Festivals in Reno: Month-by-Month Guide to Reno’s Best Annual Events
Reno has major festivals nearly every month of the year, from the Reno River Festival and BBQ, Brews & Blues in early summer to Artown, Hot August Nights, the Great Reno Balloon Race, and the Eldorado Great Italian Festival later in the year. This month-by-month guide highlights the best annual festivals in Reno, who they’re best for, where they happen, and how to plan a festival-focused trip.
From arts and culture to music and food, there’s something likely to suit your tastes. This guide to festivals in Reno will help you uncover the best of the city’s festival scene.
In this article, we explore the top festivals happening throughout the year, giving you a taste of what to expect and how to make the most of each event. Get ready to mark your calendars and experience the magic of Reno’s diverse festivals!
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Download Our Reno Festival Calendar
Reno has festivals throughout the year, with events centered around music, food, arts, cars, culture, outdoor adventure, and seasonal celebrations. Our monthly guide below can help you choose the best Reno festival.
Download the calendar, choose the festival that fits your travel style, and then confirm current dates with the official event website before booking your hotel or travel plans.
🗓️ Downloadable Reno Festival Calendar
Event dates, locations, and ticket policies can change. We recommend confirming details with each official festival website before booking travel.
🛏️ Planning your trip around one of these Reno festivals? Check our Reno hotels and vacation rentals map near downtown Reno, the Truckee River, and Sparks. 🛏️
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The Best Reno Festivals Each Month During The Year
January – Reno Latin Dance Fest
The Reno Latin Dance Fest is a multi-day event filled with workshops, performances, and social dancing. Dance enthusiasts from around the country gather to learn from top instructors in salsa, bachata, kizomba, and more. With live music and evening dance parties, it’s a high-energy event that keeps the winter blues at bay.
Family Friendly: No
Website: Reno Latin Dance Fest
February – Snow Fest
Tahoe SnowFest is a ten-day winter festival celebrating everything snow-related. While not directly in Reno, it’s a short drive to North Lake Tahoe. The festival features snow- and ice-sculpting contests, parades, polar bear swims, and more. It’s perfect for families looking to enjoy winter sports and activities in a festive atmosphere.
Family Friendly: Yes
Website: Tahoe Snow Fest
March – Reno Leprechaun Crawl
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style with the Reno Leprechaun Crawl. This lively event takes participants on a pub crawl through downtown Reno, with special drink discounts, costume contests, and live music. While primarily geared towards adults, some venues offer family-friendly activities during the day.
Family Friendly: No
Website: Reno Leprechaun Crawl
March – Northern Nevada Celtic Ceilidh
Celebrate Celtic culture with the Northern Nevada Celtic Celebration. This festival includes traditional music, dance, athletic events, and cultural exhibits. Enjoy performances by Celtic bands, watch highland dancers, and participate in workshops. The event also features vendors selling Celtic crafts and food.
Family Friendly: Yes
Website: Northern Nevada Celtic Ceilidh
April – Reno Jazz Festival
Hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno, the Reno Jazz Festival is one of the country’s largest and most acclaimed jazz festivals. It features performances by top jazz musicians, clinics, and competitions for student groups. Jazz lovers will appreciate the diverse lineup and the opportunity to see emerging and established artists.
Family Friendly: Yes
Website: Reno Jazz Festival
May / June – Reno River Festival
The Reno River Festival is a springtime celebration of outdoor activities and live music.
We enjoyed attending Reno RiverFest with family. The atmosphere was festive and reminded us of a county fair, though without the typical rides. This festival was well attended, though it didn’t feel overly crowded on the weekend we visited. We enjoyed browsing the vendor stalls and listening to music at the big stage. A highlight for us was listening to live blues performed on a Reno afternoon while enjoying local beer.
Held at Wingfield Park, this festival includes whitewater competitions, craft beer gardens, food vendors, and an outdoor expo. The event is family-friendly, with a dedicated kids’ play area and a variety of activities suitable for all ages.
Family Friendly: Yes
Website: Reno River Festival
⬇️ Want To See A Glimpse of Reno River Fest? ⬇️
Watch our Reno River Fest video on YouTube for a closer look at our experience on this festival in Reno.
Plus, here’s a One-Day Reno River Festival Itinerary:
Morning Truckee River walk → festival vendor village → lunch downtown → afternoon music → evening dinner.
June – The Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival
This downtown Reno festival combines barbecue, craft beer, and blues music for a lively summer event. With top-notch BBQ vendors, a wide selection of craft beers, and performances by blues musicians, it’s a feast for the senses. While the focus is on adults, families can also enjoy the music and food offerings.
This is the first festival we ever attended in Reno, and we came back with lasting memories. It’s a guaranteed good time! If you’re a fan of blues and good beer, this festival is a must.
Family Friendly: Partially
Website: Reno BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival
Find Lodging in Reno
Use our interactive map below to find lodging close to a festival. For festivals like BBQ, Brews and Blues, we recommend a hotel within walking distance. Have your fun – don’t drive.
July – Artown
Artown is a month-long celebration of the arts featuring over 500 events, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts. The festival occurs at various venues throughout Reno, showcasing local and international artists. Many events are free and family-friendly, making it an excellent choice for all ages.
Family Friendly: Yes
Website: Artown Reno
August – Hot August Nights
Travel back in time with Hot August Nights, Reno’s premier classic car and rock ‘n’ roll festival. This event features car shows, cruises, live entertainment, and memorabilia auctions – all celebrating the golden era of the 1950s and 1960s. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane for car enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Family-friendly activities are also available, ensuring fun for all ages.
Family Friendly: Yes
Website: Hot August Nights
September – The Great Reno Balloon Race
The Great Reno Balloon Race is a sight to behold. Held at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, this festival features over 100 hot air balloons taking to the skies in a spectacular display. Held over three days, the event features early morning balloon launches, a Glow Show, and various family-friendly activities. It’s a spectacular sight and a beloved tradition for many Reno residents.
Family Friendly: Yes
Website: The Great Reno Balloon Race
October – The Great Italian Festival
The Eldorado Great Italian Festival brings the flavors and traditions of Italy to the streets of downtown Reno. Enjoy Italian food, wine, and entertainment, including grape stomping and a homemade sauce competition. The festival is family-friendly, with activities for kids, including face painting and crafts.
Family Friendly: Yes
Website: The Great Italian Festival
November – Nevada Day Celebration
Celebrate Nevada’s statehood with the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City, just a short drive from Reno. The parade features floats, marching bands, historical reenactments, and more. It’s an excellent way for families to learn about Nevada’s history and enjoy a festive day out.
Family Friendly: Yes
Website: Nevada Day Parade in Carson City
December – Reno Santa Pub Crawl
The Reno Santa Pub Crawl is one of the largest events of its kind, with thousands of participants dressed as Santa Claus spreading holiday cheer throughout downtown Reno. While primarily an adult event focused on bar hopping, there are family-friendly aspects earlier in the day, including a fun run and other holiday-themed activities.
Family Friendly: Partially
Website: Reno Santa Pub Crawl
Which Reno Festival Is Best for Your Trip?
Here’s our quick summary to help you find your best Reno festival:
- Best for families: Reno River Festival, Great Reno Balloon Race, Artown
- Best for music lovers: BBQ, Brews & Blues, Artown, OffBeat Music Festival
- Best free event: Great Reno Balloon Race, Artown events, some BBQ/Brews/Blues music access
- Best for car lovers: Hot August Nights
- Best for food and drink: BBQ, Brews & Blues, Eldorado Great Italian Festival, Nugget Rib Cook-Off
- Best for a first Reno festival trip: Reno River Festival or Great Reno Balloon Race
Reno Festival Itinerary Ideas
Weekend Reno Festival Itinerary
Friday arrival → Saturday festival day → Sunday museum / River walk / Midtown Reno.
Reno Festival + Lake Tahoe Add-On
Festival weekend in Reno plus a day trip to Lake Tahoe.
Get More Reno Inspiration
Read our Reno Weekend Itinerary Article
How to Get to Reno for a Festival Weekend
Reno-Tahoe International Airport is the most convenient airport for a festival weekend in Reno. If you’re flying in, compare flight options early, especially for major annual events when hotel and airfare demand can rise.
🚗 Search rental cars for a Reno and Lake Tahoe trip
Where To Stay For Reno Festivals
Use our interactive map below to find a place to stay close to your Reno festival location.
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What to Pack for Reno Festivals
Reno festival days can mean sun, walking, vendor browsing, and cooler evenings. A few small items can make the day more comfortable, especially if you plan to spend several hours outdoors.
- Packable sun hat
- Lightweight daypack
- Refillable water bottle
- Portable phone charger
- Sunglasses
- Picnic blanket or compact sitting pad
- Lightweight jacket/layer
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Small crossbody or anti-theft bag
Reno Festivals Planning FAQ
For most festivals, recommend a 2-night weekend stay. For Artown, Hot August Nights, Burning Man, or multi-day events, suggest longer planning windows.
– Downtown Reno: best for BBQ, Brews & Blues, Artown, casino events, walkability
– River/downtown-adjacent: good for River Festival, restaurants, Truckee River walks
– Sparks: better for Nugget Rib Cook-Off and some larger regional events
– South Reno / airport area: practical if using Reno as a base for Tahoe or Virginia City
For downtown-only festival weekends, maybe not. For Reno + Tahoe, Virginia City, Pyramid Lake, or Carson City add-ons, yes.
Yes — downtown Reno is usually the best place to stay for Reno festivals, especially if you’re attending events like BBQ, Brews & Blues, Artown, the Reno River Festival, or downtown casino-area celebrations. Staying downtown lets you walk to restaurants, music venues, the Truckee River, and many festival locations without worrying as much about parking or rideshares.
For major Reno festivals, book your hotel at least two to three months in advance. For especially popular events like Hot August Nights, the Great Reno Balloon Race, Reno River Festival, or holiday weekends, consider booking four to six months ahead for better rates and location choices. Smaller festivals may have more availability, but booking early is still wise if you want to stay downtown or near the event.
Common Reno festival mistakes
- Not checking the current-year location
- Assuming all events are free
- Booking lodging too late for major events
- Underestimating high-desert sun
- Not bringing layers for cool evenings
- Forgetting that some events are adult-oriented
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Conclusion
Reno’s festival scene offers a diverse array of events that cater to all interests and ages. From arts and culture to food and music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a local resident, a dedicated festival-goer, or a travel enthusiast, these events provide the perfect opportunity to experience Reno’s vibrant culture and community.
For those looking to maximize their festival experience, consider planning a trip around these events and exploring what Reno offers beyond the festivals.
Ready to join in on the fun of festivals in Reno? Visit the official websites of these festivals to learn more and start planning your festival-filled year in Reno!
Mark your calendars and get ready for a year full of festivities!
Julie & Art – The Places Where We Go
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