While we often get a few false starts, summer eventually makes its grand entrance in Northern Nevada. And when the season starts heating up, the Reno-Tahoe region offers plenty of special events, festivals and outdoor gatherings to make the most of this brief period when the days are sweltering, but the nights are blissfully balmy.
Pack a hat, a water bottle and sunblock, and get out of your air-conditioned abode this summer. Here’s a roundup of upcoming events to help you plan the next three months.
AROUND THE WORLD IN A DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL: Take a tour across the globe through music, art, dance and more. The festival starts at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 15, at The Bird, 555 E. Fourth St. Tickets are $10-$20. Visit www.thebirdreno.com.
ARTOWN: The citywide arts festival features concerts, theatrical performances, art shows, children’s arts programs and many other free and ticketed events throughout the month of July. Artown’s opening day festivities start at 5:30 p.m., Monday, July 1, with its Discover the Arts program featuring performances by the Little Swan Dancers, Bollywood dance troupe White Light Productions, Reno Taiko Tsurunokai and an original song by foster youth and a special guest. The entertainment continues at 7:30 p.m. with the folk rock/Americana ensemble Scythian. The kick-off event takes place at Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave. Indie folk pop band Y La Bamba closes the festival with a concert at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 31, at Wingfield Park. Admission is free. Call 775-322-1538, or visit artown.org.
AMERICAN CENTURY CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT: More than 80 sports stars and Hollywood entertainers will participate in the 35th annual celebrity golf tournament. The event, which also raises funds for local and national charities, distributes a purse of $600,000—with $125,000 going to the winner. The tourney gets under way with practice rounds on Wednesday and Thursday, July 10 and 11, followed by competitive play on Friday-Sunday, July 12-14, at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, 180 Lake Parkway, in Stateline. Tickets for Wednesday’s practice round and Thursday’s Celebrity-Amateur are $40 each day, with tournament rounds on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at $50 daily. A pass for all five days is $150. Kids age 10 and younger get in free with a paying adult. Visit americancenturychampionship.com.
BASS CAMP FESTIVAL: The electronic dance music festival returns to downtown Reno with more than 70 acts on three stages, including headliners Gigantic Nightmare on Saturday, July 27, and Zeds Dead on Sunday, July 28. Other performers scheduled to appear are Bear Grillz, Herobust, Joyryde, Kill Safari, San Holo, Wax Motif and What So Not. The all-day/all-ages dance party opens at 2 p.m. at Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave. Tickets are $129-$399. Visit basscampfest.com.
BBQ, BREWS & BLUES: The 27th annual barbecue and beer festival features a variety of mouth-watering fare, including St. Louis-style barbecue ribs, smoked beef brisket and pulled pork and all the fixin’s, as well as a wide selection of brews and beverages from more than 50 microbreweries. There will also be arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and rock and blues acts performing throughout the day. The street party is open 3-11 p.m., Friday, June 14; and noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, June 15, outside the ROW properties on North Virginia Street in downtown Reno. Admission is free. Ticket price for the Tap Tent, which includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and unlimited beer or beverages, is $145. Beer tasting packages are $35.50-$40.50. Visit www.caesars.com/the-row-reno/events/bbq-brews-and-blues-festival.
BEST IN THE WEST NUGGET RIB COOK-OFF: More than 20 barbecue cooks compete for cash prizes and bragging rights to have the “Best Ribs in the West.” Visitors can sample a wide variety of ribs and other barbecued delights for sale, and browse through arts and crafts vendor tents, play in the kids’ area and enjoy live music and entertainment on two stages, including main stage headliners Ying Yang Twins, Thompson Square, Uncle Cracker, Foghat, Eddie Montgomery and The Legendary Wailers. The end-of-summer bash kicks off on Wednesday, Aug. 28, and runs through Labor Day weekend at Victorian Square, along Victorian Avenue between 14th Street and Pyramid Way, in Sparks. Festival hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 28-Sept. 1; and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 2, when the winners will be announced. Festival admission is free. Visit nuggetribcookoff.com.
BIGGEST LITTLE WING FEST: Cooks will prepare more than 20,000 pounds of chicken wings to be devoured and judged as they compete for cash prizes and first-place honors during the 10th annual cook-off. The weekend festival features free concerts, a craft fair and family-friendly activities. The festival takes place in downtown Reno from 1-10 p.m., Friday, July 26; and from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, July 27, along North Virginia Street between Second and Sixth streets. Festival admission is free. Visit www.caesars.com/the-row-reno/events/wing-fest.
BOWERS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: The Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association present its 38th annual gathering in Washoe Valley. The three-day festival includes camping, kids’ activities, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a country supper on Friday night and a contra dance on Saturday night. Entertainment includes performances by headliners The Appalachian Roadshow and A.J. Lee & Blue Summit, along with Broken Compass Bluegrass, SLO County Stumblers, The High Water Line and Salty Sally and other bluegrass, Western swing, folk and old-time music acts. The festival hours are 4-8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 23; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, at Bowers Mansion Regional Park, 4005 Bowers Mansion Road, in New Washoe City. Early bird passes are $100-$140. Visit www.nnba.org/bowersbluegrassfstival.
BREWS, JAZZ & FUNK FEST: Enjoy a variety of beers for sale from local and regional breweries, including FiftyFifty Brewing Co., Alibi Ale Works and Truckee Brewing Co. Funk bands Galactic and Object Heavy will perform on the main stage in the Events Plaza. Mescalito will play on the Brews Stage. Proceeds from the event benefit the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. Festival hours are 3-10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, at The Village at Palisades Tahoe, 1750 Village East Road, Olympic Valley, Calif. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 day of show. Admission is free for kids age 12 and younger. Visit www.palisadestahoe.com.
BRICK FEST LIVE: The LEGO-themed attraction features life-size models made from tens of thousands of bricks. Participants can build their own derby car out of bricks and race in 35-foot tracks, make fun creations out of glow-in-the-dark bricks that shine under black light, assemble mosaic art and more. The family-friendly event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 27; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, July 28, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St. Tickets are $19.99-$39.99. Visit www.brickfestlive.com.
BURNING MAN: The temporary city dedicated to “community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance” returns to the Black Rock Desert. This year’s theme is “Curiouser and Curiouser,” which “celebrates puzzles without answers, embraces the irrational and the absurd and invites the unknown over for tea.” The end-of-summer gathering starts on Sunday, Aug. 25, and runs through Monday, Sept. 2. Tickets are $575. Visit burningman.org.
CAPITAL CITY BREWFEST: The annual beer festival and fundraiser for Rotary Club of Carson City features more than two dozen brewers and food trucks along Curry Street, as well as live music on the Bob McFadden Plaza stage. The event starts at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 22, at Curry Street and Bob McFadden Plaza in downtown Carson City. Beer tasting tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Visit capitalcitybrewfest.com.
CELTIC NIGHT: Nevada Society of Scottish Clans and the Sons & Daughters of Erin will gather for the second annual celebration of Celtic culture and heritage as part of this year’s Artown festival. Attendees can enjoy an evening of music, dance and more, including performances by Sierra Highland Pipers, Plastic Paddy, Sierra Silverstrings, Battleborn Highland Dancers, Karrie O’Neill and Kat MacMartin, followed by headliner One Eyed Reilly. The party starts at 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, at the Reno Public Market, 299 E. Plumb Lane. Admission is free. Call 775-993-3220, or visit www.renopublicmarket.com.
CLASSICAL TAHOE: The music festival features four weeks of outdoor orchestra, jazz, chamber music and family concerts in Incline Village. The Brubeck Jazz Summit kicks off the event from July 7-12, followed by performances by the Classical Tahoe Festival Orchestra from July 19-Aug. 3, and the Chamber Music at Classical Tahoe series from July 21-Aug. 4. The festival also offers the Family Concert and Music Maker Faire on Sunday, July 28, and the Classical Tahoe Summer Gala on Thursday, Aug. 15. Most of the concerts take place at the Classical Tahoe Ricardi Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, at Lake Tahoe, 291 Country Club Drive, in Incline Village. Tickets are $5-$200. Call 775-298-0245, or visit classicaltahoe.org.
DANCING IN THE STREETS: Various outdoor venues in Midtown will feature back-to-back live-music performances including funk fusion, Latino, folk rock, country, EDM/dance, pop and Motown. There will be street performers, flash mobs, dance lessons, food trucks and more. The free street party starts at 4 p.m., Saturday, July 13, in Midtown. Visit www.renomidtown.com/dancinginthestreets.
FALLON CANTALOUPE FESTIVAL & COUNTRY FAIR: The annual festival celebrates Fallon’s agricultural past and present, showcases local talent and promotes Nevada businesses, as well as agricultural education. Attendees can enjoy fair exhibits, carnival rides, contests, rodeo, farmers’ market, kids’ activities, vendors, live music and more. The fair is open from 1 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Aug. 23; 9 a.m. to midnight, Saturday, Aug. 24; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Churchill County Fairgrounds, 325 Sheckler Road, Fallon. Tickets prices are to be announced. Call 775-866-8474, or visit www.falloncantaloupefestival.com.
FATHER’S DAY POWWOW: Learn about Northern Nevada’s Native American tribes and the stories of those who attended the Stewart Indian School at the annual Father’s Day Weekend Powwow, which features arts and crafts, food vendors and hundreds of costumed dancers accompanied by traditional drummers. Grand entry performances start at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 14; 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 15; and noon on Sunday, June 16, at 5500 Snyder Ave., Carson City. The Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum, 1 Jacobsen Way, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Call 775-687-7608, or visit stewartindianschool.com.
FEED THE CAMEL: Enjoy an after-work meal under the canopy of shady trees during the summertime food truck event. The midweek gathering takes place from 5-8:30 p.m., Wednesdays, June 5-Sept. 4, outside of the McKinley Arts & Culture Center, 925 Riverside Drive. Visit www.facebook.com/feedthecamel.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS: Celebrate the start of the weekend with dinner and music in the park during the annual food truck event series, which features more than 50 rotating food, dessert and drink vendors. Bring a blanket or chair, and relax on the grass while enjoying live music. Kids can also burn off some energy in the playground or take a ride on the train around the park. Hours are 4-9 p.m., Fridays, June 7-Aug. 30, at Idlewild Park, 1900 Idlewild Drive. Call 775-825-2665, or visit www.facebook.com/RenoStreetFood.
GAMBLER’S RUN FESTIVAL: Enjoy three days of music, gambling, arts and crafts, local vendors and more. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and The Motet kick off the festival on Friday, July 26, followed by Jackie Greene with special guest Karl Denson, The Main Squeeze, The Mother Hips, Assembly of Dust and Blü Egyptian on Saturday, July 27. The Wood Brothers, Donavon Frankenreiter, Rayland Baxter, Clay Street Unit and Coburn Station close out the event on Sunday, July 28. Gates open at 10 a.m. at the Crystal Bay Casino, 14 Highway 28, in Crystal Bay. Single-day passes are $45-$64; a three-day pass is $145. Visit www.crystalbaycasino.com/gamblers-run-music-festival.
HIGH DESERT REGGAE FESTIVAL: The inaugural music festival features performances by Iration, Common King, Iam Tongi, The Expendables and Artikal Sound System. Gates open at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at the Nugget Event Center, 1040 Victorian Ave., in downtown Sparks. General admission pass is $100; VIP pass is $170. Visit www.highdesertreggaefest.com.
HIGH SIERRA MUSIC FESTIVAL: The 32nd annual festival features a mix of national and international acts across multiple genres, including bluegrass, roots rock, folk, jazz, country and blues. This year’s lineup features Primus, Ziggy Marley, Greensky Bluegrass with special guest Holly Bowling, Remain in Light featuring Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew from the Talking Heads, The Allman Betts Band, Larkin Poe, The California Honeydrops, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives and many others. Attendees can camp; participate in playshops, yoga sessions or kids’ activities; and shop a variety of arts and crafts and food vendors during the event. The festival runs Thursday, July 4, through Sunday, July 7, at Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds, 204 Fairground Road, in Quincy, Calif. Festival passes are $30-$365.50, with separate vehicle and RV passes ranging from $45-$175.50. Late night shows are $29.50. Visit www.highsierramusic.com.
HOT AUGUST NIGHTS: The 37th annual celebration of classic cars and rock ’n’ roll starts off in Virginia City with the official kick-off event on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 2 and 3. The weekend party features free live music, cruises and a show ’n’ shine along C Street. The festivities continue Aug. 4-11 with classic car displays, nightly cruises, drag races, show ’n’ shine competitions, a swap meet, the MAG Auctions car auction, live music and more at various locations in Reno and Sparks. Admission is free to most events. Call 775-356-1956, or visit hotaugustnights.net.
LAKE TAHOE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE: The showcase features some the world’s most well-preserved and restored wooden boats, and celebrates Lake Tahoe’s connection to the vintage watercraft. This year’s theme is “50 Years of Excellence,” featuring past overall best-in-show winners. Tickets are $45 for a one-day pass; $60 for a two-day pass; and $60-$250 for upgrades. Admission is free for kids age 12 and younger. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 9; and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, at Obexer’s Boat Company, 5300 W. Lake Blvd., in Homewood. Visit laketahoeconcours.com.
LAKE TAHOE IS FOR LOVERS FESTIVAL: Emo/alternative rock band Hawthorne Heights brings its “Is For Lovers Festival” to Lake Tahoe with a lineup featuring The All-American Rejects, Movements, The Starting Line, Finch, Armor for Sleep, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Free Throw. Gates open at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, June 22, at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino, 18 Highway 50, in Stateline. General admission tickets are $69.50. Visit www.isforloversfestival.com/lake-tahoe-2024.
LAKE TAHOE REGGAE FESTIVAL: The seventh annual festival kicks off Saturday, Aug. 3, with performances by Shaggy, Atmosphere, Collie Buddz, Protoje, Jesse Royal, Eli-Mac and Arden Park Roots. The music continues on Sunday, Aug. 4, when Rebelution, Cypress Hill, Tribal Seeds, Mike Love, Aurorawave and Lizano hit the stage. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. at The Village at Palisades Tahoe, 1750 Village East Road, in Olympic Valley. General admission passes are $113-$244; passes for kids age 4-10 are $93-$179. Visit www.palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/events-calendar/reggae-fest
LAKE TAHOE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: The festival returns for its 52nd season with mainstage productions of William Shakespeare’s comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor and Ted Swindley’s musical celebration of a country legend Always … Patsy Cline. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. on alternating days Tuesday through Sunday, June 28-Aug. 25. Tickets are $17-$75 for gallery seating and $105-$460 for premium seats or table seating. The Showcase Series, featuring classical, jazz and rock concerts, as well as a ballet performance, starts at 7:30 p.m. on most Mondays and select Tuesdays, July 1-Aug. 26. Tickets range from $32-$190. A Nevada State Parks Entrance Pass ($10-$15) is required to gain access to and park at Sand Harbor. All performances take place on the William Edward Trepp Stage, Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe NV State Park, 2005 Highway 28, in Incline Village. Call 800-747-4697, or visit laketahoeshakespeare.com.
MOVIES IN THE PARK: The Cordillera International Film Festival, in partnership with Bill Pearce Motors, presents the 29th annual film series as part of Artown. The Friday-night event kicks off with showings of Die Hard on July 5, followed by Ghostbusters on July 12, and A Goofy Movie with special guest Bill Farmer on July 19. The series closes on July 27 with Summer Shorts, featuring a collection of short films from around the world, as well as a Q&A session with the filmmakers. Film showings start at 9 p.m. at Wingfield Park, 2 N. Arlington Ave. Admission is free. Call 775-476-2793, or visit www.ciffnv.org/movies-in-the-park.
THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS: Experience the magic of some of cinema’s most-celebrated film scores as the Reno Philharmonic presents this musical tribute to composer John Williams. Performances are at 1 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St. Tickets are $42-$152. Call 775-323-6393, or visit renophil.com.
NEVADA STATE FAIR: Dating back to 1874, Nevada’s state fair features thrill rides and games, food vendors and plenty of carnival fare, including cotton candy, funnel cakes and other treats, contests, activities, live music and other entertainment. The events kick off on Thursday, June 13, and runs through Sunday, June 16, at Mills Park, 1111 E. William St., Carson City. Fair hours are 2-10 p.m. on June 13, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 14-16. Fair admission is free. There is free parking at Mills Park and Carson High School, 1111 N. Saliman Road. Call 775-400-1102, or visit nevadastatefair.org.
NIGHT IN THE COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL: The 23rd annual festival features camping, contests and tournaments, and three days and nights of live performances by national, regional and local country music artists. Headlining acts include Randy Houser and Neal McCoy on Thursday, July 25; Riley Green, Chase Rice, Travis Denning and Erin Kinsey on Friday, July 26; Bailey Zimmerman, Corey Kent, Ned LeDoux and Ella Langley on Saturday, July 27. The event takes place at The Grange, 100 Highway 95A, in Yerington. One-day festival passes are $100-$125; a three-day pass is $200. Visit nightinthecountrynv.org.
NORTHERN NEVADA INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL: There will be dragon boat teams racing across the marina, as well as vendors and exhibitors in the Health and Wellness Village, a food truck bazaar and more. The event takes place on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Sparks Marina, 300 Howard St., in Sparks. Festival admission is free. Visit mldb.gwnevents.com/nevada.
OFF THE RAILS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: OffBeat Music Festival, in collaboration with The Holland Project and the city of Reno, presents its concert series taking place on the third Thursday of the month through September. The series kicks off with the ’70s AM radio-style rock sounds of Subtle Lovers on June 20, followed by world-folk fusion duo Tim Snider and Wolfgang Timber on July 18, folk rock/Americana band Jeff Crosby Band on Aug. 15, and the psychedelic cumbia punk group Tropa Magica on Sept. 19. The free shows start at 5:30 p.m. at Locomotion Plaza/Downtown Reno ReTrac Plaza, 300 N. Virginia St. Visit www.offbeatreno.com.
PALM TREE FESTIVAL: The electronic dance-music festival brings its tropical vibes to the shores of Lake Tahoe. The lineup includes GRYFFIN, Disco Lines, DRAMA and Vandelux. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., Friday, July 12, at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino, 18 Highway 50, in Stateline. General admission tickets are $89.50. Visit www.palmtreemusicfestival.com/festival/laketahoe.
PUNK ROCK PRIDE: Reno Punk Rock Flea Market presents this all-ages event showcasing queer artists, musicians, performers and vendors. There will be a drag performance; music by Heterophobia, Slutzville, Middle Aged Queers, Woundlicker, Pilot Technonomicon and FLCOY; tarot readings; a possum pile clothing exchange; mutual aid groups, and more. The festivities last from 2-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at The Potentialist Workshop, 836 E. Second St. General admission tickets are $10 in advance and $15 day of show. Visit www.rprfm.org or www.facebook.com/rprfm.
RAGECON: Play your favorite board games, card games, dice games, miniature games and role-playing games during the three-day tabletop gaming convention. The expo is open to all ages and features exhibitors, tournaments, special guests and more. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., Friday, June 28; 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., Saturday, June 29; and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday, June 30, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St. After Dark gaming starts at midnight on Friday and Saturday in the Atlantis Casino Resort’s Treasure Ballrooms, 3800 S. Virginia St. Admission badges are $40-$160. Visit www.ragecon.com.
RAINBOW RUN, ROCK & ROLL: Part of Truckee’s first pride week, the inaugural festival includes a 5K fun run/walk, a shortened course for those on wheels, live musical performances, local art vendors, community booths, food trucks and more. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, June 9, at Truckee River Regional Park, 10050 Brockway Road, in Truckee. Festival admission is free; $15-$30 to participate in the run. Visit www.tahoeexpeditionacademy.org/rrrr/race-registration.
RENO BASQUE FESTIVAL: The annual celebration of Basque culture and heritage features traditional music, improvisational poetry in the Basque language Euskera, folk dances, weightlifting and wood-chopping exhibitions, a weight-carrying competition and a children’s bota-drinking event. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Admission is free. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 20, at McKinley Arts & Culture Center, 925 Riverside Drive. Call 775-762-3577, or visit renobasqueclub.org.
RENO DANCE FESTIVAL: Sierra Arts Foundation presents the third annual event offering dance workshops; a live performance featuring work by local choreographers and showcasing more than 50 dancers; and an after party with DJs and dancing. The event runs from noon to midnight on Saturday, June 1, at J Resort’s Glow Plaza, 670 W. Fourth St. $15 per workshop, $10-$30 for performance and after party. Call 775-329-2787, or visit sierraarts.org.
RENO RIVER FESTIVAL: The 20th annual celebration of outdoor adventure and fun on the Truckee River features 24 live musical acts on two stages including headliners The Ataris and Canaan Smith, food and drink, local craft beer, a vendor village, Yoga in the Park, the Reno River Roll, the RRF Cornhole Championship and the Great Reno River Rally. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, June 7, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, June 8; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, June 9, at Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave. A three-day festival pass is $10; admission is free for kids age 17 and younger. Entry fees range $15-$70 for rally, tours and other festival events. Call 775-851-4444, or visit renoriverfestival.com.
RENO RODEO: Dubbed the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West,” the 105th annual event includes a cattle drive, competitions, kids’ rodeo, carnival rides and more from Thursday, June 20, through Saturday, June 29. Tickets range from $12 to $29. Russell Dickerson will headline the K-Bull 98.1 Reno Rodeo Kickoff Concert on Wednesday, June 19. Tickets are $55 in advance and $65 on the day of the show. The rodeo takes place at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, 1350 N. Wells Ave. Call 775-329-3877, or visit renorodeo.com.
RENO TAHOE ODYSSEY: The Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure (RTO) is a relay from Reno to Lake Tahoe and back to Reno, making a 178-mile loop around the Reno-Tahoe region. The relay starts on Friday, May 31, at Wingfield Park along the Truckee River in downtown Reno, and passes through Truckee, Tahoe City, South Lake Tahoe, Genoa, Carson City and Virginia City before returning to Reno and finishing at Idlewild Park on Saturday, June 1. The course is divided into 36 legs or segments, with each leg averaging about 5 miles. Visit renotahoeodyssey.com.
RENO WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL: Create a peaceful, memorable experience through the act of releasing lanterns. The event starts at 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Sparks Marina, 300 Howard St., in Sparks. Tickets are $14-$32. Admission is free for kids ages 7 and younger. Visit www.waterlanternfestival.com/reno.php.
ROLLIN’ RENO: Enjoy roller skating, food, drinks, dessert and music. The event starts at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 4, at Locomotion Plaza/Downtown Reno ReTrac Plaza, 300 N. Virginia St. Entry is $5 (cash only) for skate rental and free if you bring your own skates. Visit downtownreno.org/event/rollin-reno-locomotion-plaza.
SIERRA NEVADA LAVENDER AND HONEY FESTIVAL: The seventh annual event celebrates all things lavender and honey. There will be demonstrations and educational exhibits by lavender growers and beekeepers, arts and crafts booths, food made with lavender and honey, live music and more from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 14, at Idlewild Park, 1900 Idlewild Drive. Admission is free. No pets, except service dogs, will be allowed on the festival grounds. Call 775-250-1339, or visit www.lavenderandhoneyfest.com.
SILVER AGE COMIC CON: The pop-culture and comic convention is a family-friendly event that celebrates comic books, movies, fantasy and sci-fi, superheroes, collectibles and more. Special guests scheduled to appear include Brian O’Halloran, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Paul T. Taylor, Gigi Edgley, Bob Carter, Christina Kelly and Luis Rivera, among other actors, authors and artists. The event is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St. Tickets are $10-$15 and $25 for a two-day pass. Visit www.silveragecomiccon.com.
SPARKS FOLK FESTIVAL: 39 North Downtown presents its inaugural cultural festival featuring live entertainment on several stages, art, crafts, specialty food, train rides and more. The festivities take place 4-9 p.m., Friday, July 12; and 1-9 p.m., Saturday, July 13, along Victorian Square in downtown Sparks. Admission is free. Visit www.facebook.com/39NorthDowntown or contact angela@39northdowntown.com.
STAR-SPANGLED SPARKS: Celebrate Independence Day with arts and crafts booths, food and drink vendors, live entertainment and a fireworks display shot off the rooftops of the Nugget Casino Resort. The fun begins at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 4, along Victorian Avenue in downtown Sparks. The fireworks show starts after 9:45 p.m. (wind conditions permitting). Admission is free. Visit www.cnty.com/nugget or williamsltd.com/star-spangled-sparks-4th-festival-crafts.
STREET VIBRATIONS SPRING RALLY: The 15th annual motorcycle celebration condenses the elements of the larger Fall Rally into one weekend. There will be motorcycle shows, live entertainment, poker runs and vendors selling motorcycle gear and related items. The motorcycle rally takes place Friday through Sunday, June 7-9, at the J Resort, 345 N. Arlington Ave., as well as venues in Carson City and Virginia City. Free admission. Call 775-329-7469, or visit roadshowsreno.com.
TRUCKEE TAHOE AIR SHOW AND FAMILY FESTIVAL: The air show features aerial performances, and military and experimental aircraft on static display, as well as a speaker presentation, a STEM expo and a family festival with live music, puppet shows, carnival games and more. No pets are allowed due to the high temperatures of the pavement. The event is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 22, at the Truckee Tahoe Airport, 10356 Truckee Airport Road, in Truckee. Admission and parking are free. VIP Hospitality Tent tickets are $50-$125. Visit www.truckeetahoeairshow.com.
VALHALLA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL: The event returns to South Lake Tahoe for its 28th anniversary celebration. Experience an Elizabethan-era faire where visitors can interact with 800 costumed actors. Enjoy action-packed shows, music, dancing, jesters, Shakespearean vignettes, choreographed battles and more. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, at Tahoe Valley Campground, 1175 Melba Drive, in South Lake Tahoe. Tickets are $20 for adults; $17 for seniors and military; and $12 for kids age 6-12. Admission is free for kids age 5 and younger. Visit www.valhallafaire.com or www.facebook.com/valhallafaire.