Every destination claims to have amazing events, but Reno, as all locals know, takes “amazing” to a whole new level. The listings on this page are just a small sample of the hundreds of events that take place in Reno every year…
Images and Text Courtesy of the RCSVA
See The “Iconic Events” of the Reno/Tahoe Here >
The Fabulous
Reno River Festival
This festival kicks off summer in Reno Tahoe and is just one reason why tens of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Truckee River in downtown Reno. Enjoy two days of live music, food, libations, the craft beer village, and lots of interactive summer and outdoor experiences.
The Iconic
Reno Rodeo
Featuring 10 days and nights of the best rodeo competition in the country with over 750 professional athletes. Enjoy two world-class team roping events, professional bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bronc riding, an opening night concert and a heaping helping of fun. Mosey on down to Reno in June.
The Amazing Reno
ARTOWN Festival
Embraced by the community since 1996, July in Reno only means one thing, ARTOWN! This arts and cultural festival features over 500 multidisciplinary events including music, dance, theater, visual arts, workshops, art walks, and much more. Offering a majority of events free to the public, experience fun for the whole family, and celebrate all that the arts have to offer.
The World Famous
Hot August Nights
August rocks with the largest classic car and nostalgia event in the country. Vintage and muscle car and classic rock music enthusiasts pay tribute to exquisitely powerful automobiles and electrifying music of the 50’s through 80’s. Over 6,000 vehicles participate in events throughout Reno and Sparks. There are show-n-shines, nightly cruises, drag races and burnouts, AutoCross, a swap meet, Auto Drifting, and a classic car auction.
Oh-So-Close to Reno
But a World Away…
Burning Man
Burning Man isn’t your usual festival (and is likely not for everyone).
But it is a vibrant participatory metropolis/event. In late August, Burners gather in Northern Nevada’s Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, a temporary, high-octane entertaining metropolis dedicated to community, art, self-reliance, self-expression, and self-discovery. Art is created (and shared), ideas are exchanged, and “experience” is what it is all about.
The Delicious, Best in the West
Nugget Rib Cook-Off
Enjoy the country’s best grilling competition each Labor Day weekend. Two dozen of the world’s top barbecue competitors serve up more than 240,000 pounds of ribs for hungry event-goers on Victorian Square in Sparks. Enjoy live headline entertainment and loads of vendors. Come hungry, leave satisfied, thanks to mounds of delicious ribs.
The Awe-Inspiring
Great Reno Balloon Race
Soaring high above the Reno skyline, upwards of 80+ beautiful hot-air balloons take flight each September. It has been one of Reno’s most colorful and spectacular events for over three decades and is a world-renowned and locally beloved community tradition. Sure, it might be a bit earlier than you’re used to, but this Kodak moment is definitely worth the wake!
And Just Over The Hill
From Cold Springs Valley,
The Reno Air Show
The event combines the world’s best military and civilian air entertainment to offer one of the most unique air show events. This exciting, one-of-a-kind event showcases aerial and on-the-ground edge-of-your-seat aerial and on-the-ground displayed… add some up-close access to aircraft, pilots, and crews in the “pits”, the new format of the Reno Airshow is a must-see for everyone!
Reno’s Very Own
Street Vibrations
In September, the last great motorcycle rally of the season rolls into downtown Reno (and Tahoe, Carson, and Virginia City too!). There’s free live music on multiple outdoor stages, an unbelievable array of vendor booths, poker runs, scavenger hunts, major concerts, a tattoo expo, and a fireworks display in downtown Reno. Over 250 vendors and 10 factory rigs sell motorcycle accessories, themed art, crafts, apparel, and food.
Learn More about Reno at The Amazing Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) Website!
