Fall is in the air, and it’s time for a whole month of spectacular, spooky and special October events in Reno/Sparks. From music festivals to safe trick or treats to fundraisers, there are so many October things to do to in Reno and Sparks. Keep reading to find out our top picks!
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Off Beat Music Festival
- When: Thursday, Oct. 3–Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019
- Where: Midtown Reno
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Hear more than 100 performances at the 5th annual Off Beat Music Festival, a “music festival crawl of sorts.” See some of the best homegrown musicians, regional bands and nationally-recognized artists. Discover new music at unique and intimate locations around the core of Midtown Reno.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Red Shoe Gala: House of Heroes
- When: Friday, Oct. 4, 2019
- Where: Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, 3800 S. Virginia St., Reno
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The Ronald McDonald House’s fancy, fun Red Shoe Gala returns with its famous red shoe theme, and a focus on families. Money raised at the gala gives parents with a hospitalized child the gift of precious moments at the Ronald McDonald House. The gala helps give families the chance to make their little ones breakfast, see them at the end of a long day or read a favorite storybook. The evening will provide laughs, entertainment, fine dining and more.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Slaughterhouse at Greater Nevada Field
- When: Friday, Oct. 4–Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019
- Where: Greater Nevada Field, 250 Evans Ave., Reno
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Slaughterhouse, Reno’s largest Haunted Attraction, is back and better than ever for the 14th straight year, with a newly added attraction, “The Terror Train!” In partnership with the Reno Aces, bring Northern Nevada’s #1 Haunted Attraction will be back at Greater Nevada Field. This year, the Slaughter House will get a fresh layout and brand new scares. The “The Terror Train” will take passengers on a 10-minute scary ride through the interior of Greater Nevada Field! A portion of the proceeds goes to help fund Washoe County’s Children in Transition Program.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Coffee and Conversation with Artist Jack Malotte
- When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
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Jack Malotte makes artworks that celebrate the landscapes of the Great Basin, with a unique focus on contemporary political issues faced by Native people seeking to protect and preserve access to their lands. Join us for informal conversation in the gallery before the exhibition The Art of Jack Malotte closes later this month. Coffee, book signing and a short film will be offered in the adjacent Founders’ Room.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: World Championship Outhouse Races
- When: Saturday, Oct. 5–Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019
- Where: Virginia City
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This is one time and place where potty humor is accepted and encouraged—the 30th annual World Championship Outhouse Races. This free event dates back when outdoor plumbing was outlawed in Virginia City, angry residents took to the streets with their outhouses in protest, and a tradition was born. This hilarious event pits teams of costumed outhouse racers against each other in an all-out potty race. Groups push their homemade outhouses down C Street toward the toilet paper finish line to claim the latrine title. The Parade of Outhouses begins Saturday at noon with races immediately following.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Southern Fare On The Square
- When: Saturday, Oct. 5–Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019
- Where: Victorian Square, Victorian Avenue, Sparks
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Experience the sounds and flavors of the South at this free street festival on Victorian Square in Sparks. Enjoy all the fixin’s with food and drink vendors, craft beers, live music and entertainment, lots of crafters and a VIP Beer Garden. Festival-goers can sample jambalaya, Po’ Boy sandwiches, fried shrimp, red beans and rice with sausage, alligator, catfish, deep-fried pickles and okra, sweet potato pie, pecan pie, grits, beignets, chicken and waffles, sweet tea, hurricanes and much more. A kids’ area will include a pumpkin patch, pony rides, free hay wagon rides and more.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Mid-century Modern Architecture in the Biggest Little City
- When: Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
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Architect Alan Hess will explore how Reno created its own unique modern architecture. Alan Hess is an architect and historian and is the author of twenty books on modern architecture and urbanism in the twentieth century. His subjects include John Lautner, Oscar Niemeyer, Frank Lloyd Wright, the Ranch House, Googie architecture, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs. His newest book, “Hollywood Modern: Houses of the Stars,” was published by Rizzoli International last October.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Greater Nevada Field presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show
- When: Friday, Oct. 11, 2019
- Where: Greater Nevada Field, 250 Evans Ave., Reno
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The Rocky Horror Picture Show is coming to Greater Nevada Field for the 4th consecutive year. This cult classic has been a crowd-pleaser for decades. The show starts at 11:30 p.m. with live shadow acting performed by the Bawdy Caste. Come and watch the perfect movie for the Halloween season.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: The Eldorado Great Italian Festival
- When: Saturday, Oct. 12–Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019
- Where: Downtown Reno
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For the 38th year, the Eldorado brings the sights, sounds and flavors of Italy to downtown Reno. Held annually over Columbus Day weekend, the outdoor festival is a celebration of Italian culture and traditions. Downtown Reno transforms into Little Italy with free live entertainment, a sauce cooking contest and of course, pasta—lots of pasta. Spectators are invited to “finire di mangia,” or “eat up” as the Italians say! Taste delicious foods such as chicken parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, meat ravioli with Bolognese, tortellini Eldorado, Gnocchetti pesto, Italian sausage and peppers, fried ravioli, fried calamari and the ever-famous mushroom ravioli with porcini cream sauce.
No Italian Festival would be complete without plenty of homemade Italian food. A crowd favorite year after year continues to be the Great Italian Festival Sauce Cook-off. Italian families from across the West Coast bring their recipes to life in front of admiring and hungry spectators. The fun-filled weekend also features craft vendors, lots of delicious food vendors, grape stomp and other activities.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Reno Bridal & Beauty Expo
- When: Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019
- Where: Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. 2nd St., Reno
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If you’re a bride to be, the place to be is Reno’s largest wedding planning event. Enter to win door prizes and wedding gowns, or join in the cake dives to win a pair of diamond earrings or a gold band for the groom. Sample food from a variety of caterers, bakeries and restaurants. The Reno Bridal Showcase is a one-stop and shop for all your wedding needs under one roof.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Vivamomix
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019
- Where: Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St., Reno
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Artown proudly presents “VIVAMOMIX,” a company of dancer-illusionists who take you into a surreal fantasy world in multi-layered performances that are fascinating and engaging for all ages. Explore wonder through a lens that only MOMIX can provide. Known internationally for presenting works of astounding inventiveness and physical beauty, MOMIX is founded and directed by Moses Pendleton.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Ultra4 National Championship
- When: Friday, Oct. 18–Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019
- Where: Wild West Motorsports Park, 12005 I-80, Sparks
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Fans call it the “King of The Hammers in a Short Course,” and if you haven’t seen it in person, you don’t want to miss it! More than 120 of the best drivers in the sport compete in the high-flying action and extreme rock racing. It’s the end of the season, so teams put it all on the line to be crowned national champion. The course at Wild West Motorsports Park combines technical rock obstacles with short course racing, showcasing the 4 wheel-drive capabilities of all the Ultra4 classes. The grandstand seating at Wild West Motorsports Park provides excellent views of the entire course to enjoy the dynamic race action. With food and drink vendors and some of our biggest and best sponsors on hand, the 2019 Nationals is a can’t miss event!
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Grand Sierra Beer And Chili Festival
- When: Saturday, Oct. 19–Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019
- Where: Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. 2nd St., Reno
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This October, don the comfy pants, grab your best buds, cram yourselves into a ride-share and head on over to the Grand Sierra Beer & Chili Festival. Entry is free. Savor beer tastings from more than two dozen local, regional and national craft beer favorites. In between sips, slurp your way through delicious chili samples and other menu specialties from local restaurants—then vote for your favorite chili to take home the People’s Choice Prize! When your taste buds and tums need a break from all that beer and chili, explore market stalls featuring quality goods from more than 75 craft vendors. Or, jiggle on over to the concert stage and dance along to live bands.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Pumpkin Palooza
- When: Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019
- Where: Victorian Square, Victorian Avenue, Sparks
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Named a “Top Fall Event” in 2017 by Food Network Magazine, the event is chock-full of good old-fashioned fun. Celebrate autumn with wholesome activities guaranteed to produce smiles for the entire family. The popular event includes spooktacular activities such as a Pumpkin Derby, family costume parade, carnival-style games, a haunted schoolhouse, pie-eating contest, zombie walk, marshmallow shooting and mummy wrapping contests, pumpkin decorating, live entertainment and more. The festival benefits the Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Run for Education
- When: Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019
- Where: The Outlets at Legends, 1310 Scheels Drive, Sparks
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Join the Education Alliance’s annual Run for Education, the largest family and student running event in Northern Nevada focusing on fitness and fun for students and families. There is a run for everyone: a 4K Timed Run, a Fun Run, and the untimed Sparks Marina March. Proceeds go directly to participating Washoe County School District schools to support physical education and nutrition initiatives.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: 3-Minute Film Competition Screening
- When: Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
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Local filmmakers of all ages were invited to submit films for the annual 3-Minute Film Competition. Join the Holland Project, KNPB and the Nevada Museum of Art in a screening of the top films selected by a team of jurors. Participate in the process by casting your vote for your favorite.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Nevada Day Parade
- When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019
- Where: Carson City
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This grand celebration commemorates Nevada’s entry into the Union on Oct. 31, 1864. Join other Nevadans in the largest statehood celebration in the nation! The event in Carson City features a large assortment of activities including the Nevada Day Parade, music and arts shows, a carnival, pancake breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion, Nevada Day Classic Run/Walk, World Championship Rock Drilling Contest, Beard Contest, Annual Chili Feed, free local concerts and more! More than 200 groups will march in the parade led by law enforcement and public officials. See floats, marching bands, horses, entertainers, youth groups, celebrity guests and even Burning Man creations. Food, drink and souvenir vendors line the streets, as well as local businesses featuring food and beverage specials.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: The Folk & the Lore: Local Haunts
- When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
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Join an evening of storytelling and films based on local haunts. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a cash bar and social hour. Stories begin at 6 p.m. From the creative mind of Jessi LeMay comes the storytelling and narrative filmmaking project The Folk & the Lore. This multimedia project aims to collect, archive, and tell stories from Reno and throughout the region through photography, short films, and live storytelling events.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: 9th Annual Halloween Trick or Treat
- When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019
- Where: Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, 490 S. Center St, Reno
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Head to The Discovery for a hauntingly good time at the 9th annual Halloween Trick or Treat. Visit the museum in costume and trick-or-treat from gallery to gallery. There’ll be spooky decorations and delicious treats for all of the friendly or scary ghosts, ghouls and goblins who dare to attend.
October Events in Reno/Sparks: Safe Trick or Treat
- When: Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019
- Where: The Outlets at Legends, 1310 Scheels Drive, Sparks
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Scheels and the Outlets will be holding Safe Trick or Treating from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. on Halloween! Trick or Treat around the retailers and enter a fun costume contest! The contest will be held outside Scheels at 5 p.m. with the winner receiving a gift card.
