts this annual event that pays tribute to Bavarian culture.
Including an outdoor 'Foodgarten and Biergarten', a 'Craftgarten Street Fair' filled with
Artisan booths. and a 'Kindergarten area' for children of all ages to enjoy face painting,
Harvest-themed games, and other activities.  This event is free to the public.

Street Vibrations

Get your motor running with five days of Motorcycle Tours, Poker Runs, Parades,
Concerts, Live Entertainment, Ride-In Shows, and numerous Vendors.

Street Vibrations Motorcycle Festival is a celebration of Music, Metal, and Motorcycles.
Street Vibrations offers tours, live entertainment, parades, ride-in shows, stunt shows
and so much more.

This event is open to all motorcycles, and is so big, that it rocks at several locations
throughout the region.  Major event venues are planned at Harley-Davidson Dealerships
in Carson City and Reno and in historic Virginia City.  And a ride to what Mark Twain
called “the fairest picture the whole earth affords,” Lake Tahoe -- provides unparalleled entertainment.

Flirt with Lady Luck during poker walks and runs and during slot tournaments.  It’s
HOG heaven!  Don’t miss America’s Finest Custom Bike Builder’s Expo to view the latest
creations.  Also check out the Tattoo Expo for Body Art Extraordinaire.
  

Genoa Candy Dance

The 98th annual Genoa Candy Dance, a craft fair like none other, is held in the small
town of Genoa....

This event is located within a short drive from Carson City the state's capital, and is a
perfect place to start Holiday Gift Shopping.  It's the ultimate Candy and Craft sale with artisans from all over Northern Nevada flocking to sell their wares.  Breathe in the
small-town spirit of an old-fashioned craft sale, and stock up on candy and sugar plums
for the winter season.

OCTOBER:

19th Annual Reno Celtic Celebration  

Experience true tradition at this Celtic celebration featuring bagpipe bands, Irish
and Highland dancing, Celtic crafters, athletic competition, and much more.

World Championship Outhouse Races

Take an adventure back in time during historic Virginia City's World Championship
Outhouse Races....

This hilarious Comstock tradition pits teams of costumed outhouse racers against
each other as one person rides and the remaining team members manage to push,
pull or drag the outhouse quickly down the track.  The always outrageous outhouse
parade on Saturday features Virginia City's famous "Plungerettes".

Great Italian Festival

The annual installment of this proud Italian heritage is sponsored by, and held in the
streets surrounding the Eldorado Hotel Casino in downtown Reno.

Enjoy a fun-filled day including; Grape-Stomping, and Spaghetti-Eating contests;
Eat Italian food, sample gelato;  There's Booths, Face Painting, a Farmers Market,
and Live Entertainment.

Tahoe/Reno International Film Festival

Tahoe/Reno International Film Festival (T-RIFF) presents a five-day exploration
of soul stirring and spirited independent film contributions that open the hearts
and minds of movie lovers.  In addition to screening a rare and diverse spectrum of
films, T-RIFF hosts workshops, tributes, parties, a gala and a short script competition.
The winning screenplay is made into a film and screened during the festival.

Nevada Day Celebration

Enjoy four days of events in Carson City during the celebration of Nevada’s birthday
into Statehood, including a Best Beard Contest, Food, Music, and the Largest Parade
in the state, the Nevada Day Parade.

 

NOVEMBER:

 

DECEMBER:

Christmas on the Comstock at Virginia City

The celebration starts on Dec. 1 with The Parade of Lights and continues through the
month to include the Crafts Faire and Gingerbread Social.  Enjoy shopping specials, entertainment and more.

Sparks Hometowne Christmas

This annual celebration showcases a colorful holiday parade, family entertainment,
photos with Santa, arts and crafts vendors and a spectacular tree lighting ceremony.

 

AGAIN, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY EVENT.

NOTE:  It is not our intention to purposely omit certain businesses.  To have your
annual event included here, or to provide more information on your event, please
contact us.