Whether you’ve just moved to Northern Nevada or are a long-time local looking to make the most of your summer, this list of July things to do in Reno and Sparks is for you. Almost every day in our area is packed with events, festivals, concerts, and more, so we’ve narrowed it down to the top 15 must-do activities this month.
Keep reading to learn more about July’s calendar of things to do in Reno and Sparks this month—headlined by Artown, which is back in full swing this year. There also are campfire programs for families and food festivals like the 4th Reno Garlic Festival and the Lavender & Honey Festival.
Don’t Miss These 15 July Things To Do In Reno And Sparks
Artown
- When: Friday, July 1, 2022–Sunday, July 31, 2022
- Where: Various events throughout Reno/Sparks
- More information
Artown brings the arts to life in Reno each July with a packed calendar of events. A recipient of five consecutive National Endowment for the Arts grants, the month-long festival in July brings together artists from around the world, across the country, and in our community to celebrate cultural diversity and artistic innovation.
Galena Campfire Program Series
- When: Fridays in July 2022
- Where: Galena Creek Visitor Center, 18250 Mount Rose Highway, Reno
- More information
The Galena Campfire Program Series features a different presenter each week, including various cultural music experiences, fun educational programs, and marshmallow roasting at Galena Creek Regional Park. Blankets, low-back chairs, bug spray, and flashlights are recommended.
- July 1: Raptors. Featuring Falconer Marie Gaspari-Crawford
- July 15, 2022: Andean Peruvian music with Kantu Inka
- July 22, 2022: Nevada Discovery Ride: Samantha Szesciorka’s adventure across Nevada
- July 29, 2022: Star Gazing with the Astronomical Society of Nevada
Dragon Lights Reno
- When: Friday, July 1, 2022—Friday, August 12, 2022
- Where: Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Rancho San Rafael Park, 1595 N Sierra St., Reno, NV 89503
- More information
Dragon Lights Reno will once again illuminate the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Rancho San Rafael Park with all-new lantern displays. Forty-two larger-than-life lantern sculptures, made of steel, fabric, and thousands of LED lights, will transform the tree park into a luminous wonderland during mid-summer nights. This immersive walk-through experience will entertain and thrill people of all ages.
American Salute: Fourth of July with the Reno Phil
- When: Monday, July 4, 2022
- Where: Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave., Reno
- More information
The Reno Phil Orchestra and Chorus will perform patriotic and classical favorites under the conduction of Jason Altieri. The park opens at 5:30 p.m.—don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and favorite snacks and beverages. Then, the concert is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. and conclude with a grand fireworks finale.
Star Spangled Sparks
- When: Monday, July 4, 2022
- Where: Downtown Sparks
- More information
For 20 years, Star Spangled Sparks has been the largest Independence Day celebration and fireworks display in Northern Nevada. Nearly 50,000 people are expected to visit downtown Sparks for a block party on Victorian Square featuring live music, crafts, food vendors, and fireworks. The party and spectacular fireworks display are free and open to the public. Tickets are also available for a VIP Fireworks Viewing
Lazy 5 Summer Music Series
- When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays in July
- Where: Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Way, Sparks
- More information
Bring your blankets, low-backed chairs, coolers, and drinks to this free concert series on Wednesday nights. Food trucks will also be on site and will start serving at 6 p.m.
- July 6, 2022: Boot Juice
- July 13, 2022: Keith Alan Barnett and the Lonesome Polecats
- July 20, 2022: Blue Haven
- July 27, 2022: Mescalito
MidTown Art Walk: Dancing in the Streets
- When: Thursday, July 7, 2022
- Where: Midtown District
- More Information
The MidTown Art Walk is back, dancing in the streets style. Explore the newly completed Virginia Street Corridor and catch street performers, flash mobs, dance lessons, food trucks, and more. MidTown businesses will host six separate outdoor music venues. Each stage will feature back-to-back performances representing a unique genre of live music ranging from Funk Fusion, Latino, Folk Rock, Country, EDM Dance Pop, and Motown.
First Thursday with Musical Guest Tyler Stafford
- When: Thursday, July 7, 2022
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More information
First Thursday returns loud and proud with live music presented in partnership with Loud As Folk, a regional singer-songwriter showcase. Featuring musical guests Tyler Stafford, Dave & Cliff from Jelly Bread, and host Spike McGuire, this monthly gathering at the Nevada Museum of Art is a perfect opportunity to meet up with friends for live music, beer, and plenty of fun.
Reno Chalk Art & Music Festival
- When: Friday, July 8, 2022
- Where: Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, 3800 S. Virginia St., Reno
- More information
Watch more than 150 artists transform pavement into masterpieces while competing for prizes. The event also features local arts and craft vendors, a variety of food and drink, and live entertainment with a lineup including Eddie Cotton, JP Soars, Onoleigh Pommier, Whitney Myer, and JC Smith.
Pops on the River
- When: Saturday, July 9, 2022
- Where: Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave., Reno
- More information
Watch Wingfield park transform into a celebration of all things Broadway at the Reno Phil Orchestra’s largest fundraiser of the year, Pops on the River. This celebration of Reno’s love of arts, music, and culture features an outdoor concert, a costume contest, and unforgettable performances.
Sierra Nevada Lavender & Honey Festival
- When: Sunday, July 10, 2022
- Where: Idlewild Park, 2055 Idlewild Drive, Reno
- More information
This “scent-sational” event features all things lavender and honey along with arts and crafts, food, demonstrations, music, entertainment, and even a signature beer. Discover aromatic plants, rich honey, artisan products, and specialty foods like honey wine and lavender lemonade while supporting local farms and independent businesses.
Northern Nevada Pride Parade and Festival
- When: Saturday, July 23, 2022
- Where: Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave., Reno
- More information
The Northern Nevada Pride Festival and Parade celebrate the social and self-acceptance, achievements, legal rights, and pride of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The day begins with the Annual CommUNITY Pride Parade in Downtown Reno from Fifth and Virginia Street to Island Drive. Following the parade, the Pride Festival showcases our unique city and region’s art, creativity, and diversity. Northern Nevada Pride is produced by and supports the efforts of Our Center, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization
Young Shakespeare: A D. G. Menchetti Education Program
- When: 9 a.m. July 28, 2022, and 10 a.m. July 28, 2022
- Where: Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe NV State Park, 2005 Highway 28, Incline Village
- More information
Young Shakespeare, a D.G. Menchetti Education Program, features an interactive, hour-long adaptation of the mainstage production created with the young audience member in mind. Performances are presented at Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park and other partner venues throughout the region. This free program (suggested donation of $5 per adult; $1 per child) affords a live theater experience for young audience members and their families.
Biggest Little City Wing Fest
- When: Friday, July 29, 2022–Saturday, July 30, 2022
- Where: Along Virginia Street in Downtown Reno
- More information
More than 20,000 pounds of chicken wings will be slathered in sauce, smoked, fried, and grilled to perfection by cooks from around the country. The competition will be fierce during two days of a sauce showdown. There will also be live entertainment to pair with the wings and a craft fair.
Reno Garlic Fest
- When: Saturday, July 30, 2022
- Where: Dick Taylor Memorial Park, 140 Beech St., Reno
- More information
Meet our local garlic growers and enjoy garlicky food while supporting local farmers at the Reno Garlic Fest. Vendors and growers will sell goods infused with garlicky goodness, such as bread, ice cream, gelato, margaritas, doughnuts, and more. The event supports local garlic growers and aims to inspire more people to grow garlic and build a community around the love of the garlic clove.
