The October calendar of events in Reno/Sparks is full of classic fun autumn activities and festivals, such as the Great Eldorado Italian Festival and the Zombie Crawl. There also are golf tournaments, plenty of art events, fundraisers, Virginia City fun, and fall break camps for kids. Get out there and celebrate the changing seasons and fall colors!
October Calendar Of Events In Reno/Sparks
A Closer Look: Landscapes in Nevada
- When: 1-2 p.m. Friday, October 1, 2021
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More information
Museum volunteer docents lead visitors through current exhibitions, including “The Latimer School: Lorenzo Latimer and the Latimer Art Club,” facilitating conversations centered around landscapes in Nevada and beyond. The tour is free with admission.
Banned Books Week Trivia Night
- When: 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, October 1, 2021
- Where: Wilbur D. May Museum, 1595 N. Sierra St., Reno
- More information
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read the books of your choice. Test your knowledge of banned and challenged books in a fun trivia night at the museum. Cost is $20 per team of up to five people per team, 10 teams max. Prizes and refreshments are included. Deadline to sign up is September 29. Register by calling 775-785-5961.
32nd Annual World Championship Outhouse Races
- When: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, October 2, 2021
- Where: C Street in Virginia City
- More information
The 32nd annual World Championship Outhouse Races is the event where potty humor is accepted and encouraged. The free event dates back to 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 event pits teams of costumed outhouse racers against each other in a potty race pushing 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.
Art at the Ark
- When: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, October 2, 2021
- Where: Animal Ark, 1265 Deerlodge Road, Reno
- More information
Art at the Ark is a shopping experience with local artists and vendors stationed throughout Animal Ark with artisans, keeper talks, and more. Regular admission prices. Standard members receive half-price tickets for this event.
Biggest Little Invitational Beer Festival
- When: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, October 2, 2021
- Where: Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road, Reno
- More information
The Biggest Little Invitational Beer Festival is a 21-and-older craft beer festival dedicated to showcasing the best of the best in the brewery world with local food vendors, lawn games, and the Bartley Ranch setting. General admission tickets cost $60 plus taxes and fees.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
- When: 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday, October 2, 2021
- Where: Sparks Marina, 300 Howard Drive, Sparks
- More information
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association. The event will observe safety protocols such as physical distancing, contactless registration, hand sanitizing stations, and more. Per CDC guidelines around crowded outdoor settings, all Walk attendees should be vaccinated against COVID-19 or wear a mask. Masks will be available on-site. Those who want to participate but do it from home can still engage in the event through our mobile app. People can join as part of a team or as an individual.
Carson City Ghost Walk
- When: 6 p.m. Thursday, October 2 and October 9, 2021
- Where: Carson City McFadden Plaza, 223 W. 3rd St., Carson City
- More information
Carson City’s spooky history is explored and theatrically relived in the Carson City Ghost Walk. Carson City’s rich history is explored and theatrically relived in seasonal tours led by Madame Curry. The tours leave rain or shine. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk begins.
Reno River Run
- When: 8 a.m. Sunday, October 3, 2021
- Where: Reno Arch
- More information
The Reno Races presents the Reno River Run (formerly the Downtown River Run), which serves as the 2021 Running Series final race. The 2021 Reno River Run has options for a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and the kids’ 1-miler. There will be age group and overall awards for all distances. The event starts and finishes under the Reno Arch in downtown along Virginia Street. Pets are not permitted in the race. Race fee is $70 plus fees per person.
The Harmony Games Free Family Concert
- When: 10 a.m.–noon Sunday, October 3, 2021
- Where: Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road, Reno
- More information
The Reno Phil presents a free concert that tells the story of four quarreling families who come together through the power of music. It is interactive, inspirational, and fun for all ages. Kid-friendly activities begin at 10 a.m., and the concert starts at 11 a.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. The approximate runtime is 45 minutes.
Fall Break Art Camp
- When: October 4-8, 2021
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More information
8:30 a.m.-noon: Fun with Clay
Kids ages 7-12 will have fun exploring the tactile nature of clay. Instruction will encompass basic hand building, throwing on the wheel, and sculpture. Students will learn about the basics of pottery, glazing, and the transformation of their pieces from the heat of the kiln. All works will be fired in the museums’ kiln. Snack and materials are included. Cost is $250 for nonmembers and $230 for members.
9 a.m.-noon: The Natural World
Kids ages 7-12 will have fun exploring various art mediums in this interactive camp, learning a different medium each day while staying within the theme of the natural world. This camp will focus on landscape paintings, upcycled sculptures, ceramics, animal anatomy drawings, dream catchers, pressed plant art, and a tour of the museum galleries with observational sketching. A daily snack and all materials are included with registration. Cost is $235 for nonmembers and $215 for members.
1-4 p.m.: Digital Art and Illustration
Kids ages 7-12 will have fun playing on the museum’s iPad Pros as they work on story-boarding, character design, and animation in this series. Students will also have an opportunity to explore and sketch in the museum’s galleries while looking for inspiration for their own work. A snack and all materials are included with registration. Cost is $200 for nonmembers and $180 for members.
Life Drawing: Open Studio
- When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays, October 6-27, 2021
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More information
Improve your life drawing skills and explore various media while working freely with a nude model in this open studio class. The instructor will be present to coordinate class and offer instruction upon request. Both male and female models will be posed and drawn. Visit the website for a list of suggested supplies. Adults 18 and older. Cost is $170 for nonmembers and $145 for members.
Watercolor Painting with Untraditional Materials
- When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, October 6, 2021
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More information
Experiment with everything but the kitchen sink painting tools! The kitchen is our inspiration, from spices to utensils. Be prepared to renew your excitement about watercolors as we play with textures, washes, and special effects. All students will leave the workshop with a plethora of ideas and experiences.
Enchanting Trees
- When: 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, October 7, 2021 and Thursday, October 21, 2021
- Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St., Reno
- More information
These unique wonders will inspire you as you create your rendition of the majestic beauties selected for this month’s series. Brush and palette knife techniques will be covered. Participants will receive one-on-one creative guidance to paint a 16″ x 20″ canvas masterpiece in a class that is perfect for all levels of artistic talent. Cost: $35.
- Thursday, October 7, 2021: Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree by Louise Wilson
- Thursday, October 21, 2021: Acacia Tree by Michael Vigliotti
Marianarchy XVII: A Benefit for G3 – Reno Theater
- When & Where: 5 p.m. October 8-9, 2021, at The Bluebird; 5 p.m. Friday, October 15, 2021, at Alturas’ Cellar Stage; 5 p.m. Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 40-Mile Saloon
- More information
Marianarchy is back for 2021 with more than 40 local musical acts and performers. The annual fundraiser swings back into action at The Bluebird on Friday and Saturday, October 8-9; then again at The Cellar Stage at Alturas Bar on October 15; and finally closing at 40-Mile Saloon on October 16. The proceeds will benefit G3, a COVID-related initiative representing three Reno community theaters: Reno Little Theater (RLT), Brüka Theater, and Good Luck Macbeth Theater Company (GLM). Marianarchy has been a biannual fundraiser since 2004 in honor of Marianne Psota.
39th Annual Great Italian Festival
- When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2021, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, October 10, 2021
- Where: Eldorado Resort Casino, 345 N. Virginia St., Reno
- More information
For the 39th year, THE ROW is bringing Italy’s sights, sounds, and flavors to the heart of Reno during the Great Italian Festival. Each year, held during Columbus Day weekend, the festival celebrates Italian culture and traditions and includes live entertainment, a sauce cooking contest, and lots of pasta. There will be a grape stomp, an Italian farmers market, food booths, and free, live entertainment all weekend.
12 x 12 Members Only Show
- When: Exhibit on view October 9-23, 2021; artists’ reception is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, October 14, 2021
- Where: Sierra Arts Foundation Main Gallery, 17 S. Virginia St., Reno
- More information
Sierra Arts Gallery presents 12 x 12, an annual group exhibition featuring more than 30 local artists working in a 12 x 12 format. Started in 2019, the foundation challenged members to work within a 12 x 12-inch space and left the rest up to them. The result was a display of the endless possibilities contained within the bounds of the composition.
Paint Your Pet
- When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2021
- Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St., Reno
- More information
Come and learn, step by step, how to paint your pet in a social setting in the Art Happens Here! Classroom. All skill levels are welcome. At the end of the evening, you will have an 11-inch-by-14-inch portrait of your beloved pet. Please bring 1-2 photos of your pet. All ages eight and older. Art supplies included.
Hands ON! Second Saturday – Celebrate el Día de los Muertos
- When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2021
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More information
Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation Hands ON! Second Saturdays offer monthly free admission, hands-on art activities, a docent-guided tour, live performances, and community collaborations. New exhibitions, community collaborations, cultural explorations, guest performances, and monthly themes rotate in this engaging series of monthly programs. This month’s event features decorating a sugar skull, creating a Calaveras Mask, and Day of the Dead Theater.
Water Lantern Festival
- When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2021
- Where: Sparks Marina, 300 Howard Drive, Sparks
- More information
Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This is a fun event that everyone can share. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people you haven’t met can create a peaceful, memorable experience. Tickets range from $11.99 to $64.99 (for two), plus fees.
Intro to Digital Illustration
- When: 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, October 10, 2021
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More information
Learn the basics of the Procreate app while using an iPad Pro. This class will focus on what each tool in the application does and how to utilize it to create finished digital illustrations, typography, and short-form animations. An iPad Pro and Procreate software will be provided for students to use during class time. Ages 15 and older. Cost: $45 for nonmembers and $35 for members.
From Sheep to Yarn
- When: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, October 12, 2021, and Wednesday, October 13, 2021
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More information
This class will explore the origins of yarn. Taking raw wool freshly sheared from local sheep, students will wash it, card it, spin it into yarn, and dye it. Students will finish the class with a custom skein of yarn that they have made from scratch. Ages 15 and older. Cost: $110 for nonmembers and $95 for members.
Virtual Educator Evenings: Exploring the Work of Artist Judy Chicago
- When: 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 13, 2021
- Where: Virtual
- More information
Take a look at the iconic feminist artist Judy Chicago. The class will discuss Chicago’s work as it relates to identity, feminism, and intersectionality. A museum-produced lesson plan will be reviewed during this session and made available to educators as a teaching resource. This program is hosted virtually on Zoom and is always free and open to all Pre-K-12 educators in Nevada.
18th Annual Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament
- When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, October 15, 2021
- Where: Red Hawk Golf and Resort, 6600 N. Wingfield Parkway, Sparks
- More information
The tournament features a shotgun start, four-person scramble, and awards luncheon following play. Proceeds from the Mayor’s Cup Benefit Sparks Youth Scholarship Fund, which helps at-risk youths who could not otherwise participate in recreation programs. Cost is $440 per team or $120 per person.
22nd Annual Global Gala
- When: 6 p.m. Friday, October 15, 2021
- Where: National Automobile Association, 10 S. Lake St., Reno
- More information
The Northern Nevada International Center’s Global Gala opens the doors to the global potential for the community and offers pathways forward and acceptance to those who might visit or relocate to the region.
Fore the Love of Art
- When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, October 16, 2021
- Where: Lakeridge Golf Course, 1218 Golf Club Drive, Reno
- More information
Tour the Lakeridge Golf Course during Fore the Love of Art, a safe art experience complete with theatrical performances, musical productions, and a dance performance. Attendees can climb into a golf cart built for two for three performances and then a spot for champagne and photos at the top of the course. Cost is $130.
Grand Sierra Beer & Chili 2021
- When: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, October 16, 2021
- Where: Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. 2nd St., Reno
- More information
Featuring more than two dozen local, regional, and national craft beers, stop by and try them all. Pair your favorite craft beers with different types of chili for the best combinations. Vote for your favorite chili to take home the People’s Choice Prize. The restaurant and brewery with the most People’s Choice votes will each win a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice, along with a trophy.
Last Chance Cheetah Dash
- When: Saturday, October 16, 2021–Sunday, October 17, 2021
- Where: Animal Ark, 1265 Deerlodge Road, Reno
- More information
Cheetah cubs Amani, Jabari, and Tambo, will learn the ropes of our high-speed runs in the cheetah yard. This event will feature a Keeper Talk, a video presentation, and biofacts, followed by a yard demonstration of a training session with each cheetah cub. Reservations are required due to limited seating: animalarkrenoevents@gmail.com.
Cost: Adults $45; Seniors $40; Children (8-12 years old) $35. Children must be at least eight years old to attend.
Wild West Wine Walk
- When: 2-5 p.m. Monday, October 18, 2021
- Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St., Reno
- More information
The wine walk is hosted by the small businesses of the Riverwalk Merchants Association along the Truckee River in downtown Reno. Costumes will take center stage.
3rd Thursdays
- When: 4-9 p.m. Thursday, October 21, 2021
- Where: Victorian Square, Sparks
- More information
Third Thursday is back with food, drinks, live entertainment, crafts, chef demos, movies on the big screen, and all the art you can handle. The Sparks Museum and Cultural Center, 39 North Downtown, Sierra Arts Foundation and the City of Sparks have created a downtown experience with art surrounding the Sparks Arts Walk, including music, poetry reading, performances, art tours with food, and kids’ activities.
Virtual Art Discussion: Earthworks
- When: 4-5 p.m. Thursday, October 21, 2021
- Where: Virtual
- More information
Enjoy looking at a selection of art during a Virtual Art Discussion of “My Land, My Dreaming and Rose B. Simpson: The Four.” This program is hosted on Zoom. A link to join the program will be emailed to registered participants. Please have Zoom downloaded with audio and video features turned on. Free for members and $10 for the general public.
Legion Sports Fest
- When: Friday, October 22, 2021–Sunday, October 24, 2021
- Where: Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St., Reno
- More information
This event features the Massive Sports Competitions that will the world’s best from IFBB Pro League and NPC bodybuilding, strongman, armored combat, weightlifting, rolling thunder challenge, Muay Thai, powerlifting, and arm wrestling, as well as find dozens of sports and nutrition vendors and fitness celebrities.
Harvest Festival
- When: 9:45 a.m.-1 p.m. OR 1:15-4:30 p.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021, and Sunday, October 24, 2021
- Where: Animal Ark, 1265 Deerlodge Road, Reno
- More information
Most of the animals will receive pumpkins filled with their favorite treats. Watch the enjoyment experienced by our predators when presented with these unique and delicious meals. Throughout the day, pumpkins will be delivered to different animals.
Event prices: Adults $20; Seniors $19; Children $16; children two and younger are free. Standard Members are 50% off for this event. No golf carts will be available. Private event weekend! Reservations are required for entry due to limited viewing ability. RSVP by emailing animalarkrenoevents@gmail.com.
Ravel’s Piano Concerto
- When: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021, and 4-6 p.m. Sunday, October 24, 2021
- Where: Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St., Reno
- More information
Joyce Yang returns to ignite the 53rd Classix Season with Ravel’s Piano Concerto. Hear the piece credited with starting Tchaikovsky’s musical career, “Mozartiana,” written for the 100th anniversary of Mozart’s opera, Don Giovanni. Doors open at 6 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $29 to 89.
Reno Zombie Crawl
- When: 8 p.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021
- Where: Downtown Reno
- More information
Named by USA Today as one of the 10 best costumed Halloween parties in the nation and Redbook as the best way to celebrate Halloween in all of Nevada, The Reno Zombie Crawl has an average of 40 different bars including four different resort casinos all within walking distance. Cost is $10.
Virginia City Grand Prix
- When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021
- Where: 86 S. C St., Virginia City
- More information
C Street gets loud as the roar of motorcycles hits full throttle during the Virginia City Grand Prix, one of the largest and most competitive off-road motorcycle races in the west. The annual two-day event draws more than 1,000 racers to the Comstock.
Beyond End Papers: Projects to Creatively Utilize Your Marbled Paper
- When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, October 28, 2021
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More information
Students who have taken a Marbling Class often ask what they can do with their pieces. This class will involve students in three different projects: Making a durable gift bag, making a 4” round box, and making a 4” square box. Ages 15 and older. Cost is $125 for general admission and $110 for members.
Nevada Day Art Sale!
- When: Noon-4 p.m. Friday, October 29, 2021
- Where: Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St., Reno
- More information
The second Annual Nevada Day Art Sale at the Pioneer Center Plaza will feature art from Reno’s local artists.
Nevada Day Parade
- When: Saturday, October 30, 2021
- Where: Downtown Carson City, 716 N. Carson Street, Carson City
- More information
Each October, Nevadans turn their attention to the state capitol, Carson City, home of the official Nevada Day Parade. Since 1938, the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City has celebrated Nevada’s heritage and the founding of this state on October 31, 1864.
