Summer events and fun in Reno-Tahoe

Living in the Reno-Tahoe area offers an unparalleled quality of life, filled with vibrant cultural experiences, thrilling outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community. As the region continues to grow and thrive, the local calendar is packed with events that cater to a wide range of interests, making it an ideal place for families, retirees, and everyone in between. Here’s a glimpse of some of the fantastic events that highlight why Reno-Tahoe is such a great place to call home.

Food Truck Friday

Every Friday until August 30

Food Truck Friday – Reno Street Food is a Food Truck Event Production Company. We feature over 40 gourmet food, dessert and local craft beer, wine and spirits vendors weekly.

Reno Aces

All Summer long!

The Reno Aces are part of the Pacific Coast League, a Major League Baseball-affiliated 16-team league that stretches from California to Tennessee. The Aces play at Greater Nevada Field, located in downtown Reno.

Reno Rodeo

June 20 – 29

The 105th annual Reno Rodeo promises to be the biggest and best yet with more rip-roarin’, boot-stompin’, jaw-droppin’ PRCA action.

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

June 28 – August 25

Experience the magic of Shakespeare under the stars at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival! Nestled along the shores of one of the world’s most breathtaking alpine lakes, this annual event brings the Bard’s timeless tales to life against a backdrop of majestic mountains and shimmering waters. With world-class performances, stunning scenery, and an atmosphere of pure enchantment, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is an unforgettable cultural experience for all.

Artown

July 1 – 31

During the entire month of July, Reno is Artown! Exciting and engaging Artown events will be happening throughout the month at locations around Reno, including children’s art workshops, concert series, movies in the park, historic and cultural tours and art exhibits. Headliner shows will be announced soon. Past headlining concerts performances have included The Sextones, Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., Keb’Mo’, Tim Snider & Wolfgang Timber, Sheléa, Whitney Myer and more!

American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament

July 10 – 14

Now entering its 35th year, the American Century Championship is a made-for-TV event owned and broadcast by NBC Sports. The premier celebrity golf tournament, which also raises funds for local and national charities, distributes a purse of $600,000. The tournament is a 54-hole modified Stableford format that features some of sport’s and entertainment’s greatest celebrities.

Spongebob the Musical

July 12 – August 11

The Spongebob Musical is a wacky and energetic stage production that follows the beloved yellow sponge and his friends in Bikini Bottom as they try to save their underwater home from impending doom. The crisis is caused by a volcano that is about to erupt and destroy everything in its path. SpongeBob, along with his best friend Patrick, Sandy the squirrel, and other quirky characters, embark on a hilarious and sometimes surreal adventure to find a way to stop the eruption and save their town. Along the way, they encounter obstacles, unexpected allies, and even a few musical numbers that will have you tapping your feet and laughing out loud. With colorful sets and costumes, catchy tunes, and plenty of silliness, “SpongeBob the Musical” is a must-see for fans of the animated series and anyone who loves a good laugh.

2024 Barracuda Championship

July 18 – 21

Experience the excitement of the region’s only PGA TOUR event at Tahoe Mountain Club’s Old Greenwood in Truckee, California. Be there to catch all the action and witness the rise of a new champion. Past competitors have included popular golfers such as Akshay Bhatia (2023 winner)  Collin Morikawa (2019 winner), Jason Day, Adam Scott, Pat Perez, Geoff Ogilvy (2014 winner), Gary Woodland (2013 winner), John Daly, Padraig Harrington, Davis Love III, Nick Watney, Jon Rahm and J.J. Henry (2012 and 2015 winner).

Hot August Nights

August 4 – 11

Hot August Nights is a must-attend event for car and music enthusiasts alike. Thousands flock to the Reno Tahoe area for free live headline entertainment, show-n-shine competitions, nightly cruises, drag races, loads of vendors and the popular Hot August Nights car auction. Considered one of the world’s premier classic car events, more than 5,000 vehicles from this golden era of design are showcased with activities all over Reno and Sparks during Hot August Nights. Restored hot rods and muscle cars give enthusiasts a first-hand experience of popular decades gone by.

Reno Water Lantern Festival

August 24

While they’re called many things such as lantern festivals, lights festivals, floating lanterns, water fest, or Chinese lanterns – only Water Lantern Festival allows you to Light The Water in a way you’ll never forget. Now you can experience the magic of thousands of lanterns as the soft lights reflect upon the water. Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven’t met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience.

Burning Man

August 25 – September 2

Once a year, tens of thousands of people gather in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, a temporary metropolis dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. In this crucible of creativity, all are welcome.

Great Reno Balloon Race

September 6 – 8

The Great Reno Balloon Race is the world’s largest free hot air ballooning event. During four 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 up to 100 balloons each year. The idea was to create an event that would keep visitors in town the weekend between the State Fair and the Reno Air Races and 42 years later, it is known as a world-renowned, and locally, a beloved community tradition.

Genoa Candy Dance

September 28 – 29

A dinner and dance that originated in 1919 as a fundraiser to purchase much needed streetlights, has become a world-renowned outdoor festival of epic proportions for the small town — Nevada’s first recorded settlement. Through the years, donations and volunteers made up the majority of the momentum behind the historic annual Candy Dance. Starting with Lillian Virgin Finnegan and all the first volunteers, the Genoa Candy Dance has become the success it is today through hard work and great people.

In addition to the incredible events, Reno-Tahoe boasts numerous advantages for its residents. Families benefit from excellent educational institutions and a variety of recreational activities that promote a healthy, active lifestyle. Retirees find the area appealing due to its serene environment, access to top-notch healthcare facilities, and vibrant social scene. The region’s mild climate, combined with the stunning natural beauty of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains, provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, skiing, and boating. Furthermore, the thriving local economy, low cost of living, and friendly community atmosphere make Reno-Tahoe a highly desirable place to live, work, and play.