As warmer weather approaches and restrictions ease, we’re excited to share this May calendar of events in Reno to kick start an exciting and fun-filled summer. From Reno Aces baseball to charity runs to breakfast at the zoo, some big things are happening in Northern Nevada. Here’s everything you need to know. 


May calendar of events in Reno and Sparks


Reno/Sparks Walk to Defeat ALS

  • When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, May 1, 2021
  • Where: Reno High School, 395 Booth St, Reno
  • More Information

The annual Reno/Sparks Walk to Defeat ALS will be hosted as a car parade this year. While following current COVID-19 restrictions, the community can safely be together to raise awareness and funds for those living with ALS in Nevada. This event is an opportunity to celebrate and remember family members and friends who have lost their lives to ALS. For more information on how to register, click here


Sunday Yoga Begins

  • When: 10–11 a.m., Sunday, May 2, 2021–Sunday, May 30, 2021
  • Where: Art in Motion, 121 Los Altos Pkwy Ste 101, Sparks
  • More Information

Kick start your summer body with a total body workout that enhances strength, cardiovascular conditioning, balance, and flexibility. Sunday yoga at Art in Motion combines traditional and non-traditional techniques to create a fun and relaxing experience while clearing the mind of stress. Participants should wear loose-fitting clothing and bring a yoga mat to practice. 


Drop-in Indoor Pickleball 

  • When: 8–11 a.m., Monday and Wednesdays; 7-11 a.m., Fridays, May 3, 2021–Sunday, May 30, 2021
  • Where: Alf Sorensen Community Center, 1400 Baring Blvd, Sparks
  • More Information

Alf Sorensen Community Center is hosting drop-in pickleball for those looking to have some fun while breaking a sweat. Pickleball combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. There are two courts available including one for beginners and one for intermediate-advanced players. For more information, call 775-353-2385.


Virtual First Thursday: Só Sol

The Nevada Museum of Art’s First Thursday has gone virtual. Tune in for a special broadcast with Só Sol, a folk group with a classic sound and roots in Tropicalia and Americana music. Participants can look forward to experiencing live music, interviews, art introductions, and more. This event will be held on the museum’s Facebook page, or it can be accessed here. Members receive 50% off any growler or growler fill at Great Basin Brewing Company Reno/Sparks locations. 


Paint the Stars

  • When: 7–9:30 p.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021
  • Where: Picasso & Wine Midtown, 148 Vassar St, Reno
  • More Information

Enjoy your drink of choice while painting the stars at Reno’s original paint and sip art studio. Picasso & Wine in midtown will provide all the art supplies and refreshments you need to create your very own masterpiece. As a fun and relaxing activity to do with friends and family members, you can learn how to paint like Vincent Van Gogh with step-by-step instructions. Participants should plan to arrive 20 minutes early. Seating is limited to four people per table to ensure current safety guidelines are followed. 


Predators & Pinatas

  • When: 10 a.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021 and 4:30 p.m., Sunday, May 9, 2021
  • Where: Animal Ark, 1265 Deerlodge Road, Reno
  • More Information

If you’re a party animal looking for a wild experience, then don’t miss out on the fun as predators at Animal Ark break open their treat-filled pinatas. These events are private, and reservations are required for an all-day entry pass. So, don’t forget your camera as there will be plenty of opportunities for photos and fun. Admission starts at $16 for children 3-12 years old and is $20 for adults. For reservations and questions, email animalarkedu@gmail.com


Moms on the Run 2021

  • When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday, May 9, 2021
  • Where: Reno High School, 395 Booth St, Reno
  • More Information

Pinocchio’s Moms on the Run, a non-profit organization, is having a drive-thru fundraiser for Northern Nevada women battling breast and gynecological cancers. This event will provide support for everyday living expenses including mortgages, rent, food, utilities, and insurance, to help offset medical costs and alleviate financial stress. 


Turning Pages: A Monthly Reading Group

This virtual reading group will cover North and South By Elizabeth Gaskell, the love story of a middle-class southerner witnessing the changes wrought by England’s early industrialization period. Participants will discuss and learn complex labor issues of employers and workers who led strikes in the revolution. This event will discuss the second half of the novel as a two-part discussion. For registration support or questions, email christian.davies@nevadaart.org.


Reno Aces Baseball

  • When: Thursday, May 13, 2021–Tuesday, September 21, 2021
  • Where: Greater Nevada Field, 250 Evans Ave., Reno
  • More Information

Opening day is around the corner, and the Reno Aces are getting ready to bat against the Salt Lake Bees. The Greater Nevada Field is prepared for a fun-filled season of warm summer days, cracker jacks, and nostalgic sounds. Face masks are required, and social distancing will be enforced per state guidelines. As local authorities and health officials work to safely welcome fans back to the ballpark, attendance policies may change. For more information, email info@renoaces.com.


Victorian Radicals and the Cult Of Beauty

Melissa Leventon, the co-founder of Curatrix Group and former Curator-in-Charge of Textiles at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, is a specialist in European and American costume and textiles. She will take audiences on a journey into the British Aesthetic Movement’s unconventional creativity, a revolution in fashion and decorative arts. For registration support and questions, email christian.davies@nevadaart.org.


Kidz Night Out

  • When: 4–8 p.m., Saturday, May 15, 2021 
  • Where: Recreation Gym, 98 Richards Way, Sparks
  • More Information

Kidz Night Out provides a fun and safe environment for youth in kindergarten through fifth grade to get out of the house. This child-friendly event will include a pizza dinner, crafts, games, a movie, and more. Participants will be required to complete a COVID-19 health screening before attending. For more information on how to register, click here


Breakfast with the Animals: Bacon with Big Cats

  • When: 8–10 a.m., Saturday, May 15, 2021
  • Where: Animal Ark, 1265 Deerlodge Road, Reno
  • More Information

If you’re searching for a new breakfast spot, then look no more. Enjoy a private breakfast while learning about Animal Ark’s most fascinating and dangerous predators. This event also offers an exclusive opportunity to meet the tiger, jaguar, and cheetah before other guests arrive. Reservations are required due to limited availability. Admission starts at $16 for children 3-12 years old and is $20 for adults.  For reservations and questions, email animalarkedu@gmail.com


Virtual Art Discussion: Having a Voice

The Nevada Museum of Art is hosting a virtual art discussion on Rose B. Simpson: The Four and having a voice. Experienced staff will lead the conversation to address perspectives on the emotional and existential impacts of living in the 21st century. This event will be hosted on Zoom. Registered participants will receive a link via email on the day of the event at 10 a.m. For registration support and questions, email christian.davies@nevadaart.org.


Paint & Sip: Sprig of Flowers by William De Morgan

  • When: 6–8 p.m., Thursday, May 20, 2021
  • Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St. & Arlington Ave., Reno
  • More Information

Paint a masterpiece while exploring your creative side in a fun and social environment. This class welcomes all levels of artistic talent as participants will receive one-on-one guidance on how to effectively use depth, light, shadow, and reflection techniques. Face masks are required, and social distancing will be enforced per state guidelines. 


Programs on the Porch: Nevada Women’s History

  • When: 7–8 p.m., Friday, May 21, 2021
  • Where: Bowers Mansion Regional Park, 4005 Bowers Mansion Road, New Washoe City
  • More Information

The Programs on the Porch series is returning to Bowers Mansion Regional Park. This free event will cover the vital role of women in Nevada history and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the park. Bring your favorite blanket or chair and enjoy a unique lineup of historical presentations and cowboy entertainment. For more information, call 775-849-1825.


Spring Fever Revival Poker Run

  • When: 9-5:30 p.m., Saturday, May 22, 2021
  • Where: Summit Racing Equipment, E Glendale Ave, Sparks
  • More Information

The annual Spring Fever Revival Show-n-Shine event has transformed into the Classic Car Poker Run. Participants can expect some laughs, food, and music along the way. There’s no rush to finish first, but you’ll want to visit each stop before turning in your hands at Summit Racing Equipment. All completed hands will receive a raffle ticket for a Hot August Nights gift basket, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for Road Rally items along the way for another chance to win. Winners will be announced at 6:00 p.m. and are not required to be present. 


Exploring the Way Forward: AAWC Mini-Symposium

The Museum’s Center for Art and Environment holds the most extensive archive collection of contemporary Antarctic art in the country. As the most extreme environment on Earth, Antarctica has inspired many artists, writers, composers, performers, and science communicators to fall in love with its uniqueness. This event will dive deep into Adequate Earth’s online exhibit to further explore the future of creative producers. For more information about how to register, click here


Cheetah Dash

  • When: 5:30-7 p.m., Saturday, May 22, 2021
  • Where: Animal Ark, 1265 Deerlodge Road, Reno
  • More Information

Experience the world’s fastest land animal learn the ropes of its pride. Amani, Jabari, and Tambo are cheetah cubs at Animal Ark who are anxiously awaiting to find their stride. This event will feature an exclusive zookeeper talk, video presentation, and biofacts followed by a training demonstration with each cheetah cub. Admission starts at $35 for children 8-12 years old and is $45 for adults. For reservations and questions, email animalarkedu@gmail.com


Take the Hill for Autism – Reno 5K

  • When: 8 a.m. -noon, Saturday, May 22, 2021
  • Where: Huffaker Park, 1160 E Huffaker Ln, Reno
  • More Information

The Autism Coalition of Nevada is hosting a 5K run at Huffaker Park to support Nevada families and friends with autistic children. This event is free and can be completed at your own pace. So, grab your running or walking shoes and #takethehill4autism. 


After the Storm

  • When: 3-5 p.m., Sunday, May 23, 2021
  • Where: Picasso & Wine Midtown, 148 Vassar St, Reno
  • More Information

Create a unique piece of art while enjoying your favorite beverages with friends at Picasso & Wine in midtown. This class welcomes all levels of artistic talent and provides step-by-step instructions on how to master canvas painting techniques. Participants should plan to arrive 20 minutes early. Seating is limited to four people per table to ensure current safety guidelines are followed. 


Programs on the Porch: Washoe Tribe History

  • When: 7-8 p.m., Friday, May 28, 2021
  • Where: Bowers Mansion Regional Park, 4005 Bowers Mansion Road, New Washoe City
  • More Information

The Programs on the Porch series is returning to Bowers Mansion Regional Park. This free event will cover the rich history of Washoe’s indigenous population and tribe. Bring your favorite blanket or chair and enjoy an exceptional lineup of historical presentations and cowboy entertainment. For more information, call 775-849-1825.


At Dickson Realty, our team of local experts likes to share what’s new and exciting in the region, including what’s on this May calendar of events in Reno and Sparks. To learn more about how to enjoy the Northern Nevada region, contact one of our Realtors today