RENO TAHOE USA

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

2016

RENO RODEO

ARTOWN

HOT AUGUST NIGHTS

BEST IN THE WEST NUGGET RIB COOK-OFF

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES

BARRACUDA CHAMPIONSHIP

LAKE TAHOE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

BURNING MAN

THE GREAT RENO BALLOON RACE

STREET VIBRATIONS FALL RALLY

Photo: Joy Strotz

Photo: Marcello Rostagni

JUNE 16-25, RENO RODEO

JUNE 27-JULY 3, BARRACUDA CHAMPIONSHIP, PGA TOUR GOLF TOURNAMENT

JUNE 30-JULY 31, ARTOWN

JULY 8-AUGUST 21, LAKE TAHOE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

AUGUST 2-7, HOT AUGUST NIGHTS

AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5, BURNING MAN

AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 5, BEST IN THE WEST NUGGET RIB COOK-OFF

SEPTEMBER 9-11, THE GREAT RENO BALLOON RACE

SEPTEMBER 14-18, NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES

SEPTEMBER 21-25, STREET VIBRATIONS FALL RALLY

The Top TenLet’s face it. Every destination claims to have great special events, but Reno Tahoe has oodles of EXTRAORDINARY special events that are absolutely amazing. Here are 10 celebrated 2016 events that make our destination notorious for guaranteeing a great time. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg! Check out VisitRenoTahoe.com and discover your reason to plan a trip.

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VisitRenoTahoe.com

BARRACUDA CHAMPIONSHIP

LAKE TAHOE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

JANUARY 7-10RENO LATIN DANCE FEST & SHOWCASEDowntown RenoA Latin dance festival featuring beginner bootcamps, dance parties and the world-class Dance Showcase. A variety of instructional workshops will be offered, including Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba and more. renolatindancefest.com

JANUARY 21-23THE SHEEP SHOWReno-Sparks Convention CenterWild Sheep Foundation is the largest conservation and mountain hunting convention and features hundreds of exhibitors, entertainers and educational events, as well as $5 million in online, silent and live auctions. The Expo is open to the public. wildsheepfoundation.org

JANUARY 29BREW HAHADowntown Sparks

Enjoy all-you-can-drink responsibly at the 21st annual event. Sample more than 100 types of beer from local, regional and national breweries while enjoying great live music. nuggetcasinoresort.com

FEBRUARY 18-21EAGLES & AGRICULTURE Carson Valley Explore the interaction between eagles and other raptors at the ranches of Carson Valley. The event includes tours of ranches accompanied by expert birders and historians, a wildlife photography class and the popular Owl Prowl and Falconers Dinner, where guests can get up close to a variety of raptors. carsonvalleynv.org

Events & Festivals

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FEBRUARY – MARCHRAHLVES’ BANZI TOURLake TahoeBig mountain freeride meets ski/boarder-cross event in head-to-head race action. The two stop tour has competitions at Kirk-wood (Feb 27-28) and Sugar Bowl (Mar 5-6). rahlvesbanzi.com

MARCH 3-13NORTH LAKE TAHOE SNOWFEST!North Lake TahoeIt’s the largest winter carnival west of the Mississippi; featuring a torchlight parade, laser show, fireworks, two downtown parades, GarWoods Polar Bear Swim, Dog Pull, The Great Ski Race, SnowFest! Queen and more. tahoesnowfestival.com

MARCH 4-6MONSTER JAMReno-Sparks Livestock Events CenterIt’s the hottest edge-of-your-seat, live motor sports event on the planet and largest touring family show in North America! 1500 HP monster trucks fly 30 feet in the air, flattening anything in their path. monsterjam.com

MARCH 5-6MCKINNEY CUP FAR WEST MASTERS RACE Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe Watch some the fastest skiers face off in two days of Giant Slalom on Silver Dollar, one of the best GS hills in the Far West that features a long course with interesting terrain. skirose.com

MARCH 12ROCKY MOUNTAIN OYSTER FRY & ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADEVirginia CityThis historic mining town goes “nuts” for St. Patrick’s Day as folks line up to sample tasty testes prepared by chefs competing for bragging rights. Top off the fun with a parade. visitvirginiacitynv.com

Photo: Rahlves’ Banzi Tour

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MARCH 18-20SHRINE CIRCUSReno-Sparks Livestock Events CenterLadies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages! Enjoy elephants, exotic animals, trapeze acts, motorcycles, clowns, face painting, lions, tigers and more. kerakshrine.com/circus

MARCH 18-20HIGH DESERT STEAM CON 2016Downtown SparksDiscover all things Steampunk to delight the senses and amuse the mind. The gathering includes vendors, tea dueling, Steampunk art, workshops, panels, Steam Nerf Arcade, The Time Traveler’s Ball and other activities. highdesertsteam.com/steam-con

APRIL 1-3WINTERWONDERGRASS TAHOESquaw ValleyMusic fans are in for a treat at this boutique winter music fes-tival featuring lively bluegrass and acoustic roots music, craft beers, wine, spirits and food. The outdoor gathering focuses on sustainability, support of the arts and local nonprofits. winterwondergrasstahoe.com

APRIL 14-17RENO UKULELE FESTIVAL Downtown Sparks The 8th annual festival is one of the largest events in the coun-try that celebrates the growing popularity of the diminutive instrument. Ukulele performances, instruction, builders, ven-dors and fans will enjoy concerts, workshops and camaraderie. playuke.net

APRIL 27-MAY 1RENO XTREME BARREL RACEReno-Sparks Livestock Events Center The strong tradition of superb rodeo events continues with this inaugural Reno competition. Marvel as top athletes and beautiful horses, representing over 10 states, compete in this fast-paced sporting event. The daily barrel racing and western trade show is free to the public. burns1876.com

Photo: WinterWonderGrass

APRIL 28-30RENO JAZZ FESTIVAL RenoEnjoy one of the world’s largest and most enduring celebra-tions of jazz, featuring concerts, competitions and a festival showcase. This year’s guest artists include acclaimed jazz guitarist Lage Lund, UNR acclaimed faculty ensemble The Col-lective, and the Grammy Award-winning band Snarky Puppy. unr.edu/rjf

APRIL 28-MAY 1GENOA COWBOY FESTIVALGenoaEnjoy talented cowboy poets, gifted musicians and craftsmen, horsemen, cooks, and folks who love and appreciate the West-ern lifestyle and the cowboy way. genoacowboyfestival.org

APRIL 29-MAY 1CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL RenoA celebration of Hispanic heritage with popular Mexican bands and dancing horses, Latin music, dancers, amateur boxing, free face painting, games and prizes, carnival rides, food and a variety of vendors. cincodemayoreno.com

APRIL 30-MAY 1VIRGINIA CITY GRAND PRIXVirginia City The world-famous outlaw motorcycle race starts in the his-toric mining town of Virginia City, then winds its way through the surrounding rocky hills in 4½ hours of rugged racing with speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. vcgp.com

MAY 6NITRO CIRCUSRenoFeaturing 30 of the world’s best extreme athletes in freestyle motocross, BMX and anything else you can imagine with wheels. Marvel at the world’s biggest and most dangerous stunts in a fully choreographed, action sports theatrical spectacular at the Reno Aces Ballpark. nitrocircus.com

MAY 6-8RENO SCULPTURE FEST Downtown RenoReno’s most effective and prolific community sculptors and builders create multiple interactive pieces that are showcased in downtown Reno. The temporary installation of these 6’ to 14’ tall works of art will coincide with events at surrounding venues. renosculpturefest.com

MAY 7 POLICE MEMORIAL PARADE & CAR SHOW Virginia City The parade honors officers that have given their lives in the line of duty and features beautifully restored police cruisers, fire engines and ambulances. It’s a day of education and a celebration of the rich history of law enforcement. visitvirginiacitynv.com

MAY 7-8RENO RIVER FESTIVAL Downtown RenoThis outdoor festival features free live music, a craft beer garden, food trucks, Yoga in the Park, vendors and shopping, free clinics, Adventure Park including a zip-line across the Truckee River, and a nationally recognized kayak competition. The event takes place in the heart of downtown Reno at the Truckee River Whitewater Park and is the highly anticipated kick-off to the special events season. renoriverfestival.com

MAY 13-15SPRING WINGS BIRD FESTIVALFallon

Experts from the Lahontan Audubon Society, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Nevada Department of Wildlife lead birding and wildlife tours to hot spots in the Lahontan Valley wetlands surrounding Fallon. There are fun hands-on activities, raptors on display and keynote speakers. springwings.org

Photo: Busboom Photography

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MAY 13-21RENO CRAFT BEER WEEK Reno, Sparks, Carson CityA celebration of fine ales and lagers produced and served by local breweries and brewpubs throughout the region. Beer dinners (and breakfasts), tap takeovers, tastings and education events. The festivities kick off with Backwash, Northern Nevada’s premier competition for home brewers. renocraftbeerweek.com

MAY 14-15CHILI ON THE COMSTOCKVirginia CityThe event hosts over 30 of the best chili cookers in the West, featuring all your favorite and tantalizing chili flavors. Enjoy the Fireball Saloon Crawl and family-friendly activities. visitvirginiacitynv.com

MAY 19AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIALake TahoeThe Amgen women’s tour features a grueling competitive road cycling race around Lake Tahoe. amgentourofcalifornia.com

MAY 20-22HOT AUGUST NIGHTS SPRING FEVER REVIVALDowntown RenoIn advance of the premier summertime classic car event, downtown Reno hums with the sound of powerful engines and dreamy sights as classic cars from bygone eras line the streets. Revel in Show-n-Shines and free live entertainment. hotaugustnights.net

JUNE 1-24NEVADA HUMANITIES FESTIVAL AND CHAUTAUQUA RenoA celebration of the humanities featuring a conversation series, film screenings, education and entertainment. One of the nation’s longest running Chautauqua festivals, the main-stage performances bring historical figures to life in theatrical monologues, providing dramatic insights into people and events that have shaped our nation. The 2016 theme is “The Culture of Food.” nevadahumanities.org

Photo: Susan Mantle

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JUNE 3-4RENO-TAHOE ODYSSEY RELAY RUN ADVENTURE Reno, Lake Tahoe and surrounding regions

Relay teams compete on a 178-mile odyssey. Sound impossible? Not when there are hundreds of people cheer-ing along the way. The course starts in downtown Reno and travels along the Truckee River, climbs up to beauti-ful Lake Tahoe, through the Northern Nevada high desert and back to Reno. renotahoeodyssey.com

JUNE 3-5STREET VIBRATIONS SPRING RALLYDowntown RenoAfter a long winter, it’s time to liberate your Harley from hiber-nation and enjoy a weekend of motorcycle fun at one of the first rallies of the season! There will be live entertainment on six stages, bike games, poker runs, over 80 vendor booths, VIP motorcycle participant parties and more. Free to the public to enjoy the outdoor concerts and vendors. Registration open to all motorcycles. roadshowsreno.com

JUNE 3-5SANDS EUROFEST 2016Downtown RenoSlip on your Lederhosen or Dirndl and celebrate all things European at the 18th annual festival. Enjoy a wide variety of European cuisine and beer, free live entertainment, dancing and a multitude of craft booths. sandsregency.com

JUNE 5AMERICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BIKE RIDE StatelineThis 25th annual bike riding event is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe and is known for spectacular scenery as well as great food and sup-port. Three ride distances accommodate riders of varying abili-ties, including the full 100-mile ride. bikethewest.com

JUNE 10-12OCTANE FEST FallonA week of high-powered motorsports, including dirt track rac-ing at Rattlesnake Raceway, top fuel drag racing at Top Gun Raceway, and a jamboree with monster trucks and freestyle motocross. octanefest.com

JUNE 11THE MIGHTY TOUR DE NEZDowntown RenoIt’s been dubbed “the coolest bike race in America” and fea-tures amateurs and professionals in a one-mile criterium and one of the biggest hand-cycle fields in the country. There are also clunker bikes and kids races. Held in an historic neighbor-hood near downtown Reno, the question has always been: “Is the Tour de Nez a bike race that hosts a party or a party that hosts a bike race?” tourdenez.com

JUNE 11THUNDERBIRD PADDLING FESTIVALIncline VillageSUP enthusiasts can compete, test new gear, browse the vendor expo or learn how to paddle in a unique and beauti-ful world-class paddling venue. Open to paddlers of all levels, there are 4 or 8-mile distance races. laketahoepaddling.com

JUNE 11COUNTRY CROSSROADSSparks This annual celebration of country music features live country entertainment, country music DJs, free line-dancing lessons and a cowboy-themed bar crawl. nuggetcasinoresort.com

JUNE 11-12TOUGH MUDDERNorthstar CaliforniaBoasting some of the steepest, fiercest climbs and most rugged, rocky cross country trails in America, Mother Nature and the course design team collaborate to tumultuously test your threshold for pain with world-class obstacles. This team-oriented event places camaraderie over finisher rankings. toughmudder.com

Photo: Sharktooth Media

JUNE 16PRCA XTREME BULLS Reno-Sparks Livestock Events CenterSanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the tour showcases Pro Rodeo‘s top bull riders from the PRCA world standings riding some of the rankest bulls the world has to offer. Fans will enjoy high energy and nonstop action at this opening night of the Reno Rodeo. renorodeo.com

JUNE 16-25RENO RODEO Reno-Sparks Livestock Events CenterIt’s the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West!,” with 10 nights of the best rodeo competition in the country and featuring over 750 professional athletes. Enjoy all of the fan favorites, including two world-class team roping events, professional bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bronc riding. The exciting Western action features an authentic cattle drive, parade, Double R Marketplace for Western shopping, food, carnival and Mutton Bustin’. renorodeo.com

JUNE 17-18THE GREAT ELDORADO BBQ, BREWS AND BLUES FESTIVAL Downtown RenoFire up the grills, tap the kegs and crank up the tunes for Reno’s best summer kick-off party! The festival is equal parts barbecue block party and microbrew tasting event that fea-tures more than 50 microbrews. Two stages feature nonstop rock and blues, and food booths offer savory cuisine. eldoradoreno.com

JUNE 17-26ADVENTURE SPORTS WEEK North Lake TahoeChallenge yourself with six competitive events that include trail running, mountain biking, triathlon, stand up paddleboarding and swimming. Free guided hikes, films, music and kids activities. adventuresportsweektahoe.com

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JUNE 17-19STEWART FATHER’S DAY POWWOWCarson CityBring the entire family to experience American Indian heritage, history and pride. The former Stewart Indian School (1890-1980) comes alive with over 100 dancers, Indian tacos and arts and crafts vendors. Admission is free. stewartindianschool.com

JUNE 18-19U.S. OPEN OF WATERCROSSSparksThe Pro Watercross National Tour brings their coveted U.S. Open to the Sparks Marina for the high-speed thrill of motorsports on water. The top U.S. and International athletes will race handle bar-to-handle bar for the title of national champion, utilizing some of the most advanced equipment and technology to push their watercraft to speeds over 90 miles per hour. prowatercross.com

JUNE 20BOB FEIST INVITATIONAL TEAM ROPINGReno-Sparks Livestock Events CenterBFI is the “richest one-day” team roping event and features the world’s top 100 teams competing for the coveted BFI championship. Part of the Reno Rodeo lineup, ropers from 23 states and Canada will participate. bobfeistinvitational.com

JUNE 23-26ROCKABILLY RIOTCarson CityShow off your ink and rock out “Rockabilly style” with tradi-tional and custom built hot rods. See car art, drag racing, a pin-up contest, live bands, vendors, pin stripe artists and a tattoo expo. renorockabillyriot.com

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JUNE 27-JULY 3THE BARRACUDA CHAMPIONSHIP, PGA TOUR GOLF TOURNAMENTRenoThe 18th Annual Barracuda Championship is a player favor-ite and the only tournament featuring the exciting Modified Stableford format, encouraging the PGA TOUR professionals to “go for it.” Notable players such as Geoff Ogilvy, Padraig Harrington, John Daly, Retief Goosen and two-time winner J.J. Henry have competed. The stunning Montrêux Golf & Country Club provides a spectacular backdrop for PGA TOUR action, and there are fan enhancements for the entire family. barracudachampionship.com

JUNE 30-JULY 31ARTOWN RenoJuly in Reno means one thing, Artown! This arts and cultural festival features over 500 multi-disciplinary events of live music, dance, theater, visual arts, workshops and art walks, the majority of which are free. The National Endowment for the Arts has called Artown one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the country. renoisartown.com

JULY 2-4BIGGEST LITTLE CITY WING FESTDowntown RenoWing lovers will gather in downtown Reno to sample out-standing sauces and top notch wings. Competitors from award-winning local and regional restaurants will tantalize the palates of festival goers. It features free live entertainment, street fair, crafts and memorabilia vendors. silverlegacy.com

JULY 3STAR SPANGLED SPARKS Sparks Victorian SquareThe region’s longest, most spectacular fireworks display is set off from the roof of the Nugget Casino Resort, while thou-sands of revelers celebrate Independence Day on Victorian Square below. The event features live entertainment for the whole family, a kids’ area and a wide array of food choices. nuggetcasinoresort.com

JULY 4FOURTH OF JULYReno, Lake Tahoe and Virginia City Independence Day and fireworks go hand in hand, and Reno Tahoe USA will not disappoint the pyrotechnic fans. There are a multitude of celebrations around the region to choose from, with some offering parades, picnics and other daytime activi-ties in addition to evening fireworks. visitrenotahoe.com

JULY 4GENOA AMERICANA CELEBRATIONGenoaA free, day-long celebra- tion featuring live blue- grass and string band music, culminating with the Carson City Symphony performing a medley of patriotic tunes. Vendors, fire department BBQ, food and beverage booths, children’s parade and games. genoaamericana.org

JULY 8-AUGUST 21 LAKE TAHOE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Incline VillageImagine enjoying extraordinary entertainment while sitting un-der the stars on the shore of Sand Harbor State Park with Lake Tahoe in the background. The Festival’s 44th season offers two shows: The Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare’s double dose of laughter, and Forever Plaid, a pitch-perfect jukebox musical. Enjoy al fresco dining at one of the most scenic venues in the world. laketahoeshakespeare.com

JULY 14-17WANDERLUST FESTIVALSquaw ValleyA celebration of mindful thinking and participatory gathering. The remarkable group of yoga teachers, musicians, speakers, artists and chefs retreat in an awe-inspiring resort with breath-taking scenery. wanderlust.com/festivals/squaw-valley

Photo: Susan Mantle

Photo: Roger Mastroianni

JULY 15-16CIRCUS CIRCUS 24-HOUR MURAL MARATHON COMPETITIONRenoWatch art in action in this unique competition. With just 24 hours at their disposal, seven talented artists will create wall-sized murals on the exterior walls of the Circus Circus Hotel in downtown Reno. As the muralists’ artwork comes to life, there will be food and music for onlookers. circusreno.com

JULY 16RENO BASQUE FESTIVALDowntown RenoThe Basque culture is a big part of Reno history and tradition. Celebrate Reno’s Basque heritage with traditional food, music and dancing, weight carrying contest, wood chopping demo, war cry contest, Basque cooking tips and games for children at Wingfield Park. renobasqueclub.org

JULY 19-24AMERICAN CENTURY CELEBRITY GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPStatelineSee your favorite sports and entertainment celebrities while enjoying magnificent views. The event is considered the na-tion’s most prestigious and richest celebrity golf tournament. tahoecelebritygolf.com

JULY 23NORTHERN NEVADA PRIDEDowntown RenoA celebration of LGBT pride that includes a parade, enter-tainment, performance art, vendors and community services information. Held at Wingfield Park in downtown Reno. northernnevadapride.org

JULY 23-24DONNER LAKE TRIATHLON AND TRUCKEE OPEN WATER SWIMDonner LakeThe triathlon offers a sprint and an Olympic distance course to test your high-altitude athletic skills. Vendors, music, BBQ and the beautiful scenery at Donner Lake ensure a great time for the whole family. donnerlaketri.com

Photo: Marcello Rostagni

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JULY 29-30VIRGINIA CITY OFFICIAL HOT AUGUST NIGHTS KICKOFF EVENTVirginia CityTake a step back in time to revel in the sights and sounds of yesteryear. This Comstock town comes alive with rumbling engines and nostalgic tunes to kick off the event’s 30th an-niversary. Walk the historic streets to see an array of cars from days gone by and enjoy free, daily entertainment. hotaugustnights.net

JULY 29-AUGUST 14LAKE TAHOE SUMMERFEST ORCHESTRA CONCERT SERIESIncline VillageIt’s the fifth season of orchestral and chamber music concerts. The world’s most renowned soloists and orches-tral musicians drawn from the greatest orchestras of North America and beyond, gather to perform under the artistic direction of Conductor Joel Revzen. tahoesummerfest.org

JULY 30COMPRESSION! ART AND FIREDowntown RenoA unique celebration of the arts incorporating fire that is free to the public. Enjoy dance performances, skills workshops, visual and interactive art, pressurized flame devices, Playa art projects, Burning Man mutant vehicles, a fire sculpture garden, large-scale flame effects and art and vendor booths. controlledburnreno.com

AUGUST (TBA)FALLON FIGHTS: RURAL RUMBLE 2016FallonWatch professional boxing and mixed martial arts outdoors under the stars of the Churchill County Fairgrounds. Fallon Fights carries on the tradition of Nevada boxing in the Old West mining camps. fallonfights.com

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AUGUST 2-7HOT AUGUST NIGHTSReno and SparksThis premier classic car and nostalgia event celebrates its 30th anniversary. Classic automobiles and rock ‘n’ roll give enthusi-asts a look into decades past. Show-n-Shines, nightly cruises, a classic car auction, swap meet, drag races & burnouts, and autocross are a few of the timeless activities. Free nightly music featuring the ‘50s, ‘60s and early ‘70s provide headline entertainment. hotaugustnights.net

AUGUST 4-6HOT AUGUST NIGHTS AUCTION PRESENTED BY MOTORSPORT AUCTION GROUPReno-Sparks Convention CenterMaking its debut at Hot August Nights, this collector car auc-tion will feature street rods, classics, special interest cars and exotic vehicles. In addition to the indoor auction, a multitude of automotive-related vendors and exhibitors will be featured. motorsportauctiongroup.com

AUGUST 5-21JAZZ & BEYOND: CARSON CITY MUSIC FESTIVAL Carson City The summer sizzles with more than 100 performers playing in over 60 events. Featuring Bluegrass, Blues, Latin and more. Most performances are free. jazzcarsoncity.com

AUGUST 12-13LAKE TAHOE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE HomewoodThe most prestigious wooden boat show in North America, presented by the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation and held at Obexer’s Boat Company. Each year this show features more than 85 of the world’s finest wooden boats set against the backdrop of the deep, clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe. laketahoeconcours.com

AUGUST 12-14TA-HOE NALU PADDLE FESTIVALKings BeachExperience the oldest and longest running stand up paddle race in the country, featuring a reception party, live concert, free paddle clinics and demos. Voted the “Best SUP Event” in the country by Outdoor Magazine. tahoenalu.com

Photo: Marcello Rostagni Photo: H2omark.com

AUGUST 13-14LUCAS OIL OFF ROAD RACING SERIES Sparks The ultimate form of high-horsepower, extreme turns and door-to-door racing that is nationally televised. Top profes-sional racers and crossover celebrity athletes like Jeremy McGrath, Brian Deegan, Ricky Johnson and Twitch have taken their turn behind the wheel. Appreciative fans enjoy the high-flying action and unobstructed views from the grandstands at the Wild West Motorsports Park. lucasoiloffroadracing.com

AUGUST 14RENO 10 MILER AND RELAYDowntown RenoTen-mile races are growing in popularity; it’s the perfect dis-tance for 5K and 10K runners to increase running distances. The course highlights many of Reno’s landmarks, including the University of Nevada, Reno. For a bigger challenge, sign up for the Reno Donner Double which includes a swim at Donner Lake the day before. race178.com/reno10miler

AUGUST 18-20BACKROADS COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVALSparksGet your country fix at this inaugural music festival taking place at the acclaimed Wild West Motorsports Park, located just 10 minutes from Reno/Sparks. On Friday and Saturday, enjoy country music, a 300-foot slip n’ slide on the largest hill on the track, and corn hole. The venue opens for camping on Thursday. backroadscountryfest.com

AUGUST 19-21RENO GREEK FESTIVALRenoBe Greek for the weekend! For 40 years, authentic Greek cuisine has infused the neighborhood with scents of oregano, olive oil and lemon. Traditional Greek dance, music, desserts, imports and activities create a fun Mediterranean atmosphere in a family-friendly setting. renogreekfest.com

AUGUST 19-21RENO KENNEL CLUB ALL BREED DOG SHOWSReno-Sparks Livestock Events CenterA favorite stop among dog show competitors, canine lovers will appreciate the nearly 160 different breeds that compete in a variety of trials including Conformation, Obedience and Rally. renokennelclub.org

AUGUST 20RENO GAY PRIDE FESTIVALDowntown RenoThe 20th annual festival honors the diversity of the LGBT community. Enjoy a full day of live performances, entertainment, shopping and food along the Truckee River at Wingfield Park. renogaypride.com

AUGUST 20XTERRA LAKE TAHOE Incline Village

Put your fitness abilities to the test with sprint, full or duathlon distances to choose from. Swim in fa-mous Lake Tahoe, followed by an extreme mountain bike ride which skirts the moun-tainside overlooking the lake, finishingwith a scenic trail run. bigblueadventure.com

AUGUST 20-21THE PACIFICA FESTIVALDowntown RenoCelebrate Asian Pacific cultures through live music perfor-mances, traditional dance, ukulele performances, martial arts demonstrations, authentic ethnic foods and interactive cultural kid’s activities. Enjoy shopping at the Asian and Polynesian marketplace! Free to the public. pacificafestivalreno.org

Photo: David Calvert

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AUGUST 24-28RENO XTREME BARREL RACEReno-Sparks Livestock Events Center The finals of the Burns Events Xtreme Barrel Race season at-tracts top athletes and horses from over 10 states to compete in this fast-paced sporting event. Free to the public to watch the barrel racing and enjoy the western trade show which features saddles and tack, boots and hats, clothing, jewelry, furniture, décor and art. burns1876.com

AUGUST 26-27CANFESTRenoThe event kicks off with a beer pairings dinner and concert on Friday night. Saturday features a unique tasting festival dedicated to craft beers poured exclusively from cans. Mi-crobreweries from around the U.S. representing 100 different brews converge for a night of delightful beer indulgence, live music, silent disco dance party, food, vendors and loads of fun! canfestbeer.com

AUGUST 26-28RENO TAHOE MUSIC FESTIVALRenoEnjoy live evening performances at the intimate and beauti-ful Hawkins Outdoor Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch. Tribute bands for Tim McGraw, Heart and Chicago will headline and food trucks will provide dining and beverage options. snpaa.org

AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 5BURNING MANBlack Rock DesertBurning Man is a practice in community and an annual gath-ering of over 60,000 “Burners” who meet in the Black Rock Desert of northern Nevada to create art, exchange ideas and participate in the burning of the Man, a symbol whose mean-ing is as varied as the attendees themselves. Self-reliance and self-expression are encouraged in the temporary metropolis of Black Rock City. burningman.com

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AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 5BEST IN THE WEST NUGGET RIB COOK-OFFSparks Victorian SquareIf you love ribs and barbecue, then head to Victorian Square for the country’s best rib competition, hosted by the Nugget Casino Resort. The 28th annual event transforms the Labor Day holiday into a six-day, must-attend culinary, music, craft and end-of-summer affair. Enjoy the finest ribs from across the nation! nuggetribcookoff.com

SEPTEMBER 2-4NUMAGA INDIAN DAYS POWWOWHungry ValleyThe Reno-Sparks Indian Colony hosts its nationally acclaimed Powwow. This free, family event features the best Native American dancers, singers and drummers in the country. Ven-dors sell traditional native foods and stunning handcrafted sil-verwork, beadwork, baskets and American Indian art. rsic.org

SEPTEMBER 2-4USA BMX BLACKJACK NATIONALS Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center USA BMX is the sanctioning body for the sport of Bicycle Motocross Racing, and the prestigious National Series features competitors of all ages. Some of the top U.S. amateur BMX racers will test their skills in Reno. The event is free to specta-tors. usabmx.com

SEPTEMBER 9-11THE GREAT RENO BALLOON RACE RenoThe world’s largest FREE hot-air ballooning event is one of Reno’s most colorful and awe-inspiring events. Nearly 100 balloons, including special shapes, participate in this family-friendly event. The trademark Dawn Patrol, Glow Show and the Super Glow Show provide an amazing spectacle as balloons glow and twinkle against the pre-dawn sky. Spectators enjoy a wide selection of food, merchandise and crafters, as well as uplifting music to complement this celebration of flight. renoballoon.com

SEPTEMBER 9-11INTERNATIONAL CAMEL & OSTRICH RACESVirginia CityThis hilarious annual tradition dates back to the 1950s and features jockeys maneuvering camels, ostriches and zebras around a track in this historic mining town. A hilarious racing spectacle that the entire family will enjoy. vccamelraces.com

SEPTEMBER 9-11LAKE TAHOE AUTUMN FOOD & WINE FESTIVALNorth Lake TahoeCelebrate the 31st year of this prestigious event, recognized as the premier gourmet festival in Northern California. Celeb-rity chefs, hands-on cooking demonstrations, Farm to Tahoe dinner, winemaker luncheons and dinners, food and wine seminars, mixology and the Sunday Culinary Competition and Grand Tasting. tahoefoodandwine.com

SEPTEMBER 10TRACTORS & TRUFFLES FallonA farm-to-plate gourmet dinner and arts event featuring renowned chefs from around the country, preparing a five-course meal from locally grown ingredients. Following the dinner is a performance in the Barkley Theater. There are farm tours and cooking demonstrations during the day. tractorsandtruffles.com

SEPTEMBER 11TOUR DE TAHOE BIKE BIG BLUEStatelineAn opportunity to ride 72 miles of Lake Tahoe’s spec-tacular shoreline, including an 800-foot climb overlook-ing scenic Emerald Bay. Cyclists enjoy great food and participant support stations. bikethewest.com

SEPTEMBER 14-18NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES RenoThe longest running air race and the only closed-course pylon race event in the world. Six different classes of race planes battle just 50-feet from the ground, with the Unlimited and Jet classes reaching speeds over 500 mph! Besides the on-your-feet action of the races, spectators have close-up access to racing aircraft, pilots and crews in the “pits.” There’s a world-class air show, military display and demonstrations, aircraft display and great concessions. Experience the action of the “World’s Fastest Motorsport”! airrace.org

SEPTEMBER 18EDIBLE PEDAL 100Carson City and Lake Tahoe

A bike ride featuring routes for all levels of riders, in-cluding 10, 50 and 100-mile courses; all starting in scenic Washoe Valley. Outstanding locally-sourced food at rest stops and a post-ride barbe-cue make for a memorable and delicious event. ediblepedal100.org

SEPTEMBER 19-OCTOBER 1NRCHA SNAFFLE BIT FUTURITYReno-Sparks Livestock Events Center A modern showcase for the time-honored vaquero horse training methods that date back to the early American West. This family-friendly event will appeal to horse enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys adrenaline-charged sports. Three-year-old equine athletes are tested in herd work, rein work and fence work as riders chase a $1.1 million purse. Shoppers will enjoy the enormous “Best of the West” trade show and the Snaffle Bit Futurity horse sales. nrcha.com/snaffle-bit-futurity

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SEPTEMBER 21-25STREET VIBRATIONS FALL RALLYDowntown Reno Enjoy HOG heaven at this celebration of music, metal and motorcycles. It’s the last great motorcycle rally of the season and this event takes it to a new level with live entertainment on six outdoor stages, over 250 vendors, bike scavenger hunts and poker runs, fireworks display in downtown Reno, major concerts, America’s Finest Custom Bike Builder’s Expo and a tattoo expo for body art extraordinaire. Free to the public to enjoy the outdoor concerts and vendors. Registration open to all motorcycles. roadshowsreno.com

SEPTEMBER 24-25SUPERCRAWL/SILVER STATE ROCK CRAWLING CHAMPIONSHIP SparksLast year’s inaugural Silver State Rock Crawling Championship was North America’s biggest rock crawling competition in a decade. In addition to the Championship, this year’s event will feature top pro drivers competing for the SuperCrawl World Championship. silverstate.rocks

SEPTEMBER 24-25GENOA CANDY DANCE GenoaRelish in the small-town spirit of this ultimate candy and craft festival that features more than 300 exhibitors and 3,000 pounds of Genoa’s fabulous homemade candy. genoanevada.org

SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 2WORLD COWBOY FAST DRAW CHAMPIONSHIP FallonCowboy and fast draw enthusiasts worldwide compete with single action, Western-style revolvers to determine who is “The Fastest Gun Alive.” Competitors dress in Old West clothing and shoot wax bullets with speeds calculated within fractions of a second. cowboyfastdraw.com

Photo: Harry Wagner

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OCTOBER 1CROSSRENO CYCLOCROSS RACE AND FESTIVALRenoIt’s a Race. It’s a Festival. It’s a Party. CrossReno is a USA Cycling Sanctioned Cyclocross race with categories for profes-sionals, masters, amateurs, juniors and kids. It’s a festival with live music, food trucks, craft beer, and family-friendly activities, followed by a raging after-party. cxreno.com

OCTOBER 1-2 RENO CELTIC CELEBRATIONRenoDelight in Celtic activities and performances, including pipe bands, Scottish and Irish dancers, clan tents, historical reenact-ments, games, Celtic critters, kids’ games, food and drink, and Celtic merchandise. renoceltic.org

OCTOBER 1-2WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OUTHOUSE RACESVirginia CityThis hilarious Comstock tradition dates back to a time when outdoor plumbing was outlawed and angry residents took their outhouses to the streets in protest. Today, teams of costumed outhouse racers are pitted against each other in an all-out potty race. visitvirginiacitynv.com

OCTOBER 6-9LAKE TAHOE MARATHON & RUN TAHOE EVENTSLake TahoeCompetitors can enjoy more than 20 events in and around beautiful Lake Tahoe, including running, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, family runs and walks. There are three mara-thons and a 72-mile run ultra-marathon around the lake for the hearty. laketahoemarathon.com

OCTOBER 8 REDRUNVirginia CityThe historic mining town transforms into a zombie apocalypse in this obstacle run. Participants run for their lives while zom-bies attempt to capture their flags, and the living insane douse them with red water and powder. It features some of the most famously chilling landmarks and was named in a Top 10 list of zombie events. redrunvc.com

OCTOBER 8-9ELDORADO GREAT ITALIAN FESTIVALDowntown RenoThe streets of downtown Reno are transformed into Little Italy for a delicious, fun-filled weekend. The festival features a grape stomp, sauce cookers competition, wine walk, Italian farmers’ market, kids’ gelato eating contest, Italian buffet, craft and food vendors, and free live entertainment. eldoradoreno.com

OCTOBER 10-16RENO BITES RESTAURANT WEEKRenoExplore Reno’s vibrant culinary scene during a week of prix fixe menus, specialty items and activities. Edge-pushing events and menus will transpire in celebration of the 5th anniversary, culminating with an exhilarating Chef Showdown in which Reno’s best chefs compete for prizes and bragging rights. renobitesweek.com

OCTOBER 15-22WRANGLER/PROFESSIONAL’S CHOICE ACTRA NATIONAL FINALS Reno-Sparks Livestock Events CenterMembers of the American Cowboys Team Roping Associa-tion compete at the National Finals. Contestants range in age from teenagers to folks in their 80s, and each has a dream of becoming a national champion. Enjoy Western shopping, featuring clothing, jewelry, furniture, décor and art. Free to spectators. actra.org

OCTOBER 21-22ULTRA4 NITTO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPSparksUltra4 trucks are a combination of high-speed desert race vehicles and 4WD rock crawlers; the same vehicles that com-pete at King of the Hammers! The challenging course includes extreme rock obstacles with race teams holding nothing back for the season finale. Enjoy full course views from the comfort of grandstand seating at the Wild West Motorsports Park. ultra4racing.com

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OCTOBER 23PUMPKINPALOOZASparks Victorian SquareIt’s hometown fun at this celebration of all things pumpkin, named a “Top 10 Event” by Food Network Magazine in 2014. Featuring live music, pumpkin derby, pumpkin seed spitting and pie-eating contests, children’s costume parade and carnival games, and more. pumpkinpalooza.org

OCTOBER 2978TH ANNUAL NEVADA DAY PARADECarson CityThe huge procession is the largest formal statehood celebra-tion in the nation and kicks off with a hot-air balloon launch and military flyover, followed by about 200 parade entries, including floats, marching bands and lots of entertainment. nevadaday.com

NOVEMBER 4-7OFF BEAT ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVALDowntown RenoAn event showcasing northern Nevada’s growing music, art and culinary renaissance. Activities include an art walk, art exhibits, dining discounts, headliner performances and music showcases held in locations throughout Midtown, Downtown and the 4th Street Corridor. offbeatfest.com

NOVEMBER 11VETERANS DAY PARADEDowntown RenoThe parade marches through the heart of downtown Reno and honors those who have sacrificed to protect our country. ROTC units, marching bands and flag-waving citizens turn out in force. reno.gov

NOVEMBER 25-27 CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMASSparks Browse more than 100 craft and gift booths at this annual mar-ketplace, featuring local and regional vendors. Enjoy cooking, cocktail and floral arranging demonstrations, visits with Santa, and kids’ activities. nuggetcasinoresort.com

Photo: Sabrina Hallgren

DECEMBER 3CITY OF SPARKS HOMETOWNE CHRISTMAS PARADE Downtown SparksIt’s a weekend of traditional activities and a great way to kick off the holiday season at festively decorated Victorian Avenue. Friday evening has a tree lighting ceremony with free enter-tainment; Saturday’s activities include the annual Christmas parade with floats, marching bands, animal groups and Santa. cityofsparks.us/christmasparade

DECEMBER 9-1039 NORTH POLE VILLAGE Downtown SparksVictorian Square becomes a sparkling winter wonderland. Stroll through holiday lights and enjoy visits with Santa, kids’ activities and more. nuggetcasinoresort.com

DECEMBER 26-31NEVADA CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY RENO CHAMBER ORCHESTRARenoEnjoy 11 unique concerts showcasing world-class musicians and the very best in classical music. Artists include leading players from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic. Held in two intimate locations that enhance your connection to the music, the festival culminates with a New Year’s Eve celebration. renochamberorchestra.org

FOOD TRUCKSWho says you need four walls to enjoy delicious artisan food? Food trucks are taking gourmet to the parks and streets of Reno and Sparks, creating seasonal outdoor food courts. Some offer live entertainment, beverage options, kids’ activi-ties, local crafters and even movies! RENO STREET FOOD

Every Friday evening, May 20-October 7 Idlewild Park facebook.com/renostreetfood renostreetfood.com

FEED THE CAMEL Every Wednesday evening, June-August Riverwalk District - McKinley Arts & Culture Center facebook.com/pages/Feed-The-Camel/256832417824677

FARMERS MARKETSAn opportunity to interact with farmers and vendors, and shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, crafts, yard art, clothing, specialty foods, and pet products. Some markets even have cooking demonstrations! Locations throughout the area, from summer to early fall, including the only covered outdoor market in Northern Nevada at the Sands Regency Hotel & Casino and 39 North Marketplace on Victorian Avenue in downtown Sparks. shirleysfarmersmarkets.com, 39northdowntown.com/39-north-marketplace

RENO RIVERWALK DISTRICTThere are a variety of unique options in dining, entertainment, shopping and scenic beauty along the Truckee River and neighboring streets in downtown Reno. A wonderful way to discover this electric area is by participating in a wine walk or food tour. renoriver.org

WINE WALK Every 3rd Saturday of the month, year-round

DINE THE DISTRICT FOOD TOUR May 7 and October 1

RENO BEER CRAWLDowntown RenoIf you’re in Reno on the fourth Saturday of the month, you will inevitably, and luckily, enter the wacky world of the Reno Beer Crawl. Purchase a commemorative cup to receive drink specials at a variety of locations. renobeercrawl.com

Food & Drink

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JANUARY 30 MARDI CRAWLcrawlreno.com

MARCH 12 RENO LEPRECHAUN CRAWLcrawlreno.com APRIL 30 PAJAMA CRAWLcrawlreno.com

MAY 21 EPIC SCI-FI CRAWLcrawlreno.com

JUNE 11 COWBOY CRAWL cowboycrawl.com

JULY 16 SUPERHERO CRAWLsuperherocrawl.com

AUGUST 13 RENO PIRATE CRAWLcrawlreno.com

OCTOBER 22 RENO ZOMBIE CRAWL & THRILLER UNDER THE ARCHcrawlreno.com

NOVEMBER 19 STEAMPUNK TAVERN STROLLcrawlreno.com

DECEMBER 10 RENO SANTA PUB CRAWLrenosantacrawl.com

Pub CrawlsA friendly rendezvous at any of Reno Tahoe’s local watering holes is always a good time, but when you throw outlandish costumes into the mix, a good time becomes an unforgettable one. visitrenotahoe.com

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Sporting Events

JANUARY 15-16 UCS SPIRIT NATIONAL POLE VAULT SUMMITpolevaultsummit.com

JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 14 RENO-TAHOE SENIOR WINTER GAMESreno.gov/seniorgames

MARCH 7 – JULY 10 USBC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPSbowl.com/openchamp

MARCH 12-13 DUBLIN DIRTY - IRISH SOFTBALL EVENTdublindirty.com

MARCH 13 LEPRECHAUN RACErace178.com/leprechaunrace

MARCH 26 NO BRAINER ALL-ZOMBIE FUN RUNcrawlreno.com

APRIL 8-10 RENO WORLD OF WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPSworldofwrestling-roller.com

APRIL 16-18 & APRIL 22-24 NCVA FAR WESTERN NATIONAL QUALIFIER ncva.com/girls/tournaments/far-western-national-qualifier

MAY 27 – JUNE 5 SENIOR SOFTBALL-USA 2016 ROCK ‘N RENO CHALLENGE CUPseniorsoftball.com

MAY 28-30 JAM ON IT MEMORIAL DAY TOURNAMENTjamonit.org

The crack of the bat. The smell of the grass. A spike of the ball. Dressing up in crazy costumes to run a themed 5K. Whatever you’re into, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more unexpected take on the sporting life than in Reno Tahoe USA.

JUNE 11 ARCH RIVALS SUPERHERO RUNcrawlreno.com

JULY 8-10 BONEYARDBLAST X – SOFTBALL EVENTboneyardblast.com

JULY 18-23 TRIPLE CROWN SPORTS 14U OPEN WESTERN WORLD SERIEStriplecrownsports.com

AUGUST 12-28 STORM OPEN FESTIVAL OF BOWLING TOURNAMENTnationalmixed.com

AUGUST 13-27 RENO-TAHOE SENIOR SUMMER GAMESreno.gov/seniorgames

SEPTEMBER 11 JOURNAL JOGrace178.com/journaljog/

OCTOBER 6-NOVEMBER 6 STORM OPEN FESTIVAL OF BOWLING TOURNAMENTnationalmixed.com

OCTOBER 15-16 & OCTOBER 22-23 BLOOD-N-GUTS SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTthisandthatsoftball.com

NOVEMBER 13 RUN WITH THE GIRLS 5Krace178.com/girlsrun/

NOVEMBER 24 THE SCHEELS TURKEY TROTcityofsparks.us/visiting/special-events/scheels-turkey-trot

DECEMBER 4-17 PBA WORLD SERIES OF BOWLINGpba.com/tournaments

MAY 2017RENO RIVER FESTIVAL

JUNE 2-4, 2017STREET VIBRATIONS SPRING RALLY JUNE 15-24, 2017RENO RODEO

JULY 1-31, 2017ARTOWN

JULY/AUGUST 2017LAKE TAHOE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

AUGUST 2017BARRACUDA CHAMPIONSHIP

AUGUST 8-12, 2017HOT AUGUST NIGHTS

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 4, 2017 BURNING MAN

AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 4, 2017 BEST IN THE WEST NUGGET RIB COOK-OFF

SEPTEMBER 8-10, 2017THE GREAT RENO BALLOON RACE

SEPTEMBER 13-17, 2017NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES

SEPTEMBER 20-24, 2017STREET VIBRATIONS FALL RALLY

2017 Events

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Disclaimer: Information contained in this brochure is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and is subject to change.

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Bay

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Mt. RoseSki Tahoe

NorthstarCalifornia

Truckee

Tahoe Vista

Squaw Valley

LAKELAHONTAN

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Emerald Bay

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Illustrations by Kimber Moore Design

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VisitRenoTahoe.com

Photo: Cornelius Photography1/2016 50M

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