Summer has finally arrived! There are so many wonderful and diverse events all summer long in the Reno-Sparks and Lake Tahoe region. We put together some of our favorites and the list got a little long. What can we say, living in northern Nevada is exciting! 

The Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s

Now – September 2022

The Lake Tahoe summer concert series in not to be missed. Hosting some of music’s names in its 4,000-seat amphitheater, this iconic Tahoe venue is right on the water’s edge. This summer’s series includes Norah Jones. Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson, and more. 

Reno is Artown

The month of July

Reno transforms into Artown during the entire month of July! Enjoy exciting and engaging art-centric events, performances, workshops, exhibits, and more. Download the app for all of the latest daily happenings, morning, noon, and night.

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

July – August

Put your toes in the sand and enjoy a fabulous bottle of wine while the sun sets on Lake Tahoe and a great theater performance unfolds before you. The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary season this year with two productions: Much Ado About Nothing and Mamma Mia!

Dragon Lights Reno

July – August

The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Rancho San Rafael Park will once again be illuminated by forty-two impressive lantern sculptures. Made of steel, fabric, and countless LED lights, the night transforms the area into a wonderland that will thrill all ages.

The Reno Aces

Now – September

A Minor League Baseball team and Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Reno Aces play their homes games at Greater Nevada Field. There’s nothing quite like a live baseball game in the summer! 

Sierra Nevada Lavender & Honey Festival

July 10

Celebrating four years, this community festival has every lavender and every honey product, arts and crafts, and food item you can think of. You can even try a lavender and honey beer from a local brewery!

PGA Barracuda Championship

July 14 – July 17

The Barracuda Championship is a favorite among PGA TOUR professionals and the only tournament to feature the Modified Stableford format, encouraging pros to “go for it.”

Hot August Nights

Kicking off July 29

Step back in time and see the beautiful vintage car collection that’s been hiding in Northern Nevada. From Reno to Sparks to Virginia City, enjoy a myriad of events focusing on the enjoyment of classic cars and the history behind them.

Reno Garlic Fest

July 30

Meet local garlic growers and enjoy garlic-themed food! You can bet there will be many unique offerings at this pungent festival. Have you ever had garlic ice cream? You can try it here!

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

August 19 – October 3

Take a dive into the world of Vincent Van Gogh with this unique multi-media experience. Visitors will take a journey through over 300 iconic artworks and instantly recognizable classics.

Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off

August 31 – September 5

Referred to as the championship of rib competitions on the national BBQ competition circuit, this annual event spans more than 6 city blocks in downtown Sparks. Two dozen of the best bbq teams compete for nearly $20,000 in prize money. And you have six days to try them all!

The Great Reno Balloon Race

September 9 – 11

The world’s largest free hot-air balloon festival soars high above the Reno skyline with upwards of 80 beautiful balloons taking flight. Spanning for over three decades, the early morning wake up is worth the experience!

International Camel & Ostrich Races

September 9 -11

Not many know that the 63rd annual International Camel and Ostrich Races originally started as a prank between two newspaper editors. Laugh with the entire family as jockeys race their camels, ostriches, and zebras around the track while the crowd goes wild!

Water Lantern Festival

September 17

Food, games, activities, vendors, music, and the beauty of thousands of lanterns adorned with letters of hope, love, and dreams. The Reno Water Lantern Festival was voted two years in a row as the #1 Best Cultural Festival by USA Water Lantern Festival TODAY.