From spring through fall, Reno’s streets and parks come alive with festivals celebrating the arts, food, history, the Wild West, American car culture and more. Many can be the setting for customized group events and all can be enjoyed as free-time options.
“Reno and Sparks offer the most large special events of any destination in North America, many that are completely unique,” says Christopher Baum, president and CEO of the Reno-Sparks CVA. “These are great options to offer people who are meeting here during those times.”
Reno Street Food: Party in the Park
Food trucks proffering an eclectic variety of local-taste experiences converge in Idlewild Park on Friday nights from late May through early October. The event typically draws up to 2,000 locals and visitors to enjoy the eats, chill on the lawn and hear live music.
Reno Tahoe International Film Festival
Independent films and filmmakers are celebrated at this new festival, which made its debut this year with screenings in Reno, Sparks and North Lake Tahoe locations. Held in early June, the four-day festival also features an entertainment and tech expo; guest speakers on such topics as screenwriting, production and new media; and two awards ceremonies honoring filmmakers.
Reno Rodeo
Billed as the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West,” the Reno Rodeo is a premier stop on the ProRodeo Tour. Starting in mid-June, it features 10 nights of rodeo events where over 700 contestants compete in everything from bull riding to steer roping and barrel racing. Other events include drill team competitions and cattle penning.
Nevada Humanities Chautauqua
Held for three nights in late June at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater, this living history program provides dramatic insight into the people and events that have shaped the nation. Historical figures running the gamut from Julia Child and Theodore Roosevelt to Huey Long are brought to life by costumed performers who present theatrical monologues about the characters they portray. Afterward, the audience can engage the characters in a question and answer session. Workshops, roundtable discussions and musical performances are also part of the festivities.
Artown
Named one of the most comprehensive art festivals in the U.S. by the National Endowment for the Arts, Artown presents over 500 events, including live music, dance and theatrical performances, film screenings, workshops, visual arts, fashions shows and tours. Spread over the entire month of July, many Artown events are free and primarily take place in Wingfield Park along the Truckee River in downtown Reno.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
No theatrical venue could be more spectacular than the lakeside amphitheater at Sand Harbor State Park, where the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival presents a featured play on evenings during July and August. Along with discounted tickets, groups can enjoy everything from a casual picnic to an elaborate catered event prior to the performance.
Hot August Nights
Restored hot rods and sexy muscle cars from decades past take center stage at this nostalgic week-long event, which features over 5,000 classic cars on display as well as an auction, swap meet and drag races. The music of the 1960s is a major component, with headliners and tribute bands featured at Reno’s Grand Sierra Resort and Casino and Sparks’ Victorian Square.
National Championship Air Races
In its 52nd year, this top-rated air show features varieties of aircraft racing each other at speeds of up to 500 mph. Besides the races and flight demonstrations, which take place at Reno Stead Airport over five days in mid-September, spectators have close-up access to racing aircraft, pilots and pit crews. Groups can arrange for luxury box seating and access to the Checkered Flag Club, which offers premium dining, official merchandise and entertainment.
Blue Jeans Jam
New this year, this festival during the first weekend in October celebrates the invention of riveted blue jeans by Reno tailor Jacob Davis, who partnered with Levi Strauss & Co. in the 1870s. It features concerts, visual displays and a retail marketplace devoted to all things denim.