October things to do in Reno and Sparks include traditional autumn fare such as Lattin Farms’ Fall Festival, as well as virtual art events hosted by the Nevada Museum of Art and virtual running races. Thrifters can check out the annual Somersett garage sale, and check out frightful animals at the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park — in the dark.
October Things To Do In Reno And Sparks
Virtual Art Discussion
- When: 4-5 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2020
- Where: Virtual (Zoom)
- More information
Bring art into the comfort of your home with a Virtual Art Discussion on “The E. L. Wiegand Collection: Representing the Work Ethic in American Art.” Virtual Art Discussions are led by experienced docents that will share interesting perspectives and lead thoughtful discussions. This program will be hosted on Zoom, so have Zoom downloaded with audio and video features turned on; the link will be emailed to registered participants at 10:00 a.m. October 1.
Virtual First Thursday: Eric Henry Andersen
- When: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2020
- Where: Virtual
- More information
The NMA’s traditional First Thursday has been temporarily postponed because of Covid-19 health and safety regulations. Instead of the in-person event, tune in for an evening of music with Eric Henry Andersen that will feature art introductions and more. The program will premiere on the museum’s Facebook page, where participants can engage in a real-time conversation with other attendees; the broadcast can also be accessed through the NMA’s YouTube channel. Museum members can get a 50% discount on a growler or growler fill at Great Basin Brewing Company (Reno or Sparks locations) anytime on October 1 (mention offer “First Thursday Growler” during purchase; limit one per membership and you must be at least age 21). First Thursday is powered by Tesla, sponsored by the Bank of America, and hosted by Great Basin Brewing Co. and The X 100.1 FM Radio.
Performing Arts Series Virtual Event with Grace Kelly
- When: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2020
- Where: Virtual
- More information
The University of Nevada, Reno, presents this live-stream event featuring a performance by saxophonist, vocalist and composer, Grace Kelly, as well as a Q&A with Performing Arts Series program manager, Shoshana Zeldner.
Bay to Black Rock Virtual Run Adventure
- When: October 1-17, 2020
- Where: Virtual
- More information
Registration is open for the 2020 Bay to Black Rock Virtual Run Adventure presented by Hometown Health. The race is 255 miles with a Golden Gate Bridge start and Black Rock Desert finish. There are two race options to choose from a Run/Walk or Multi-Activity. The Multi-Activity version allows for dozens of activities to convert into miles. Participants can track their progress on an electronic map, and can participate on their own or as part of a team (8 people max). The event features race swag, specials, prizes and a photo contest. Race178 is contributing a portion of the race proceeds to the Friends of the Black Rock High Rock nonprofit organization. #virtualbay2blackrock
Roaring Twenties Fall Festival
- When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2020
- Where: Lattin Farms, 1955 McLean Road, Fallon
- More information
Lattin Farms’ 2020 Fall Festival runs Friday and Saturdays through October 31 with 2020’s theme of the Roaring ‘20s. The corn maze features a 1920s image. The festival includes the corn maze, pumpkin patch, cow train, scarecrow factory, crafters’ market and pumpkin tower. The fall festival is happening from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. every Saturday through the end of the month (excepting Halloween, which finds the festival closing at 4 p.m.) The farm is closed on Sundays.
2020 Reno River Virtual Run (Downtown River Run)
- When: October 3-10, 2020
- Where: Downtown Reno
- More information
The Reno River Virtual Run features a half-marathon, 10K or 5K. Participants can choose their own distance — or run all three distances to participate in the Reno River Run Triple Challenge —and run it between October 2 and October 10. Anyone who runs the 13.1, 10K or 5K distance will earn a finisher medal and a Reno River Run face covering. Tag @runrenoraces in all social media posts.
Fall Community-Wide Garage Sale
- When: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2020
- Where: Somersett Club At Town Center, 7650 Town Square Lane, Reno
- More information
Put away summer and make way for fall. The Somersett Owners Association is hosting the final community-wide garage sale of the year. To shop the sale, check out the digital map of participating homes starting on September 30. Shoppers and sellers are encouraged to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Fall Creativity Camp
- When: Monday, October 5, 2020–Friday, October 9, 2020
- Where: Art Studio at the Lake Mansion, 250 Court St., Reno
- More information
Get the kids off the couch and into the studio with this fall break morning camp. Teaching artists will provide a morning of visual art for kids 6-10 years old. Class is limited to eight students and face coverings are required. Supplies and a snack included are in the cost of $150 for all five days. Please note any dietary restrictions.
Vanessa German on the Cultural Ecosystem of Community
- When: Noon-1 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2020
- Where: Virtual
- More information
Nevada Museum of Art’s Art Bite lecture series, supported by Nevada Humanities and UNR, features Vanessa German, a visual and performance artist who explores the power of art and love as a transformative force in the dynamic cultural ecosystem of communities and neighborhoods. Her work is currently on view in “The World Stage: Contemporary Art from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation.” Register by 9 a.m. October 9 to receive the Zoom link. For registration support or questions, email christian.davies@nevadaart.org.
Sparks UMC Harvest Festival and Craft Fair
- When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, October 10, 2020
- Where: Sparks United Methodist Church Community Events, 1231 Pyramid Way, Sparks
- More information
The Sparks UMC Harvest Festival and Craft Fair features a pumpkin patch and goods from local crafters.
Doggy School Photo Day!
- When: Sunday, October 11, 2020
- Where: Fur and Feather Works, 9475 Double R. Blvd., Reno
- More information
Doggy School Picture Day is Sunday, October 11 at Fur and Feather Works. Dog owners can get a portrait of Fido for $45 per pet. Reserve a time slot, then arrive at the training center at the appointed time; wait outside until called in and wear a face covering. There will be a selection of bandannas, bow ties, and flowers, and portraits will be emailed. Make an appointment by contacting Sarah at 775-420-2322 or admin@furfeatherworks.com.
Art Adventures
- When: Monday, October 12, 2020–Thursday, October 29, 2020
- Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St., Reno
- More information
Art Adventures is available at the Lake Mansion Arts & Cultural Center in the newly remodeled Art Happens Here! Classroom. Children in grades K-5 can explore a different fine arts medium each week; each session is three weeks long and costs $45 per child, per session. Class size is limited to 8 participants to ensure social distancing face coverings are required.
Paint & Sip: A Pair by Anne Packard
- When: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2020
- Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St., Reno
- More information
Paint your own 16″ x 20″ canvas masterpiece with professional instruction in this class that’s limited to six participants to ensure the best learning experience and maintain social distancing; face coverings are required to attend class. This class takes place in the Garden Pavilion.
Virtual Educator Evenings
- When: 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2020
- Where: Virtual
- More information
October’s Educator Evening features artist Lordy Rodriguez, whose work reinterprets maps and uses them to investigate identity along with geographic and civic boundaries. The event will feature a discussion around map-making and how to interpret Rodriguez’s work. Educator Evenings are sponsored by the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation, Bank of America, the Nell J. Redfield Foundation, and Reno Orthopedic Clinic. Register by Wednesday, October 14 at 9 a.m.; the Zoom link will be sent later Wednesday morning. For registration support or questions, email Jacque.Dawson@NevadaArt.org.
Art Bite: Lordy Rodriguez and the Language of Cartography
- When: Noon-1 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2020
- Where: Virtual
- More information
Using the language of cartography, Lordy Rodriguez will discuss his drawings that go beyond map-making into abstracted, imaginary terrain. His work is part of the museum’s permanent collection and is on view in the exhibition “In The Flow.” Register by 9 a.m. October 16 to receive the link to this Zoom event. For registration support or questions, email christian.davies@nevadaart.org.
Paint & Snack: Halloween Cat by Mary Engelbreit
- When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2020
- Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St., Reno
- More information
Participants receive one-on-one creative guidance to paint a 11″ x 14″ canvas masterpiece. This class is for all levels of artistic talent is for the whole family (age 8 and older). This class takes place in the Garden Pavilion.
Reno-Sparks Walk to End Alzheimer’s
- When: 9 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2020
- Where: Virtual
- More information
The 2020 Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is everywhere: from downtowns to small towns and every sidewalk in between. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s event won’t be a large in-person gathering; instead, participants can walk in small teams. This year’s event includes Explore Walk Mainstage, a virtual experience to visit sponsor booths, learn about association resources, and watch the Opening and Promise Garden Ceremony; download the Walk to End Alzheimer’s mobile app to check walk progress; and visit the Promise Garden.
Virtual Art Discussion in Spanish
- When: 4-5 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2020
- Where: Virtual
- More information
Join the NMA for a guided exploration of art through an interactive conversation in Spanish that was designed for native and non-native Spanish speakers. This program will be hosted on Zoom, so have Zoom downloaded with audio and video features turned on. A Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants on the day of at 10 a.m.
Paint & Sip: Parrot Tulips by Henri Matisse
- When: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2020
- Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St., Reno
- More information
Receive one-on-one creative guidance to paint a 16″ x 20″ canvas masterpiece in a social environment for all levels of artistic talent. The class is limited to 6 participants to ensure social distancing; face coverings are required. The class takes place in the Garden Pavilion.
Performing Arts Series Virtual Event with Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company
- When: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2020
- Where: Virtual
- More information
This virtual event featuring dance by Ririe-Woodbury, plus dialogue with the artistic director, choreographer, and dancer, is moderated by Performing Arts Series program manager Shoshana Zeldner. It’s presented by the University of Nevada Reno School of the Arts.
Spookaroo! at the Zoo
- When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2020
- Where: Sierra Nevada Zoological Park, 10200 N. Virginia St., Reno
- More information
Bring flashlights to see the animals at night. Admission costs $15 per person and the event is for those age 13 and older. The zoo requires face coverings and urges social distancing. The number of people in the gift shop and around holiday features will be limited as necessary. Reservations are not required.
